PREPARE FOR PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT Advice for IT Students Seeking Vacation Employment Delivered by Monash University Careers and Employment Lynda Rohan October 13 th, 2005

What Makes an IT Professional? Job Specifics Technical competencies Qualifications and education Relevant employment experience General Work Skills Communication Team work Problem solving skills Learning agility Planning and organising Good self management The Right Fit Comfortable in the work environment Good match with career aspirations Genuine interest in the work role and organisation

Understand Recruitment and Staff Selection Processes Employers find staff through: Own networks Professional associations Recruitment agencies Employer websites Job databanks Newspapers Direct canvas from jobseekers

Your Application Submit a written application Provide a resume and cover letter Complete on-line testing Participate in assessment centre activities Present at interview Supply supporting referees Undertake probationary period of employment

How Can Your Application Stand Out? Answer the question! Use relevant, up to date and various examples Accurate spelling and grammar Meet word limits Use credible language and make clear statements Follow employer instructions

Relate to the Selection Criteria Provide evidence to back up claims and keep in mind what you are being assessed against. For example: Solved problems and faced challenges head on? Set goals that stretched you and achieved them Appreciate what’s involved in working successfully with other people

A Cover Letter Yes or No? Always, unless specifically requested not to by the employer If application on-line can put in the body of the Remember it is business communication Tailor the letter for each application The most common errors are poor spelling and grammar and obvious/bad cut and paste

Resume Provides a summary of qualifications, experience and relevant skills – no life stories please! Select a format that bests markets you Information should relevant and current Be specific about dates, training organisations Don’t list the academic subjects – provide an attachment Be clear about roles of responsibilities, achievements Statement of skills need to be supported with evidence of how you developed the skills or how they were applied

Information to Include Name/contact details Education and Training Include accredited training only Professional development should be under separate heading Employment History Course related General Summary of Professional Skills and Knowledge Any achievements Membership of associations Extra-curricular activities

Other Information Details of Referees if requested Career Objective Interests (optional) Personal information – d.o.b., marital status, citizenship (optional) Additional Skills – value added information e.g. languages

Achievement Statements Can be personal, academic, work Job promotion, good course results Can include formal acknowledgements E.g. awards, scholarships, community recognition Can be quantifiable or qualitative Perform above targets, improve service, engage more people in activities

Extra-Curricular Activities Not to be confused with hobbies/interests Need to clarify level of commitment/participation Can include activities in community, sporting or university life Can include “one off” campaigns Additional responsibilities should be detailed E.g. committee member

A Bit About Referees Ensure you gain consent Inform them of your application details Be sure to have their support Give current contact details on your resume Explain the relationship to you Understand how employers use referee details

Writing Up Technical Skills Environments and application of skills What was the service component? What was the environment? What was the operating system? What was the language? What was the database? Course related projects Final year preferable Describe your involvement Any significant outcomes? Sometime a table helps Tabulate languages, months of experience and level of proficiency

Now for the Interview Know what to Expect Understand the recruitment process How many interviews? Know status of panel members Name/role Where they fit in the hierarchy Know details of the interview format Venue, time and date Format/structure Do you need to take anything with you?

Get the Basics Right Good preparation Review application and resume Be informed – look at employer website Anticipate Questions Built around selection criteria Practice responses/have main points ready Present as a Professional Appropriate dress and grooming Professional manner to everyone Punctuality is appreciated

……….and……. Communicate effectively Exchange information/be natural Use good listening skills Speak clearly, structure your response Don’t assume anything on behalf of the panel Ask questions to help clarify if you want the job Be sure of what happens next

What Will They Ask? Clarifying questions about level of technical skills, qualifications and previous work experience Find out your career aspirations Questions about problem solving, initiative, decision making abilities Behavioural questions to find out how you handle people and situations e.g. communication, customer service and team work skills are really important

Examples of Questions Why do you want to work here? How has your education prepared you for the workforce? Why did you decide to study IT? What is an example of your ability to use your initiative? Tell me about a team project you worked on. What was your role and the outcome of the project? What style of management do you work for best? Tell me about a time you provided excellent customer service. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Can you provide examples of presentations you have done to groups of people? Tell me about one of the biggest challenges you faced and how you dealt with it.

Responding Well Answer the question! Responses to general/icebreaker questions can impact in a positive way Give sufficient information for the interviewer to assess Structure your answer so the listener can follow what you are saying Behavioural questions are common – become familiar with the STAR format

Further Tips Don’t try to second guess what the employer is looking for; tell them what you think Prepare some key points for each selection criterion but avoid sounding too rehearsed Use examples that are specific and choose from a variety of settings One specific example can be a stronger statement of ability than lots of general comments Don’t overstate involvement in project teams – be honest

How Do Employers Evaluate? General demeanour and self confidence Content of the response and the clarity of expression Potential to develop Expression of interest in the organisation and job role Meet organisation’s profile

Use Your Careers Service Career Counselling Resume Checking Interview Skills Practice Jobs On-Line Jobseeker Workshops Employability Programs Career Information Library

Other Useful Resources Video – Your Jobs On-Line Available for viewing at Careers & Employment office