Today, I received an application for a role I am recruiting for from a 2nd year BA student. It’s an intern role and obviously, applicants will not have much experience. However, I am amazed at the logic of writing under the heading ‘Other Skills & Activities’ - University Hockey Team.
Full Stop. Period.
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I am often presented with CVs that either list the personal details of referees or the classic dumb line ‘References available on request’.
These are the common two camps of thought about what to include in your CV. I offer a third position – don’t include anything – (unless the advert specifically asks for references). My reasons not to include referees on your CV: Please don't assume that their closing date is your closing date!
I'm sure you have seen the closing deadline on job adverts. Some are very specific such as 10 am Monday [date]; others slightly vague, 22 December; then we have "open-ended" and then the most frustrating - "Early applications are welcome: we reserve the right to make an offer before the closing date". So what does all this mean to the job seeker? I have spoken to clients who are so desperate for the next job that they spend 6 or 7 days per week on the case.
My response is to them is... STOP! Since the 1994 Rwandan genocide, I have been answering the same question. The question comes in many forms, from many different kinds of people: skilled and unskilled; old and young; UK and international citizens. What is the question?
Or Action – Passion – MissionI know most people are different from me. My friend Fiona can see patterns in numbers, I can’t. Bradley can talk to anyone and everyone, I can’t. Catherine is logical and calm in adversity, I am logical but not calm. You get the idea. We all have unique characteristics that we need to recognise, and in order to be happy – [read] use.
In your daily interaction with the world and others, start to consider your unique traits; those things that make you different from others. Write them down. This another great post on the HubSpot blog.
"I'm always surprised at the lack of good questions candidates have, and I always respect the candidates that ask insightful questions during interviews," says Andrew Quinn, There are some great tips here, however I am not sure about question 8! I often see CVs and resumes with a career objective and I never understand why anyone would include one.
Here you can read the PayScale article. You’ve heard first impressions count. Business cards are a means of introduction and can create a great impression of your personal brand.
In certain cultures, a business card is a necessity when meeting new people. The history of the business card goes back many centuries. In its evolution at one time, they were visiting cards used by the gentry. Today a business card will contain your name, position, contact details, and company logo. But what if you are not currently employed and meeting people? I don't know how many times I have heard - especially from new graduates - it's all on the net!
Yes, it's a fact. However, whether the article is relevant, helpful or true is a different question. Just look at the conflicting information on how to write a CV or even how to clean your oven! When it comes to CV and job application information - I recommend, read with caution. There is a lot of talk about the importance of LinkedIn and some commentators say you don't need a CV, just link to your LinkedIn profile.
While this may be a growing trend within some sectors, for us we still need a CV. However, CVs have changed over the years. I was speaking with a client yesterday who said she thought a chronological CV was the 'proper' way to do it. "20 years ago", I responded! It's a new year and time for a new start. That is such a marketing cliché; I haven't even bothered to send a newsletter to my list to encourage new business - it's not my style.
As I have said, I read so many posts, blogs and articles each day that I thought I would share those - which in my opinion - are interesting and more importantly, things that will help you. |
Kevin CusackEveryday I read articles and blogs about careers, personal development, marketing, IT, and scrutinise hundreds of jobs. Archives
November 2016
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