Professional Advice on Landing a Job
By Hilary Diack
Landing a coveted job is all about making the right impression by showcasing your skills and potential in the right way. Cairo East Magazine chatted with Alex Krikor Tcherasson, SPHR, HR consultant, to get his advice for new graduates.
CWM: What are the key points to consider when seeking employment?
AT: The four points to consider when applying for a job vacancy:
1. CV preparation
2. Before the interview
3. During the interview
4. Employment offer
What are common mistakes people make when compiling their C.V.? What should they include and what should they avoid?
A well-prepared CV, comprised of 2 pages maximum, will attract a potential employer’s attention and it should contain the following:
Personal details (name, phone number and e-mail address)
Business objectives and aspirations (2 – 4 lines)
Technical skills if any (summer training for example)
Personal qualities (abilities)
Achievements (social activities, sport activities etc.)
Education
Tips:
Avoid long colorful decorated CVs
Avoid copying CVs from the Internet
Use bullets and short sentences
Use Arial or Universe font, size 12
Focus on your strengths and qualities as a human being
How can candidates make the right impression in a job interview?
Before the interview:
Read about the employer. Being knowledgeable about the business you are trying to join gives an excellent impression
Dress appropriately (preferably formal), be well groomed
Arrive 10 – 15 minutes before the interview time
Bring additional copies of your CV, they might be needed
Bring copies of any documents that might help during the interview (certificates of training, awards etc.)
During the interview:
Enter the interview room confidently
Don’t cross your arms or legs
Listen carefully with no interruption
If you are asked to introduce yourself, make it in less than 2 minutes. Focus on your studies and business objectives
Never answer a question you don’t understand.
Say that you don’t know if you have no answer; it shows professionalism
Make your statements short and clear
Always maintain eye contact in a relaxed manner
Ask about the potential for acquiring new skills and career path in the company
Ask about the next step
Tip:
Don’t ask about the salary at this stage. If they volunteer to tell you, then it is ok to discuss it
What qualities does an HR manager usually look for when meeting a potential employee?
The focus is usually on knowledge and mainly abilities such as communication, creativity and customer orientation. Taking this into consideration helps job seekers when preparing for an interview
What are the most important things to keep in mind when considering a new job?
Most job seekers don’t really know how employers evaluate them when applying for a vacancy which opens the door for irrelevant interpretations when rejected. Employers focus on finding a candidate profile that should match the vacancy competency model.
If your application is successful the following points should be discussed before signing an employment offer/contract:
Position title
Start date
Offered salary
Contract type (annual, temp, open…)
Benefits
Other requirements
Armed with a positive attitude and a will to work hard you should now be on the path to a rewarding career.
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