Impumelelo youth career development

Resumes and CVs are tools used to introduce job seekers to potential employers. A resume is a relatively short listing of a candidate’s qualifications, employment history and achievements. Resume basics tend to dictate that this marketing tool favor brevity, although resume styles can vary. CVs, on the other hands, call for more details about a candidate. CV styles can also vary, but most include work history, achievements, skills and the life history of a candidate. Improving your resume or CV can be an important step toward landing a position. It is helpful to review sample resumes and CVs to get ideas for appearance, content and formatting.

CV references are usually straightforward. They're people who can give first hand information relevant to your job applications and testify to your skills, character and experience. Choosing references, however, can be considerably more complex in some cases.

Choosing your references

You need a good references who can speak on the same professional level as your new employer. In principle, the preferred choices of referees are managers or supervisors who can speak to other managers and supervisors on the same level. This does mean "speaking the same language", in terms of employment prospects, looking at your application from the same perspective.

Although many supervisors and managers will be happy to provide references, you need to consider which of them will make the best impression on a potential new employer. Some references mean well, but they're not great talkers. Don't ask a reference for something that's impossible for them to deliver.

The preferred profile for a good referee is:
Articulate, able to express themselves well.
Well spoke, clear speaker easy to understand.
Authoritative, sounds like a boss.
Knowledgeable about your work and personal achievements.

Problems with references

Your employment history tells a story. One of the most common questions about references is "Why no references from this recent employer?" You may well have a very good reason for that situation, but the gap is still noticeable, and needs filling. In some cases you actually have better references from other sources. You may never want to see your recent manager again.

Whatever the reason, prepare a response to this inevitable question, so you don't trip over it during an interview. You may be able to get a reference from the prior employer from another source. You may want to point out that under the circumstances of your departure from that employer you didn't consider it appropriate to ask for references. You can then add that one of your other references is a fully qualified person to provide references in relation to the job.

Professional references

In some professions and industries, your references are themselves a quality check on your application. Working for big name employers is a real career asset, and so are their references. However, the same criteria apply for choosing your references, with some additional considerations created by your line of work:

Business references: Target your references, using appropriate managers or supervisors in relation to the new job. If you're going for a sales job, you'd use a sales manager as a reference.

Technical jobs and IT job references: These jobs really do involve speaking another language, and your reference must be able to deal with any technical questions about your work. Technically qualified managers or highly qualified technical experts are the best references.

Academic references: For postgraduates, academic references in some professions and sciences can be difficult/impossible for those outside the profession. Your reference must be someone who can deal with advanced questions at this level. A former lecturer or a recognized expert in the field is the best reference.

How to Create an Interesting CV

Include all qualifications, experience, and studies. Make it interesting, show some actual achievements.
Drop names of employers, if you can. It's a character reference, and it assures prospective employers that they can check your references.
Include anything unique. Any information that shows value and real ability is priceless, and it's what gets you your job interviews.
Put real effort into designing your text, presentation, and the layout of your CV. Get help if you need it, but make sure all the content is working for you.
Make sure that you include a statement that you have references. It is essential, and looks bad if you don't because it's a basic part.

If it isn't good enough, or isn't obviously useful, get rid of it. You need the space on your CV for the important stuff, and any excess material is really wasting that space.

Online CVs are used by a lot of people to get work, in many different professions. Give yourself a real chance with your own. Remember, the only information an employer has to work with is what you present to them.

Cover Letters

Cover letters are introductory letters that are meant to accompany a resume or CV when a person is applying for a job. The purpose of a cover letter is to provide a candidate with a less formalized way to introduce themselves, their qualifications and the reasons for their interest in a particular position. Cover letter styles can vary depending on the type of position being applied for and the circumstances of the application. Industry-specific letters can prove useful when a candidate has a strong background in a specific field. A good cover letter can encourage a potential employer to read on and can help a candidate get noticed.

The tone and style of your cover letter will say almost as much to a potential employer as the content of the letter itself. The appropriate style can vary rather greatly based on the circumstance under which a letter will be sent out. Cover letters that are unsolicited, for example, will generally follow the style of a letter of inquiry. When a position is posted, a standard job application cover letter is generally suitable. Other styles include thank you letters that serve to follow up a conversation or interview, an acceptance letter or declination letter. Selecting among cover letter styles for the appropriate format is important to send potential employers the right message.

Interview Tips

Interview Tip #1: Do your homework.

We're impressed when candidates have taken the time to do some research and learn about us. Since you are here on this site, you obviously find value in this too. Take a look around and learn as much as you can. Being prepared will also minimize your anxiety.

Tip #2: Make an impact.

Dress for the occasion. The rule is, when in doubt, overdress. Recent trends have dictated business-casual attire, but it's still appropriate to wear a business suit. If you mean business, show us. And remember…it's not always what you say, but how you present yourself that makes an impression. Be sure to shake hands firmly and maintain eye contact. During the interview, sit up and stay focused. If your mind starts to wander, it shows.

Tip #3: Be confident.

Composure in the business world is crucial. And an interview is a good measurement of how you handle pressure. You don't want to appear too nervous. At the same time, don't be too relaxed. Maintain an appropriate level of professionalism without being unapproachable. The best advice is to be yourself. You're an outgoing, likeable person. Let that come through in your interview. We're looking for individuals who will thrive in our team-based environment.

Tip #4: Ask questions.

When you want to learn more about who we are and what we do, it lets us know you're interested. Depending on what you ask, it may also prove you've done your homework. Before the interview, make sure you've prepared a list of questions that we may not have addressed.

Tip #5: Sell yourself.

Your qualifications got you in the door. Make sure you can speak confidently about any experiences you've had in the workplace and in the classroom. Specific examples of how you've contributed to an organization or learned something exciting are of interest to us. We see potential in you, so be sure to sell yourself by promoting your skills and abilities.

Tip #6: Get clarification.

If you don't understand a question, don't hesitate...ask us to repeat it. You have a better shot at giving your best answer if you know exactly what we're asking.

Tip #7: Follow up.

It's good etiquette to thank interviewers for their time. Make sure you get a business card from the person or people that you meet with and send a letter to each one as soon as possible after the interview. This will also let us know that you liked what you heard and you want us to keep you in mind.