JobsConnect Briefing

Presented by Huang Shao Ning.

http://nusjobsconnect.nus.edu.sg/event (register by 15 May)

1 June 2011, 10am – 4pm, MPSH 1

This year is a job seeker’s market. Many companies are looking for people.

Shortlisted interview: 1000 - 1230 (arrive by 915) Walk-in interview: 1230 - 1600

nus.jobscentral.com.sg (Bright Minds)

Can still apply for jobs until 1 July.

Questions: [email protected]

Dress code

• business smart (tie, long sleeve (light), long pants)
• conservative colors
• belt and shoes to match

Resume

• max of 2pgs (for new graduates ~ 1pg)
• relevant grades
• photos (if it helps, necessary for certain jobs)
• have a couple of hardcopies handy
• name, address, mobile number, email
• most recent two levels of education
• sections: objective, education, work experience, cca/soft skills, technical skills, projects, awards
• short concise sentences, avoid long paragraphs
• quantify the achievements, most relevent/important ones first

Email address

• have a decent, professional one

Photo

• not more than six months old
• clean background, like passport photo
• collar, tie, good smile

What to prepare

• research both the companies and position, not just the mission/vission stuff
• core products, other players in the industry
• prepare a 15s intro of yourself
• sell yourself but be humble, avoid sounding arrogant/proud

Networking (basics)

• firm handshake
• address the group, not just the company rep
• ask what you can do for the company
• do not monopolise the rep, known when is a good time to excuse yourself

What to bring

• copies of your resume
• good smile
• alert mind
• writing materials

What NOT to bring

• arrogance
• passive, lack of confidence
• bad breath (use mints)
• sweaty palms

Networking (advance)

• if rep is talking to someone else, stand opposite the rep, smile,
• make eye contact
• HR’s job is to hire, not career planning for you

Interview tips

• extra copies of resume
• confidence, maintain eye contact
• let interviewer start the conversation
• listen carefully, answer clearly
• paraphrase the question to have more time to think through
• give honest, direct answers
• what are the standard interview questions? Prepare for these.
• strength, weakness, plan for youself, relevant projects
• key is not to appear indecisive or don’t know what you are talking about
• answer the questions with good relevant examples from your experience
• keep answers short (20-30s)
• plan for questions to ask
  • typical career path for a new graduate
• thank interviewer for taking time to interview you

Sure ways to fail an interview

• no goal, purpose, lack of career planning
• over emphasis on money
• unwillingness to start at the bottom
• negative attitude