Tips on Resume Writing and Interview

I've attended this workshop which organized by the Kelly Services quiet some time ago when i was in UTAR Sg. Long campus. I've noted down some of the important points and hope it is helpful for you guys, especially to my dear friends who are seeking for new jobs or planning to look for a new job. =)

The very first step to succeed always come from an intelligent plan. So, there are five simple steps for you to make your own career planning:

1. Develop your own career path
2. Access to your skills and interests ( Do what you like and the MONEY will follow! )
3. Research on variety of occupations
4. Compare with your skills and interests
5. Take action in the means of sending resume and be ready for the call for interview =)

Next, prepare your resume. Just bear in mind the Do and Don't.

Do

• include a recent and presentable PASSPORT-SIZED photo of you ( no family photo, no boyfriend girlfriend photo,etc )
• keep it SHORT and PRECISE ( you are not writing an essay huh )
• use action and achievement words ( I am lazy. )
• attach with a COVER LETTER ( it's a must!!! )
• start with your current or most recent job
• personalize your resume to suit the application ( i don't think an economic student can apply to be a nurse huh )

Don't

• exceed 2 or 3 pages
• send poor or unclear photocopies 
• use correction pens to blank off any information on your resume e.g Whitener, White Tape, Liquid Paper ( so make sure you do not make any typing errors or spelling mistakes )
• send more than once 
• use fancy, perfumed or coloured paper
• exclude the name of past employers or company
• give false or negative information

Now, if you receive a call from the company, whether you are happy or unhappy, whether you want or do not want to attend the interview, be kind and gentle when answering and give an firm answer that you are or are not going. Off with a thank you, yes, be polite! This can give them a good impression on you.

Preparation is always the must before you do anything, one can reduce the possibility of making mistakes and do the best one. Therefore, before you attend the interview, get prepare on how to answer their questions. Here are some of the examples that usually will be asked during the interview session:

1. Tell me about yourself. ( be logical, they are testing on your communication skill now )
2. Your skills are? Why? 
3. What are your weaknesses? ( try to turn weakness into positive e.g area to improve on )
4. What are your achievements?
5. Your failures? What have you learned from it?
6. How would you handle a .. ( cases, situation, etc ) that has gone out of hand? ( testing on your knowledges, creativity. couldn't help, study a little related stuff, you have to! )
7. What is your goal for the next five years?
8. What are you passionate about?
9. Any questions? ( IMPORTANT: Don't say no. Don't ask about the salary or benefits especially in the first interview. Do ask e.g 1. What are your expectation of me? 2. What do i need to do? e.g job tasks, how to hit sales target, etc )

Oh yea, remember to greet, say good morning afternoon etc, to sir madam etc, it is better if you know their names and address them correctly and nicely. It will be more impressed. And say thank you and hope to hear from you soon before leaving. Be confident but not 'hao lian' =)

Good luck everybody!