BYADRIAN HAMILTON (CMATH, F IMA)

CAREER PLANNING WORKSHOP

From his speech Our response

So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself

Nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror

Which paralyzes need efforts to convert retreat

Into advance

Fear following being made redundant or too many refusals of jobs applied for

Can lead to e.g. panic attacks, despair

Look at where we are and have come from (CV)

Market campaign from job search methods through to job interview

President Roosevelt’s Speech

Outline of a CV

Profile (Pen Picture of Facts)

Achievements

Career Progression

Other Relevant Facts

Profile

Management level

Business areas

Functions carried out

Areas of particular expertise

Abilities, strengths

Achievements

Some selected achievements

Excerpts from experience

Leading to abilities and strengths in the first section

Career Progression

Start from most recent

Dates, name of organisation, what it does

Explain any gaps, especially if recent

Key tasks and responsibilities

Other Relevant Facts

Education, qualifications, training

Outside work experience, interests, personal

Only include languages if fluent Only include interests if prepared to discuss with an enthusiastic

interviewer

Example Key Achievement with Action Words

To ease the workload…..I wrote a FORTRAN simulation program…..I designed the program to be efficient in terms of core

storage and run time. As a result I was able to carry out a large number of parametric runs of the model. Based on analysis of the results from the model, I made a number of firm recommendations on management, pre-planning and ‘live’ control decisions related to outpatient return journeys

Finally, I wrote a complete account of the work done…..The customer was very interested….

Example Unique Abilities

A rational step-by-step approach to solving difficult problems

Gets the most out of those she supervises enabling them to

produce quality work

A unique ability may be base on more than one key achievement

In choosing key achievements they should not be too repetitive

Pros Cons

Cold approach Simple (one letter) Useful if growing company

Response to adverts There is (usually) a job Adverts provide info on what is

happening in the market place

� There may be no job available� Low success rate (<10%)

� Effort required to respond to each advert

� Competition, especially internal recruits

Job Search Methods (1)

Pros Cons

Recruitment agencies A friend between you and the

recruiting company Can offer advice e.g. on the

market

� Someone has to pay the agent’s fees

� Cannot prepare for or take part in job interviews

Job Search Methods (2)

Pros Cons

Contact Networks (Referral) Get to know what it is like to

work in a given field People like to give advice and

receive recognition Build up a network of experts

who know you

� Takes time to build up� Occasionally some may not

wish to talk with you or pass on further contacts

Job Search Methods (3)

Referral Interview Steps

Begin referral meetings with people you already know (lecturers, department heads, institutions/members)

Plan the meeting – aims, objectives, agenda (plan for a short meeting, typically 20 min)

Send a letterMake a telephone call simply to set up an appointment

(day, time, place) Hold the meetingSend a thank you letter promptly (same day)

Letter to Contact

Opening to establish your connectionThe reason for writingDisclaimer not asking for a job or knowing of oneYou are asking for help and advice in your job campaignAcknowledge his time is valuable (no more than 20 min)Commitment to phone soon to set up a meetingExamples in hand out of:

Letter to a primary contact Letter to a referred contact

Referral Interview Agenda

Establish rapport (thank, disclaimer, interest in contact)Tell the contact about yourself Get advice and information, e.g.

Options for you in his field Options in other fields Would your CV (or better résumé) get through his door? Sources of information on jobs in his area

Ask for referrals (full details, permissions)Could you help your contact in turn?

Any further information from him or her would be appreciated

Referral Telephone Call

Prepare for call Have time available Have your diary ready Hand draft script of what you want to say Anticipate objections, e.g. “I don’t see how I can help you”

During the call Do not hurry, be deliberate and composed It may be useful to stand up during the call - focuses mind and body

Finishing the call Thank him or her, confirming the date, time and place Do not hold the meeting over the phone!

Advert Text Your Response

Be an effective communicator

Have an ability to influence decision makers

My enthusiasm for the subject is infectious when passing on knowledge and love of a subject to colleagues, people I supervise and those I teach

My considerable skill in presenting written information….. influencing decision makers. Also I have made a considerable number of successful presentations to senior management and customers

Responding to Job Advert

Presentation of Excellence (1½ - 2 min)

Response to the question “Tell us about yourself”Start with your career objective

Should match the job but not parrot the job advertYour current or last job or course

Details include responsibilities, business areas, functions carried outWhat I can bring to you are:

Start with key unique ability and as appropriate include back up experience

In summary I can deliver…Is there anything you would like me to elaborate on?

Dos Don’ts

Research companyRehearse answers to

difficult questionsAdopt a friendly,

professional approach to all those you meet

Listen, empathise, watch for body language

Unprepared and not knowing what you want

Arriving lateDripping nose and no

handkerchiefLeaving mobile onPoor appearance“Fencing” interviewer

Some Job Interview Dos and Don’ts (1)

Some Job Interview Dos and Don’ts (2)

Do ask questions when prompted, e.g. You said you wanted

someone with a commerce background – what else does the ideal candidate need to succeed in this position?

Don’t bring a dog!

Objectives

List the four parts into which a CV is dividedWrite up an achievement from your own career or other

experiencesDefine one key unique ability based on your

achievementsList four methods of job searchingList three advantages of referral interviewsDraft a response to a job advertField four difficult job interview questions