Tips for students

Before you start to write a job application you have to think about how you want to present yourself. Think about who you are, which competencies you have, and how you would like to present yourself in a CV/application or in an interview situation. 

If you are a student or newly graduated it is a good idea to focus on your educational background.

Explain projects you have written and what interests you have in general regarding your education.

If you have been working for a couple of years you should focus on your job experiences and what competences you have gained.

 

What kind of experiences and competencies do you have?

Educational:

  • Projects and thesis
  • Courses and conferences
  • Exchanges with other universities
  • Languages
  • IT and other computer knowledge
  • Experiences in teamwork
  • Communication; oral and written

Job:

  • Student jobs
  • Teaching experiences
  • Publications
  • IT
  • Communication; oral and written
  • Courses
  • Leadership
  • Group work

Personal attributes

  • Enthusiasm
  • Creativity
  • Goal oriented
  • Openminded for new ideas
  • Focus on continued development
  • Able to work under a stress
  • Responsibilties

Application and CV

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) should include:

  • Your Life History (educational background)
  • Your Job History
  • Your Achievements
  • Your Skills

When writing your application and CV you should have in mind that the most important thing for you is to come to the interview. This means that you will have to sell yourself in a way that the company really wants to meet you.

 

How to write a good application:

A good CV would include the following headings:

  • Employment History (from most recent going backwards)
  • Education
  • Professional Qualifications
  • Awards

You may also include, in brief, in your employment history, any special projects you have been part of.  For example, you were part of a productivity improvement team. You don't need to include your photo, your previous salary, and your references. You could provide these on request.  Also, tailor fit your CV for the job you are applying for by emphasizing those traits that would interest the interviewer.

 

The job interview:

You will probably NOT come to an interview if you:

  • Send an application to a job where you do not have the qualifications
  • Where you only write about yourself and not about why you want this job
  • If you only send a CV and not an application letter

Tips on how to prepare yourself with information and skills prior to a job interview:

  • Allocate time to for the job interview preparation.
  • Make a list of the basic things you would like to know.

Where and how to do your job interview preparation:

  • Public Library
  • Local Bookstore
  • Access Books
  • Journals
  • Magazines
  • Newspapers
  • Reference Materials
  • Prepare for your job interview.  Job interviews are like theatre. Dress like you mean business - not like you're going to a party or to school. Get a good night's rest. 
  • Rehearse likely questions and answers in your head.
  • Be aware of what are the overall company goals and what the proposed job entails specifically. Strengths are classified in three main categories:
    1. Technical skills: This includes your education, and any knowledge-based skills that you have acquired (such computer skills, other languages, additional and special training undertaken, technical qualifications, etc).
    2. Soft skills: These include those traits you acquire from your past experience in different jobs (such as people management skills, conflict managing skills, analytical skills, planning and organizational skills, etc).
    3. Personal skills: These are your in-built talent and skills (such as friendliness, dependability, good team worker, deadline oriented, etc).
  • Show you are interested in the organization and in the job.  Prepare some questions of your own.  What is the job like? What department is involved?

Typical Questions:

Why are you interested in this field?
Why are you interested in this company?
Why are you interested in this position?
Why do you want this job?
What qualities do you think this job requires?
What are you looking for in a new job?
How do you handle criticism?
How do you work with others?
Are you a self-starter, able to work without constant supervision?
Can you work under pressure?
How do you structure your day's work?

Ferring stories

 Success and colleagues with humour and consideration 

Sukhwinder, Executive Director