Improving Your Career

The most important aspect of preparing to apply for a new job is to have the correct mindset. The mindset is one of marketing of yourself in a manner which will convince your potential employer that you are keen, hardworking and suitable and that you would be an asset to the organization. It must be a win-win situation for both you and the company.

So then, what must you do to convince your probable future employer that you are the best choice for the job? The rest of this article is designed to give you the best chance to achieve just that. You will learn how to prepare your Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Résumé and a covering letter that will grab the attention of the person responsible for short listing the job applications. Since there will be other applicants at a job interview, you will gain a competitive advantage over them by your poise, confidence and sense of style.

This article is designed to give you tips on how you should dress for the interview and how you should act so as to impress your interviewer in the shortest possible time of your aptness for the job. That means that you have to conduct yourself with decorum, say and do the right things and, more importantly, not to do certain things that would have a negative impact on your application.

So read on and good luck with your efforts in your search for a suitable job.

How do I prepare my Curriculum Vitae?

All your efforts must be underpinned by your mindset to convince your potential employer that you are ‘the one’. A good CV is critical to the process.  When preparing your CV these are some tips to be kept in mind:

• Before beginning to write your CV, do a little background research of the organization that you are interested in. In other words, try and get a grasp of its vision, mission, its key officials, the Board of Management, etc. This information will stand you in good stead if you are selected for an interview.
• The CV should be neatly typed and checked for grammar and spellings.
• Information in the CV can be presented either chronologically or according to different aspects such as career history and timeframes. The latter is especially helpful if there are unexplained gaps in your work history.
• The CV should be concise (some experts say a CV should not occupy more than two sides of an A4 sheet). This may be a bit difficult to accomplish, but what is important is that each entry should be precise and not overly informative. Keep to the absolutely essential information.
• The CV should contain the following information that is positive, stressing on achievements and strengths:
  • The personal details (bio-data) of the applicant, i.e. full name, date of birth, address, contact phone number and email address (if any).
  • Your career history beginning with your most recent job, along with the period of employment. You may also include temporary and volunteer jobs if they are appropriate to the type of job you are applying for.
  • Provide an explanation if there are any unexplained gaps in your career history, because otherwise such gaps may be construed negatively.
  • Provide a summary of your achievements, experience and skills relevant to the job being applied for. This will help the interviewer to have a better understanding of you even before the formal interview.
  • The CV should include academic and professional qualifications and any relevant training you have undergone.
  • The CV should also list your interests, if relevant and if they contribute towards the job you are applying for.
  • Most employers expect at least two non-related referees. Give their names, designations, organizations and their contact phone numbers. A note of caution – REMEMBER to obtain their consent if you intend naming them as referees, indicating the job you have applied for and the name of the organization. (The referees should be previous employers at best).
  • Since your intention is to market your competencies to the best of your ability, you should tailor your CV to meet the specific job criteria. So it is vitally important that you carefully read the newspaper advertisement calling for applications. One size may not fit all.
  • You also need to attach a concise but informative covering letter with your CV, because it is this letter that will help you get your foot in the door, so to speak.

 What should the cover letter contain?

Since the cover letter is the first intimation of your intention, it should:

• Be dated and addressed to the correct official and his or her designation in the organization.
• It should also carry your address and contact telephone number.
• It will be good if you could find out whether the Human Resource Manager is a man or a woman and address the recipient as either Dear Sir or Dear Madam.
• The subject line would be the job you are applying for.
• The first line of the letter should indicate whether you are applying with reference to a newspaper advertisement, or through word of mouth. In the case of the latter, you might say something to the effect ‘On being given to understand that a vacancy for the post of ….. exists in your organization, I am submitting herewith my application for the above post’.
• In the body of the letter, you will summarise your skills, experience and qualifications which are relevant to the job. It is through this information that you will be able to tweak the interest of the person short listing the applications. Remember you may be competing with hundreds of applicants, so you have a small window of opportunity to market yourself.
• Convey enthusiasm in your letter but don’t overdo it.
• Don’t exaggerate your capabilities.
• If you have had a career break, indicate the reason and also if you have gained any skills or qualifications during that time.
• Indicate why you feel that your qualifications, skills and experience would be appropriate for the job and what value-add your presence would bring to the company.
• You could affix a current photograph of yourself to the letter.
• Remember to sign off on your letter with the words ‘Yours faithfully’ and place your signature below. Just below that type your name with initials as appearing in your CV.

 How do I market myself?

In order to effectively market yourself at an interview you need to dress suitably and conduct yourself in an orderly and efficient manner.

How do I dress for an interview?

First impressions are lasting so it is very important that you dress for the occasion.

Men should consider these tips when dressing for a job interview:

• In Sri Lanka, men are expected to wear long trousers with the shirt tucked in. Do not wear jeans.
• The shirt should be a white long sleeved shirt or at least a pastel colour. Don’t wear short sleeved shirts.
• Wear a sober tie. Please avoid loud shirts and flashy ties. They do not create a good impression.
• Wear clean and polished closed shoes (no sandals) with socks.
• Wear an understated leather belt.
• Since the weather is generally hot, it is best to wear an undershirt or banyan.
• Carry a handkerchief in your pocket to use in the event of sweating.
• Use underarm deodorant to prevent perspiration seeping on to your shirt, and also to prevent any malodour.
• Use a mildly fragrant aftershave cologne or body cologne. It should not be strong, because your idea of fragrance and that of the interviewer may different.
• See that your finger nails are clipped, short and clean.
• Visit the barber and get a haircut.
• Be clean shaven. If you are sporting either a mustache or a beard, then have it neatly trimmed.
• Wear a smart but not flashy wrist watch.
• Do not wear excessive jewellery such as chains, bracelets and rings. One ring (if it is your wedding ring or engagement ring) will more than suffice.
• Do not perch your spectacles or your sunglasses on your head.
• Do not sport tattoos or piercings. Cover them up.

 It is important that you carry a neat briefcase with your documents, and arrange it carefully before the interview so that you know where exactly each document is. Don’t start fidgeting with papers at the interview. Switch of your mobile phone and keep it out of sight.

Women should consider these tips when dressing for a job interview:

• It is advisable for women of all ages to wear a formal saree which is sober in colour and print. Avoid loud colours and prints at all costs
• Younger women can wear a pant suit or a dress. The hemline of the dress or skirt should be just below the knee. Blouses and dresses should have sleeves. Avoid wearing sleeveless blouses or jackets.
• Don’t wear see-through or form fitting garments.
• Cover up any tattoos or body piercings.
• Wear simple and conservative jewellery.
• Slippers are acceptable if you are wearing a saree. Closed sensible shoes with a mid heel are best with a pant suit or dress. They should be clean and polished if necessary.
• Carry either a leather purse or briefcase.
• Neat and manicured nails with a neutral nail polish is advisable.
• Make-up must be minimal.
• Neatly groomed hair, away from the face. If very long, a French knot is suitable.
• Wear a conservative wristwatch.
• Use a mildly fragrant perfume and deodorant.
• Don’t perch your spectacles or sunglasses on your head.
• Keep your mobile phone switched off and out of sight.

How do I act during an interview?

It is natural that you could be anxious and nervous to a certain extent. What is important is that you appear composed, confident and comfortable. Practice responding to questions beforehand with a friend – it helps. Your composure will communicate itself to your interviewer(s) and this will help the process. Be prepared.

• For effective marketing of yourself it is critical that you believe in your skills and abilities and the positive contribution you can make to the organization.
• While being honest about your skills, experience and qualifications, don’t appear over confident and ‘cocky’ – since interviewers are put off by such applicants
• Even if you are desperately in need of a job, don’t let the interview panel guess your need through your speech or actions.
• You must maintain a composed manner without fidgeting with your hair, or nails or being distracted, etc.
• Don’t be overly talkative. On the contrary, your answers to questions should be quick, clear and precise, indicating your self-confidence and preparedness for the interview.
• Visualise yourself in the job you are applying for. It provides a certain clarity and focus on the task at hand, which will convince your potential employer of your suitability for the post. A word of caution – be realistic and don’t indulge in flights of fancy.
• Watch the body language of your interviewer(s) to understand whether they are with you or whether you have lost their interest at some point.
• It is also important to be conscious of your own body language, so that you don’t appear to be bored or distracted.
• Indicate your knowledge about the organization, and your willingness to work towards achieving its goals.

 Here are some pitfalls to avoid during interviews:

• Inappropriate attire
• Late arrival
• Carrying food and beverage into the interview room
• Chewing gum
• Using your mobile phone, or not keeping it on silent mode and out of sight
• Unclear and hazy information on your CV
• Being distracted
• Being too talkative
• Unwilling to answer questions
• Talking ill of previous employers.

Can I ask questions during an interview?

Yes. At some point during the interview, you will be asked whether you have any questions. This is how you could respond at that time.

• Ask them about the company’s business, culture and philosophy.
• In the event they have not indicated the type of work expected you could ask them to explain.
• Whether career advancement possibilities exist in the organization.
• Whether the company offers continuous education and professional training to its staff. What is the next step? When do you think you will be making a decision?
• If you are selected for a second interview you should find out what benefits such as health, and or life insurance for its employees (and families), staff welfare benefits, travelling allowances etc., are available to the employees.
• If you are asked what remuneration you are expecting state a figure – don’t say anything above x amount. That is vague and limitless.
• During the final interview you could ask what the remuneration package would be, and other terms and conditions of employment.

How do I interview for a promotion?

Generally all candidates are asked standard interview questions. When responding, use the insider knowledge you have about the company, and refer to your company specific experience, skills and knowledge. Also highlight your strengths and discuss your achievements in the current job, as part of your justification for success in the new job you are applying for.

Prepare for the interview but don’t be overconfident, and inform your current supervisor that you have been called for an interview, 

Here are some sample questions you may be asked:

• What do you like most about your current job?
• What was your greatest accomplishment?
• Why do you want to move on?
• What do you know about the position you are applying for?
• Justify why you feel you are the best candidate for the job?
• What training would you need to be successful in the new job?
• What will you do if you don’t get this promotion?
• And if you do, how long would you plan on staying in the job before applying for your next promotion?

If you don’t get the promotion, be gracious and thank the management for giving you the opportunity to apply for the promotion.

What should I do if I am looking for employment through an employment agency?

If you are seeking employment through an employment agency, then you should prepare a comprehensive CV targeted at the type of job you are seeking. You could also affix a current photograph of yourself. Follow all the guidelines given above with regard to preparing a cover letter and a CV, and also meet and discuss your preferences with the agency representative. This information will help the agency narrow down the options according to the criteria of both the employer and yourself.

The government job agency – Sri Lanka Job Bank – has its own procedures for registration. You can check it out at http://www.srilankajobs.net/.