Tag Archive for: interview

How to showcase and demonstrate your skills in a job interview

CVThe job interview is the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills in the interview and convince the interviewer that you are the best candidate.

However, promoting and demonstrating your skills can be challenging, especially if you need help approaching them. In this blog, we’ll discuss some tips and strategies that you can use to promote and demonstrate your skills during a job interview effectively.

1. Research the company and the job requirements

Before attending the interview, thoroughly research the company and the job requirements. This will help you to understand the company culture, mission, and vision, as well as the specific skills and qualities required for the job. Knowing this information will allow you to tailor your responses during the interview to align with the company’s values and requirements.

2. Prepare specific examples

It’s one thing to claim you have a particular skill, but it’s another to demonstrate it with concrete examples. Think of specific situations in your experience where you have utilised the skill the company is looking for. Be prepared to talk about what you did, how you did it, and the positive results achieved. By doing so, you will be able to show the interviewer that you have the necessary skills and experience to excel in the role.

3. Use the STAR method

When providing examples of your skills, you must structure your answers effectively. One effective method is the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Start by describing the situation or problem, then explain the task you were given, followed by the action you took and, finally, the results you achieved. Using this method, you’ll be able to communicate your skills clearly and structured.

4. Highlight your unique qualities

In addition to your technical skills, it’s also important to highlight the unique qualities that make you stand out as a candidate. For example, you might have strong communication skills, be a team player, or have a positive attitude. Highlighting these qualities can make you more memorable and demonstrate that you would fit the company culture well.

5. Be confident but humble

Confidence is critical during a job interview, but balancing confidence and humility is essential. Avoid coming across as arrogant or overly boastful about your skills. Instead, be confident in your abilities, humble, and willing to learn and grow. This is essential when you want to showcase your potential and abilities during an interview.

 

In conclusion, promoting and showcasing your skills during a job interview requires preparation, structure, and confidence. By researching the company, preparing specific examples, using the STAR method, highlighting your unique qualities, and striking a balance between confidence and humility, you’ll be able to effectively showcase your skills and increase your chances of landing the job.

For more tips on how to prepare yourself for an interview, have a look at our other blogs on career preparation.

Sources:

https://www.indeed

 

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How to Write a Professional Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your resume is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on a potential employer. A well-crafted and professional resume can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing your dream job. In this blog post, we will guide you through writing a professional resume that effectively highlights your skills, experience, and qualifications.

Start with a Solid Foundation

Begin by gathering all the necessary information, such as your contact details, education history, work experience, certifications, and relevant skills. Having these details organised and readily available will streamline the resume-writing process.

Choose the Right Format

There are several resume formats, including chronological, functional, and combination. The most common chronological format presents your work history in reverse chronological order. Select the layout that best suits your experience and the position you’re applying for.

Craft an Engaging Header

At the top of your resume, include your name, contact information (phone number and email address), and a link to your professional online profile, such as LinkedIn. Make sure the header stands out and is easy to read.

Write a Convincing Summary Statement

Your summary statement is a brief paragraph summarising your professional background, skills, and career goals. Tailor this section to align with the job you’re applying for, emphasising how your qualifications make you a strong fit for the role.

Highlight Your Work Experience

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include the company name, job title, employment dates, and a concise description of your responsibilities and accomplishments in each role. Focus on quantifiable achievements and use action verbs to make your bullet points impactful.

Showcase Your Education

Include your educational background, starting with your most recent degree. Mention the institution’s name, degree earned, major (if applicable), and graduation date. If you have relevant certifications or additional training, include them in this section.

Spotlight Your Skills

Create a dedicated section to showcase your relevant skills. Include hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (communication, leadership, problem-solving). Tailor the skills section to match the job description’s requirements, using keywords that resonate with the employer.

Add an Extra Touch with Additional Sections

Consider including additional sections to strengthen your resume. For example, you could include a projects section to showcase relevant projects you’ve completed, a languages section if you are multilingual, or a professional affiliations section to demonstrate your involvement in industry-related organisations.

Pay Attention to Design and Formatting

Ensure your resume has a clean and professional design. Use a consistent font throughout, such as Arial or Calibri, and stick to a font size between 10 and 12 points: Utilise bullet points, headings, and subheadings to enhance readability. Proofread your resume carefully for any grammatical or typographical errors.

Tailor for Each Job Application

Customise your resume for each job application to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences. Analyse the job description, identify keywords, and incorporate them into your resume. This demonstrates your suitability for the role and shows that you have taken the time to understand the employer’s needs.

Conclusion

Writing a professional resume is a crucial step in securing job interviews. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a compelling resume that effectively showcases your qualifications and increases your chances of landing your desired job. Remember to tailor your resume for each application and keep it concise, well-organized, and visually appealing. With a strong resume, you’ll be well on your way to impressing employers and securing exciting career opportunities.

An example of a professional resume

John Smith

123 Main Street, Anytown, Postcode Phone: (012) 123-4567 | Email: johnsmith@email.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith

Summary:

Highly motivated and results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience developing and executing successful digital marketing campaigns. Proven track record of driving brand awareness, increasing online visibility, and generating leads. Strong analytical skills and expertise in SEO, SEM, and social media marketing. Seeking a marketing manager position to leverage my skills and contribute to the growth of an innovative organisation.

Work Experience:

  • Digital Marketing Manager | XYZ Company | Anytown, Post code| 2018 – Present
    • Develop and implement comprehensive digital marketing strategies to increase brand visibility and drive customer engagement.
    • Manage a team of 5 marketing specialists and oversee all aspects of digital marketing campaigns, including SEO, SEM, email marketing, and social media.
    • Analyse campaign performance metrics using Google Analytics and make data-driven recommendations to optimise marketing efforts.
    • Increased website traffic by 40% and achieved a 25% growth in lead generation through targeted SEO and content marketing initiatives.
    • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create and launch successful product launches and promotional campaigns.
  • Marketing Specialist | ABC Agency | Anytown, Postcode | 2015 – 2018
    • Managed multiple client accounts and executed digital marketing campaigns, including PPC advertising, social media, and email marketing.
    • Conducted in-depth market research and competitor analysis to identify growth opportunities and develop effective marketing strategies.
    • Implemented A/B testing methodologies to optimise landing pages and increase conversion rates.
    • Successfully increased social media following by 50% and improved email open rates by 30% through targeted audience segmentation and engaging content.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing | Anytown University | Anytown, Country | 2015
    • Relevant Coursework: Marketing Strategy, Consumer Behaviour, Digital Marketing, Market Research

 Skills:

  • Digital Marketing: SEO, SEM, PPC Advertising, Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing
  • Analytical Tools: Google Analytics, Google AdWords, Hootsuite
  • Content Management Systems: WordPress, Joomla
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Team leadership and collaboration

 Certifications:

  • Google Ads Certification
  • HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification

Remember, this is just an example, and you should tailor your resume to your experience, skills, and the specific job you’re applying for.

Sources:

https://www.jobseeker.com/en/resume

 

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Job interview tips!

Been searching for a job and now the moment of truth, an interview date has been set!

What now?!

Interviews can be nerve-wrecking, but with preparation and practice, you can improve your interview skills and increase your chances of success.

Here are some interview skills and advice to help you prepare for your next job interview:

  1. Research the company: Before the interview, research the company and the position you are interviewing This will help you understand the company’s mision, culture and values and prepare you to answer questions about why you want to work there.
  2. Practice your responses: Practice answering common interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” This will help you feel more confident and prepared during the interview.
  3. Dress appropriately: Dress professionally for the interview, even if the company has a casual dress code. This shows you take the interview seriously and are respectful of the company’s culture.
  4. Be on time: Arrive early to the interview to allow time for unexpected delays. Being on time shows that you are reliable and punctual.
  5. Make eye contact and show enthusiasm. During the interview, make eye contact with the interviewer and show enthusiasm for the position and the company
  6. Ask questions: Prepare questions to ask the interview about the company, the position, and the culture. This shows that you are interested in the company and have done your research
  7. Don’t ask about salary at first: Only discuss salary expectations once the interviewer asks. Make sure you have prepared questions about the company, the job, the future bosses expectation and not ask about salary first.
  8. Follow up – After the interview, send a thank you email to the interviewer to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.

By following these interview skills and advice, you can improve your chances of success and make a positive impression on the interview. Remember, preparation and practice are key to a successful job interview.

No interview as yet?

Have you got a profile on a Job portal or LinkedIn yet?

https://www.icb.org.za/what-are-job-por…how-do-they-help/

7 Essential LinkedIn Profile Tips for Success

Qualifications do definitely set you apart from other candidates, have a look at this video how ICB can help.

And contact us here to start your journey with the ICB.

 

Inspiration:

https://ung.edu/career-services/online-career-resources/interview-well/tips-for-a-successful-interview.php

 

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What are Job portals and how do they help in recruitment?

Job portals are websites or online platforms that connect job seekers with potential employers. These portals allow job seekers to search for job vacancies, submit their resume’s or CV’s, and apply for jobs.  Employers can also use job portals to post job vacancies and receive applications from interested parties.

Examples of job portals.

  1. Indeed – One of the largest job search engines, with millions of job listings worldwide.
  2. LinkedIn – A professional networking site that also features job listings and allows employers to post job
  3. Glassdoor – A platform that provides job listings, company reviews, and salary information – https://www.glassdoor.com
  4. PNet – A job portal that features job listings from various industries and allows job seekers to filter their search by location, job type and company.
  5. Career Junction – A job portal that features job listings from various indusstires and allows job seekers to filter their search by location, job type and company.
  6. Careers24 – A job portal that features job listings from various industries and allows job seekers to filter their search by location, job type and company.
  7. Company inhouse portals – Most companies have websites with a tab that says vacancies or job portal. This way you can search for jobs listed within the organization or alternatively in some cases upload your CV for company to have on record.

These are just a few examples of the many job portals available online.  When searching for job portals, it’s important to consider factors such as the industry or location you’re interested in, the type of job you’re look for, and the features offered by the portal.

How do the various portals work?

The various portals are online and connect job seekers with potential employers.  The platform/s provide a range of features to help job seekers find employment opportunities that match their skills and experience, and to help employers find suitable candidates for their job vacancies.

A brief overview how they work for Job seekers:

  1. Create a profile: Job seekers can create a profile on the job portal and provide details about their education, work experience and skills.
  2. Search for jobs: Job seekers can search for jobs based on various criteria such as job title, industry and salary range.
  3. Apply for jobs: Once a job seeker finds a job that matches their skills and experience, they can apply for the job by submitting their CV.
  4. Most online job portals charge NO fee for job seekers.

A brief overview how they work for employers:

  1. Post a job: Employers can create a job posting on the job portal and provide details about the job requirements, qualifications, and skills required.
  2. Receive applications: Once a job posting is live, employers can receive applications from job seekers who are interest in the job.
  3. Manage applications: Employers can review applications and shortlist candidates for further consideration
  4. Communicate with candidates: Employers can communicate with candidates through the job portal platform and schedule interviews with shortlisted candidates.
  5. Job portals vary in the cost for employers to post adverts and manage applications.

Overall, these job portals act as a bridge between job seekers and employers, providing a platform for both parties to connect and find suitable employment opportunities.  

What are various job titles in the Finance world?

Use your time confetti to better your lifestyle and get a credible qualification

Want to know a bit more about the above listed job profiles in the Finance world? Have a look here and make sure to read the latests blogs on what you can expect of a typical day for each job by following this link.

 

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