Frequently Asked Questions. Part 10

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I have high education and large work experience. But I am still young and full of energy, and I want to try myself in a new field, new profession. How should I look for a new job?
First of all, you should forget about advertisements and recruiting companies. Except for entry level vacancies, companies publish advertisements to attract specialists with particular work experience. In order to make the process without serious effects, it is necessary to get support from old friends and make new acquaintances and establish new contacts in the desirable field of work. Find mentors who will advice, support and facilitate the process of creating the network of new acquaintances and will confirm your abilities.

I have been working in the same place for more than 8 years. Is it possible that some employers will consider me to be passive, unambitious, and that I don’t want to learn something new.
Even if you have been working in the same place for all these years, you have constantly grown and developed. Divide your work experience into several modules, and describe each module as certain positions in various companies are being described. Show that at each level your work was more responsible; the duties became more complicated, and you had had to confront with new creative changes. It is easy enough, especially if you really had different positions.

Is it necessary to include recommendations in resume?
No. Create a separate document with the names and details of those people, who will recommend you. Present this document, when the potential employer, not the recruiter, asks for it. The information becomes worthless, if too many people see and hear about it.

How to overcome the age discrimination during an interview with an employer if he is not that young?
For our society the age discrimination is a serious problem… You should mention in your resume that you are not a ‘well-preserved’, but a highly qualified specialist. Keep it short. There is no need to talk about the experience that you have gained over 15 years ago. Avoid ‘antediluvian dates’ when talking about education and early work experience. And what is more important- you should pay much attention on your last 2 or more significant achievements during your career. Be able to prove that you are an appropriate candidate for the position, show that you are aware of new technologies and innovations, using modern terms.

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Frequently Asked Questions. Part 9

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I am a programmer, but I want to work as a manager in an IT company. What is the best way of making a resume?

For IT specialists first of all it is important to master technical skills, for example knowledge of operational systems, programming languages, etc. And for positions related to management, on the contrary, personal qualities are more important. Unfortunately, technical specialists do not have strong developed skills for effective communication. It is desirable that your resume is focused on one concrete theme. For example when you mention in your resume “I am a system administrator”, the recruiter immediately understands what skills the applicant has and what positions he may fit for according to his qualifications. If there is no focus, then the recruiter is forced to guess whether you want to be a programmer or deal with networking. Decide exactly what you want to do, make a target focused resume and be ready to prove your qualifications by realizing projects and certificates.

I am currently working as a manager but I want to find work in lower positions not related to the administration. And it turns out that it not a simple task to do. What will you recommend?

Many people are surprised by such a decision. Moreover, the potential employer subconsciously does not trust such a candidate. If you want to go to the bottom, then start looking for a job not with the help of sending resumes, but with the establishment of personal contacts. You will need to be able to explain such an action before the recruiters and employers reject you.

What must necessarily include the portfolio for a designer?

For some creative professions portfolio is the best way of resume. However, in any case we recommend having a brief resume, because it takes much time for a busy employer to read portfolio. But if you are making a portfolio, then put it into a hard folder with numbered lists and tables of contests for an easy retrieval. The portfolio may include the following documents: 1. Description of career goals, 2. Full text resume, 3. Samples confirming qualifications.4.Proof of successful activities (awards, prizes, recommendation of colleagues), 5. Education documents.

Frequently Asked Questions. Part 8

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Why is work experience accepted to mention in the reverse order in resume?

Such a format of resume is called reverse chronological. It allows to emphasize the stable and continuous development of your professional career. If your last employer was a solid company its name will open up any doors for you. If your last position is very serious then your resume will immediately impress your employer or recruiter. However, if your career has evolved not so successful and straightforward, it is worth to think about making your resume in a functional format, where the emphasis is on the acquired skills and knowledge, and not in the positions that you had occupied in the past.

Is there a need to make some variants of a resume?

First of all create the basic version of a resume, and then by completing it and stress various key skills, depending on the requirements of this or that vacant position. The complete or almost complete coincidence of the requirements of the vacancy and and the qualifications as reflected in the resume will attract the employer’s attention like nothing else.

Another question: What kind of information should be reflected in your resume?

In order to decide what kind of information should be given in your resume, it is necessary to remember one basic rule: you must show that you can bring profit to your future employer. Robert Flugum, the author of the book “All I need to know I learnt in the kindergarten, told, that once a little boy knocked on his door and handed a note ‘My name is Donny. I’ll cut the grass on the lawn around your house for five dollars. I am deaf. You can answer me back. I can read. I am very good at cutting lawn”. Despite of the great number of high profile phrases and colourful mentionings in the resume,-all you need is to let your employer know how well you are going ‘to cut his lawn’.

Frequently Asked Questions: Part 7

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I had an interval in my career as I became a mother. For some years I was taking care of my child and now I find it hard to get a job. Can you help?
It is especially hard for women to get to work after a long interval, as they usually need some time to look after their family. The concern for the family is a non -paid job 24 hors a day, where a woman uses all her knowledge, skills and abilities in many fields of activities: administrative (e.g. scheduling), financial (planning, budget allocation/distribution) not speaking about the responsibility, management and training skills. So first You should overcome prejudice in yourself- and only then to act. You’ll manage everything.

What other additional documents together with CV may increase your chances to be invited for an interview at the company?
There are no universal recommendations. Try to make a special report- a description of quick and effective solutions to simple problems connected with the target vacancy and position. But if You have recently changed your profession, and you are still a newcomer, the attempt to write a special report with full of recommendations will only please the employer.

How not to be trapped bargaining about the salary?
First of all, if you are You are professional in your sphere, then you have some imagination about the level of wages. Besides, it will be better if You make a small market research before the interview, to talk to the colleagues, read the press, and why not to wander in the internet. Also keep in mind, if You are trying to find a job through the help of the recruitment agency, then be sure that your recruiter will do his best to bargain for the better conditions for you, so that You can аccept them depending on the qualifications and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions: Part 6

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In some companies, apart from sent resumes and interviews, you’ll be asked to fill out a special form. Why is it for?
Yes indeed, some company practice such forms. They are very convenient for professionals of HR. The information they include is organized the way that it makes the work easier. Many job seekers underestimate the process of completing the formal forms, but all those lines and cells are a legal document. If filling out the form, you enter the wrong information, you can not avoid trouble.

In what situations is necessary to create several variants of resume?
For a start, you need to write a generic version of a summary, and only then to supplement it and provide different key skills. You should act on the premise of what requirements a company makes a particular vacancy. Complete or nearly complete coincidence of the requirements of the vacancy and the qualifications reflected in the resume attract employers in the first place. And if you emphasize just these skills in the resume, work experience and education, then you can assume that the invitation for interview is guaranteed for you.

I wasn’t employed, because I went for the interview in jeans. But I applied for a programmer! Why is it necessary?
Dear Vitaly Sergeevich! An interview is a fairly formalized action. Business etiquette demands that all parties of the interview – not just job applicants – were dressed in business suits, or at least, in the style of business casual. However, this rule is strictly obligatory only for middle and senior managers. Usually programmers don’t have such requirements. Maybe you are just not wanted with your professional and personal qualities, but the recruiter didn’t tell you directly. Or you just do not have to strive in such a company: if they require from a programmer to wear a jacket with pockets during the interview, then you have no idea what’s happening inside their corporation!

Frequently Asked Questions: Part 5

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Probation period – it is really a test, or another insurance for the employer?
Many people who have ever looked for a job have experienced that “trial period”. The aim is to check the background and professional commitment. In this case, it should be remembered that the evaluation can be conducted only by the performance. No side reasons, such as illness, absence or truancy, can be viewed as a negative side of your professionalism. It is necessary to consider one important point: the trial period is set once and cannot be introduced again in the same organization. Probation period is prescribed in the employment contract as an additional condition. Even if further employment relationship between the parties will not develop, making the contract is mandatory. It is necessary to remember that. If the test conditions are prescribed only in the order and not the employment contract, then the probationary period automatically becomes unchecked. Any conditions of employment should be contained in an employment contract.

Is it always necessary to write about achievements?
This format from the first moment will intrigue the reader. It contains the main strengths and skills of the applicant. Many top managers choose exactly the detailed CV, particularly in rapidly changing fields such as advertising, media, etc. The format focuses on the achievements of the outstanding successes of the applicant.

In some companies, in addition to sent resumes and interviews, one should fill in a special form. Why?
Yes indeed, such forms are practiced by some companied. They are very convenient for HR professionals. The information in them organized very cleverly. Many job seekers underestimate the process of completing the formal forms, but all those lines and cells figure a legal document. If you fill in wrong information, you cannot avoid troubles.

Frequently Asked Questions: Part 4

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My friend works in a foreign company. She told me about the etiquette there. What is it?
Etiquette for international companies – are conduct rules in the workplace. While working in such companies it is very important to follow these rules. Men gallantry is not welcome here. Here are all equal. The rules of etiquette exist while conducting telephone conversations. For example: As soon as the phone call issue has been exhausted, each party may end the conversation. If you had a call, but the call was broken, the person to call back is the one who called you initially. It is impolite to exchange business cards during lunch. This is only possible at a business lunch, when in conjunction with a meal work issues are discussed, documents are considered and records are maintained. As a rule, serious companies have a dress code, following which men are required to wear a suit, shirt and tie. Dress code for women: corporal pantyhose, skirt just above or below the knee pants, blouse, jacket optional. Failure to observe business etiquette can be imposed to dismissal, and the successful acquisition of office etiquette can help to establish yourself as a professional and respected employee.

I am very concerned about the question: How to behave when a foreigner is conducting an interview?
Interview with the employer – is a responsible, and if the person is a foreigner, the task becomes more complicated. Your speech must be clear and understandable. Otherwise – if you speak, how you are accustomed to – it is likely that in some places you will not be understood. Decide the subject, make possible questions and answers. Of course, you cannot think about everything, but serious mistakes can be avoided. Proposals should be brief and grammatically flawless. It is advisable to talk in a foreign language before the meeting, even better – with a native speaker to enhance the ability to perceive speech by ear and not to spoil the impression with a strained expression on your face. Tell about your potential, demonstrate your knowledge, and you’ll be appreciated. By the way, do not hesitate to praise yourself. Foreign interviewer will be pleased if you: will have an open smile, express fewer gestures and would prefer business clothes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Part 3

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Does my interview with the recruiter carry any confidential nature?
Indeed, for many candidates confidentiality is very important while talking with a recruiter. First of all, your meeting and the information you provide is really confidential. Work ethic of a recruiter involves a strict prohibition on disclosure of information even within the company where he works. Without your prior authorization the consultant will not use information obtained from you. Recommendations for the candidate are also made with the consent of the candidate. For recruiters the privacy is a rule.

How effective is E-mail correspondence? How should the correspondence look like?
E-mail correspondence is an effective communication tool that allows you save time and money. First and foremost, it is has a very important content. E-mail message must be clear and understandable. Be tactful. If you send an e-mail, be sure to send the addressee a brief cover letter. It is not necessary to send the files without any summary, because such a letter could be perceived as spam, or an attachment with a virus. Always specify the message subject. Do not send email messages without a subject. It is not necessary to write an email with capital letters. You’ll have a risk that the most important subject will not be understood. Be sure to check your messages for errors! Remember that mistakes will also create your image.

frequently asked questions: part 2

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Tell us about the international CV format?
International CV is a very detailed summary, which usually takes up to six pages. Many international companies prefer this format. This summary includes contact information, professional experience, education, personal information and it is usually in reverse chronological order. International CV is a good option for those seeking work in multinational companies or abroad.

Is it true that a resume should be an advertisement?
“A good resume” is in fact a presentation material that can convince a potential employer that you are the exact person is suitable for a position. This should really be a handout with a bright isolated skills and abilities to solve problem situations and get results. The summary should highlight your strengths. You are advertising yourself!

Tell me please, what questions it is better to ask the employer to increase the chance of getting a job?
In case during the interview the employer asks you: “Do you have any questions?” that does not mean that the interview ends. This means that you can raise the professional level in his eyes and increase your chance to obtain the desired position. It is competent to ask such questions as: “What do you think about “vocational education and training”? Every employer appreciates employee who wishes to increase his professional level. Find out: “What objectives and plans will be put before me?”. The question reflects your interest in the practical tasks. One of the important qualities that an employer looks for in applicants is the ability to move toward the goals and solve problems. And in the end of the interview, you can ask questions about the terms of compensation, payment, social package, holidays, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions: Part 1

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I was late for an interview for a serious reason. Would I make an impression of a non-punctual person?
One of the main qualities that describe a person is punctuality. If a candidate is late for no objective reasons (by the way, traffic jams or car failure do not belong to this category) – that is considered a disrespect to future work. You’d better call and warn!

Is it worth raising the section of hobbies and leisure activities?
If you choose to describe your hobbies, think about the consequences the recruiter can make. For example, if a person likes playing football, then he is most likely to be a team player, and if a game of chess, he may have the endurance and strategy.

Now many pay attention not only to words but also gestures. Is it important?
Yes, it is an important part of evaluation of the interlocutor. First of all, while communicating, it is important to pull yourself together and not be nervous, or at least, not to show it. You should maintain the goodwill and self-esteem. It is very important how a person appreciates himself, how he presents. It happens that at first glance, these candidates seem the equal, but many things depend on how each of them presents himself.