How to win that job

1

• How to win that job!
• Presented by Kristy Porter
• Porter Consulting Group

2
Overview

• Introduction
• Resume preparation
• The job application process
• Getting through the interview
• How to sell yourself
• The way forward

3
Introduction

• Welcome to all ACS members.
• So, you want to get a job in I.T?
• Ask yourself
• Where do I start?
• What do I need to know?
• Who do I need to know?
• Preparation what preparation?
• Why isnt it easy? Cant I just apply online and
  turn up to my new job?

4
Its all about my degree

• Its NOT all about your degree or technical
  skills
• You must know yourself first
• What is your motivation?
• What are you most passionate about?
• How do you communicate? (Its not
• what you think either!)
• What are your career objectives?
• Where do you want to work?

5
Resume Preparation

• Employers recruiters view hundreds of resumes
  for jobs advertised.
• The presentation of your resume will make or
  break your chance of getting an interview.
• You need to learn how to sell yourself on paper
  first.
• How do you make yours stand out?

6
Resume DOs

• DO
• Make it relevant to what you are applying to.
• Keep it between 3 to 5 pages.
• Employment history in chronological order.
• Include a technical skills matrix.
• Keep font and size simplistic throughout.
• Clearly delineate sections in your resume.
• Keep language simple straightforward.
• Check double check the spelling grammar!
• Ask someone to proof read provide suggestions.

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Resume DONTS

• DONT
• Send your resume to hundreds of positions.
• Provide too many personal details.
• Include the names contact details of your
  referees.
• Embellish or exaggerate information on your
  resume (quals, memberships, position titles,
  salary, etc).
• Include too much technical jargon or acronyms.
• Ever criticise current or previous employers.
• Email resumes from work email addresses or
  inappropriately named personal ones.

8
Poor Resume Example

Summery

• A broad background Programming in C, C, C/
  JAVA/ASP in Microsoft DOT NET 2005/ other object
  oriented environment Experienced in PHP, LISP,
  COBOL, CLIPS, HTML/XML/X-Path/XSLT with Java/VB
  scripting and Flash. Well versed in Software
  (Engineering) Analysis, Design, Coding
  Testing/Debugging phases. Achieved in depth
  knowledge in web designing with HTML, PHP,
  FrontPage, Dream Weaver Attained ability to
  maintain web server with Apache. Comfortable with
  commercial programming, Artificial Intelligence
  Human Computer Interaction, Database designing,
  Data Communication Networking Working as a
  developer for ABC Computers software development
  department in Germany since one year Competency
  in all office software packages Microsoft word,
  Power point, Excel, Attained Bachelor in Applied
  Science (Computer Science) degree from RMIT
  University, Melbourne, Australia. Successful
  Finalist of the nationwide competition Higher
  Education Workplace Skills Olympiad (HEWSO),
  2004

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ExampleSkills Matrix

10
The job application process

• Where do I start?
• Online job boards are best place including
• www.seek.com.au
• www.jobserve.com.au (also known as JobNet)
• www.mycareer.com.au
• Graduates - apply direct find out graduate
  intake times and application process
• Specialist IT recruitment companies
• Individual company websites
• Research your ideal employer
• Tailor application to the position advertised
• Match your experience to their criteria

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The job application process

• Send a short cover letter with your resume.
• Discuss how you can add value to the organisation
  what can you offer?
• Attend an interview to present yourself as the
  best possible candidate for the job.
• Feedback follow up is important to continually
  revisit and improve your approach.
• Communicate! Return phone calls emails. Never
  not show for an interview without communication
  Perth is a small place!
• Keep track of your resume trail where is it
  being sent to and for what role(s)?

12
Getting through the interview

• Before
• Take extra care with your appearance
• and dress appropriately.
• Know the details! Exact address, names,
• position titles, time for arrival, etc.
• Preparation is the key! Research and know as
  much as possible about the company you will meet
  with.
• Be familiar with the contents of your resume.
• Have some questions prepared.

13
Getting through the interview

• During
• Be punctual dont arrive late or too early.
• Greet the interviewer(s) by shaking hands firmly.
• Be polite courteous throughout.
• Show your enthusiasm and interest for the role.
• Maintain eye contact throughout but not
  fixedly.
• Listen to questions carefully answer them
  providing examples where possible.
• Dont waffle or stray from a question ask for
  clarification if needed.
• They will be watching your total performance -
  body language, communication skills, appearance,
  ability to demonstrate and articulate your
  suitability.

14
Getting through the interview

• Closing
• Always thank the interviewer for their time
  shake hands upon leaving.
• If any aspect has impressed you, mention it
  briefly and let them know youre interested.
• Ask what the next step will be.
• If position is offered on the spot and you want
  it, accept it.
• If you need more time or have other positions to
  consider, be honest let them know.
• If you ask for more time, be tactful courteous
  set a timeframe for response - making sure you
  do.

15
Sell yourself!

• Put yourself out there!
• You need to stand out in a crowd.
• K.I.S.S. method dont overdo it.
• Communication skills are absolutely essential.
• Prepare for the interview dont wing it!
• Improve on your presentation.
• Be professional, polite and courteous at all
  times.
• Aim to impress be a gentleman / lady.
• Engage experts to assist as they can also sell
  you to prospective employers.

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The way forward

• Remember to learn from experience seek feedback
  where possible.
• Know yourself and where you are heading.
• Be confident but not too much. Humility also
  goes a long way.
• Theres no luck in landing your dream job
  just hard work and preparation.

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• Questions?