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About the Author
About the Author
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Contents
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Part
Part 2 2 / / Prepare Prepare 4747
Journal Notes
Journal Notes
Invent your Introduction
Invent your Introduction
First impressions are absolutely critical for interview success. The First impressions are absolutely critical for interview success. The friendly, relaxed and
friendly, relaxed and professionaprofessional.l.
On arrival On arrival
Upon arriving at the venue, approach the reception desk and Upon arriving at the venue, approach the reception desk and introduce yourself, your purpose and whom you are expecting to introduce yourself, your purpose and whom you are expecting to meet. For example:
meet. For example:
“Hello. My name is Jane Doe and I’m here for an interview with “Hello. My name is Jane Doe and I’m here for an interview with Carrie Loren”
Carrie Loren”
Once signed in, thank the receptionist and take a seat in the Once signed in, thank the receptionist and take a seat in the waitingwaiting area.
area.
Meeting the candidates Meeting the candidates
If you are attending an open day or
If you are attending an open day or group selection process wheregroup selection process where other candidates will be present, you
other candidates will be present, you will have many introductions towill have many introductions to contend with. These introductions are just as important as any other contend with. These introductions are just as important as any other and must not
and must not be underestimated.be underestimated.
Candidate introduct
Candidate introductions should be handled iions should be handled i n much the n much the same waysame way as any other, however, you may keep these slightly less formal if you as any other, however, you may keep these slightly less formal if you wish. As you
wish. As you approach the candidate(approach the candidate(s), smile and s), smile and make eye contact,make eye contact, then say hello and introduce yourself. In a one to one introduction, then say hello and introduce yourself. In a one to one introduction, offer a handshake if you so desire. In a group introduction, a offer a handshake if you so desire. In a group introduction, a handshake is unnecessary. If the
handshake is unnecessary. If the candidate(scandidate(s) responds positively to) responds positively to your approach, you may engage in
your approach, you may engage in further small talk.further small talk.
Meeting the recruiter(s) Meeting the recruiter(s)
straight, make eye contact and smile. Then, allow the recruiter to straight, make eye contact and smile. Then, allow the recruiter to initiate the
initiate the introduction and the handshake.introduction and the handshake.
»
» If they greet you by name, your response should be:If they greet you by name, your response should be:
“Hello Ms. Loren. It’s a pleasure to meet you”. “Hello Ms. Loren. It’s a pleasure to meet you”.
»
» If an introduction is needed, If an introduction is needed, simply say:simply say:
“I’m Jane Doe. It’s a pleasure to meet you” or “I’m Jane Doe. It’s a pleasure to meet you” or “Hello Ms. Loren. Pleased to meet you. I’m Jane Doe” “Hello Ms. Loren. Pleased to meet you. I’m Jane Doe”
At this stage, pleasantries may be initiated by the recruiter as a way At this stage, pleasantries may be initiated by the recruiter as a way
Impression Management
Impression Management
Warning
Warning
Take great care Take great care with candidate with candidate introductions, and read introductions, and read their body language on their body language on
they see you as
they see you as competition,competition, while others may need while others may need some alone time with their some alone time with their thoughts. If you feel any thoughts. If you feel any sense of displeasure from sense of displeasure from your approach, back off your approach, back off immediately. immediately.
4 488 PPaarrtt22//PPrreeppaarree PPaarrtt22//PPrreeppaarree 4499 Tonality Tonality to exercise control and awareness of our tonality throughout our to exercise control and awareness of our tonality throughout our interactions.
interactions.
» » PitchPitch
Pitch refers to the degree of highness and lowness in our voice. Pitch refers to the degree of highness and lowness in our voice. A variation in our
A variation in our pitch creates meaning, adds clarity and makespitch creates meaning, adds clarity and makes what we are saying more interesting. For instance: A rise in our what we are saying more interesting. For instance: A rise in our pitch suggests we are asking a
pitch suggests we are asking a question, which indicates doubt,question, which indicates doubt, uncertainty and hesitation. A fall in pitch i
uncertainty and hesitation. A fall in pitch i ndicates a statement,ndicates a statement, which further suggests certainty
which further suggests certainty and assurance.and assurance.
» » TempoTempo
Tempo refers to the speed of our voice. If we speak too slowly, Tempo refers to the speed of our voice. If we speak too slowly, we risk losing the interest and attention of our audience. If we we risk losing the interest and attention of our audience. If we maintain a pace which is fast enough to maintain interest, yet maintain a pace which is fast enough to maintain interest, yet slow enough to be clear.
slow enough to be clear.
» » VolumeVolume
volume suggests aggression, while a quiet volume indicates volume suggests aggression, while a quiet volume indicates the appropriate volume is to keep your voice loud enough to be the appropriate volume is to keep your voice loud enough to be heard, but soft enough to be clear. Modulation of volume can heard, but soft enough to be clear. Modulation of volume can also be introduced to keep the speech interesting and add extra also be introduced to keep the speech interesting and add extra emphasis.
emphasis.
»
» ArticulationArticulation
Articulation refers to our vocal clarity. Regardless of our pitch, Articulation refers to our vocal clarity. Regardless of our pitch, tempo, volume and accent, we need to make a conscious tempo, volume and accent, we need to make a conscious effort to enunciate clearly.
effort to enunciate clearly.
Body Language Body Language
The way we carry ourselves, the gestures we use and our facial The way we carry ourselves, the gestures we use and our facial expressions communicat
expressions communicate all e all sorts of messages, so learning sorts of messages, so learning to controlto control certain aspects of these can help us to convey the message of a certain aspects of these can help us to convey the message of a » » GesturesGestures relaxed, and are being honest and sincere. Therefore, to be relaxed, and are being honest and sincere. Therefore, to be
unfolded, your legs uncrossed and your palms open.
unfolded, your legs uncrossed and your palms open.
Consider your Communication
Consider your Communication
Because effective communication skills are essential for interview Because effective communication skills are essential for interview success, it is important to be mindful of how our communication is success, it is important to be mindful of how our communication is received. This means that we must consider not only the words we received. This means that we must consider not only the words we use, but also how our tonality and body language complement or use, but also how our tonality and body language complement or contradict those words.
contradict those words.
Consider the following communication guidelines: Consider the following communication guidelines:
Word Choice Word Choice
Words are important because they communicate and convey Words are important because they communicate and convey
our word choice can mean the difference between a powerful, our word choice can mean the difference between a powerful, and ineffective one. To create the desired response, consider the and ineffective one. To create the desired response, consider the following guidelines:
following guidelines:
»
» Action WordsAction Words
Action words are positive, powerful and directive, and should Action words are positive, powerful and directive, and should be used abundantly. Action words include: Communicated, be used abundantly. Action words include: Communicated, conveyed, directed, listened, persuaded, arranged, handled conveyed, directed, listened, persuaded, arranged, handled and improved.
and improved. A complete list of action verbs can be found on A complete list of action verbs can be found on page 101
page 101
»
» Filler WordsFiller Words
Anyways, you know how when you are, like,
Anyways, you know how when you are, like, really nervous, andreally nervous, and things that, kind of, make you sound, like,
things that, kind of, make you sound, like, kind of, unprofessionalkind of, unprofessional and maybe, like, inarticulate?
and maybe, like, inarticulate?
The useless and annoying verbal mannerisms used i
The useless and annoying verbal mannerisms used i n the aboven the above example “you know,” “like,” “in other
example “you know,” “like,” “in other words,” “kind of,” “ummm,”words,” “kind of,” “ummm,” and “anyways.” should be avoided at all costs. Besides sounding and “anyways.” should be avoided at all costs. Besides sounding unprofess
unprofessional, they ional, they also distract attention from the also distract attention from the message.message.
»
» Undermining WordsUndermining Words
Words and phrases such as ‘I think,’ ‘I hope,’ ‘maybe,’ ‘sort of,’ Words and phrases such as ‘I think,’ ‘I hope,’ ‘maybe,’ ‘sort of,’ ‘perhaps,’ ‘I guess,’ all undermine your message and credibility by ‘perhaps,’ ‘I guess,’ all undermine your message and credibility by creating the impression that you don’t
creating the impression that you don’t trust your own knowledgetrust your own knowledge or opinion. Eliminating these phrases will drastically improve the or opinion. Eliminating these phrases will drastically improve the quality of any message.
quality of any message.
»
»
an outside audience. Avoid these where possible, and stick to an outside audience. Avoid these where possible, and stick to simple, clear and coherent language.
simple, clear and coherent language.
7%
7%
Words
Words
38%
38%
Tonality
Tonality
55%
55%
Body Language
Body Language
The 1971 study, conducted by The 1971 study, conducted by Albert Mehrabian, suggests that Albert Mehrabian, suggests that
of our
of our overall communicationoverall communication,, while tonality accounts for a while tonality accounts for a
Caution
Caution
Because gestures are Because gestures are
to exercise caution when to exercise caution when around people from other around people from other cultures. cultures. Different meanings Different meanings may be unintentionally may be unintentionally conveyed, and can easily conveyed, and can easily lead to confusion and lead to confusion and misunderstanding. misunderstanding.
Recommended:
Recommended:
For those of you interested in voice For those of you interested in voice training, I highly recommend a training, I highly recommend a program by
program by Roger LoveRoger Love calledcalled ‘The Perfect Voice’. ‘The Perfect Voice’. Further information about this Further information about this program can be found at program can be found at www.rogerlove.com www.rogerlove.com
6 600 PPaarrtt22//PPrreeppaarree PPaarrtt22//PPrreeppaarree 6611
Ladies
Ladies
Suit Style
Suit Style
»»A well tailored suit in a wrinkle freeA well tailored suit in a wrinkle free
fabric will create a sophisticated and fabric will create a sophisticated and professional image.
professional image.
»
»Traditional colours, such as navy blue,Traditional colours, such as navy blue,
black and charcoal grey are the black and charcoal grey are the most formal and professional. most formal and professional.
»
»Solid colours or subtle patterns areSolid colours or subtle patterns are
acceptable choices. acceptable choices.
»
»A matching jacket will create aA matching jacket will create a
professional and neat look, and professional and neat look, and build
build credibilitycredibility..
Skirt, Dress or Trousers
Skirt, Dress or Trousers
Skirts and dresses provide a Skirts and dresses provide a more streamlined and feminine more streamlined and feminine appearance, however, a trouser appearance, however, a trouser suit is an
suit is an acceptabacceptable choice so youle choice so you should proceed with your personal should proceed with your personal preference.
preference.
Skirts and dresses must be a Skirts and dresses must be a conservative length that is no less than conservative length that is no less than knee length. knee length.
Hosiery
Hosiery
For a sophisticated look, tights For a sophisticated look, tights or stockings in a natural or stockings in a natural colour should be worn. colour should be worn.
Shoes
Shoes
Shoes should be clean and neat and Shoes should be clean and neat and in a style which complements the in a style which complements the Closed court shoes in a
Closed court shoes in a low to mediumlow to medium heel are safe choices.
heel are safe choices.
Blouse
Blouse
»
»Choose a good quality and conservativeChoose a good quality and conservative
blouse which has shoulders and sleeves. blouse which has shoulders and sleeves.
»
»Avoid low cut necklines and button up atAvoid low cut necklines and button up at
least two buttons up from the cleavage least two buttons up from the cleavage line.
line.
»
»Subtle Subtle patterns patterns are are generallygenerally
acceptable, but avoid horizontal acceptable, but avoid horizontal stripes.
stripes.
»
»Select a colour which complimentsSelect a colour which compliments
your suit. White and off white are your suit. White and off white are the most
the most conservative choices.conservative choices.
Gents
Gents
Suit Style
Suit Style
»
»A well tailored suit in aA well tailored suit in a
wrinkle free fabric will create wrinkle free fabric will create a sophisticated and professional a sophisticated and professional image.
image.
»
»Traditional colours, such as navy Traditional colours, such as navy blue,blue,
black and charcoal grey are the black and charcoal grey are the mostmost formal and
formal and professional.professional.
»
»Solid colours or subtle patterns areSolid colours or subtle patterns are
acceptable choices. acceptable choices.
»
»A matching jacket will create aA matching jacket will create a
professional and neat look, and build professional and neat look, and build credibility. credibility. » » fabric and the sleeves will allow the shirt fabric and the sleeves will allow the shirt cuffs to extend a 1/4 of an inch beyond cuffs to extend a 1/4 of an inch beyond the jacket cuffs when
the jacket cuffs when relaxed.relaxed.
Shirt
Shirt
»
»Choose a good quality 100%Choose a good quality 100%
cotton shirt which has long cotton shirt which has long sleeves.
sleeves.
»
»Subtle patterns are generallySubtle patterns are generally
acceptabl
acceptable, but e, but avoid horizontalavoid horizontal stripes.
stripes.
»
»Select Select a a colour colour whichwhich
compliments your suit and compliments your suit and contrasts your tie. White and contrasts your tie. White and blue are the most conservative blue are the most conservative choices.
choices.
»
»
buttoned down styles. buttoned down styles.
Tie
Tie
»
»Select a tie colour that is conservative andSelect a tie colour that is conservative and
a pattern that is subtle. Exuberant patterns or a pattern that is subtle. Exuberant patterns or character ties should be
character ties should be avoided.avoided.
»
»
a larger knot, such as the Pratt or a larger knot, such as the Pratt or Windsor.
Windsor.
»
»The optimum length of a tie is oneThe optimum length of a tie is one
which falls to the same level as the which falls to the same level as the belt buckle.
belt buckle.
»
»Tie bars and clips may be worn toTie bars and clips may be worn to
keep the tie in place. keep the tie in place.
Shoes
Shoes
Shoes should be clean and neat Shoes should be clean and neat and in a style and colour which and in a style and colour which complements the overall look complements the overall look
Socks
Socks
Socks should be dark and long Socks should be dark and long enough to cover skin when enough to cover skin when seated. Mid-calf length is ideal seated. Mid-calf length is ideal for this purpose.
for this purpose.
Belt
Belt
Your belt must feature a Your belt must feature a conservative buckle and the conservative buckle and the strap should coordinate with the strap should coordinate with the colour of your shoes. colour of your shoes.
Note
Note
Either the tie or shirt should have a Either the tie or shirt should have a
stronger pattern or stronger pattern or colour.colour.
6
622 PPaarrtt22//PPrreeppaarree PPaarrtt22//PPrreeppaarree 6633
Tend to your Grooming
Tend to your Grooming
»
» Hands & NailsHands & Nails
Ensure that your nails are clean,
Ensure that your nails are clean, neatly trimmed and reasonaneatly trimmed and reasonableble in length. Nail polish
in length. Nail polish should be conservative and match in colour.should be conservative and match in colour. Avoid charms, glitter and multicoloured polish.
Avoid charms, glitter and multicoloured polish.
»
» CosmeticsCosmetics
Use cosmetics to conceal blemishes and enhance your assets Use cosmetics to conceal blemishes and enhance your assets but avoid going over the top. Less is more in a formal interview but avoid going over the top. Less is more in a formal interview setting where a natural and polished look will be
setting where a natural and polished look will be appreciated.appreciated.
» » Hair Hair
Hair should be neat and well groomed, and outrageous colours Hair should be neat and well groomed, and outrageous colours or styles should be avoided. Frizzy or loose ends can appear or styles should be avoided. Frizzy or loose ends can appear
not to produce a
not to produce a slicked down appearance.slicked down appearance.
Male cabin crew are not normally permitted to have beards so a Male cabin crew are not normally permitted to have beards so a cleanly shaven or closely trimmed style is recommended. cleanly shaven or closely trimmed style is recommended.
Accessorize
Accessorize
»
» Perfume & ColognePerfume & Cologne
If you choose to wear perfume or cologne, select a light scent If you choose to wear perfume or cologne, select a light scent and wear it sparingly.
and wear it sparingly.
» » JewelleryJewellery
Keep jewellery minimal and conservative. Wear no more than Keep jewellery minimal and conservative. Wear no more than one ring per hand and avoid oversized pieces.
one ring per hand and avoid oversized pieces.
» » WatchWatch
Wear a simple working watch which
Wear a simple working watch which doesn’t beep.doesn’t beep.
» » PortfolioPortfolio
Consider carrying a small leather portfolio rather than a briefcase Consider carrying a small leather portfolio rather than a briefcase or everyday handbag
or everyday handbag. . Portfolios are simple, organised and easyPortfolios are simple, organised and easy to carry.
to carry.
»
» Tattoos & Facial PiercingsTattoos & Facial Piercings
Visible tattoos and facial piercings are not acceptable. Tattoos Visible tattoos and facial piercings are not acceptable. Tattoos will need to be
will need to be concealed and piercings. removed.concealed and piercings. removed.
The Run Up
The Run Up
» » RehearseRehearse questions and going over talking points with a friend or relative questions and going over talking points with a friend or relative and use this opportunity to iron out any wrinkles.and use this opportunity to iron out any wrinkles.
»
» Perform a dry runPerform a dry run
If possible, take the opportunity to visit the venue in
If possible, take the opportunity to visit the venue in advance. Thisadvance. This dry run will familiarise you with the route, parking and travel time dry run will familiarise you with the route, parking and travel time and allow you to avoid becoming lost or late on the day. If you and allow you to avoid becoming lost or late on the day. If you
If you are unable to make an advance visit the venue, use the If you are unable to make an advance visit the venue, use the internet to map out a detailed route map that also provides internet to map out a detailed route map that also provides distance and time estimations.
distance and time estimations.
»
»
and make sure it is clean, pressed, and has no buttons missing. and make sure it is clean, pressed, and has no buttons missing. Have it dry cleaned and repaired if necessary.
Have it dry cleaned and repaired if necessary.
»
» Get a hair cutGet a hair cut
Consider having your hair cut a week out from the day. This will Consider having your hair cut a week out from the day. This will allow the cut to soften slightly for a more natural look, while still allow the cut to soften slightly for a more natural look, while still retaining some of the freshness of the cut.
retaining some of the freshness of the cut.
»
» Calm your nervesCalm your nerves
If you feel your
If you feel your anxiety levels begin to escalate, put aside time toanxiety levels begin to escalate, put aside time to practice the strategies outlined on
practice the strategies outlined on pages 31 through 45.pages 31 through 45.
The Evening Before
The Evening Before
»
» Review your résuméReview your résumé
take pride in your listed achievements. Take the time to remind take pride in your listed achievements. Take the time to remind yourself of why you want the job and what you
yourself of why you want the job and what you have to offer.have to offer.
»
» Check travel arrangementsCheck travel arrangements
If travelling by car, make sure the tank has plenty of petrol and If travelling by car, make sure the tank has plenty of petrol and that you have change available for parking meters. If using that you have change available for parking meters. If using public transport, check timetables.
public transport, check timetables.
The Final Countdown
The Final Countdown
To keep your vocal cords
To keep your vocal cords
must keep hydrated.
must keep hydrated.
Make sure you drink plenty
Make sure you drink plenty
of water 24 hours before
of water 24 hours before
the event.
the event.
Three litres of water per day
Three litres of water per day
is the ideal volume.
7
788 PPaarrtt33//AAppppllyy PPaarrtt33//AAppppllyy 7799
Dear Ms Loren Dear Ms Loren
I would like to express my strong interest in
I would like to express my strong interest in the position of cabin crew with Fly High Airlines, thus I the position of cabin crew with Fly High Airlines, thus I havehave attached a copy of my
attached a copy of my résumé and photographs for your review résumé and photographs for your review and consideration.and consideration.
As you will note, my attached résumé highlights my extensive eight years experience within the As you will note, my attached résumé highlights my extensive eight years experience within the retail industry. Within which, I have built extensive customer relations, team working and supervisory retail industry. Within which, I have built extensive customer relations, team working and supervisory experience, which has also
experience, which has also greatly enhanced my communication and interpersonal skills.greatly enhanced my communication and interpersonal skills.
With these skills and experiences, combined with my passion for
With these skills and experiences, combined with my passion for the airline industry, my motivation tothe airline industry, my motivation to positive contribution to the airline and excel as a
positive contribution to the airline and excel as a member of the Fly High member of the Fly High cabin crew team.cabin crew team.
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this position and my background in I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this position and my background in more detail, and to explore the ways I
more detail, and to explore the ways I could contribute to the ongoing success of your airline.could contribute to the ongoing success of your airline.
If you would like to schedule an interview, or otherwise discuss my interest in this position, you can If you would like to schedule an interview, or otherwise discuss my interest in this position, you can reach me on +44 (0) 4587 875 848 or
reach me on +44 (0) 4587 875 848 or via email [email protected] email [email protected]
Thank you for your time and consideration. I
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely, Yours sincerely,
Jane Doe Jane Doe Landline
Landline: +44 (0) 1577 385 927 : +44 (0) 1577 385 927 ||MobileMobile: +44 (0) 4587 875 848 |: +44 (0) 4587 875 848 |EmailEmail: [email protected]: [email protected]
Address
Address: 16 Any Road, An: 16 Any Road, Any Where , Any Towny Where , Any Town, , AN8 9SE, AN8 9SE, UNITED KINGDOMUNITED KINGDOM
---JANE DOE
JANE DOE
OBJECTIVE
OBJECTIVE
Seeking to pursue a cabin crewSeeking to pursue a cabin crew position with an airline that position with an airline that rewards commitment and hard work, and offersrewards commitment and hard work, and offers opportunities to progress. opportunities to progress.
KEY SKILLS
KEY SKILLS
Communication Skills: Communication Skills:Exhibits exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and is adept at communicating effectively with Exhibits exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and is adept at communicating effectively with people at all levels, and in
people at all levels, and in a manner appropriate to the audience.a manner appropriate to the audience. Interpersonal Ability:
Interpersonal Ability: Unsurpassed interperso
Unsurpassed interpersonal skills with a nal skills with a proven ability to quickly develop and maintain relationships with customersproven ability to quickly develop and maintain relationships with customers and colleagues.
and colleagues. ...
... Subject:
Subject: Cabin Cabin Crew Crew Opening Opening - - Reference: Reference: CC34873429CC34873429
United Kingdom United Kingdom Attn:
Attn: Ms Ms Loren Loren 25 25 February February 20112011 Fly High Airlines
Fly High Airlines 23, Airport Road 23, Airport Road London London SW9 0DD SW9 0DD UNITED KINGDOM UNITED KINGDOM Dear Ms Loren Dear Ms Loren I would like to
I would like to express my strong interest in the position of cabin crew express my strong interest in the position of cabin crew with Fly High Airlines, thuswith Fly High Airlines, thus I have enclosed a copy of my résumé and photographs for your review and consideration. I have enclosed a copy of my résumé and photographs for your review and consideration.
As you will note,
As you will note, my enclosed résumé highlights my extensive eight years experience withinmy enclosed résumé highlights my extensive eight years experience within the retail industry. Within which, I have built extensive customer relations, team working the retail industry. Within which, I have built extensive customer relations, team working and supervisory experience, which have also
and supervisory experience, which have also greatly enhanced my communication andgreatly enhanced my communication and interpersonal skills.
interpersonal skills.
With these skills and experiences combined with my passion for the airline industry, my With these skills and experiences combined with my passion for the airline industry, my motivation to succeed, strong attention to detail, and unparalleled work ethic, I am motivation to succeed, strong attention to detail, and unparalleled work ethic, I am the Fly High cabin crew team.
the Fly High cabin crew team.
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this position and my I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this position and my background in more detail, and to explore the ways I could contribute to the ongoing background in more detail, and to explore the ways I could contribute to the ongoing success of your airline.
success of your airline.
If you would like to schedule an interview, or otherwise discuss my interest in this position, If you would like to schedule an interview, or otherwise discuss my interest in this position, you can reach me on +44 (0)
you can reach me on +44 (0) 4587 875 848 or via email [email protected] 875 848 or via email [email protected]
Thank you for your time and consideration. I
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely, Yours sincerely, Jane Doe Jane Doe Encl Encl Figure 3.
9
944 PPaarrtt33//AAppppllyy PPaarrtt33//AAppppllyy 9955
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» Gaps in employmentGaps in employment
If you have gaps in your employment history, you may be asked If you have gaps in your employment history, you may be asked to elaborate on these.
to elaborate on these. Whatever your reasons: maternity leave,Whatever your reasons: maternity leave, study or travel break, be
study or travel break, be honest and positive, and be honest and positive, and be preparedprepared to discuss the details openly.
to discuss the details openly.
If you were doing anything during the gaps, paid or unpaid, it If you were doing anything during the gaps, paid or unpaid, it
For example: For example: 2005–2009
2005–2009 Full Time Full Time ParentParent Summer
Summer 2004–Spring 2004–Spring 2005 2005 Travelled Travelled around around EuropeEurope
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» Career progressionCareer progression
If you have remained with an
If you have remained with an employer for several years but haveemployer for several years but have progressed through the ranks, you can make your progression progressed through the ranks, you can make your progression more obvious by listing each position as you would
more obvious by listing each position as you would a new job.a new job.
»
» Reasons for leavingReasons for leaving
While your reason for leaving your current employment is probably While your reason for leaving your current employment is probably for career advancement, you should
for career advancement, you should consider expanding on this,consider expanding on this, if space permits, to make it
if space permits, to make it more memorable. For example:more memorable. For example:
“To advance my career as cabin crew with an airline that I “To advance my career as cabin crew with an airline that I admire”
admire”
Your reasons for leaving your previous employment may be for Your reasons for leaving your previous employment may be for any reason: career advancement, not enough hours, wider any reason: career advancement, not enough hours, wider responsibilities, temporary contract, redundancy, maternity responsibilities, temporary contract, redundancy, maternity leave, study break, travel break, or company relocation. leave, study break, travel break, or company relocation. Whatever your reason, remain positive and avoid phrases such Whatever your reason, remain positive and avoid phrases such
avoid drawing attention to the fact by using neutral phrases such avoid drawing attention to the fact by using neutral phrases such as ‘job ended’. Alternatively, you can simply
as ‘job ended’. Alternatively, you can simply state ‘Will explain atstate ‘Will explain at the interview’. Both of these will provide you with the opportunity the interview’. Both of these will provide you with the opportunity to discuss the details openly at interview where you can create a to discuss the details openly at interview where you can create a more favourable and detailed
more favourable and detailed response.response.
Remember, you should not lie about your reasons for leaving Remember, you should not lie about your reasons for leaving previous employment posts as they are grounds for dismissal in previous employment posts as they are grounds for dismissal in the future.
the future.
Leisure Interests Leisure Interests
As noted on page 85, recreational interests create depth and As noted on page 85, recreational interests create depth and humanises your character. A targeted list, which focuses on humanises your character. A targeted list, which focuses on relevantrelevant skills, will form
skills, will form an immediate and positive impression. They also servean immediate and positive impression. They also serve as excellent sources of additional skills and experiences, which can as excellent sources of additional skills and experiences, which can be advantageous if you lack
be advantageous if you lack employment experience.employment experience.
Generalised list statements such as: ‘reading, watching television, Generalised list statements such as: ‘reading, watching television, sport and socialising’ should be avoided, as should unprofessional sport and socialising’ should be avoided, as should unprofessional statements such as: ‘I enjoy spending time with my
statements such as: ‘I enjoy spending time with my mates, hitting themates, hitting the town and going out on the
town and going out on the razz”.razz”.
To enhance your application form positively, focus and expand on To enhance your application form positively, focus and expand on those interests that have some relevance to the position. For those interests that have some relevance to the position. For instance,instance, while volunteering at a local charity indicates good people while volunteering at a local charity indicates good people skills.skills.
Here is an example: ‘I have been a keen footballer for as long as I Here is an example: ‘I have been a keen footballer for as long as I can remember and am an active member of Any Town women’s can remember and am an active member of Any Town women’s football club where I have been captain of the team for 3 years. football club where I have been captain of the team for 3 years. I have an active interest in nature, and regularly get involved with I have an active interest in nature, and regularly get involved with and manage conservation assignment
and manage conservation assignments. To relax, I s. To relax, I attend yoga andattend yoga and meditation classes, which help to keep me focused and relieve meditation classes, which help to keep me focused and relieve stress.’
stress.’
This statement gives an immediate impression of someone who is This statement gives an immediate impression of someone who is balanced and committed. Their interests highlight several admirable balanced and committed. Their interests highlight several admirable positive impression of the candidate based on a
positive impression of the candidate based on a statement such asstatement such as this.
this.
References References
Always get permission from the
Always get permission from the person(s) you state as your referee(s)person(s) you state as your referee(s) and give them a copy of your application form or résumé to help and give them a copy of your application form or résumé to help them write a relevant reference that highlights your most important them write a relevant reference that highlights your most important points.
points.
If you don’t have any work references that you can
If you don’t have any work references that you can use, you shoulduse, you should provide a character reference instead. This can be a
provide a character reference instead. This can be a school teacher,school teacher, university lecturer or a friend in an authoritative position such as a university lecturer or a friend in an authoritative position such as a what they would say in response to reference checks. Usually, past what they would say in response to reference checks. Usually, past employers will agree to use the term ‘resigned’ if you explain that employers will agree to use the term ‘resigned’ if you explain that
Awards
Awards
Outstanding excellence will Outstanding excellence will show commitment and talent, show commitment and talent, so if you have achieved any so if you have achieved any awards through your awards through your activities,activities,
be sure to list them. Make sure be sure to list them. Make sure the achievements are recent, the achievements are recent, though, as outdated awards though, as outdated awards may give the impression that may give the impression that you haven’t achieved anything you haven’t achieved anything since. since.
Stretching the Truth
Stretching the Truth
Don’t be tempted to just tell Don’t be tempted to just tell them what you think they them what you think they want to
want to hear. Exaggerationshear. Exaggerations or untruths can come back to or untruths can come back to about them at the interview, about them at the interview, or even later in
or even later in employment.employment. indulging as the recruiter may indulging as the recruiter may get the impression that your get the impression that your hobbies will take priority over hobbies will take priority over your work. your work.
Balancing Act
Balancing Act
To achieve balance, list a mix To achieve balance, list a mix of individual pursuits and group of individual pursuits and group activities. activities.
