Professional Career Skills Resumes & Interviews Presentation by Lynda Rohan Monash Careers and Employment October 12, 2005 School of Biomedical Sciences Career Seminar Series

Employers look for staff who are able to demonstrate  They can do the technical aspects of the job  Have appropriate qualifications  Have good general work skills Communication Team work Self reliant behaviours  Fit into the workplace Get along with others Comfortable with the nature of the work

Prepare Yourself for the Job Market  Career Planning Self assessment Identify/audit your skills Address skills gaps Labour market research  Understand recruitment processes Develop career management skills  Jobsearch abilities  Write tailored applications and resume  Present as a professional at interview

Writing Your Resume  Information to Include Name/contact details Education and Training Employment History  Course related/clinical placements  Other general employment  Voluntary employment  Work experience if relevant Summary of skills and knowledge Any achievements Memberships of associations Extra-curricular activities

Other Information  Details of referees if requested  Career objective  Interests outside work and study (optional)  Personal information – d.o.b., marital status, citizenship (optional)  Additional skills – IT competencies, LOTE abilities, first aid qualifications  Participation in professional development (non-accredited training e.g. seminars)

Tips for a Resume  Content is more important than presentation  Guide the reader with good layout  Leave no gaps around the dates  Choose a format that bests markets your skills – chronological, targeted, functional  Your resume is a self marketing tool with the aim of getting you an interview  Summarise experience and qualifications

Get Ready for Your Interview  Good Preparation Review application and resume Be informed – check employer website Understand the Interview Process – who will interview, format, length, requirements to take  Anticipate Questions Built around selection criteria Practice responses/have main point ready  Present as a Professional Appropriate dress and grooming Professional manner to everyone Punctuality is appreciated

What Will They Ask?  Clarifying questions about level of technical skills, qualifications and previous employment experience  Questions about your career aspirations and why you want the job  Questions about problem solving, initiative, decision making abilities  Behavioural questions to find out how you handle people and situations

Responding Well  Answer the question!  Responses to general/ice breaker questions can impact positively  Give sufficient information for the interviewer to assess  Structure your answer so they can follow what you are saying  Behavioural questions are common – become familiar with STAR format

Further Tips  Don’t try to second guess what the employer is looking for; tell them what you think  Prepare some key points for each selection criterion but avoid sounding too rehearsed  Use examples that are specific and draw from a variety of settings  One specific example can be a stronger statement of ability than lots of general comments  Be credible, be honest

How Do Employers Evaluate?  Overall impression – general behaviours and self confidence  Content of the response and the clarity of expression  Potential to learn on the job  Expectation you will fit into the team  Expression of interest in the organisation and job role

Use Your Career Service  Resume Checking Service  Interview Skills Practice Workshops  Jobs On-Line  Career Counselling  Jobseeker Workshops  Employability Programs  Career Information Library