Writing your first CV as a student or first time job hunter may feel like a daunting task given your minimal work experience and training, but it doesn’t have to be. Remember that everyone must start somewhere and that even the highest paid and most respected directors of multi-national empires had no experience when they climbed the first rung of the employment ladder. Follow the five simple tips below to write a concise and attractive first CV.

1. Do your research

Before you start writing, it is always worth to search online for jobs that interest you in order to identify any frequently mentioned requirements that could then be incorporated into your CV. Familiarise yourself with your chosen sector or occupation; this will allow you to create a targeted, non-generic CV that will make more of an impression on your future employers.

2. Emphasise your unique selling points

Remember that a CV will not get you a job; its purpose is to generate interest and encourage employers to offer you an interview. Given students’ usually limited employment history, it is important to emphasise your unique selling points in order to attract the reader’s attention. Everyone has experiences and personality traits that are unique, so play to your strengths in order to set yourself apart from the crowd.

3. Structure your CV clearly

Your CV should have a simple structure and be divided into clear sections: career objective, personal information, educational qualifications, employment history and acquired skills. When writing your CV, make sure to include any educational awards, recognition or acknowledgements you may have received, as well as any internships, volunteering schemes, part-time jobs or any other extracurricular activities you have been involved in. Highlight any special skills you have acquired.

4. Keep it relevant to the job

Bear in mind that employers have a limited time to look at each CV, and will want to see skills, characteristics, experience and achievements that reflect the position they are hiring for. Your CV should be tailored to every job you apply for; do not attempt to send out the same generic CV to hundreds of employers. Experienced professionals can immediately tell the difference between a generic CV and something that has been carefully constructed to suit their requirements, and they certainly prefer the latter, as it shows that you have put that extra effort in writing your CV.

5. Do not overlook the design

As previously mentioned, you will only have a short space of time to impress your possible employer with your CV. This means that design, as well as content, are of vital importance. Your CV should be clearly laid out using an unfussy font that is easy to read. Make sure your CV reads well in terms of lexis and syntax and avoid punctuation and spelling mistakes!

Writing your first CV might seem a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be. By keeping your CV concise and relevant, you can generate the attention you need to get the interview you want.

There are very few people in this world who can actually say that their job hunting process was short, sweet, and enjoyable. It’s a rabid dog-eat-dog world out there, and the road to job employment and security is long and grueling. If you’re gearing up for your first go at job applications and interviews, here are a few mistakes you might want to steer clear of to better your chances at landing that job.

Lying About Your Levels of Proficiency and Skills

The desire and tendency to impress the interviewer is great, which explains why this is among the most common mistakes that first-time applicants make. Employers don’t usually expect applicants to have mastery of the skill set they require. So if you have limited knowledge on programs/applications, and other business processes, let your employer know. It’s much better to say that what you lack in experience and proficiency, you will make up for in your eagerness to learn and improve yourself – than embarrass yourself when your “skill mastery” is put to the test.

Eating, Drinking, Chewing Gum

You would think that this is already common knowledge as part of basic interview etiquette, but a lot of applicants still make this mistake. If your goal is to keep your breath fresh, go for mints and not gum. For those who still need an explanation as to why eating and drinking during an interview is a huge turn-off for employers, this is simply because it’s informal and inappropriate, and shows your disregard for self-image.

 Badmouthing Your Former Boss or Company

In a survey CNN did, this topped the list of mistakes that applicants make during interviews. It’s understandable that you want to get on your future employer’s good side, but bad mouthing your ex-boss or company is NOT the way to do it. The job market doesn’t work like high school – dissing the people you used to work with won’t get you into the new professional circle you’re eyeing. In the real world, this just comes off unprofessional. It also tells them that if they hire you and things don’t work out, nothing is going to stop you from doing the same to their company and tarnishing their reputation once you’re gone.

Not Knowing Anything about the Company/Industry

Always, always do a bit of research before coming in for an interview. It shows your potential employer that you are genuinely interested not just in the job, but with the industry and what the company does. Even though you have sent out applications to 25 other companies, you should never make it seem like the job you’re interviewing for is just one of your options.

Remember, you are interviewing for a job that others are also vying for. Being able to talk a bit about the company’s clients or past achievements and milestones shows interest and effort – two things that may immediately set you apart from the employer’s perspective.

Among the other things that rank high on the list of worst interview mistakes and interviewer turn-offs are arrogance, reeking of cigarette smoke, not being able to answer questions directly or sufficiently, and immediately asking about salary and compensation. Of course, some companies may be more lax than others, depending on the position you’re interviewing for and what the company culture requires. However, these simple and oft-cited mistakes should still be kept in mind if you want to progress to the next round of interviews, and hopefully, land that job.

About the Author: Steven Burrell has been a leading employment coach for nearly a decade.  When he is not writing, you can find him working on educational assessment tests or spending time at home with his family.

Read more: 25 worst job interview mistakes

One of life’s memories that is likely to last a lifetime is the first interview. Nothing can completely prepare a person for every question that might be asked, or every awkward circumstance that could arise. The best a person can do is be prepared for an interview by adhering to a few basic tips that have proven useful in most interviews settings, according to TheBestNursingSchools.net.

1. Dress for success: As simple as it sounds, you would be surprised how poorly people present themselves to prospective employers with regard to their attire. You will have one opportunity to make a first impression. Your resume and experience won’t matter if you don’t look the part. Dress professionally and appropriately for the job for which you are applying. All things being equal, employers will opt for the candidate who presented themselves professionally.

2. Make a pleasant first impression by smiling when introduced and making eye contact: The interviewer will decide whether he likes you within the first minute of the interview. Being cordial and likeable is as important as being qualified. A firm handshake that falls short of being uncomfortable is recommended. If you follow step number one at this point in the process you’ve established a foundation for a successful interview

3. Prepare for the interview by thoroughly researching the company or organization: The government job website advises job seekers to find out as much as possible by studying all available written material about the position or company. The more you learn about special challenges being faced and how you can meet those challenges, the better.

The Internet provides a valuable source for finding basic information that any person being interviewed will be expected to know. Discussing the position with former employees or other personnel whenever possible is also a great way to prepare for a first interview. While being properly versed about a company’s background is expected and will secure goodwill from a company’s representatives, being unprepared is most certainly one of the worst failings of many new job seekers.

4. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member: There are many lists of typical questions that many interviewers ask. Practice answering those questions. Rehearsals build confidence and also keep your memory fresh about relevant facts and details that you want to relate in an interview.

Often interviewers will run through a list of general type interview questions. For example, you can be sure the interviewer will ask you about your previous employment, salary expectations, and why you may have left a previous job. You may be asked, why should we hire you? You must know the answers to these questions before they are asked. That’s one area where rehearsing with a friend or family member will pay off.

5. Be Yourself and and Be Confident: So many people get into an interview environment and try to create a new identity and a new personality in order to impress a prospective employer. You are not going to be able to shape yourself into something that you’re not in a job interview. It’s best to be yourself and be comfortable with who you are. Confidence in yourself speaks volumes in an interview setting. Don’t be afraid to be who you are

6. Arrive for the interview ahead of time: Planning on being early is a good way to prevent being late. Parking problems or getting lost are always a possible concern the first time you go to a new place. All the interviewer will remember is that you were late. You do not want to begin a first interview with excuses about why you were late. If you get there early, don’t go in. Review your questions before going in at about five minutes before the interview.

7. Avoid short answers to interview questions: The best way to answer questions is directly, but be prepared to follow up with examples to illustrate your point. You must take advantage of the opportunity to establish a relationship with your future employer. You do that with a willingness to talk about problems you have solved in the past, or how you would deal with specific situations when presented. Remember, you are trying to answer questions to separate yourself from a lengthy list of candidates. You must be able to articulate an answer that distances your self from the field. Use every question as an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to solve problems and issues.

8. Thank the interviewer for the interview as you leave: At some point your interview will end and it’s important for you to show appreciation for the opportunity to interview for a position. This is also a time for you to make a last impression that will provoke a follow-up interview. Cordially thank the person or persons that were a part of the interview process. This also includes a personalized note to those individuals. You could include small details of what transpired during the interview to remind them of who you are. Essentially, you have been on a sales job during your interview. You were selling yourself and you can take this time to close the sale.

Resources

• http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/firstjobinterview.htm
• http://www.govtjob.net/Interview%20Tips.htm
• http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2007/04/04/answering-the-unanswerable-tips-for-that-first-interview/

Well, college can be a pain in the rear end that is for sure. One of the most difficult areas when it comes to starting your college career is finding the right school for you and then applying for that school and hoping to get in. Sure, if you have great grades and did everything perfect in high school, then you will probably not have much of anything to worry about and you will probably have your choice of a host of schools. But, if you are somewhere in the middle, in which your grades were pretty good, but not the best and your test scores were the same, then you will have a lot more difficulty when it comes down to applying for a school and getting accepted. It is likely that you will eventually find a school that will accept you, but it may not be your first choice, second choice or even third choice of school.

Filling out the application for college is key because this can give the person reviewing your application and records more insight into you as a person and as an individual. Schools are just concerned with grades, they are also concerned with potential and dedication. They want to have students that they can be proud of, and if you fill out your application right (especially the essay section of the application,) then you can leave a lasting impression, and perhaps get accepted into a school that you may not have even had the expected grades for.

1. The Early Bird Gets The Worm

We have all heard this saying before, and we will hear it again- because it is true, in most circumstances. Getting an early start on the college application process will give you a good idea of what to expect, and it will give you plenty of time to make plans and back-up plans, and even back-up plans for your back-up plan. It is especially important to get an early start on the scholarship application process because they are very strict about deadlines and guidelines and are very competitive usually.

2. Always Keep In Touch

It is important to keep in regular contact with the schools that you have applied for, because it will give you more insight into the process and what your chances are in getting accepted. It is also useful because the advisers are usually more than willing to keep you in the loop and have you prepared for whatever the next step will be.

3. Always Ask For Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, ever! This is an important process and you will need all the help you can get.

Jim is a full-time freelance writer for many online sites, blogs, forums, zines and for many print publications, as well. He is a college graduate from the University of Southern California, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. Click here to read more about this subject at getarealdegree.com.

Accurate advice on how to get successful in life. This TED video covers all the points that can invite and invoke success. I would advice you guys to take a big print out of this poster and keep at your workplace or living room.

I am happy to announce that the total traffic ever to Interview Mantra crossed 1 million page views on the day I wrote this post. I thank the readers and fans of Interview Mantra for everything. I sincerely hope Interview Mantra will deliver value you to your career in future too.

Editor,

Sridhar Jammalamadaka

This is a follow up of introduction to campaign on job search depression.

We are in a competitive world. At every stage of life, we are continuously measured with various numbers such as percentage, marks and grades. People around us advise us to be ahead of competition and beat the hell out of others in the race of life.

To what limit? Should we exert ourselves to such an extent that our feelings convert into depression?

Here is my quick advice to students who are depressed about not finding jobs.

• There is no limit to try again.
• One success can over shadow hundred failures.
• Nobody talks about your failures once you succeed.
• Measure efforts, not results.
• Ten failures doesn’t guarantee eleventh one.
• Success and failure is a game of God.

1. There is no limit to try again.

After doing ten failed interviews, people tend to form a conception that it is a shameful thing to do too many failed interviews. However this conception is not true. I personally know people who had found success after doing 35 interviews. Those people proudly relish the fruit of success after their hard work. So don’t get into a feeling that you have failed interviews too many number of times. In fact, you should gain experience with every interview, and keep getting better at each interview.

2. One Success can over shadow hundred failures:

Here is the thing. Read auto biography of a successful entrepreneur or scientist. You would be surprised to find that the successful celebrity struggled in his life with repetitive failures. Their super success covers up all the failures that they have undergone. Take the case of the famous playback singer, S.P Balasubramanyam. He was rejected for application as a playback singer in All India Radio. Today, he is a veteran singer who has sung over 50,000 songs and has received the honour of “Padma Bhushan”, the third highest civilian award in India. So, one success can over shadow hundred failures.

3. Nobody talks about your failures once you succeed.

People are always criticizing. Sachin Tendulkar, being the cricketer who has achieved more than any other cricketer can ever dream, is still criticized by the media and public. So understand that this society enjoys gossip and criticism. It’s not a serious thing. Don’t take criticism too seriously. Does anyone talk about the failures of a successful person? Nobody talks about your failures once you succeed.

4. Measure efforts, not results.

A wise man would measure someone based on efforts, attitude, focus, perseverance, but NOT based on results. Therefore, do not blame yourself too much if you are not getting the kind of results you want. Keep trying harder and harder without regard to the results. Blaming self is a negative psychological pattern. Remember, your mind is your best friend, not an enemy. Don’t measure your results, measure your efforts.

5. Ten failures doesn’t guarantee eleventh one.

We fall into a fallacious argument that if a coin that was tossed ten times turned Heads, eleventh time too it would be Heads. Or another fallacious argument is, the coin that turned ten times Heads, will now turn Tails, as it had turned ten times Heads already. It’s not like that. Every time you toss a coin, it may be tails or heads. It is an independent event; hence its previous outcomes do not determine the current outcome. This applies to job too. Good news is, with right amount of preparation, the probability of you getting a job is higher than a coin tossing to Heads.

6. Success and failure is a game of God.

Can you tell me the last time you could accurately predict the outcome of a cricket match? Okay, last time when you accurately predicted what marks you would get next year? It doesn’t happen right. Life is a strange game played by god. Success and failure are not in our hands. All we can do, and all we should do is try our level best. Tell yourself repeatedly that Success and failure is a game of the God.

Hope these short tips were helpful. Forward this article to all your friends whom you feel are having tough time in job search.

Go ahead to this article to learn 9 ways to deal with job search depression.

Interview Mantra campaign to fight job search depression

Job search is exciting. The very thought of first salary, first job, first company, gives goose bumps. In a perfect dream like setting, you get an on campus call in final year, with Dream Company and dream offer, you clear the aptitude test beating hundreds of others in competition, and you clear the technical interviews with ease, clear HRs, get the offer letter in hand and join the company right after finishing your college.

Life is not so rosy. All dreams do not come true. Reality is far from perfection. Many students miss an opportunity to attend an on campus interview for the reason of not having qualifying percentage in Engineering, or in 12^th or in 10^th. It is so unfair to measure a person based on what marks he scored 6 years back in matriculation. But life is unfair. Many students get an on campus, but can’t clear it due to lack of confidence and stage fear. Few students can’t clear it due to lack of concept clarity.

Life always gives second chance. Students wait eagerly for the off campus interviews. They create a crystal clear resume, upload it on job portals like Naukri, and get the resume forwarded to popular companies through their contacts and wait for the call. Lucky ones get a call, and again, due to some reasons, fail to make it through the interview.

Failure at first interview, second interview…. and 30 interviews, no success. While other friends are bagging jobs at top companies and showing off their status in Facebook, few students unfortunately are dejected and waiting for miracles to happen. Over the months dejection slowly creeps up and turns to a negative outlook towards life, gradually leading to depression. This is so common in today’s situation.

The problem with job search depression is that it causes further damage by making the student become inactive in job search process. Without trial, there can be no results. Hence this depression goes into a spiral until that student gets the job. If that student is lucky enough to have supporting friends and family, he will fight the storm until he gets the job. There are many who don’t get support when they are down. They start considering themselves unfit for life, they start getting the suicidal thoughts… and this leads to dangerous consequences.

I have heard of many cases, where students attempted suicide due to job search depression. The only difference between a job searcher who finally succeeds to get a job and one who doesn’t is difference in emotional support and patience. I have decided to start a campaign called “Fight Job Search Depression” in Interview Mantra. Through this, I would write various blog posts describing symptoms and cure of job search depression. I will try to articulate the most practical solutions to people who are on the verge of giving up. The mission of this campaign is to save the people who are stuck in the sand mire of job search depression and pull them out to success.

I need volunteers for this project. I need people to come out and say their tough stories, how they struggled in their life, so that I can share their success stories and inspire others.

Please drop a comment with your email/phone if you are interested.

Read follow up of this post.

A pie chart graph of Indian Job market

The above pie chart is taken from Naukri.com’s  JobSpeak Report for October 2009. On a monthly basis, Naukri.com consolidates the job statistics in the form of tables and visual graphs.  Their report is based on the data of 15 million job applicants who use Naukri.

Now, look at the pie chart above keenly for 5 seconds and try to guess what it is all about.

You probably might have already guessed it, this pie chart shows the statistics of percentage of jobs available in India split on the basis of number of years of experience.

There are few interesting points to note in this pie graph:

1. The highest number of jobs are available for professionals with 4-7 years of experience. (The red colored pie sector with 36%).
2. Least percentage of jobs target professionals with experience more than 16 years.
3. Freshers and professionals with experience of less than 3 years have the second highest number of jobs of 31%.
4. Employees with 8-12 years of experience have 22% of the jobs posted in Naukri.

I believe that we can safely generalize these trends that are specific to Naukri.com to the whole of Indian Job market in general.

The first point in the above list sounds quite logical that companies want people who are more experienced than a (fresher /3 yr experienced resource) who work hard for the company. And at the same time they don’t want a too experienced person in the range of 8-22% who usually look for manager role(that involves no work other than checking emails, doing useless excel sheet work, lecturing employees under them and playing politics).

The second point seems to indicate that organizations fear recruiting old and over experienced people with experience of above 16 years, who usually demand gigantic salaries and want to work least. Probably companies think that so much of experience does more harm than good.

I’ve been observing this experience bucket(as Naukri puts it), for a quite long time over six months now. This trend seems to remains static without much change.