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SECTION A

Q.1 How does communication help in improving the


productivity in an organization?
Communication can be a tricky concept to master within an organization, particularly
one with complex levels and multiple issues. When all parts of your organization
communicate smoothly, it can improve workflow and overall productivity. By making an
effort to improve your communication processes, you can build a stronger company that
will have staying power in the market.

Employee Trust

Clear, open communication can create a sense of transparency in your organization,


which builds trust between levels of employees. Where keeping employees in the dark
can result in resentments, tension, and a feeling of low job security, strong
communication can help them feel valued and trusted. Open communication can reduce
feelings of uncertainty and cluelessness about the state of the company, which makes
for a more-positive work environment and staff who feel secure and safe.

Relationships

Communication is essential to building relationships between staff members and


between levels of employees, both on a professional and social level. An atmosphere of
open communication makes it safe for employees to express their ideas; as a result,
you will have the benefit of your staff's combined experience in coming up with
innovative solutions. Communication prevents employees from feeling isolated, builds
teamwork, and creates a more collegial atmosphere in the office. When relationships
are strong, employees are better able to trust one another and work together more
effectively.

Clarity

In an organization, confusion and ambiguity can create negative feelings and a tense
atmosphere. By making roles and responsibilities clear to everyone on staff, you can
give your employees the information they need to get their jobs done; this is
particularly important when your employees are dispersed or come from different
backgrounds. Communication reduces misunderstandings and cuts the costs associated
with mistakes.
Collaboration

Communication can help your employees collaborate effectively, which will make for a
more-productive team overall. When you have multiple departments who are working
on different facets of the same project, communication can streamline the process and
improve the end result. When your staff talks openly to each other, they can
communicate potential issues, requirements and feedback that can make the result
stronger. Communication can ensure that everyone is on the same page and prevent
problems down the road

Clear Expectations

Effective communications help to establish clear expectations for employees and, perhaps
surprisingly, for customers as well. For employees, clear expectations will convey how their
performance will impact the company and give them an indication of what they need to do to achieve
positive feedback. For customers, clear communication can help manage their expectations about
service issues or even about how best to interact with the organization.

Ideas and Innovation

Open channels of communication can lead to new ideas and innovation in a number of areas.
Employees that understand what's important to their companies can focus on making improvements
and spotting opportunities for innovation that can help further success. When employees know their
ideas will be sought after, that company leaders will have open minds and be responsive to their
feedback, they're more likely to contribute their ideas. Customers also can be a source of great ideas
to help improve products and services.

Q2. Give 5 ways in which you can make presentations more


effective. What is the importance of audio visual aids in
making effective presentations?
 Do not read from your slides. The content of your slides is for the audience, not for the
presenter.
 Practice with someone who has never seen your presentation. Ask them for honest feedback
about colors, content, and any effects or graphical images you’ve included.
 Limit the number of slides. Presenters who constantly “flip” to the next slide are likely to lose
their audience. A good rule of thumb is one slide per minute.
 Limit the number of slides. Presenters who constantly “flip” to the next slide are likely to lose
their audience. A good rule of thumb is one slide per minute.
 Simplify and limit the number of words on each screen. Use key phrases and include only
essential information.
 Always use fonts that are 24 point or larger.

Visual aids include overhead transparencies, flipcharts, slides, handouts, white boards, and
blackboards.
Audio aids include cassette tapes and compact discs.
Audiovisual aids include videotapes, films, and computer multimedia.
Q3. What is the difference between a CV, resume and bio-
data? What needs to be focused on while writing a resume?
RESUME

Resume is a French word meaning “summary”. A resume is ideally a summary


of one’s education, skills and employment when applying for a new job. A
resume does not list out all details of a profile, but only some specific skills
customized to the target job profile. It thus, is usually 1 or at the max 2 pages
long. A resume is usually written in the third person to give it an objective and
formal tone.

Structure: A good resume would start with a Brief Profile of the candidate,
Summary of Qualifications, followed by Industry Expertise and then Professional
Experience in reverse chronological order. Focus is on the most recent
experiences (with responsibilities and accomplishments), and previous
experiences are only presented as a summary. This would be followed by
Education details and/or Professional Affiliations and/or Voluntary Initiatives.

C.V. – CURRICULUM VITAE

Curriculum Vitae is a Latin word meaning “course of life”. It is more detailed


than a resume, generally 2 to 3 pages, or even longer as per the requirement. A
C.V. lists out every skill, all the jobs and positions held, degrees, professional
affiliations the applicant has acquired, and in chronological order. A C.V. is used
to highlight the general talent of the candidate rather than specific skills for a
specific position.

BIO-DATA
Bio Data is the short form for Biographical Data and is an archaic terminology
for Resume or C.V. In a bio data, the focus is on personal particulars like date of
birth, gender, religion, race, nationality, residence, marital status, and the like. A
chronological listing of education and experience comes after that.

To summarize

– A resume would be ideally suited when experience people apply for specific
positions where certain specific skills  are more important than education.
– A C.V., on the other hand should be the preferred option for fresh graduates or
people looking for a career change. It could also be used by people applying for
academic positions.

– The term bio-data is mostly used in India when people apply for government
jobs, or for research grants where one has to submit descriptive essays. Bio
Datas are not common in the international markets where personal information
like age, gender, religion are not required to be submitted by candidates.

Q3. What is the difference between a CV, resume and bio-


data? What needs to be focused on while writing a resume?
RESUME

Resume means "SUMMARY" in which one document background and skillset details for an employment.
A simple resume may not longer than two or three pages of size A4.  A good Resume may contain
academic and professional qualifications, professional and voluntary
experiences,achievements,acomplishments etc.  Most applicants just highlight the experiences and the
skillsets with project works in the resume. There are generally two types of resume 
(i) Reverse chronological resume, the work experience is sorted chronologically on basis of number of
years served in an organization. And 
(ii) Functional resume, the main focus is given on the require skill sets for an organization. 
Resume is more applicable for middle and senior level job where experiences and skill sets get more
preference than acedemic qualifications.

CV (CURRICULUM VITAE)

CV means "course of life" i.e; the course of one's life.  A curriculum vitae is more specifically focused on
academic achievements than resume.  CV's are longer than resume as it more emphasis on
completeness of one details. A CV documents career objective,educational and academic
details,technical skilsets,strengths and weaknesses,academic honours and awards etc.  A curriculum
vitae should always be accompanied by a cover letter. A CV is preferred option for fresh graduates,
people looking for a career change, and those applying for academic positions.

BIODATA

Biodata means "Biographical data" is defined as one's life and work experiences. The main focus on
personal attributes like date of birth, religion, sex, race, nationality, PAN, passport, permanent and
temporary residence, martial status, hobbies, height, weight, hair/skin/eye color, and a photo etc.  One
can not expect to predict all future behaviours from Biographical information, but it helps in individual
selection in that it can give an image of most likely future behaviours based on an individual’s prior
learning history.  Biodata is generally used in south asia like India,Pakisatan,Bangladesh etc.  In India
biodata is used for defence jobs,government jobs, or when applying for research grants etc.
 

Your resume is a mirror of what your career has been like and what you can
offer in terms of professionalism to your prospective employer. But a CV full of
typos, errors and cluttered information doesn't create a good impression. Here
are some useful tips to keep in mind while writing your resume:
Avoid typos
No one is going to give your resume a second glance if you write sentences
like 'I'm a carrier-oriented person' and 'I'm a graduate form ...'. "Typos on a job
application can kill your prospective of landing a job," says Meera Nair, a
senior HR manager. "A sloppy resume means the applicant will do a sloppy
job. Typos and spelling errors are not justifiable on a resume. A CV gives a
first-hand account of a job seeker's capabilities and experience. If he can't pay
attention to something as important as his resume, why should I believe he
would treat my business with care?" she asks.

Avoid confusing objectives and common phrases


According to Vishwajit H, talent manager at an employment site, "'Seeking a
challenging position' and 'want to grow professionally' are objectives for you.
But what do you have to offer to the company? Your skills must bring him
profit, and that's what you must stress on." Also avoid cliched phrases like
'proven track record', 'excellent communication skills', 'work well under
pressure', and 'result-oriented'.

Avoid exaggerating
You might be tempted to exaggerate, or even lie, about your past. But
remember that employers have tools to verify what's written on the resume.
"We always do background checks, track a person on social media and call
for references before employing someone," states Vishwajit.

Restrict your resume to minimum number of pages


Recommended By Colombia

There's nothing called an ideal length to a resume; as long as it justifies your


qualification and experience, and doesn't put your prospective employer to
sleep, it's fine. "But then, it's suggested that you limit yourself to a maximum of
two pages. No one has the time to read an epic. Try to accommodate your
qualification, past experiences, your skills and what value you can add to the
company in two, or in rare cases, three pages. But also make sure you don't
miss out on important information in a bid to keep your resume short," advises
Meera.
Keep the format simple

Forget fancy, colourful and multiple fonts and jarring text sizes. Also forget
centre alignment for texts and random bolding and italising of copy. "The idea
is to keep the format simple, readable and visually appealing. Trying to
beautify the resume will only give the readers a headache," warns Akanksha
Shah, a HR professional.
TOP COMMENT
never forget to hint that you are ready to sleep around for promotions🤣Dr Bang

Do not copy another person's resume

The easy way out for most youngsters these days is to model their resume on
their friend's or their peers'. "A resume is personal; it's about what you've
achieved. Why would you copy another person's and replace few words and
basic details?" asks Meera. She adds, "Even if you can only come up with a
one-pager, let it be original."

Q4 What are the skill sets that employers are looking for in a
candidate? How would you write them in your resume?
. Analytical

Employees need to be able to figure things out, so you will need to have some analytic
skills to succeed in the workplace.

The skills you need and the level of skills required will vary depending on the job and the
industry. In conjunction with being able to analyze, employees are expected to be able to
organize, plan and prioritize effectively.

 List of Analytical Skills


2. Communication

The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, is essential, no


matter what job you have or industry you work in.

You will need to be able to communicate effectively with employees, managers,


and customers in-person, online, in writing and/or on the phone.

 Top 10 Communication Skills


 List of Communication Skills
 Verbal Communication Skills
 Nonverbal Communication Skills

3. Interpersonal

Interpersonal skills, also known as people skills, are the skills you use to interact and
engage with people. I just heard about someone who was hired because of his ability to
connect with people. That trumped the other skills the employer was seeking, so be sure
yours are up to par. Your interpersonal skills will be evaluated during your job
interviews, so it's important to prepare for the interview so you are as comfortable and
confident as possible when interviewing.

 List of Interpersonal Skills


 List of Collaboration Skills
 List of Soft Skills

4. Leadership

When companies hire for leadership roles they seek employees who can successfully
interact with employees, colleagues, clients and others. Even if you're not applying for
management jobs, leadership is a valuable skill to bring to the employer.

 Top 10 Leadership Skills


 List of Leadership Skills

5. Positive Attitude

Attitude might not be everything, but it’s extremely valuable.


Employers want employees who are positive, even in stressful and challenging
circumstances. They want to hire applicants with a “can do” attitude, who are flexible,
dedicated and who are willing to contribute extra, if necessary, to get the job done.

6. Teamwork

Regardless of the job, employers want to hire people who are team players who are
cooperative and work well with others. They don’t want employees who are difficult to
work with. When you are interviewing be sure to share examples of how you worked
well on a team.

 List of Teamwork Skills


 List of Team Building Skills

7. Technical

The technical skills you need will vary, of course, depending on the job. However, most
positions require at least some technical skills.

Q5. What are the various kinds of correspondence that can


be sent to you employer after interview?
The job market is fraught with competition and landing a coveted job can sometimes be difficult. Creating
an impressive resume to grab the attention of your prospective employer is just the beginning. However,
with a lot of formalities and procedures underway, it might take some time for the “you’re hired” letter to
find its way into your hands.

But this does not mean you can just sit back after an interview and wait for the organization to reach out
to you. Sometimes a friendly reminder actually prove beneficial. Sending an email would suffice. But, you
should know when to send an email and what to write in it. A badly written or timed email can botch your
chances of getting your hands on that much-coveted job.

Take a look at the different follow-up emails that you can send after a job interview.

1. Email after a phone interview

With a lot of applicants submitting their resume for a job, many organizations tend to conduct phone
interviews to zoom in on the best of the bunch. However, you can't just wait for the recruiter to give you a
call for the follow-up interview. You should send him an email that would be a reminder that you’re
interested in the position. In this email, you can mention the various projects that you may have worked
on in the past.

For example:

Thank you so much for talking with me today and telling me about your experience of working with the
company. Getting a chance to work with such a great team would surely be a major learning experience
and I would really appreciate the chance. I am attaching my resume and a cover letter with this email.
You can also find attached a project that I developed while working for my previous firm.

2. Email after an interview

You got a chance to attend the interview and gave it your best shot. Now is the time to send a follow up
email after the interview, which is not only an appreciation for the chance but also a subtle reminder that
you are a great candidate for the position.

For example:

Thank you so for taking the time to interview me today. My time getting to know the team was great and it
gave me an insight into the kind of people I would be working with. I truly believe my skills and insights
could add a lot to your team and together we could help the company surpass its goals.

3. Email after second interview

Sometimes at the end of the interview, recruiters are presented with a tough choice from a couple of
promising candidates. In such cases, they often invite them for a second interview. In case this happens
to you, there is all the more reason to send a follow-up email.

For example:

Thank you for inviting me for a second round of interview. After the first round, I was extremely
enthusiastic about joining your firm. The second interview has reinstated the idea even more. The whole
package of working in such a great organization, under the leadership of experienced personnel and on a
highly responsible position, has enhanced my excitement. I look forward to being a part of your large
team and to work towards meeting the company goals.
 

4. Email in case of no response

The wait after the interview can sometimes seem never-ending. What if you don't hear anything from the
company for a long time? Well, just send an email reminding the recruiter that you are still interested in
the job.

For example:

It has been a few weeks since the interview and I look forward to hearing you from you regarding the
position. During the interview, you had mentioned that you are looking for a hardworking and enterprising
person who can improve your company's functions. I am sure that I have what it takes and am still
interested in the job. In case the job has been filled, please let me know. However, I just wanted to
reiterate my interest in the job. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.

5. Email asking for time to think on the offer

So, you have aced the interview, impressed the interview panel and finally got a job offer. Need some
time to think about it? Well, just send an email and ask for some time.

For example:

Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with your organization. It is exactly what I have been
aiming for. I would really appreciate if you gave me some time to think over your offer. I would like to
reiterate that I am honored for having been selected by your esteemed organization. I understand that
you too have time constraints. Is it okay if I get back to you next week?

6. Email to accept an offer

The coveted job has finally landed in your lap and you are totally impressed with the offer. All that you
need to do now is to accept it.

For example:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your organization. I am excited about your offer and
would like to accept the position. I look forward to working with such an outstanding team and contribute
to its success.

7. Email to decline an offer

In case you get a better offer than the one you already have at hand, take some time out and write an
email to decline the offer.

For example:

Thank you so much for the offer and an opportunity to work with your firm. However, I have decided to
accept another competitive offer. This was not an easy decision since talking with you and your team
members was a great experience. But I had to take this decision because [reason]. Thank you once again
for offering me this job.

The follow-up emails that you write after an interview should be extremely professional and precise. This
is what will make a positive impression on the recruiters and have them remember you for all the right
reasons.

Q2. 5 Do’s and Don'ts for an effective presentation

What’re the key factors of a killer presentation? Well-structured text, quality images
and public speaking skills, to name a few.  However, there are more tricks and detailes
in the presentation making process. Below is our ultimate cheat sheet of 10 dos and
don’ts for making your presentations persuasive and attention-grabbing.

1. Do think about your key message first, outline its supporting points and examples,
rehearse it loudly and time it. Only after these “procedures” should you start working
on your slides. Remember that presentation needs to stand by itself while the slides
are for spicing it up to provide some visual experience.
2. Do a 15-word summary. Can you sum up your idea in only 15 words? If not,
reformulate it and try again until you manage to encapsulate the whole presentation in
15 words. This is a helpful technique used by outstanding public speakers.

3. Do browse a user-friendly presentation platform. The choice of presentation


platforms is quite large nowadays. Just pick one of them, choose a template and create
your presentation slides for a few minutes at a low price or even free. 

4. Do put yourself in the listeners' shoes.  When crafting your speech for the
presentation, try to listen to it as if you are the audience. What piece of information is
important to them? What may be boring for listeners? Apply WIIFM (What’s In It For
Me) technique before finalizing your speech.

5. Do choose photos wisely. Use quality images that communicate the concept of your
presentation and aren’t compositionally complex. Ideally, photos should help convey
your message to the audience without diverting their focus from your speech.

6. Don’t stuff the slides with text. Otherwise, your audience’s attention will be split
between what you’re speaking and what they are reading. As a result,  effectiveness of
both your speech and slide text will only be weakened.

7. Don’t read! This is a golden rule for every public speaker. If you’re unable to


reproduce your speech without the cues, it shows you don’t fully understand the
message you’re conveying, which in its turn is a huge minus for your presentation. So,
don’t slack off and do your homework diligently preparing your speech.

8. Don’t plan body language. Be natural and relaxed with gestures. Their main
function is to extend your message and reveal the emotions behind the topic of your
presentation.  The audience intuitively feels deliberate gestures as they don’t match
your other bodily signals.

9. Don’t apologize. Don’t use apologies if you, say, don’t know an answer to a


question raised from the audience. It’s totally okay to not know answers to all the
questions. Also, don’t say “I’m sorry” for your nervousness. Remember, listeners
often can’t find out your anxiety until you declare about it loudly.

10. Don't overuse effects and transitions. No matter how enticing effects the most
presentation platforms offer, resist the temptation to use them for every other slide of
your presentation.  The practice shows that effects and transitions don't really enhance
the listeners' experience. However, if you're inclined to use them, choose the
most unobtrusive ones and keep it consistent.

Q4. Write an interview follow up letter thanking the


employer for the opportunity provided to you by him for the
job interview.
Consider sending an email. If time is of the essence, send your follow-up letter via
email, with your name and "thank you" in the subject line of the message.

Express your enthusiasm. Emphasize your enthusiasm for the job. This is your final
chance to tell the employer that you believe you are a good fit for the job.

Include anything you forgot. If you forgot to share an important related experience, or
some other valuable piece of information, this is a good place to do so. You might also
clarify anything from the interview if you feel you did not make a strong first impression
in the interview.

Edit, edit, edit. Whether you send the note by mail or by email, be sure to read through
the message carefully before sending it. You are still trying to make a strong impression,
so a professional, well written letter is key.

Sample Job Interview Follow-Up Thank You Letter

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code
Your Phone Number
Your Email

Date

Name
Title
Organization
Address
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to me about the Senior
Programmer Analyst position with XXX Company.
I appreciate your time and consideration in interviewing me for this position.

After speaking with you and the group, I believe that I would be a perfect candidate for
this position, offering the quick learning and adaptability that is needed for a diversified
position.

In addition to my enthusiasm for performing well, I would bring the technical and
analytical skills necessary to get the job done.

I am very interested in working for you and look forward to hearing from you once the
final decisions are made regarding this position. Please feel free to contact me at any time
if further information is needed. My cell phone number is (555) 111-1111.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Signature (hard copy letter)

Your Typed Name

Sample Job Interview Follow-Up Thank You Email

Subject Line: John Smith – Thank You

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

It was a pleasure meeting you the other day and discussing the teaching assistant position
at ABC Middle School. I really appreciate the time you took interviewing me for the
position.

I enjoyed meeting everyone on the sixth grade team, and getting to ask them questions
about the teaching assistant position. The more I spoke with you and the team, the more I
was convinced that my teaching experience and my passion for small-classroom learning
make me a strong candidate for this position.

I look forward to hearing from you next week regarding your final decision. Feel free to
reach out to me beforehand with any questions or concerns. Again, my phone number is
555-555-5555.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best,
John Smith

Q5. Write down your accomplishments/achievements for


your effective resume.
Resume Example with an Accomplishments Section

John Cornell
12345 Ghost St, Somewhere City, AR 77777
c: 554-112-3330 e: jcrn@georgemail.com

Dynamic entrepreneur who utilizes creativity, leadership, and teamwork to design and
execute solutions that create customer value. Effective communicator with ability to
create marketing materials that convey value for both clients and end users.

Additional Areas of Expertise

Client Relations ~ Process Improvement ~ Forecasting


Project Design & Management ~ Budget Planning & Development

Accomplishments

 Created an Internet Marketing Company that designs and manages websites for
independent contractors utilizing new search engine techniques to increase
customers
 Sold interests in start-up for 600% ROI in 1 year
 Developed and handled marketing campaigns and budgets for a variety of
businesses in different industries and markets
 Extensive experience handling a variety of different clientele through various
levels of communication, from independent agents, to college deans, to
independent contractors
 MBA graduate with emphasis in Marketing, Finance and Entrepreneurship
 CEO of Gotebo 20XX Business Plan Competition, Honorable Mention at the Big 42
Competition, business plan became company later that year

EXPERIENCE

Sacks Media, North, OK (20XX - Present)


Partner / Co-Founder

 Handle all marketing and advertising budgets for internet media start-up
 Design all marketing and advertising material for Sagax and various spin-offs
(cityelectrician.com)
 Coordinate efforts with Sack’s 2 other operating partners on all projects and
planning
 Design websites for usage and feel, limited programming duties

Gotebo University, Registrar’s Office, Gotebo, TX (20XX – 20XX)


Senior Office Assistant/Student Worker

 Responsible for all Registrar publications, editing, formatting and budgeting,


including University Course Catalog, a full compilation of colleges, degrees, and
courses provided by the university
 Coordinated with deans, department heads, faculty, and other academic
personnel in scheduling all university classes, optimizing time, space, and
instructional needs of faculty and students

 Initiated classroom directory, allowing faculty and students to view classroom


setup and location
 Proposed and presented technological advancements for Registrar’s office to
Faculty Council and other committees to improve information transfer between
departments and registrar

Cottontale Financial, Ltd., Maysaw, AK (20XX - 20XX) 


Corporate Trainer/ Operations Support Staff

 Responsible for all aspects of in-store employment (hiring, training, coaching, and
termination)
 Provided customer/store support, involving problem solving, procedural changes,
and corrections
 Analyzed and rewrote procedures/training manuals to improve efficiency and
customer service
 Designed flexible training program for in-store employees for technical and non-
technical users

Paradise Lost Group, Gotebo, TX (20XX – 20XX) 


Marketing Coordinator

 Coordinated all marketing efforts, including management of three field


representatives
 Served current and prospective clients in all aspects of marketing products,
including customer service issues, re-evaluating procedures, and identification
and acquisition of larger clients
 Used and maintained contact software to organize and manage over 500
independent agents
 Redesigned website to better serve contracted insurance agents
 Designed presentation materials to better display the value of our product vis-à-
vis competitors

EDUCATION

MBA, Gotebo University
BBA, University of Massachusetts

ACTIVITIES/INTERESTS

Gotebo MBA Club


CEO of 20XX Gotebo Business Plan Competition, Big 42 honorable mention
Member of Gotebo Alumni Association
Mass Marketing Club
Social Chair for Strong Hall (University of Mass, 20XX- 20XX)
Member of Mass Alumni Association
3-sport athlete, earned 10 varsity letters, 2-year Captain of Baseball and Basketball teams

B SECTION
Q1. Give 5 ways in which we can create first positive
impressions. Why is body language important in creating
positive impressions?
 It takes only three to five seconds for someone to form a first impression about you? And while you might wish that
opinion was based on your intelligence or experience, most studies show that first impressions are shaped by what
can be seen or heard in those initial few seconds.

One way to ensure a positive first impression is by managing your image. According to the Image Consulting
Business institute, image management is “a science and art that provides a framework, addressing all the elements –
clothing, grooming practices, body language, etiquette, and vocal communication.” Image management is important
for creating positive first impressions because it helps you:

 Control and enhance what others see/perceive


 Project trustworthiness
 Inspire confidence in your abilities
 Exude friendliness, approachability and likeability
 Open doors to opportunities

What does your current image say about you? Take a few minutes to think about how you come across to others and
jot down a few notes, then utilize the following five tips to determine ways you could change/improve your image to
inspire a more positive first impression.

Tip #1: Be mindful of how you appear to others. From head to toe, you want to be sure that you are portraying the
image that presents you in the best possible light. If you want people to view you as professional, ask yourself, “do
my clothing, jewelry, and makeup choice reflect my individual professionalism?” If not, consult with a personal stylist
for an updated style or sit down with a make-up artist to create a different look.

Tip #2: Be on time. Nothing shoots you down faster than being late for an initial appointment or meeting – even just
a minute or two. Always give yourself more than enough time, allowing for traffic delays or parking hassles. Always
be on time.

Tip #3: Role-play your verbal and nonverbal communication. Speak clearly, professionally, and at an appropriate
pace and volume level when meeting someone for the first time. Ask a friend to role-play and look for ways you can
modify your verbal communication to create an improved first impression. 

Tip #4: Evaluate your non-verbal communication.  Practice non-verbal communication, such as shaking hands
firmly and establishing good eye contact, to ensure you aren’t doing anything that could damage a good first
impression.

Tip #5: Examine your attitude. Your attitude shows through in everything you do. Project a positive attitude, even in
the face of criticism or if you’re feeling nervous. Strive to learn from your meeting and to contribute appropriately,
maintaining an upbeat manner and a smile.

In our everyday lives, the majority of our time is spent dealing with people, meaning we are
constantly communicating, whether we are aware of it or not. We send out unspoken signals
that other people interpret, and this can either help or hinder our success. This is why it is
important to always monitor body language.

SO HERE ARE 5 BODY LANGUAGE TIPS THAT CAN HELP SET


YOU UP FOR SUCCESS IN BUSINESS AND IN LIFE:
 

1. EYE CONTACT
Maintaining eye contact when you communicate with people is extremely important.
It tells the other person that you are interested and engaged in what they are saying.
It also conveys confidence and helps you to build trust.

2. FACIAL EXPRESSION
Your facial expressions support what you are you are saying, and they also express
how you feel about what you are hearing. Ensure that you present a friendly facial
expression with a smile when meeting new people. This will make the other person
and yourself feel more comfortable and at ease. A friendly expression also makes you
more approachable.

3. HANDSHAKE
The great thing about handshakes is that they are appropriate in many situations and
are considered a polite gesture. Ensure that your handshake is not too limp and also
not too firm. Handshakes also go hand-in-hand with appropriate physical contact.
Shaking hands brings two strangers closer together and is a great way to establish a
connection and create a welcoming first impression.

4. POSTURE
Before people meet you, they may see you walk into a room or find you sitting down.
What your posture is like in that situation already gives them an indication of what
type of person you are. Slumping and slouching may create the impression that you
are uninterested or lazy. So, sit or stand up straight, and keep your head up. This will
help you look confident.

5. GESTURES
The gestures you make while talking or listening can say a lot more about you than
you think. Sometimes your gestures can reveal the truth about how you truly feel
about something you are either saying or hearing. While using some gestures when
communicating is important and helps you look less rigid and more confident, beware
of gestures like fidgeting and tapping your feet, as these make you look nervous.
Other gestures to be aware of are crossing your arms and turning your body away from
the other person, which make you look closed off.

 
Body language is a powerful tool that can change how people see you and that can
affect your success in either a positive or negative way. Using good body language like
making eye contact, having good posture, and using your gestures the correct way can
help you in a variety of situations, such as job interviews, presentations, and making
friends. Good body language can be practised and mastered and can help you enjoy
great success in both your personal and professional life.

Q2. What are the 2 different types of resumes and their


characteristics? What are the principles of writing an
effective resume?

Chronological Resume

A chronological resume starts by listing your work history, with the most recent position
listed first. Below your most recent job, you list your other jobs in reverse chronological
order.

Employers typically prefer this type of resume because it's easy to see what jobs you have
held and when you have worked at them. This is the most common resume type.

This type of resume works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history. If you
are just starting your career, or if you are changing career fields, you might consider a
different resume type.

 Sample Chronological Resume

Functional Resume

A functional resume focuses on your skills and experience, rather than on


your chronological work history. Instead of having a “work history” section at the top of
your resume, you might have a “professional experience” or “accomplishments” section
that lists various skills that you have developed over the years.

A functional resume also sometimes includes a resume summary or headline at the top,


which details a person’s skills and achievements.

A functional resume might not include one’s employment history at all, or might have a
concise list of work history at the bottom of the resume.

Functional resumes are used most often by people who are changing careers or who have
gaps in their employment history.

It is also useful for people who are new to the workforce, have limited work experience,
or who have a gap in their employment. By highlighting skills rather than work history,
one can emphasize that he or she is qualified for the job.

Q3. What are the various types of interviews? What are the
things you will keep in mind a) preparing yourself for an
interview b) conducting yourself during an interview c) after
the job interview ?
  The Telephone Interview

Often companies request an initial telephone interview before inviting you in for
a face to face meeting in order to get a better understanding of the type of
candidate you are. The one benefit of this is that you can have your notes out in
front of you. You should do just as much preparation as you would for a face to
face interview, and remember that your first impression is vital. Some people are
better meeting in person than on the phone, so make sure that you speak
confidently, with good pace and try to answer all the questions that are asked.
 

The Face-to-Face Interview

This can be a meeting between you and one member of staff or even two
members.
 
The Panel Interview

These interviews involve a number of people sitting as a panel with one as


chairperson. This type of interview is popular within the public sector.
 

The Group Interview

Several candidates are present at this type of interview. You will be asked to
interact with each other by usually a group discussion. You might even be given
a task to do as a team, so make sure you speak up and give your opinion.
 

The Sequential Interview

These are several interviews in turn with a different interviewer each time.
Usually, each interviewer asks questions to test different sets of competencies.
However, if you are asked the same questions, just make sure you answer each
one as fully as the previous time.
 

The Lunch / Dinner Interview

This type of interview gives the employer a chance to assess your


communication and interpersonal skills as well as your table manners! So make
sure you order wisely (no spaghetti Bolognese) and make sure you don’t spill
your drink (non-alcoholic of course!).

All these types of interviews can take on different question formats, so once
you’ve checked with your potential employer which type of interview you’ll be
attending, get preparing!

 
Here’s a list of interview formats that you should prepare your answers for;
 

Competency Based Interviews

These are structured to reflect the competencies the employer is seeking for the
particular job. These will usually be detailed in the job spec so make sure you
read it through, and have your answers ready for questions such as “Give me an
example of a time you worked as a team to achieve a common goal.” For more
examples of competency based questions click here.
 

Formal / Informal Interviews

Some interviews may be very formal, others may be very informal and seem like
just a chat about your interests. However, it is important to remember that you
are still being assessed, and topics should be friendly and clean!
 

Portfolio Based Interviews

In the design / digital or communications industry it is likely that you will be


asked to take your portfolio along or show it online. Make sure all your work is
up to date without too little or too much. Make sure that your images if in print
are big enough for the interviewer to see properly, and always test your online
portfolio on all Internet browsers before turning up.
 

The Second Interview


You’ve past the first interview and you’ve had the call to arrange the second. Congratulations! But what
else is there to prepare for? You did as much as you could for the first interview! Now is the time to look
back and review. You maybe asked the same questions you were asked before, so review them and
brush up your answers. Review your research about the company; take a look at the ‘About Us’ section
on their website, get to know their client base, search the latest news on the company and find out what
the company is talking about.

a)
General Interview Preparation

Here’s a list of questions that you should consider your answers for when
preparing…

• Why do you want this job?


• Why are you the best person for the job?
• What relevant experience do you have?
• Why are you interested in working for this company?
• What can you contribute to this company?
• What do you know about this company?
• What challenges are you looking for in a position?
• Why do you want to work for this company?
• Why should we hire you?
• What are your salary requirements?

7-Step Interview Prep Plan


1. Research the organization.
This will help you answer questions — and stand out from less-prepared candidates.

 Seek background information. 


o Use tools like Vault, CareerSearch or The Riley Guide for an overview of
the organization and its industry profile.
o Visit the organization’s website to ensure that you understand the breadth
of what they do.
o Review the organization's background and mission statement.
o Assess their products, services and client-base.
o Read recent press releases for insight on projected growth and stability.
 Get perspective. Review trade or business publications. Seek perspective and a
glimpse into their industry standing.
 Develop a question list. Prepare to ask about the organization or position
based on your research.

2. Compare your skills and qualifications to the job requirements.


 Analyze the job description. Outline the knowledge, skills and abilities
required.
 Examine the hierarchy. Determine where the position fits within the
organization.
 Look side-by-side. Compare what the employer is seeking to your
qualifications.

3. Prepare responses.
Most interviews involve a combination of resume-based, behavioral and case questions.
We encourage you to meet with us to practice telling your story in the best possible
way.

4. Plan what to wear.


 Go neutral. Conservative business attire, such as a neutral-colored suit and
professional shoes, is best.
 Err formal. If instructed to dress “business casual,” use good judgment.
 Plug in that iron. Make sure your clothes are neat and wrinkle-free.
 Dress to impress. Be sure that your overall appearance is neat and clean.
5. Plan what to bring.
 Extra copies of your resume on quality paper
 A notepad or professional binder and pen
 A list of references
 Information you might need to complete an application
 A portfolio with samples of your work, if relevant

6. Pay attention to non-verbal communication.


 Be mindful. Nonverbal communication speaks volumes. 
 Start ahead. Remember that waiting room behaviors may be reported.
 Project confidence. Smile, establish eye contact and use a firm handshake.
 Posture counts. Sit up straight yet comfortably. Be aware of nervous gestures
such as foot-tapping.
 Be attentive.  Don't stare, but maintain good eye contact, while addressing all
aspects of an interviewer's questions.
 Respect their space. Do not place anything on their desk.
 Manage reactions. Facial expressions provide clues to your feelings. Manage
how you react, and project a positive image.

7. Follow up.
Many interviews end with “Do you have any questions?” 

 Bring a list. You may say, “In preparing for today's meeting, I took some time
to jot down a few questions. Please allow me to review my notes.” 
 Be strategic. Cover information not discussed or clarify a previous topic — do
not ask for information that can be found on the organization’s website.
o In your opinion, what makes this organization a great place to work?
o What do you consider the most important criteria for success in this job?
o Tell me about the organization’s culture.
o How will my performance be evaluated?
o What are the opportunities for advancement?
o What are the next steps in the hiring process?

b) During Interview

Arrive on time

It is paramount you arrive for a job interview on time. You should estimate how long the journey is going
to take and add on at least half an hour (maybe even an hour). If you arrive early you can grab a coffee
or go for a walk, but don’t arrive late.
Dress appropriately

The way you dress for an interview is very important; it says a lot about your status and your
expectations. You do not have to attend all job interviews in a suit or a shirt and tie, although some
businesses do expect this, but you do have to present yourself well. Peopleplus (Pty) Limited | Career
Guidance Information 2 If you are not sure about the dress code you could telephone the person
performing the interview to ask, or you could pay a visit to the premises (stand outside at lunch time) to
see what type of clothes the current employees are wearing.

Give a firm handshake and make eye contact

Your entry into the interview room is also very important as this is the time when a first impression is
made. You may be brought to the interview room by somebody who is not involved with the interview
process or you may be collected by the person doing the interview and then lead to the interview room.
Generally, the person performing the interview will introduce themselves by name and offer their hand
for a hand shake. You should reciprocate by firmly shaking hands, making eye contact and offering an
appropriate salutation. If you are collected by a member of staff and lead to an interview room you
should consider this part of the interview and display appropriate respect. Interviewers will often talk to
other people the candidate has met whilst on the premises, this helps to give an overall assessment of
their suitability.

Speak clearly, don’t waffle

During the interview you should always speak clearly and confidently, but don’t waffle (unless the job
requires it!). Try to realise when you have said enough to answer the question and then say no more. If
you talk too much you could put off your interviewer, but at the same time, if you say too little, you may
not endear yourself to the interviewer enough.

Keep eye contact

Always try to keep eye contact with the person you are talking to. If there are a few people holding the
interview you should make eye contact with each one, even if it is only for a few seconds at a time.
Looking around the room at doors, windows or other furniture will not create a good impression. Eye
contact instills confidence, trust and develops a relationship.

Ask questions

Usually, at the end of a job interview you are asked if you have any questions. It is always advisable to
ask a few questions at this time as it displays your interest in the position. The best type of questions
focus on the business and the position you have applied for, not the salary being offered, benefits and
holiday entitlement. Ask about the software the company uses, the scope for promotion, the managerial
structure, the initial and subsequent training, the plans for the future, how the company will grow etc.

c) after interview
The Thank-You Note

On this point, everyone agreed: A thank-you note is a must. Most of the pros
recommended you send one via email within 24 hours of the interview. Several
suggested a handwritten card as a supplement when a personal or creative touch
might be especially valued.

(MORE: 10 Job Interview Questions You Should Ask)

But if you really want to stand out, you need to do more than just say “thanks for
your time.” The experts suggested these techniques to make your thank-you note
shine:

Reference an article of interest. Include in the note a relevant article, link or


book recommendation relating to a topic that was discussed during the interview.
It’s a value-add for the interviewer and will reinforce your industry expertise.

To really make an impact, Jene Kapela, a South Florida-based leadership coach,


says you should write a blog post on a topic discussed during the interview and
then share the link to the post in your thank-you note.

Include supporting documentation that illustrates your ability to do


the job. You don’t want to overwhelm the interviewer, but adding one or two
carefully-curated examples of your work (non-confidential work samples, press
mentions, etc.) can be a smart way to show off your expertise.

“It helps show you are the real deal,” says Tyson J. Spring, head of New Business
& Strategy for EleverProfessional, an Austin, Texas recruiting firm.

(MORE: How to Be Fabulous In a Job Interview)

Provide a follow-up response to one of the key interview


questions. Ever draw a blank or give a less than stellar response during a job
interview? Use your note to modify, correct or amplify one of your responses.

Don’t be a stalker. While you’re understandably anxious, that doesn’t give you


license to pester the employer.

Debra Manente, associate director of Career Services at Post University in


Waterbury, Conn., says you should call the recruiter or hiring manager to follow
up at their recommended time (leave a message if you don’t reach them). But if
you haven’t heard back after two calls, “take it as a sign to move on,” she says.
And speaking of stalking, most of the pros advised holding off on
sending LinkedIn invitations to the people who interviewed you until after the
hiring process has ended.

Immediately begin prepping for the next round of interviews. You


never know when you’ll be asked to come in for a Round 2, so you’ll want to be
good to go at a moment’s notice.

Joe Weinlick, vice president of marketing for the online job board
network, Beyond.com, recommends that you “dig deep to find interesting pieces
of information that most people can’t find on the company’s website. It could be
about an award-winning project, a milestone in the company’s history or a recent
initiative. If you take this information and casually work it into the conversation
in a follow-up interview, it will leave a positive lasting impression and increase
your chances of getting the job.”

Call in a favor. Have an influential contact who knows the hiring manager or


recruiter you met with? Now might be the time to ask that person to lend a hand.

If You Don’t Get the Job

Should you lose out for a position you interviewed for, accept
rejection in a professional manner. Sure it hurts to hear “No.” But if you
handle the rejection professionally, you might be considered for a future job at
the same employer.

Stay in touch. You never know when an employer might have another


opening or will hear of an opening and recommend you, so remain in
contact after losing out. You might use LinkedIn to send an article or
to reach out with a helpful suggestion.

Q4. Describe the role of social media in seeking a desirable career?


How can social media help the built environment professionals in
career development?

 
Social media and networking sites can be used for careers research, job
seeking and to market yourself to future employers as well as sorting out
your social life – something that many students and graduates are
surprisingly unaware of.  In a recent survey by SHL, less than 40% of
graduates said they would consider marketing themselves to
recruiters online. This means that the other 60% are missing the
opportunity to present themselves in a positive light and use social media to
help them get a job

There are different sites for professional networking and for social


networking – your Facebook profile may not present you to employers in
the best possible light!

According to a study by CareerBuilder.co.uk 55% of employers who


researched job applicants on social media claim they found something that
caused them not to hire the applicant. The research found that 48% of
recruiters currently use social networking sites to glean information on
potential job candidates. 50% of recruiters used search engines to research
potential job candidates. 45% of recruiters said drink and drug habits had
put candidates in a negative light while 39% had rejected applicants who
said bad things about previous employers and employees. 38% were put off
by inappropriate photographs, but a third of those surveyed claimed they
had also found content that made them more likely to hire job seekers. You
need to take control of your web presence by limiting who can post to your
profile and monitor posts about you.

A survey by Konetic found that 80% of HR teams use social media for


sourcing new staff but 78% think that using social media for this is a big
challenge as there are few mobile-friendly careers websites available: only
35% have a mobile-friendly website devoted to jobs and careers. Paul Finch,
managing director of Konetic
says: “Increasingly digital natives expect to
One major retailer looks at
be contacted by text and via social media
applicants’ Facebook and
and to browse for jobs on their mobiles”.
Twitter accounts and one
person who was going to be
Having said that, you can’t
successful following his
ignore Facebook for job-seeking - many
assessment centre was
employers do use it to promote their brand
rejected because he
and their graduate programmes and allow
commented on Twitter
potential candidates to network with
afterwards that, ‘He wasn’t
graduates and recruitment staff. This
sure if he wanted the bloody
information can help you to pick up useful
job after all’.
tips on the company and the recruitment
process and to come over as a well-informed
candidate so it is well worth making use of.

Stories of recruiters checking out potential candidates via Facebook are


largely exaggerated (most recruiters don’t have the time or staff to do this!)
but it does happen, so set your privacy settings to the highest possible
level and make sure your profile picture is one that you would be happy
for a future employer to see!

Also try Googling your name both on the web and for images to make sure
that nothing inappropriate shows up.
A survey by Right
Management found 94% of job
candidates reported LinkedIn
was their top social media site
for job hunting, while two thirds
LinkedIn of hiring managers chose
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com is LinkedIn as their top social
a business-oriented social media site for sourcing
networking site with over 90 million candidates.
members worldwide. It provides
opportunities to network online with In addition to LinkedIn, job
professionals from all kinds of different searchers were more likely to
employment sectors: there are also use Google+ than Twitter,
groups for different regions and although Generation X
institutions such as universities (including candidates ranked Facebook,
one for Kent alumni). Google links Google+ and Twitter about
quickly to LinkedIn and tends to list them evenly.
towards the top of search results, making
a LinkedIn page a valuable tool. Make “The increased use of
sure that your LinkedIn page sells you technology, especially advances
effectively - it should be a bit like an on- in social media related
line CV, and also allows you to mention technologies, has been
your career goals. It's a good idea to put relentless,” said Monika Morrow
your photo in your profile as apparently, at Right Management. “Social
people are more likely to connect to you media, for one thing, helps
if you have one. individuals reach out and build
their job search network. They
 LinkedIn Job Search can find people in targeted
Tips http://bit.ly/1ke9EZ6 companies and connect with
 Build your LinkedIn profile and those who can help.”
boost your career chances

Viadeo
Viadeo www.viadeo.com is a French-based site similar to LinkedIn.
Although it has fewer users overall it claims to be the number one site in
Europe for business networking and is expanding worldwide.

YouTube
YouTube www.youtube.com is not just about funny animals and music
videos – it is the second-largest search engine and a great way to find
advice from graduate recruiters on interviews or get insights into what it is
like working at different companies.
If you feel that you come over better in person than on an application form,
here is your chance to prove it: tell people about yourself and what you
can offer on a “video CV” like this one www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-
12194581
We want Google to be
the third half of your brain.

Sergey Brin Google Founder

Twitter Facebook defines who we are,


Twitter www.twitter.com As with Amazon defines what we want,
Facebook, graduate recruiters make and Google defines what we
extensive use of Twitter, giving out think.
information about their organisations as
well as actually posting job vacancies. Long time ago I used to have a
You don’t have to tweet yourself – you life, until someone told me to
can just follow companies or topics and create a Facebook account.
retweet. You can use your own tweets to
show your interest in a particular career: Are we searching the search
tweet about current affairs in the sector engines or are the search
you wish to work in. Your Twitter bio engines searching us? Instead
should include your degree and some of learning from one mind at a
relevant skills. time, the search engine learns
How Twitter can help you land a from the collective human mind
graduate job http://bit.ly/mtS112from all at once.
Reading University Students Union 
Twitter job From Turing's Cathedral by
hustle http://vimeo.com/25812909 George Dyson

Instagram
In the creative industries Instagram feeds are to some extent now replacing
CVs and portfolios. Successful Instagram portfolios may also include
information on your activities outside work as well as traditional material.
Creative directors now often use Instagram to vet candidates as they can
get a taste of your personality as well as your artistic skills.

Other Links

 How recruiters use social media to screen candidates


 Job hunters who Facebooked themselves out of their jobs
 The Talking CV www.victorpetit.fr/QR-CODE-Talking-Resume “I realized
during my previous job search that getting an interview at a communication
agency is the hardest part of the process. I tried to create a CV that would
enable me to express myself vocally as soon as they read the paper version.
The combination of a sheet of paper and a QR code felt like the best way to
reach that goal.”
 Google job experiment www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FRwCs99DWg "When
top advertising creative directors Googled themselves, they got a message
from me asking for a job."
Why content goes viral
Jonah Berger, a professor of
marketing at the University of
Pennsylvania has written a book
Blogs on why certain internet content
goes viral. Viral content tends to
These are another good way to get an
be characterised by a strong
insight into an organisation –
narrative which has a positive
major graduate recruiters often
outcome. Often the content is
encourage their graduate trainees,
bizarre: "Baby polar bear's
interns and placement students to
feeder dies" and may
blog about their experiences –
have social currency: it makes
although you need to be aware that
readers feel smart. You can find
these blogs will usually have been vetted
some unusual and successful
by the corporate communications
jobhunting strategies that went
department to make sure that the
viral on our Creative Jobhunting
blogger is presenting the right image!
page
“Unofficial” blogs can give an even more
valuable insight, although they may need to be taken with a pinch of salt.

To find useful blogs just Google the name of the company or career area you
are interested in, e.g. IBM+blog or barrister+blog.

Writing your own blog can demonstrate your writing skills, your


knowledge of a particular area and your enthusiasm to a wide audience. If
you can establish yourself as an online authority in your field, you'll be a
long way ahead of other online candidates. Your blog should demonstrate
your forward thinking, your passion for the industry and an insight into how
you work.

 Lots of articles to help bloggers www.affiliatehelp.info/category/blogging


 Seven Ways Blogging Can Improve Your
Employability www.ideasbynet.com/blog/7-ways-blogging-can-improve-
your-employability

Avoid Buzzwords!
Buzzwords make you sound like just another faceless candidate, a plastic
applicant with no real personality who just cuts and pstes from other
people's CVs. According to a survey by LinkedIn here are the top 10
overused buzzwords used in LinkedIn Profiles in the USA in 2010

1. Extensive experience
6. Proven track record
2. Innovative
7. Team player
3. Motivated
4. Results-oriented 8. Fast-paced
5. Dynamic 9. Problem solver
10. Entrepreneurial
 
In other countries extensive experience was most used in the USA,
Canada, Australia, dynamic was most common in Brazil, India,
Spain, motivated was the most common one in the UK whereas in
France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, innovativeruled the roost.

Personal Branding
A well developed online presence through blogging, social media and
networking can demonstrate that you have the desired skills and knowledge
without necessarily the hands on experience.

By developing their personal brand, students can independently:

 Increase their employability


 Protect their online privacy
 Show their passion and display their proactive nature
 Get noticed by potential employers
 Develop important relationships
 Establish a strong, professional social media presence

THINKING ABOUT LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB?


WHY NOT USE YOUR SOCIAL NETWORKS IN
YOUR JOB SEARCH?
Social is the new way in the field of job search and recruitment. It provides a
great way for people to connect and network easily. A successful job search
is also based on the same principle- meeting of candidates and companies
who match each other in what they have to offer each other. With the
pervasiveness of social media, and most people, organizations having social
media profiles, it is important for potential candidates such as yourselves to
utilize the power of social networking to the fullest.

WHY EMPLOYERS PREFER SOCIAL NETWORKING?

Social networking is also important from the employers’ point of view. As per
research, greater than 90% of employers are using social media for hiring.
They are using the social media profiles of candidates as selection factors in
their recruitment efforts. Therefore, it becomes more important for the
candidates themselves to brush up their social media and network.

WHY CANDIDATES SHOULD USE THE POWER OF SOCIAL!

Social networking provides numerous opportunities as compared to


traditional employment methods. Your social networking profile links you up
to hundreds of people (through your friends and beyond). Depending on the
scale of your social networking, you can build a great contact list, through
which you can keep yourself informed of new opportunities on the horizon.
Your friends would post or share opportunities through their friends, and thus
you can really get a lot of happening information at your fingertips. Social
networking helps students and future job-seekers at all levels.

The reality is that most job openings in real is found through word-of-mouth.
In these social media times, it is now being complemented by social
networking. If you have a strong network and you have friends who have
confidence in you and your abilities, you can easily get them to recommend
you for a post. They can also share information about openings in their
organization. A good and growing social network would allow you to get to
know about new and existing opportunities. There are groups related to
fields of interest, where you search through ads posted by other people.

HOW DOES SOCIAL NETWORKING HELP CANDIDATES?

Social networks provide an easy way of getting to know about employment


opportunities and trends in your field of interest. By following experts, you
can keep yourself informed of the things you need to do that can help you
climb up the ladder or position yourself for exciting openings. For example,
by liaising and interacting with such experts you can get an idea of the
requirements and expectations of potential employers.

As a genuine candidate, looking for reliable, quality and trustworthy


employers, you can also use social network profiles to get an idea about the
companies, their values, their activities, how they treat their customers and
what are the feedback of customers and clients about them; you can get to
know of strategic plans and determine if this is the kind of work that you can
fit in and do your best. Many companies also provide the links to their social
media profiles in their career page; you can contact them through social
media for employment opportunities. You can also get to know about
companies by connecting with their current and former employees also
through social networks.

Social networking is also very important with regard to your reputation as a


potential candidate for companies. Most companies now do go through their
applicants’ social profile where possible. How you present yourself to the
world, the attitudes you show, the style of communication, the kind of matter
you post, may significantly influence how a potential recruiter views you.
So manage your social media profilecarefully. Refrain from what can be
considered to be as “negative behaviour” which will lower your suitability
chances. On the positive side, an active and engaging social media profile
shows that you are not afraid of visibility or of communicating with diverse
variety of people; shows that you take an interest in the world around you
and keep yourself updated on events; you show that you are skilled at
communicating appropriately on a public forum; it gives you a high visibility.

Experts also say that it is not just important to be seen on social media, it is
important to develop a social media strategy which will help you leverage
the power of the medium effectively. Because recruiters may use the social
media profiles to get an idea of your character and your personality, it is
better to use strategies which will help you project a positive yet convincing
image of yourself.

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