1. Succeeding in the New Economy
Making An Effective Job Application

2. Making An Effective Job Application
The Resume
The Correspondence
The Interview
The Web Approach
Dealing With A Tough Market

3. Making An Effective Job Application
The Resume
The Correspondence
The Interview
The Web Approach
Dealing With A Tough Market

4. The Resume Purpose of a resume is to get you an interview
Not a career obituary
Of itself, not a job application
Self-promotional document
Two major formats
Chronological – good for established career path
Functional – good for new entrants, or different careers

5. What Should I Include Objective – keep it focused
A challenging marketing position with a consumer goods company vs
A role in marketing where I can develop my full potential

6. Highlight Positions of Leadership
University graduates need points of difference other than grades
Highlight positions of leadership
Highlight examples which show depth of character
e.g. unusual hobbies/travel, community service

7. Use the Active Language
Organised 7 career talks for final year graduating class with industry luminaries including ….
Developed financial model for analysing the impact of deregulation on the Singapore telecommunications industry
Quantify achievements
E.g number of members if you’re a society committee member

8. Remember the Basics Sufficient personal information
Relevant work experience
Educational background
References
Good quality paper
Preferably one page
For applications:
Text version on body of
MS Word 2000 version as attachment

9. Making An Effective Job Application
The Resume
The Correspondence
The Interview
The Web Approach
Dealing With A Tough Market

10. Distinguishing Correspondence
Thank you letter
Cover letter
Interview
& Resume
“The Book-Ends”

11. Cover Letter Basics
Objective is for company to get good first impression of you
Err on the side of formality, even if ed
Illustrate knowledge of industry or company, previous points of contact
Be direct about position you’re looking for and how you’re qualified
Provide reason to turn the next page to your resume

12. Cover Letter : The 3 Bs Brief Bold Brilliant
“Don’t wrap your resume like a wet noodle, but coat it with sugar, enticing reader to know you further”

13. Making An Effective Job Application
The Resume
The Correspondence
The Interview
The Web Approach
Dealing With A Tough Market

14. Winning Interviews Prepare, prepare, prepare
Research the company (web, company literature)
Talk to friends, friends of friends, who work with company to find out more
Know the position you want
Dress the part
Rehearse with friends
Confirm appointment, be punctual

15. Interview Points Remember, 70% of communication is non-verbal
Have a positive attitude
Display enthusiasm, freshness, vitality
Sell yourself
Do not be afraid to articulate your strengths
Do not be modest
But do not brag
Keep your radar on
Conclude – reiteration of your possible contribution

16. Making An Effective Job Application
The Resume
The Correspondence
The Interview
The Web Approach
Dealing With A Tough Market

17. The Web Approach Currently most applications by email already
Most companies progressing to web-based applications
Ability to do structured searches
Supplemented by free form section to convey individuality
Keyword search might be performed on your resume
Sorting and processing of applications accelerated
Transparency creates keener competition

20. Use the Internet To Your Advantage
Be sure to fill structured as well as unstructured sections of web-based applications
Make sure key words are on your electronic resume
Register with job notification services to inform you of the latest job openings
Create your own homepage to showcase your work/talent
Include in resume, cover letter, link to it on body of
Use the Internet to research companies

21. Dealing With A Tough Market
Your primary objective is to build your work experience
Ideally in your chosen field
But don’t refuse other work experience – any work experience will give you skills
Accept temporary positions, projects
Build your portfolio
Be creative, look for opportunities
Above all, persist, persist, persist

22. Making An Effective Job Application
The Resume
The Correspondence
The Interview
The Web Approach
Dealing With A Tough Market