2. Career Planning Workshop
Annick Levesque, Partnership Development Advisor, WUSC
Sebastien Fafard, Teaching Methodology Advisor, WUSC
January 2013
Welcome to the Career Planning Workshop!
Introduce ourselves
Our presentation is in English but everyone of you should have a copy of the handouts and the slides in Vietnamese so you can follow along
We also have translators in the room

3. SESSION OUTLINE Introduction Know Yourself Job search
Application Process
Interview Preparation
Job interview
Conclusion
Session Outline – Today we will present the following points:
Statistics and facts about Vietnam and the labour market
Exercises to help you know yourself better
Tools to look for jobs and potential employers
How to write a good CV and cover letter
How to prepare for a job interview
How to answer questions during the interview
Play Video (on E-volunteering website Dec 22): Did You Know? 5 min
How many of you have seen this video?
So what does it all mean?
Main Messages:
Jobs in the labour market are changing
Skills and Knowledge needed are changing every year.
This means that you need to be well prepared and be able to adapt to the changing labour market needs
Don’t be afraid to change and stay up-to-date

4. Of graduates have jobs unrelated to their field of study
60%
Of graduates have jobs unrelated to their field of study
According to the statistics of the Vietnam Ministry of Labor – Invalid and Social Affairs (MOLISA), the percentage of students who have jobs unrelated to their major is about 60%.
Vietnam Government Statistics Office data:
398,200 university graduates in 2011 and growing rapidly
Only 15% of employed workers are “trained”
Sources:
International Labour Office (2012:31) Global Employment Trends 2012: Preventing a deeper jobs crisis,
World Bank (2012:4),
General Statistics Office:
Towers Watson (2012) Vietnam Labour Market Trends Update,

5. 60% of graduates have jobs unrelated to their field of study… WHY?
Insufficient academic training - lack of hard and soft skills.
Competitive labor market
Low demand of new employees
Want to work in a different field
Change in motivation
Need for financial security
Young people in Vietnam cant get jobs suited to their skills:
What can you do?
You need to innovate, be proactive and creative (develop additional skills on your own – i.e. computer skills, reading about customer service, talk to former graduates who are working, talk to potential employers, etc.)
We spoke to managers of Seahorse and Mui Ne Bay Resorts last week who told us that they will need to hire new employees in the next year.
They have already hired BTCC graduates in the past so this is a good time for you to be speaking to them about finding a job.

6. Where should I go and how can I get there?
Q. ‘Where should I go and how can I get there?
This question is very important for you
You should be seriously thinking about the answer at this stage because you will be graduating soon
The workshop you are attending this morning will guide you in the right direction

7. The process to find your dream job
Know yourself
Focus your job search
Complete the application form
Prepare for the interview
Master the interview
Our goal is to help you find your dream job – to get you from here to where you want to go
English Expression: Finding a job is a full-time job
There are many steps involved in this process:
1- Knowing Yourself (what you want to do, where, how, etc.)
2- Focus your search
3- Application
4- Interview
5- Get the job!

8. Activity #1 Know Yourself
*Refer to 9 questions on Page 3-4 of your handout

9. Answer the questions on your handout.
INSTRUCTIONS
Answer the questions on your handout.
Keep in mind there are no wrong answers.
Time frame: 25 minutes in total
Complete the questions: 15 minutes
Class discussion: 10 minutes
*Refer to 9 questions on Page 3-4 of your handout
Take 2 minutes to read the questions in your handouts (in vietnamese)
Do you understand these questions?
Have you thought about them already?
Can you answer all of them?
If yes, you know yourself well
Most of you probably don’t know
The purpose of this exercise is to make you think about what you want to do in the future after you graduate from BTCC
Note: Use slides to discuss student answers

10. The process to find your dream job
Know yourself
Focus your job search
Complete the application form
Prepare for the interview
Master the interview

11. Job Search
This is you!
At this point, you should be seriously thinking about what you want to do after you graduate.

12. What? *Refer to 9 questions on Page 3-4 of your handout
What do want to do after your studies?
What specific job do you want to apply for? Why?
What is your dream job?
What skills do you have to succeed in that job?
What skills do you need to improve to be a better future employee?
What are you going to do if you can’t get the job you want? What are your other options?
Go back to university
Find an internship
Volunteer work
Apply for a scholarship
The managers we spoke to said they will recruit for the following positions in the coming year:
Housekeeping
Waiter, waitress
Bartender
Receptionist
Spa service
BE PROACTIVE!

13. Where? *Refer to 9 questions on Page 3-4 of your handout
Where do you want to work?
Go where the job is
Work in Vietnam
Work abroad
Which companies do you want to work for? Why?

14. How? How are you going to find a job?
*Refer to page 7 of your handouts – Job Search
-Job sites
-Job centers
- Job Exhibitions
- Job Fairs
- Government websites
- Media, Social Networks
- Word of mouth
Which do you think is the most important way to know about job opportunities?
According to the managers we spoke to, they said that the most important tools they use to find employees:
1- Word of mouth (networking)
2- Training institutions
3- Career Centers

15. The process to find your dream job
Know yourself
Focus your job search
Complete the application form
Prepare for the interview
Master the interview

16. Application Process
Application Process is different depending on type of job, sector and company
For example, if you want to work in the tourism sector, you need to find out what the application process is for hotels, resorts, tour companies, etc.
Private vs public
Big vs small family owned enterprises
The requirements will be different.

17. Application Process
Search the websites for specific application details and requirements
If unclear, contact them for more information
Check that you are qualified (education, skills)
Check that you have all the required documents
If you want to know how you can apply for a specific job, you need to find out directly from the company or job centers, websites
Read the job description and the requirements carefully
Apply only for jobs for which you are qualified (for example, if you don’t have job experience, don’t apply to be a manager)
Make sure you have all the required documents
*Look for jobs that offer interesting opportunities to learn, develop skills and acquire experience (instead of just looking at $)

18. Required Documents Application Form Cover Letter Essay
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Diplomas
Certificates (School certificate, certificates of TOEIC, TOEFL iBT, IT certificates)
Reference Letters from teachers, mentors, etc.
These are the most common documents that employers will ask for when you apply for a job
You might not need all of them
Employers may ask for others that are not on the list
Read the application OR ask!

19. Cover Letter
A marketing tool to sell yourself to the company or organization
Who are you?
Why should I choose you?
What is a cover letter?
Why do you need one? To provide additional information about yourself
Do you think this is important in Vietnam?

20. Cover Letter General rules: Typed on plain A4 white paper
One page only
No pictures of objects (ex: flowers, animals, people)
No grammar mistakes
Give current address and contact information
Introduce yourself in a short paragraph (name, where from, education)
State clearly the position/program applied for
Emphasize skills mainly related to the job/program
Why you want to join the company/organization
IMPORTANT: Follow the specific rules for each organization and BE PROFESSIONAL!!!
*Refer to page 14 of your handout – Cover Letter
Review general rules for cover letters

21. Cover Letter
Do you think this is a good cover letter? Why?

22. Cover Letter
Do you think this is a good cover letter? Why?

23. Cover Letter Do you think this is a good cover letter? Why?
*Refer to page of the handout – cover letter template and sample
Review the structure
Stress the sample cover letter is just a model – adapt to personal situation

24. A portrait of yourself and what you can do
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A portrait of yourself and what you can do
What is a CV?
Why do you need one?

25. Curriculum Vitae General Rules: Typed on plain white A4 paper
Maximum 2 pages
Polite/Simple language
4. Point Form (no paragraphs)
No spelling and punctuation mistakes
Include your contact information
Can contain a small photo of you
* IMPORTANT: Don’t give personal details (status, family, age) except if they ask you
*Refer to page 9 of your handout - CV

26. Curriculum Vitae
Is this a good CV? Why?

27. Curriculum Vitae
Is this a good CV? Why?

28. Curriculum Vitae Is this a good CV? Why?
*Refer to page – CV checklist, sample and template
Review the cv format
Stress the sample cv is just a model – adapt to personal situation

29. The process to find your dream job
Know yourself
Focus your job search
Complete the application form
Prepare for the interview
Master the interview

30. Are you ready? The small fish bowl represents you at school
The big fish bowl represents the job market
Are you ready to transition from school to the job market?

31. Do’s and Don’ts of job interviews
Activity #2
Do’s and Don’ts of job interviews

32. Time frame: 15 minutes in total Questions : 5 min
INSTRUCTIONS
In the 1st column write down things that you should do before, during or after a job interview
In the 2nd column, write down things that you should not do during a job interview
Time frame: 15 minutes in total
Questions : 5 min
Class discussion : 10 min
*Refer to page 5 of the handout – Dos and don’ts of job interview
Read instructions
Divide the class in two groups – 1 group writes down Dos and other group writes down Don’ts
They can work in pairs
Write the answers on the blackboard

33. Interview Do’s & Don’ts
Research
Arrive on time
Bring a notebook/pen
Smile
Dress professionally
Introduce yourself well
Act confident
Prepare good questions
Prepare good examples
Listen carefully
Tell the truth
Be energetic
Don’t:
Arrive late
Wear big jewelery
Wear jeans/shorts/T-shirts
Fidget
Answer your phone
Tell jokes
Talk too much
Ask about salary
Look bored
Chew gum
Lean on the desk
Cross your arms
Here is a list of Dos and Don’ts – you may have found other correct answers that are not on this list

34. Prepare for the interview
Before you go to an interview, what should you do to prepare?
What to wear (professional appearance)
What to bring
- What to say or not (includes body language)

35. What to wear What should you wear to an interview?
For each picture – say whether you think it is appropriate or not and why

36. Body Language What is body language? Facial Expression Gestures
How you stand
How you sit
How you move
Posture
Eyes

37. Why does Body Language matter?
You may not be aware but your body speaks louder than your mouth:
According to managers we spoke to, the most important factor in getting a job is the first impression you make.
This means that they choose new employees based on their professional appearance, attitude, and behavior.
Even before you say a word, you may have lost the job because of your body language

38. Which person would you hire?
Which person would you hire? Why? Do you think they have a chance?
Self-Reflection:
At the conference with the general managers in December, do you think you made a good impression on the managers?
Why do you think they asked you if you were bored?
Based on our observations, you did not say much but your body was yelling that you were bored and not interested
Next time you meet with managers, pay more attention to your body language to leave a good first impression

39. Activity #3
Interview Video

40. Remember the interview tips you just heard.
INSTRUCTIONS
In the next video, you will have to identify and provide feedbacks about what the interviewees did wrong and did well.
Reminder:
Remember the interview tips you just heard.
Time frame: 10 minutes in total
Video : 3 min
Class discussion : 7 min
*Refer to page 6 of your handout – Interview Videos
Read the instructions
We will play 3 video clips
For each video clip, write down what the interviewees are doing well and what they are doing wrong
1- You Tube Video – Job Interviews Good and Bad
Clip 1 – 0:10 to 2:00
Clip 2 – 3:52 to 5:00
2- Body Language Don’ts
3- Body Language Dos
Video 2&3 to be used together as a comparison

41. What to bring Name and address of company Contact person
Directions to the interview
Pen and paper
Copy of your letter/CV
Job References
Business cards
2 questions you can ask the employer
What should you bring to the interview? Why are each of these items important?
Students may have different answers that are not on the list

42. What to say (or not)
*Refer to page 20 of your handout – Interview Tips
Based on the managers we spoke to, good communication skills and English skills are very important to get the job.
During the interview, be prepared to answer different types of questions in both Vietnamese and English
If English skills are weak, we strongly suggest that you improve your English skills before you apply for jobs. You may meet all the other requirement for the job but not get hired because English is not good enough (especially in the tourism sector)
Give example of us when we go to resorts
How can you prepare for a successful interview? What should you say (not say) during an interview?
Review interview tips:
- How to answer questions
- Tricky questions
- Say positive things
*Refer to page of handout – Developing your personal selling points
Answering these questions will help you prepare for tough questions at the interview

43. Interview Questions 1. Tell us about yourself
One of the most common questions asked by employers – usually the first one they ask
How would you answer this?

44. Interview Questions Tell us about yourself I love to play videogames
I am from Phan Thiet and I recently completed my diploma in tourism at BTCC
I am very friendly and hardworking
Which (best) answer would you choose?
Tips:
Focus on your qualities, strengths, talents, education and experience
Keep it short

45. Interview Questions 2. Why did you apply for this position?
How would you answer this question?

46. Interview Questions 2. Why did you apply for this position?
I really need the money
My family knows the owner very well
I am really impressed by your company and I want to learn everything on the job
I don’t know – I just need a job!
Tips:
Say something positive about the company and the position you are applying for
Avoid talking about money

47. Interview Questions
3. It's 4 p.m. and you need to meet with your manager. Suddenly a customer calls and says she needs your help immediately. What would you do?
This is a hypothetical question
How would you answer this question?

48. Interview Questions Tell the customer you are too busy to help
Tell the manager you can’t meet him/her because a customer needs your help
Cancel the meeting with the manager
Ask the manager permission to help the customer before you meet him/her
Tips:
During the interview, take notes – don’t be afraid to ask for clarification
Try to imagine yourself in this situation – what would you do?
Identify what is most important
Make sure that you address all issues

49. Interview Questions
4. Give an example of a situation where you had to work with someone you didn’t like. How did you deal with this situation?
This is called a situational question
How would you answer this question?

50. Interview Questions
In class, I didn’t like one of my classmates so I just ignored him/her all semester
One of the players on my soccer team was always yelling at me so I decided to hit him/her with the ball
I don’t always agree with my teacher but I still listen to him/her in class out of respect
I only work with people I like
Tips:
Explain the situation
How did you solve the problem?
Why?
What was the outcome? The outcome should always be positive
*Refer to page 21-22, you will find examples of common questions you should prepare before the interview.
They may ask you questions that are not on the list
The best way to anticipate and prepare questions is to look at the job description and talk to people who work in this job
Page 21 is a list of questions the employer may ask you
Page 22 is a list of questions you may ask the employer (you should prepare 2 questions for the employer at the end of the interview)
*Don’t ask about the salary

51. The interviewer and the interviewee
Activity #4
The interviewer and the interviewee

52. INSTRUCTIONS
A few students will be selected to be interviewed by the presenters in front of the whole group. Students can either volunteer or they will be randomly selected. Remember the process we learn during the workshop.
The other students will be asked to provide feedback on the interviewee performance based on the information you learned in this soft skills training session.
Time frame: 15 minutes
IF TIME PERMITS
Pick a question on the list (page 21)
Give students 5 minutes to write down the answer
Pick a few volunteers
Give feedback to volunteers
Hand out small prizes to volunteers for their effort
*Pay attention to body language

53. Conclusion Master the interview Prepare for the interview
Know yourself
Focus your job search
Complete the application form
Prepare for the interview
Master the interview

54. Questions ?

55. Thank you for your attention!