Application & interview advice
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21-Oct-2014 -
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Transcript of Application & interview advice
WIP ACADEMY
CVs, COVER LETTERS AND APPLICATION FORMS
www.wiprogram.org
Introduction:
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“The Washington Ireland program is a unique opportunity for Irish students to learn about the American political process and how Washington DC really works.” Ambassador Michael Collins, Irish Ambassador to the USA
“Many of WiP’s 400 Alumni are now emerging as a new generation of leaders committed to peace, stability and prosperity in both Northern Ireland and the Republic.”Hillary Rodham Clinton, former Secretary of State of the USA.
Prior to making a job application…..
Determine where your skills and interests lie and ensure alignment with various types of work or employer.
Research areas you are interested in
Begin to think about what you want to get out of your career – to travel? Build certain skills, acquire qualifications, rapid career progression?
Know your potential employer – what do they do, what are they looking for, what is their recruitment process, why should you get the job?
Restrict yourself to no more than ten applications at any one time – more will make you appear unfocussed.
What is the employer looking for?
Strong intellect
Teamwork
Leadership potential
Communication and interpersonal skills
Proven analytical ability
Initiative and curiosity
Creativity
Experience
Confidence
Relevant knowledge
This is not an exhaustive list!
Think about you…
Focussing on the last 3/4 years, think about your: Academic achievements Work experience – paid or
voluntary, temporary or permanent
Hobbies and interests
What is a CV?
CV stands for Curriculum Vitae which is Latin for a record of life.
It documents your skills, experience and achievements and is a marketing tool for you to sell yourself.
Your CV demonstrates your suitability for a job.
The only proof of a good CV is whether or not it leads to an interview
There are no golden rules or absolutes for CVs – it is your personal brochure and should reflect you and the image you wish to project.
CV: What to include
Information that should be within a CV
Personal details
Education
Work experience
Positions of responsibility
Achievements
Relevant skills/interests.
Format considerations
Length - no more than 2 pages
Layout - uncluttered, logical structure with clear separation of sections
Tone - be positive and upbeat
Emphasise achievements and responsibilities with positive language
Content - keep it relevant and avoid negative information
Avoid jargon
Most Common Problems…
Too long or too short Too much information, or not enough Poor formatting detracting from
content Disorganised Spelling and grammatical errors Gaps and missing key dates Lack of focus / tailoring Irrelevant information
Why use application forms?
Application forms are used by employers primarily because: Quick way to obtain a
lot of information Easy to filter on
selected criteria e.g. grades
Can determine whether candidate is really interested
Highlights how the candidate has shown evidence of competencies an employer is looking for
Types of Questions
Tell us about your greatest achievement at your last employer.
Provide an example of when you’ve led or been part of a successful team
What is the greatest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Why do you want to work for us?
What skills do you have which you consider relevant to the role?
What would be your priorities if you got the job?
How to answer questions
STAR
Situation
Task
Action (s)
Result
CAR
Context
Action (s)
Result
Application Forms – Top Tips
Applications: Dos and Don’ts
Cover Letters
The cover letter which accompanies your CV or application form should convey a clear, concise and powerful message.
Structure your letter as follows:
Your opening must arouse the reader’s interest and make them want to read on
The main body of the letter must only contain relevant information
End with a clear request to the reader or a statement of action on your part
WIP ACADEMY IN
INTERVIEW SKILLS
www.wiprogram.org
Before Your Interview…..
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During The Interview
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During The Interview
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After the interview:
Ask questions that you have prepared, e.g.: Please can you tell me why you like working here? What opportunities are there for career progression? How big is the team I’d be working in? Where would the job based?
Reconfirm your interest in the position
Clarify when to expect feedback
Thank your interviewer for their time
Don’t forget the interview isn’t over until you’ve left the building!
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Types of Interviews
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Competency Based Interviews:
Focus on a handful of key skill areas relevant to the role
Require specific examples to demonstrate key skills
Likely to include some administrative type questions as well as questions to gauge your career motivations
Assess your impact and communication skills
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What are ‘WIP’ competencies?
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Common Competency Questions:
Tell me about yourself …
Give me an example of when you’ve led or been part of a successful team.
Tell me about any positions of responsibility you’ve had.
Give me an example of when you’ve become disheartened with a task.
Give me an example of when you’ve gone the extra mile.
Tell us about your greatest achievement at university.
What is the greatest challenge you have had to overcome?
What career goals have you set for yourself?
Give me an example of when you’ve dealt with conflict.23
Competency Techniques:
Two techniques that are useful for effectively answering competency questions concisely.
STAR
Situation
Task
Action
Result
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Competency Techniques:
Two techniques that are useful for effectively answering competency questions concisely.
CAR
Context
Action
Result
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Key hints and tips:
Try to have visual aids
Ensure a structured approach
Be concise with the content
How you come across is more important than what you say
Prepare and practice
Be aware of time constraints
Make eye contact with each of member of the audience at some point during the presentation
Presentations are designed to assess how well you can assimilate information, structure your thoughts and present these back in a competent and confident manner
Presentations:
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Final Tips:
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Final Tips:
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Final Tips:
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