Post on 13-Apr-2017
transcript
Shinshu University
27 July 2016
Career Success Workshop:
Career Development Skills Training Part 1
Dr Trevor Lane Ms Ayli Chong
Skills needed on the path to academic success
Preparation
Journal Selection
Writing
Submission
Peer Review
Publication Success
• Training in reading papers, ethics, writing, presenting
• Expert Scientific Review
• Expert Scientific Review
• Journal Selection & submission strategy
• Training in ethics, writing, presenting
• Revising • Editing • Reformatting
• Training in ethics, writing
• Editing • Abstract
Development • Cover Letter
Development • Reviewer
Recommendation
• Training in navigating peer review
• Review Editing • Point-by-point
checking • Response
Letter Development
• Reformatting
• Press release, news writing
• Media & presentation training
• Training for early career researchers
• Training in career development skills
• Training in writing grant proposals
• Grant proposal editing
S
Present your abilities effectively
Get the job you want
Understand yourself and your career options
Understand how job applications work
Write a clear CV and compelling cover letter
Prepare well for interviews
Marketing yourself
Section 1
Market yourself
materials
Who are you?
Susumu Abe
Hello. I’m Susumu. I’m really clever. You
should accept me for your internship
because I’m simply the best candidate
you’ll meet, ever. I will never disappoint, so
hire me!
Too brief, rude
Market yourself
materials
Who are you?
Susumu Abe
Hello. My name is Susumu Abe. I have a PhD in
Language and Communication from the
University of York in the UK. I did 3.25 years of
postdoctoral research in the US, at New York
University. I may find this internship interesting, I
believe, and I would like to be considered a
candidate if possible, please.
Wordy, weak
Market yourself
materials
Successful self-branding
• Understand yourself; be yourself
• Take an active role in setting your direction • Manage your life; be independent • Make the most of what you have • Nurture an expertise; reinvent yourself
• Upgrade career skills and qualifications • Lifelong learning (learn and earn, earn and learn) • Meet new people; network
• Develop your style/appearance; distinguish yourself
Develop your brand
Modified from: Chritton S. Personal Branding for Dummies. 2012 Wiley.
Market yourself
materials
Successful self-branding
• Consistent brand: how you want to be known
• Positive characteristics: o Confident communication o Empathy, negotiation o Positive role model, good ethics, integrity
o Growth from feedback o Being knowledgeable, key opinion leader o Honesty, patience, kindness, fairness, courage
o Helping others, cooperation, team work
Match your and others’ perceptions
Modified from: Chritton S. Personal Branding for Dummies. 2012 Wiley.
Market yourself
materials
Goals of self-branding
Be confident
Be credible
Enjoy a specialty
Have healthy relationships
Maximize strengths, minimize weaknesses
Build trust through actions
Continuously develop your combination of work/life experience, skills, knowledge, characteristics
Communicate and connect to your audience; ask for help clearly; keep focused on being “on-brand”
Be influential Be known for your brand among your target
audience; promote your brand
Be yourself Be authentic, know yourself
Modified from: Chritton S. Personal Branding for Dummies. 2012 Wiley.
Market yourself
materials
Personal pitch
Susumu Abe
Hello. I’m Susumu Abe. I’m a postdoctoral
researcher in linguistics and communication.
I’m researching the efficacy of the personal
pitch as an introductory dialogic transactional
and social positioning device. To be honest, I
like editing colleagues’ grant applications and
journal manuscripts.
Too technical,
“So what?”
Market yourself
materials
Elevator pitch
Susumu Abe
Hello. I’m Susumu Abe, a postdoctoral
researcher in communication. In my spare time,
I’ve edited 20 successful grant applications and
journal manuscripts for colleagues. I’m keen to
explore professional editing as a new career
path so I can help other academic researchers
in Japan get their research funded and
published. You said you were hiring; I’d like to
be considered. Here’s my business card…
First: a question, comment, small talk…
Clear and compelling
& “What’s in
it for them?”
End with a question for two-way communication
Market yourself
materials
Elevator pitch
Hello. I’m Susumu Abe, a postdoctoral
researcher in communication. In my spare time,
I’ve edited 20 successful grant applications and
journal manuscripts for colleagues. I’m keen to
explore professional editing as a new career
path so I can help other academic researchers
in Japan get their research funded and
published. You said you were hiring; I’d like to
be considered. Here’s my business card…
Greeting
Current
Past
Future
Relevance
Engagement
Closing
Market yourself
materials
Elevator pitch
Hello. I’m Susumu Abe, a postdoctoral
researcher in communication. In my spare time,
I’ve edited 20 successful grant applications and
journal manuscripts for colleagues. I’m keen to
explore professional editing as a new career
path so I can help other academic researchers
in Japan get their research funded and
published. You said you were hiring; I’d like to
be considered. Here’s my business card…
Name
Job
Special skill
Mission
Who/Where
Benefit x 2
Action
Market yourself
materials
Know yourself
Hard skills
• Specific, measurable abilities and knowledge
• Often specified and required to get an interview
• Proven by qualifications
• Examples: Computer programing, financial modeling,
operating equipment, statistics, chemical synthesis,
surgery, specific language, technical skills
Market yourself
materials
Know yourself
Soft skills
• Behavior, personal characteristics, self-management
• Subjective, difficult to measure
• Affect relationships and work performance
• Difficult to learn/train but can be improved
• Examples: Teamwork, leadership, time management,
communication, presenting, “people” skills, patience,
flexibility, critical thinking, problem-solving
=Transferable skills
Market yourself
materials
Know yourself
Interests and values
• What job tasks do you like/dislike doing? (designing/
performing research, writing, going to conferences)
• What are your interests? (team sports, travel, languages)
• What values are important to you? (help society,
recognition, make decisions, meet people)
• What is your preferred environment? (fast pace, big
team, variety, countryside, challenging)
• What are your short-/long-term ambitions?
myidp.sciencecareers.org
Market yourself
materials
Know yourself
Personality
• Favorite world: Focus on outer (E) or inner (I) world?
• Information: Focus on basic information (S) or interpret
and add meaning (N)?
• Decisions: Prefer logic and consistency (T) or look at
people/circumstances involved (F)?
• Outside world: Get things decided (J) or stay open to new
information and options (P)?
www.myersbriggs.org
Market yourself
materials
Know yourself
ESTJ Supervisor,
Administrator
ISTJ Inspector,
Investigator
ESFJ Provider, Caregiver
ISFJ Protector, Supporter
ESTP Promoter,
Entrepreneur
ISTP Operator, Mechanic
ESFP Performer, Entertainer
ISFP Artist,
Adventurer
ENTJ Commander,
Executive
INTJ Mastermind,
Director
ENTP Inventor, Debater
INTP Architect, Thinker
ENFJ Mentor, Teacher
INFJ Counselor,
Inspirer
ENFP Campaigner,
Advocate
INFP Healer, Idealist
Based on: personalitypage.com, 16personalities.com, tryinteract.com, xojane.com, users.trytel.com/jfalt
Market yourself
materials
I-S-F-P introverted-sensing-feeling-perceiving
Susumu Abe
ISFP…“artist”, “adventurer”
Gentle, caring, adaptable, cooperative, observant,
loyal, patient, spontaneous, individualistic,
practical, value appreciation…
Popular careers: artist, chef, nurse, computer
programmer, designer, social worker, counselor,
librarian, musician, school teacher, vet, optician,
pediatrician, pilot, translator, zoologist,…
Avoid…management, administration/clerical, accountancy, financial planning, sales
Career or calling? Do what you love, love what
you do
Market yourself
materials
Choose career paths
Education, Academic Research
Arts, Media & Entertainment
Communications & Publishing
Architecture, Built Environment
Health Care & Human Services
Environment, Agriculture, Natural
Resources
Engineering, IT & Computing
Business Services (Finance, HR, Consulting,
Marketing, Insurance)
Hospitality & Tourism
Manufacturing & Logistics
Law & Public Policy
Government, Industry, SME, Nonprofit (NGOs, charities), Volunteer
Sciences & Mathematics
Based on: career.berkley.edu/InfoLab/CareerFields
Market yourself
materials
Elevator pitch (short)
Susumu Abe
I help final-year postgraduates at university to
land their dream job, through careers
counselling and by training them to write
outstanding CVs and attractive job cover letters.
I help/want to help __________________ at/with _____________________
to ____________________________________________________, by
_______________________________________________________
[group] [at place] / [with problem]
[achieve something]
Value proposition / unique selling point / unique selling proposition
[valued skill]
Elevator Pitch
Please see Activity 1 in your Workbook
Applying for internships and jobs
Section 2
Apply for Jobs Professional development
materials
SMART goals
• Specific (clear, focused goal)
• Measurable (monitor progress, achievement)
• Action-oriented (specific steps to take)
• Relevant/Realistic (appropriate level of difficulty)
• Time-bound (frequency, start/end dates)
• Decide goals and be accountable: “I want to read about new textile technologies, 1 day a week in July to August, so I can hold a journal club with my lab next semester”
myidp.sciencecareers.org
Apply for Jobs Professional development
materials
SMART goals
• For career advancement, projects, skills development
o Attend events
o Talk to people, find mentors, network online
o Apply for internships/informational interviews
o Read about careers
o Find and fill gaps in skills/knowledge
o Write a manuscript; practice a slide presentation
o Write a cover letter; update CV regularly
myidp.sciencecareers.org
Apply for Jobs Professional development
materials
Research and career skills
• Research skills
o Technical (design, methods, statistics/data, reading, IT)
o Adapting to research (etiquette, peer review, ideas, academia)
• Transferable skills
o Research management (ethics, admin, feedback, supervising)
o Personal effectiveness (time, budget, build/apply knowledge)
o Communication (presenting, paper/proposal writing, teaching)
o Career management (applying/interviewing, global outlook)
o Networking and teamwork (mentoring, negotiating)
Based on: www.vitae.ac.uk and myidp.sciencecareers.org
Apply for Jobs Professional development
materials
Sought-after qualities
• Analysis/Research • Flexibility/Adaptability • Interpersonal ability • Decision making, problem-
solving • Planning, organizing • Open, intercultural • Leadership/Management,
team spirit • Positivity, optimism, integrity
• Attention to detail • Self-confidence, resilience • Public speaking • Tact/diplomacy • Creativity • Work efficiently, on-time • Learn from criticism • Community service • IT, computer skills,
mathematics
Based on: mystarjob.com
Apply for Jobs
Me
• Friendship • Help, Tips • Moral support • Role models • Information • Connections • Opportunities
Networking
Family
Friends
Classmates Senior researchers
Company representatives,
Professionals Coworkers
Apply for Jobs Networking
Social media
Conferences / seminars
Supervisor / department
Informational interviews
Internships, placements, shadowing
Research exchanges,
lab visits
Apply for Jobs Make connections
Body language
Written
Verbal • Practice your elevator pitch • Prepare questions to ask
• Firm handshake (western) • Make eye contact, smile, nod to show
interest/agree • Stand straight, relaxed
• Name/business card • E-mail correspondence • Social media
Apply for Jobs Social media
Interact with others through their social media accounts
Update your own accounts; prepare clear personal statement
Apply for Jobs Search for jobs
Job notice/ad
Academic research
Business/industry/government…
Online databases Company /
institution websites
• Colleagues • Collaborators • Friends, family
• Nature Jobs • New Scientist • Science Careers
• Social media • Uni. careers service • (Online) agencies
Personal connections
Apply for Jobs Read job adverts
E-FIT FASHION CHAIN Job Description We are looking for an intern to help develop wearable electronic textiles that are comfortable and stylish Your skill set and qualifications • MSc/PhD students with experience in chemical/electronic
engineering, nanotechnology, materials science, textiles or design Desirable • Proficient in English; working knowledge of MS Office • Strong communication and team-working skills E-mail your cover letter and short CV/resume by 26 Sept 2016 Mrs F Kinoshita, E-Fit Fashion Chain, 555 High Street, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA; EFit@EFit.com
Specific hard skills
Job notice
Soft skills
Background
Instructions
General hard skills
Apply for Jobs
Send us your cover letter and CV by E-mail by 26 Sept 2016.
Follow instructions
Application documents
• Cover letter • CV / resume
• Screening tests • Portfolio, writing
samples, essay
Be on time
Application method
• E-mail (.pdf / .doc) • Professional e-mail (not
funnybunny_me@gmail.com) • Online upload / form • LinkedIn • Fax / mail / in-person (rarely)
Make your application
Apply for Jobs Make your application
Job notice/ad
Your application is just the first step but your only chance: make it matter by matching the job ad
>100 per job! CV/cover letter opens door to
interview
Job Matching
Please see Activity 2 in your Workbook
Writing a clear CV and compelling cover letter
Section 3
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters Japanese resume
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters Japanese resume
Rirekisho
Based on: franchir-japan.co.jp
• Template • Fixed
format • Formal • Hand-
written • Photo • Lists,
stock phrases
• Personal (family…)
1. Date (Hesei) 2. Name 3. Name stamp 4. Business photo 5. Birth date, age, sex 6. Address 7. Telephone 8. Contact person 9. Contact telephone 10. Education history 11. Employer history 12. Licenses & certificates
13. Reasons for applying 14. Skills, hobbies 15. Commute time 16. No. of dependents (not
spouse) 17. Marital status 18. Support spouse or not 19. Special requests 20. Legal guardian if <20 y
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
Western CV (Curriculum Vitae = course of life)
Personal statement / Research interests /
Career objective
Name & home contact
Interests, Memberships
Referees (with permission)
Education
Publications
Skills, Awards
• Can use city as address; not too many phone numbers; LinkedIn
• Date, place, qualification/position, accomplishments
• Include conferences
• & Technical abilities, certificates/licenses
• & Grants won, Students taught…: all optional
• “As a … from/at…, I…” elevator pitch (make this keen, focused and relevant)
• Full, long, fixed • Reverse
chronological • Word
processed • No photo • Academic, few
personal details
Work experience
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
Western Resume (1) Chronological Resume
Personal statement / Research interests /
Career objective
Name & home contact
Interests, Memberships
Education
Selected Publications
Skills, Awards
• 2 pages, tailored • Reverse
chronological • Word
processed • No photo • Few personal
details
(Professional/work) Experience
• Strong academic history (can omit/ summarize school) or entry level job
• If strong career progression, can put this before Education; list achievements with each job, most recent first
UK: CV can mean resume
• Can do this via optional Objective section + Summary/Profile section
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
Western Resume (2) Functional Resume
Personal statement / Research interests /
Career objective
Name & home contact
Interests, Memberships
(Professional/work) Experience
Skills/Competencies
Skills, Awards
• 2 pages, tailored • Stresses skills
not chronology • Word
processed • No photo • Few personal
details
Education
• Transferable skills strong, changing careers, some gaps or too many changes
• Describe skills (general or code for each job); then list jobs, most recent first (just Year)
• Can do this via optional Objective/Profile section + Accomplishments section
• New graduates could put Education before Experience
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
Western Resume (3) Combination Resume
Personal statement / Research interests /
Career objective
Name & home contact
Interests, Memberships
(Professional/work) Experience
Skills/Accomplishments
Skills, Awards
• 2 pages, tailored • Stresses skills
& achievements • Word
processed • No photo • Few personal
details
Education
• Transferable skills and experience strong, or changing careers
• List achievements with each job, most recent first, as in (1)
• Can do this via optional Objective section + Summary/Profile section
• New graduates could put Education before Experience
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
Curriculum Vitae
Personal details
Taro Sato
Tel: +81 3761 xxxx
E-mail: taro.sato@hmail.com
LinkedIn: xxxxxx
_________________________
Your contact details
Your name should be the title
Use personal but not silly e-mail
Some applications may require:
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 31/12/1990
Nationality: Japanese
Marital status: Single
Don’t say “CV”/“Resume” as title
Give link to your social media
Photo OK if Europe/Asia, not US/UK
• Government jobs may have own forms
• Europe has standard form, “Europass”
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
__________________________________________________ Personal Statement Taro Sato is a hard working and passionate student. I have various attractive skills and I hope you will give me this job, because it is my dream to work for your company. I will try very hard. __________________________________________________
Too vague; no evidence Sounds desperate
Objective / Profile / Summary statement
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
__________________________________________________ Personal Statement Taro Sato is a hard working and passionate student. I have various attractive skills and I hope you will give me this job, because it is my dream to work for your company. I will try very hard. __________________________________________________
Too vague; no evidence Sounds desperate
Overuse of “I” Mix of 1st and 3rd person
WWWWWH?
Objective / Profile / Summary statement
Use 1st or 3rd person for your LinkedIn statement
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
are you? Who
What
When
Why
How
Where
I am a recently graduated materials scientist from Shinshu University. I have research interests in hydrogen storage technologies, and am looking for an internship this summer where I can apply my technical skills.
do you do? / what do you want to do?
are you available?
did you apply?
are you from?
are you suitable for the job?
Objective / Profile / Summary statement
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters Tip 1: Match the job ad
Focus on the job description Qualifications Candidates should have: 1. An undergraduate degree or be expected to receive the degree by the start
of employment. 2. Extensive research experience in fuel-cell and hydrogen utilization
technologies.
How
I am a recently graduated materials scientist from Shinshu University. I have research interests in hydrogen storage technologies, and am looking for an internship this summer where I can apply my technical skills.
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
Tip 2: Avoid starting every sentence with “I”
I am a recently graduated materials scientist from Shinshu University. I have research interests in hydrogen storage technologies,…
As a recently graduated materials scientist from Shinshu University, I am interested in hydrogen storage technologies.
Move to the middle of a sentence
As a recently graduated materials scientist from Shinshu University, hydrogen storage technologies are my main interest.
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters Tip 3: Focus on benefits
As a recently graduated materials scientist from Shinshu University, I am interested in hydrogen storage technologies and am now looking for an internship to apply my technical skills.
As a recently graduated materials scientist from Shinshu University, I am interested in improving hydrogen storage technologies in the renewable energy industry to reduce air pollution. I am now looking for an internship with fuel cell developers to directly apply my technical skills and knowledge.
Personal purpose/mission statement to focus effort, actions, behaviors, decisions: DOMB
Distinct Offering, Market, Benefit
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
Education & Work sections
Education
2012–2015 Shinshu University Masters of Chemistry
Courses in… I did a project on hydrogen storage
Experience June-July 2014 Toyota Technological Institute Intern Hardworking, team player, effective communicator
Employer/ institute Dates Degree/title
What did you do/achieve?
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters STAR method
A major challenge to a hydrogen economy is the poor energy density of hydrogen storage technologies.
Under Professor Xxxxxx I had to develop new materials for hydrogen storage.
The project involved a new microporous metal-organic framework.
I finished the project and a new material with improved hydrogen storage density was made.
Situation (context, 6WHs, overall problem)
Task (one specific issue)
Action (steps you took to solve problem)
Result (achievements)
Match story/importance with job
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters STAR method
Situation Task Action Result
A major challenge to a hydrogen economy is the poor energy density of hydrogen storage technologies.
Under Professor Xxxxxx I had to develop new materials for hydrogen storage.
The project involved a new microporous metal-organic framework.
I finished the project and a new material with improved hydrogen storage density was made.
Avoid passive/negative/weak language
Tell story in bullets, parallel note form
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters Use active verbs, bullets
• Planned • Synthesized • Created • Designed • Discovered
• Completed • Evaluated • Conducted • Solved • Calculated
• Researched • Coordinated • Examined • Presented • Organized
Degree project to synthesize new material to increase energy density for hydrogen storage in hydrogen economy:
• Developed new microporous metal-organic framework with improved hydrogen storage
• Completed project ahead of schedule; patent applied for • Awarded national student inventor’s award
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters Publications
Publications T Sato, H Suzuki. Improved hydrogen storage from metal hydride composite. Advanced Functional Materials Today. 2015;4(2):20–25.
Conferences Presented poster at the Nanomaterial Japan Conference, 2014. “Improving hydrogen storage of metal-organic frameworks”
Consistent formatting Highlight your name
Include hyperlinks
Upload to Slideshare / Figshare
• Peer-reviewed publications • Books and monographs • Educational materials; non-print materials • Published conference abstracts in past 2 years
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
Match skills & interests to job ad
Desirable • Experience in relevant techniques and software • Strong communication and team-working skills
Skills & interests • Reading books, knitting and Sudoku
Skills & interests • Techniques: Electrochemistry, gas adsorption, surface
characterization • Software: Labview, AutoCAD • Languages: Basic French, proficient English (TOEIC 860) • Activities: Debate club; university football team
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters The cover letter
Explains you meet job application requirements
Explains that CV matches job description
Promotional, professional, passionate, but polite
Shows good writing, first impression
Plain English, concise, free of errors
Persuades recruiter to look at CV and check suitability
Matches expectations of language (active verbs)
Matches job wording (web-screening algorithms)
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
Dear Hiring Manager, I am sending you my CV for your consideration. I would really like to work for your company. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Sincerely yours, Taro Sato
Is this a good cover letter?
Too short
No information about you or the job
Research name of person
Job No.
Why you?
What’s in it for them?
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters Parts of the cover letter
Your Street Address City, State Zip Code Telephone Number Email Address Month, Day, Year Mr./Ms./Dr. FirstName LastName Title Name of Organization Street or P. O. Box Address City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. LastName: I am interested in your internship program, recommended to me by Professor Suzuki, in the Department of Engineering at Shinshu University. 2nd paragraph: Tell why you are interested in the employer or type of work the employer does (Simply stating that you are interested does not tell why, and can sound like a form letter). Demonstrate that you know enough about the employer or position to relate your background to the employer or position. Mention specific qualifications which make you a good fit for the employer’s needs. (Focus on what you can do for the employer, not what the employer can do for you.) This is an opportunity to explain in more detail relevant items in your resume. Refer to the fact that your resume is enclosed. Mention other enclosures if such are required to apply for a position. 3rd paragraph: Indicate that you would like the opportunity to interview for a position or to talk with the employer to learn more about their opportunities or hiring plans. State what you will do to follow up, such as telephone the employer within two weeks. If you will be in the employer’s location and could offer to schedule a visit, indicate when. State that you would be glad to provide the employer with any additional information needed. Thank the employer for her/his consideration. Sincerely, (Your handwritten signature [on hard copy]) Your name typed Enclosure(s) (refers to resume, etc.)
Greeting (surname)
Introduction
Why you are interested
Closing and thanks
Sign-off & Signature block
Hiring manager’s name/address
Your address; Date
• Job name/number • Say you are applying! • Where you found job • Who you are
• Show you know about employer/job
• Your relevant qualifications, skills
• What you can do for them
• Refer to resume
• Ask to meet, say when • Offer to give further
info • Thank them for
consideration
Enc = enclosed
https://www.career.vt.edu/JobSearchGuide/CoverLetterSamples.html
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters First paragraph
I am interested in your internship program, recommended to
me by my degree supervisor Professor Xxxxxx, in the
Department of Chemical Engineering at Shinshu University.
Where did you find the job
Desired role
• I would like to express my interest in… • I am writing to apply for… • I believe I am a strong candidate for…
Explain why you are writing
• Mutual contact • Website • Advertisement in newspaper
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters First paragraph
I will soon be finishing my Master’s studies in Chemical
Engineering and have conducted research in [same topic as in
internship ad].
Avoid duplicating your CV
I am a Chemistry Master’s student at Shinshu University.
Obvious from your CV, and institution already mentioned
• Explains the reason for your application
• Hints at your availability at time of internship
Build on the information in your CV
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters Middle paragraph
Address the job description
Qualifications Candidates should have: 1. An undergraduate degree, or degree expected by the start of employment. 2. Extensive research experience in fuel-cell and hydrogen utilization
technologies.
As explained in the attached CV, my degree courses focus on fuel cells and renewable energy, and I was awarded a national prize for my degree project. I believe that my technical knowledge of hydrogen storage technologies will be directly relevant to this role.
Refer to the document in your application
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
Closing
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my qualifications and experience will benefit your organization’s success. [or…I am keen to learn more about this post and how my...] I am available for interview at any time apart from during my final examinations (xxxxx-xxxxx). Please let me know if you would like more information about me. I thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
Taro Sato
• Yours faithfully • Regards
• Kind regards • Best regards
Other sign-off phases
Indicate next step
If you know the person’s name
Say thank you
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters
Speculative applications / informational interviews
I am writing to ask if you have any vacancies in your company.
Closing
I am writing to ask if you have any current vacancies in your organic electronics research facility. / I learned of [your company] at a recent conference, and I believe my skills match your needs.
Try to be as specific as possible
Please find my CV attached. I would be grateful if you could consider me for any suitable positions. / I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss any openings with you or to arrange an informational interview.
Middle = Personal statement
Opening
More tips: https://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/coveringletters.htm
Coverage and Staffing Plan
CVs and cover letters Dos and don’ts
Do Don’t
Format well: size, fonts, spacing, alignment, white space
Use dividing lines for sections Include page numbers and
name/contact on every page Sound willing and keen Proofread; check dates Ask a colleague to review PDF files preferred, but follow
instructions Name files with your name
Use fancy, comic, illegible fonts
Use multicolor Use busy backgrounds or
images Overdo “EMPHASIS” effects Use a spreadsheet Split sections between pages Make documents too long Wait until last minute or be late Ignore instructions
CV and Cover Letter
Please see Activity 3 in your Workbook
Preparing for interviews
Section 4
Customer Service Interview preparation Strengths & weaknesses
Traditional interview Qs: hypothetical, CV-based, open-ended, predictable
• Why should we hire you? • Describe yourself in 3 words. • Where do you see yourself in 5
years, 10 years? • What do you want out of life? • What can you bring to us? • What other jobs did you apply for? • Who is your role model? • What are your strengths? • What are your weaknesses?
Tips • Don’t panic; pause • Practice before but
don’t recite answers • Make all strengths
relevant to the job and consistent with CV
• Make weaknesses minor ones that you have fixed or are learning to fix
More tips: http://www.jobsearchonline.bc.ca/Interviews/tradquestions.htm
Customer Service Interview preparation
I work too hard… I’m a perfectionist... I’m a workaholic... I’m late…
What is your greatest weakness?
I used to feel very nervous when giving presentations. Now, before I give a talk, I practice many times and ask my friends to listen to me. I recently presented at a conference in Hawaii, where I felt much more confident in talking about my research.
STAR = Situation, task, action, result
Strengths & weaknesses
Customer Service Interview preparation Behavioral questions
Describe a situation… Real, based on experience, indicates future
• when you showed leadership • when you failed at teamwork • that showed good service • where you saved money • when you were unpopular • you regret • where you mentored someone • when you influenced your boss • when you handled stress well • when you delivered bad news
Tips • Don’t panic; pause • Practice but don’t recite • Turn negative into
positive, transferable • Avoid your big errors • Use active verbs, explain
your role, focus on positive/impactful/ lasting results; be brief!
Customer Service Interview preparation Behavioral questions
Describe a situation when…
During my Master studies, I did the graphic design for the department monthly newsletter. One month, we were nearly delayed because one of the editors had an accident and did not write his news article. I offered to write his piece and then finished the graphic design. The newsletter was on time, and we received lots of positive e-mail feedback about the design and also my story. Starting from the next issue, I was made an editor.
Give an example of a time when you had to do urgent extra work
STAR = Situation, task, action, result
Customer Service Interview preparation Situational questions
What if… Hypothetical, idealized, morals/ethics, leadership
• you caught a colleague/customer stealing
• you had to let down a client • overtime is suddenly needed • a colleague is not contributing • you see an error at a late stage • a client complains but s/he
made the mistake
Tips • Don’t panic; pause • Practice but don’t recite • Be spontaneous but
brief and convincing • Look at desired job
competencies; tailor reply • Start with summary/goal • Link with your past; STAR • Show values, integrity
Customer Service Interview preparation Situational questions
What if…
I would be polite and let the supervisor know that I disagreed and why, giving a logical reason. I would offer to help and find out more, but also let him have the final say. During my last internship, my supervisor used data from an old datasheet in a group meeting, but I printed a copy of the correct one, highlighted the differences, did the new calculations, and let him know privately. His revised research paper was accepted for publication, and I was thanked in the Acknowledgments.
Tell me what you would do if you disagreed with your supervisor
STAR = Situation, task, action, result
Customer Service Interview preparation Case questions
Estimate… General knowledge, assumptions, logic, reasoning
• How many window cleaners in the world
• How many bicycles in China • How many hair salons in Japan • How long it would take to move
Mount Fuji 10 miles • Size of the Pepsi Zero market • How many ATMs in the world • How many photocopies are
made in a day
Tips • Don’t panic; pause • Practice but don’t recite • Practice guesstimating • Think out loud and show
workings +/- paper; practice mental arithmetic
• Show business sense • Give a final answer
https://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/interviews/CaseInterviews.htm
Customer Service Interview preparation Tricky/logic questions
Brainteasers…
• How you weigh a giraffe • Why pizzas are round • Does the sun always rise in the
East and set in the West • What is next: 3, 3, 5, 4, 4, 3… • Explain a spreadsheet to a child • You have 1000 e-mails but can
only answer 200 • 1 of 8 bricks is heavier; you can
only use scales twice
Tips • Don’t panic; pause • Search tricky questions
online; practice brainteasers
• Think and communicate clearly and calmly
• Explain principles, assumptions, method, thinking
Customer Service Interview preparation Group interviews
Problem-solving…
https://biginterview.com/blog/2014/03/group-interview.html
• Part company presentation, part group discussion
• Controversial topic for group discussion
• Group activity, then solo interview feedback on others or solo presentation
• Interviewer asks each member of group in turn
• Situation/product; case simulation
Tips • Be confident, calm, fluent,
audible, patient, positive • Be polite in disagreeing;
give evidence/experience • Practice “stance” and
problem-solving language • Leadership, uniqueness,
organization (“facts/ suggestions/to research”)
Customer Service Interview preparation
Communication and teamwork
Problem-solving…
• Problem solving, analysis, logic • Synthesis, summarizing • Critical thinking • Decision making • Clear communication • Presentation, persuasion • Debating, giving opinions • Cooperation, commitment
• Negotiation, conflict resolution • Compromise, handling difference • Team organization, planning • Leadership without bossing • Active listening, timing • Managing complementary skills • Getting others involved • Organizational learning
Skills and behaviors being tested
Customer Service Interview preparation
Communication and teamwork
Problem-solving…
• Summarize the team performance; describe each person in turn • What was your contribution and style of interaction • What conflicts arose; how were they solved • How the team solved the problem / came up with final answer • How the team handled uncertainty, open-endedness • How would the others describe you • How you portray yourself to others; how you develop trust, respect • Your distinct unique offering to the company
Individual interview after group activity
Customer Service Interview preparation
Communication and teamwork
Problem-solving…
• Be too bossy or over-competitive, ignore others • Be passive (being a “passenger”), or just a cheerleader • Give incorrect facts or quote unreliable sources • Shout, be emotional, rude, critical, personal, disrespectful • Be stubborn, uncooperative • Disrespect other’s opinions, differences • Interrupt • Disagree without evidence or explanation
DO NOT
Customer Service Interview preparation Language tips
Agree Disagree
That’s a good point… Yes, and I’d like to add that… I also remember a time when… Your idea sounds good Let’s try that / see how it goes I agree with you completely /
partly / about… Yes, I see your point (but…) Yes, I also have supporting
evidence for… It looks like we are all in agreement
/ have an answer
Here’s what I’m thinking… Can I disagree with you? In my experience, I’ve seen
something different According to…, In my opinion…, To me… I think that source is biased / view
is overgeneralized because… I’d like to point out those data
don’t support... / I don’t think… I wonder if you could cite… I’ve noticed that there’s a flaw… What about… / Is it possible…
Customer Service Interview preparation Interview etiquette
Do
Prepare well; research well Practice and role play Find the directions and arrive
early; dress well; wait to be seated Be polite; ask for clarification Bring what is asked (certificates,
portfolio, ID) Ask a good Q at the end Practice phone/skype interview Write a Thank You note within
24 hours of the interview
Questions • Is this a new position? • Who would I report to? • What are the company’s plans
for the next 10 years? • What is your favorite thing
about your job? • When would this job start? • How much travel is expected? • What is the appraisal system
here? https://www.hireheroesusa.org/top-10-interview-questions-sample-answers/
Customer Service Interview preparation Interview etiquette
Do Don’t
Prepare well; research well Practice and role play Find the directions and arrive
early; dress well; wait to be seated Be polite; ask for clarification Bring what is asked (certificates,
portfolio, ID) Ask a good Q at the end Practice phone/skype interview Write a Thank You note within
24 hours of the interview
Ignore instructions, plagiarize Get the name of the
interviewer/company wrong Misquote people/sources Make up facts (give a best
estimate instead) Be too certain (use hedging
language) Interrupt the interviewer Talk negatively about
past/current employer
Problem Solving
Please see Activity 4 in your Workbook
Homework
CV and cover letter
S
Present your abilities effectively
Get the job you want
Understand yourself and your career options
Understand how job applications work
Write a clear CV and compelling cover letter
Prepare well for interviews
Thank you!
Any questions?
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Trevor Lane: tlane@edanzgroup.com Ayli Chong: achong@edanzgroup.com