1. Communication strategy & CV preparation YOU INC.

2. Understanding the job market Less than half of all jobs are filled by advertising

3. Job market avenues Advertised jobs Agencies Direct approach Networking Personal contacts – friends, family etc.

4. Communication strategy Presents an overall message to your target market. Includes: Professional objective Communication strategy Target market

5. Professional objective A statement that describes the kind of work that you want to do. Is based on your skills, interests and values, & Distinguishes you in the market place.

6. Communication strategy A well crafted statement of what you have to offer, Your message to the marketplace, Your positioning statement, Presents you & your skills in a format that hiring managers can relate to, & Distinguishes you from your competitors.

7. Capsule profile – 1-2 minutes Profession – who/what you are Expertise Your unique strengths What you are looking for Why you are there!

8. Target market Describes where you want to work, Lists organisations that may fit with your objective, & Defines the types of organisations in which you want to invest the most search time.

9. Purpose of your resume Introduces you to the organisation Presents your background Shows major accomplishments /achievements Emphasises your strengths A way to direct the interview

10. Your resume There is no such thing as a perfect resume The ‘best’ resume is your resume Resumes don’t get jobs, people get jobs.

11. Your Resume Must Be: ccurate ogical elevant oncise A L C R

12. Critically evaluate Is it really me? Is it someone that I would hire? Does it highlight my skills/achievements? Does it support my professional objective? ?

13. Sell benefits not features Achievements illustrate skills & future potential for problem solving. Quantifiable achievements give you; A greater awareness of your professional profile A clear understanding of the specific area in which you possess the expertise An in depth review of your abilities based on specific information. CONTRIBUTION, IMPACT & SKILL RATHER THAN TITLES & JOB DESCRIPTIONS!

14. Ask yourself the following questions: Did you: Take the initiative in meeting any problems, opportunities or challenges that you recognised? Create or design a new programme, procedure, plan, service or product? Develop something? Prepare any original studies or documents? Make or participate in any technical contribution?

15. Luck is the crossroads of opportunity & preparation Luck! Preparation Opportunity Chance favours the prepared mind! Louis Pastor