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When it comes to writing a winning CV that would “wow” the recruiter, you need to bear in mind that nothing good comes easy. You must be ready to do an impressive job. Of all the myriads of CVs that recruiters have to review at job recruitment exercises, only the most impressive one would capture his or her attention, and appeal to the recruiter’s sense of judgment. But you need not be a genius to write the winning CV. A little paradigm shift, from doing what every other applicant does, may be all you need. Let's get to the nitty-gritty of the ingredients you will need to stand out from the crowd.

Match the job posting requirements. I could swear that following this instruction could singularly boost your chances of success by over 50%. You know why? Recruiters are looking for people who would be suitable for the job. So, every job advert usually comes with requirements which must be understood thoroughly as it would dictate the direction and pace of the CV writing process.

Ensure you find out those qualities your prospective employer expects the applicants to possess and tailor your CV to meet them. Let your CV reflect how your skills, education and capabilities can solve the likely challenges that come with the position for which you are applying. Nobody is looking to hire someone with just bogus degrees, without an outstanding ability to solve problems.

Include only relevant but concise details that will boost your chances, and distinguish you from the hundreds or thousands of applicants competing with you. You have a Bachelor’s degree—oh yea, others too have first degrees. You always get along with people and could be a good team player— other applicants could achieve that if needed to keep the job! So, what more can you offer? Now, seize the opportunity to make a clean breast of additional but relevant awards, training and certifications, which set you apart from the crowd.

Showcase your talents and skills in a clear, systematic format. A sure way to "wow" your prospective employer is to showcase your talents and skills in a clear, systematic format. Never leave that to chances, expecting they will set up an enquiry to find out about your talents. If you try to be too modest, you may not hit the mark, or at best, be seen as a mediocre like many other applicants! So, let them know why you have the best hands and brains for the job.

Write impeccably without any errors. No matter how good you think your English is, never forget to proofread your work. No matter how eligible and qualified you are for the job, making silly grammatical mistakes could jeopardize your chances. Badly written CVs with tons of grammatical blunders present you as a careless individual who can't proofread his own work or even pay attention to details.

Being meticulous with proofreading your own work may not be so easy. So, it is advisable you let another pair of eyes from a friend, family or a career expert, do the proofreading for you.

Finally, writing a CV that will "wow" the recruiter requires hard work and the ability to "work smart". Use appropriate formatting techniques, avoid grammatical errors and write in an organized manner. Don't be too verbose because interviewers hardly have enough time to read "long prose". Try to find out the values and problem-solving skills the hiring company expects their staff to possess. Prove to them you inculcate these values. In summary, let your CV reflect why trusting you with the job in question will be a worthwhile investment.

Source: http://cvwizards.com.ng/writing-a-cv-that-wows-the-recruiter/

Visit www.cvwizards.com.ng for more career-related articles.

I can help you do that, but for a small token.

elochukwud9:
@ Cv wizard That is awesum, I am. Looking for who will help me modifly am cv to the current standard will you help me do that

Even if you know, Do you have the courage to thread their path?

prelinctus:
Asari Dokubo, Tompolo, Ayiri and the rest are billionaires in the oil and gas sector. All I want to know is how they started their careers there.

If small and medium-sized oil and gas companies aren’t already on your job watch list, they should be. In such a broad industry, the career possibilities are virtually endless. Jobs vary in their scope, location and required education—there’s something for everyone!

The first advice is to seek job vacancies in SMEs associated with Oil and Gas industry. Whether you’re a Diploma holder and thinking about entering the workforce, or leaving university wondering where to put your degree to use, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the oil and gas industry have a place for you.

As long as people around the world continue to heat their houses and drive cars, you can be fairly certain the industry—and the jobs it creates—will be around for a while.

What types of jobs are available?

SMEs partner with larger corporations to ensure that all aspects of the industry are covered, from planning to drilling to producing. Jobs in the industry fall into two main categories. Some companies engineer and design projects, while oilfield service companies employ skilled workers that run the equipment needed to execute these plans.

In this sector, you could be working as anything from a rig technician, to a geophysicist, to an engineer, to a human resources professional. The beauty of SMEs is that they are so diverse.

These companies work in a variety of fields that deal with different aspects of the industry. For example, service companies deal with drilling or maintaining rigs. Some companies work exclusively in consulting or communications, while others might specialize in water transport or off-shore projects.

The content of your CV must be in some way related to oil & gas.

You’ve heard the saying “talk is cheap”? Well, that applies to your job search also. Clearly, there are many people who see the positives of working in oil & gas, but how many are willing to back that up and actually DO something that proves their enthusiasm for the industry? Why should an oil & gas company choose one person over another if they’re both equally inexperienced and don’t have any demonstrated passion for the business?

Still, this doesn’t mean that your past experience is meaningless. Since you can’t change your past jobs and training, you should tie your past successes into the position you’re applying for in oil & gas. For instance, if you worked in the manufacturing industry before and played a role in improving health, safety and environment performance, emphasize that these are important to you and you can apply your knowledge in your desired role as an engineer designing oil tools (your cover letter to employers is the most obvious place you want to demonstrate that “mapping” of past work to your desired position in oil & gas).

Ideally, a company would hire you and train you, but as you’ve all noticed it’s tough out there: even though the industry needs people, it doesn’t want to start completely from scratch.

That applies for both technical and non-technical roles. Say you’re an accountant wanting to break into oil & gas; there are some very specific rules that this industry has to follow, and understanding those rules does involve having an understanding of oilfield terminology and maybe even some basic understanding of reservoir engineering. A great way for you to stand out would be to learn that on your own time.

For those of you with engineering backgrounds unrelated to oil & gas and no field experience, you could perhaps pay your way through specialized trainings, or maybe take a certificate course on oilfield operations.

The advantages to doing such courses yourself are twofold: first, you’re taking your own initiative to get trained (so you can tangibly show your motivation) and a lot of companies tap those programs directly for graduates, so you have a direct line to employers in oil & gas.

Networking

Regardless of what type of position you’re seeking, DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING. Sometimes, the difference between getting the job or not is having someone that will “champion” you within the company. Their help may involve convincing the hiring manager you’d be the best fit for the job, or just doing something as simple as walking your resume over to HR as opposed to having you submit it via the internet (aka “the black hole”).

No matter how small the favor, no one will do this for you unless you’ve made a positive, personal connection with them. This is why regardless your area of expertise, I would definitely suggest finding an oil and gas related organization and getting involved. Attend meetings, conferences and training courses they organize, and you’ll always meet friendly people.

If you’re trying to join make a career change into the industry without experience, understand that you will not make it overnight. You have to think of this as a process similar to applying to study a master degree program abroad, where you spent time building an application which basically amounts to you making your case as to why you should be let in. Building your case to work in oil & gas by becoming involved in industry-related activities and getting the right training takes time!

Source: http://cvwizards.com.ng/how-to-start-a-career-in-the-oil-and-gas-industry/

About Us:

CV Wizards is a leading firm of professional CV writers. Over the years, we’ve succeeded in helping hundreds of professionals, including fresh graduates and experienced hires secure high paying jobs with multinationals, Consulting firms, Banks, Telecommunications, Oil & Gas companies by equipping them with high-impact, interview-winning CVs.

Visit www.cvwizards.com.ng to learn more about us and how we can help you secure your dream job.

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Below is a list of some of the highest paying jobs in the world. This can guide you in your career decisions.

Anesthesiologists:

Physicians who administer anesthetics prior to, during, or after surgery or other medical procedures. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum formal education required for this occupation.

Obstetricians and Gynecologists:

Physicians who provide medical care related to pregnancy or childbirth and those who diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases of women, particularly those affecting the reproductive system. May also provide general medical care to women.

Orthodontists:

They examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.

Radiologists:

They examine and diagnose disorders and diseases using x-rays and radioactive materials. May treat patients.

Neurologists:

They are specialists who diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and disorders of the nervous system.

Ophthalmologists:

They diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.

Pediatricians:

They are physicians who diagnose, treat, and help prevent children’s diseases and injuries.

Petroleum Engineers:

Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.


Dentists:

Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.

Lawyers:

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Pharmacists:

They produce drugs. They also dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

Nuclear Engineers:

Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.

Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers:

Pilots navigate the flight of fixed-wing, multi-engine aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport Pilot certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, National, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.

Computer Hardware Engineers:

Research, repair, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

Software Developers:

Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks.

Chemical Engineers:

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale safe and sustainable manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production.

Economists:

Economists study the production and distribution of resources, goods, and services by collecting and analyzing data, researching trends, and evaluating economic issues.

Marine Engineers:

Marine engineers design, build, and maintain ships from aircraft carriers to submarines, from sailboats to tankers. Marine engineers work on the mechanical systems, such as propulsion and steering.

Computer Network Architects:

Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. These networks range from a small connection between two offices to a multinational series of globally distributed communications systems.

Robotics Engineers:

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Electrical Engineers:

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Nurses:

Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication.Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Nurse Midwives:

Diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

Biochemists and Biophysicists:

Study the chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms, their electrical and mechanical energy, and related phenomena. May conduct research to further understanding of the complex chemical combinations and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, growth, and heredity. May determine the effects of foods, drugs, serums, hormones, and other substances on tissues and vital processes of living organisms.

Information Security Analysts:

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

Environmental Engineers:

Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.

Mechanical Engineers:

Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.

Automotive Engineers:

Develop new or repair improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.

Neuropsychologists and Clinical Neuropsychologists:

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to diagnose and treat disorders of higher cerebral functioning.

Database Administrators:

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

Computer Programmers:

Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Microbiologists:

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Clinical Psychologists:

Diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests, and formulate and administer programs of treatment.

Civil Engineers:

Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures, and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.

Urban and Regional Planners:

Urban and regional planners develop plans and programs for the use of land. Their plans help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities in towns and cities.

Accountants:

Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.

Auditors:

Examine and analyze accounting records to determine financial status of establishment and prepare financial reports concerning operating procedures.


http://cvwizards.com.ng/highest-paying-jobs-in-the-world/

Provided below are the 10 most common reasons for recruiters to reject applicants during the interview. I have added some thoughts on how to avoid these common pitfalls.

1. Unfamiliar with CV.

Amazingly, some applicants are surprised by a question that the interviewer asks regarding information on their CV. An applicant may have forgotten that a particular statement was on their CV. This is very embarrassing and not very impressive.

Corrective action: Know your cv thoroughly and be able to defend every statement made on it.

2. Poor academic record.

It’s too late to change your grades now. Be prepared for questions on your grades and have a well-thought out response. One-half of engineers, lawyers, teachers and accountants graduated in the bottom half of their classes. The GPA is not a true measure of what you learned nor is it an indicator of how intelligent you are.

Corrective action: Throughout the entire interview, demonstrate your knowledge so you appear “smarter” than your GPA might indicate. But don’t overdo it. Remember to be yourself.

3. Insufficient knowledge of industry.

Employers vary here on what to expect. In financial services, this is extremely important. In most other industries, the importance diminishes. It is always important to remember that you want to impress the interviewer more than the other applicants.

Corrective action: Research the company, the industry, competitors, and industry trends. Keep in mind, it is important to know the future of the industry regarding its growth, international competition and profitability, just to name a few factors. Information on the industry is very easy to find on the Internet. Invest 2-3 hours and you will appear much more impressive and confident in the interview.

4. Lack of leadership skills.

Employers do differ on the requirement for leadership skills depending on the position that is being filled. One thing is for certain— previous leadership always makes the applicant more valuable.

Corrective action: Explain in the interview how you demonstrated leadership in a job, club, organization, volunteer organization, class project or study team. Employers want to hire future leaders, so most will look for past leadership.

5. Lack of career focus.

This interview misstep results from the applicant’s inability to demonstrate how the open position is of interest, or more importantly, how this job fits into their career plan for the next 10 years. In other words, there is a lack of career planning.

Corrective action: The applicant needs to do more research on the position and the related career paths. Discussions with alumni or others who do this job will be helpful in making the decision to pursue this line of work and will make you more informed. The Internet again is a source of information on specific careers.

6. Insufficient interest in employer.

Companies need to know the specific reasons why you have chosen to interview with them. Reasons do not include: “you are a big company, you are profitable, you are located in Calabar, you have a job opening.” These answers do not distinguish this company from hundreds of other employers in Calabar.

Corrective action: The answer again starts with researching the company. What does the company say about itself? Can you talk to employees of the company? If so, ask them why they chose to work for this company? What do they like most about the company?

7. Ineffective communication style or skills.

An applicant is usually faulted for this when they ramble on with their answers, appearing unfocused or ill-prepared.

Corrective action: Concise statements are extremely important here. A simple way to follow in answering your questions is: L-RODS, which stands for: Listen. Reflect. Organize. Deliver. Shut up.

8. Low level of enthusiasm.

Applicants appear this way when they demonstrate very little vitality.

Corrective action: Demonstrate that you are glad to be in the interview and that you are excited about this job opportunity and employer. You will be expected to be highly enthusiastic on the job, so you need to demonstrate the same or more in the interview process.

9. Negative attitude.

We all know negative people and most of us choose not to associate with them. Employers feel exactly the same, and they wish to fill jobs with positive people full of ideas who want to work together with others to help the company.

Corrective action: Even when you have had a bad experience with a past employer or professor, you should give the explanation a positive twist.

10. Failure to sell self.

Recruiters often ask themselves this question at the end of the interview: “Why should I hire this person?” The reasons you give will be thoroughly accessed.

Corrective action: Give five specific reasons, with evidence for each, why you should be hired. Remember, all prospective employees can state that they are hard workers, learn quickly, and are effective team players. Interviewers are skeptical of your opinions about yourself, unless you offer substantial evidence to convince the interviewer. What type of evidence can you use?

• Comments made in past performance evaluations by a supervisor

• Comments by customers

• Grade Point Average

• Awards for achievements or recognition

• Goals achieved

All of these can be beneficial in ‘proving’ your claims.

This information should help you prepare for future interviews. Good luck in passing your next interview test!

Source: http://cvwizards.com.ng/top-10-reasons-why-you-failed-that-interview/

Visit www.cvwizards.com.ng/our-blog for more career-related articles

Interview DOs

Dress appropriately for the industry; err on the side of being conservative to show you take the interview seriously. Your personal grooming and cleanliness should be impeccable.

Know the exact time and location of your interview; know how long it takes to get there, park, find a rest room to freshen up, etc.

Arrive early; 10 minutes prior to the interview start time [or earlier if the event or employer instructs you to do so].

Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opinions of you might be solicited during hiring decisions.

Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when you are greeted by your interviewer. Listen to be sure you understand your interviewer’s name and the correct pronunciation.

Even when your interviewer gives you a first and last name, address your interviewer by title (Ms., Mr., Dr.) and last name, until invited to do otherwise.

Maintain good eye contact during the interview.

Sit still in your seat; avoid fidgeting and slouching.

Respond to questions and back up your statements about yourself with specific examples whenever possible.

Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.

Be thorough in your responses, while being concise in your wording.

Be honest and be yourself — your best professional self. Dishonesty gets discovered and is grounds for withdrawing job offers and for firing.

You want a good match between yourself and your employer. If you get hired by acting like someone other than yourself, you and your employer will both be unhappy.

Treat the interview seriously and as though you are truly interested in the employer and the opportunity presented.

Exhibit a positive attitude. The interviewer is evaluating you as a potential co-worker. Behave like someone you would want to work with.

Have intelligent questions prepared to ask the interviewer. Having done your research about the employer in advance, ask questions which you did not find answered in your research.

Evaluate the interviewer and the organization s/he represents. An interview is a two-way street. Conduct yourself cordially and respectfully, while thinking critically about the way you are treated and the values and priorities of the organization.

Do expect to be treated appropriately. If you believe you were treated inappropriately or asked questions that were inappropriate or made you uncomfortable, discuss this with the director.

Make sure you understand the employer’s next step in the hiring process; know when and from whom you should expect to hear next. Know what action you are expected to take next, if any.

When the interviewer concludes the interview, offer a firm handshake and make eye contact. Depart gracefully.

After the interview, make notes right away so you don’t forget critical details.

Have a sense of humour. Laugh at the interviewer’s jokes.

Have your questions planned beforehand.

Bring copies of any relevant documents.

Speak clearly.

Smile.

Write a thank-you letter to your interviewer promptly.

Interview DON’Ts

Don’t make excuses. Take responsibility for your decisions and your actions.

Don’t make negative comments about previous (or others).

Don’t falsify application materials or answers to interview questions.

Don’t treat the interview casually, as if you are just shopping around or doing the interview for practice. This is an insult to the interviewer and to the organization.

Don’t give the impression that you are only interested in an organization because of its geographic location.

Don’t give the impression you are only interested in salary; don’t ask about salary and benefits issues until the subject is brought up by your interviewer.

Don’t act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment.

Don’t make the interviewer guess what type of work you are interested in; it is not the interviewer’s job to act as a career advisor to you.

Don’t be unprepared for typical interview questions. You may not be asked all of them in every interview, but being unprepared will not help you.

A job search can be hard work and involve frustrations; don’t exhibit frustrations or a negative attitude in an interview.
Don’t go to extremes with your posture; don’t slouch, and don’t sit rigidly on the edge of your chair.

Don’t assume that a female interviewer is “Mrs.” or “Miss.” Address her as “Ms.” unless told otherwise. (If she has a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree or medical degree, use “Dr. [lastname]” just as you would with a male interviewer. Marital status of anyone, male or female, is irrelevant to the purpose of the interview.

Don’t chew gum or smell like smoke.

Don’t allow your cell phone to sound during the interview. (If it does, apologize quickly and ignore it.) Don’t take a cell phone call. Don’t look at a text message.

Don’t take your parents, your pet (an assistance animal is not a pet in this circumstance), spouse, fiancé, friends or enemies to an interview. If you are not grown up and independent enough to attend an interview alone, you’re insufficiently grown up and independent for a job.

Source: http://cvwizards.com.ng/job-interview-dos-donts/

For more career-related articles, Visit www.cvwizards.com.ng/our-blog

Thanks.

lahami:
Nice and educative post,pls keep it up.

Unemployment is a huge problem in Nigeria of today. There just seem not to be enough jobs for the teeming population of graduates and job seekers. It has become the proverbial “many are called few are chosen” thing. There are many graduates that apply for jobs almost every day yet they wonder why they don’t get invited for interviews or aptitude tests. The fact is their countless job applications might have been turned down due to one or more of the following reasons. So what are these obstacles and how can you avoid them as a job seeker?

1. Applying for every available job

To some job seekers, it’s all about quantity. They believe that your chances of getting an invite increases with the number of CVs you send. They tend to care less whether or not they are qualified or eligible for such positions. It’s more of the “try your luck” thing. Interestingly they are surprised that they are not getting invited for interviews and tests.

2. Defeatist mindset

One of the common excuses among Nigerian job seekers who fail in their job search is “you will never get a job until you know somebody”. While it is true that in Nigeria of today who you know matters, I sincerely believe that it is over exaggerated. The average company still offers merit-based employment. No serious company would want to populate her workforce with mediocre. Not everyone on the company’s payroll is a member of the MD’s family or his/her relative. When a candidate fails in his/her efforts to get a job by merit they turn around and lay the blame on their lack of connection.

3. Lack of good networking skills

Life is all about networking. Networking is one of the most easiest and effective way to get a good job in Nigeria. You would be surprised at the number of vacancies that are not advertised in the public media. How do such companies recruit staff? By referral and word of mouth of course. The good thing here is that the usual crowd that is a common occurrence in the publicized job adverts is non-existent here. So if you do not know how to effectively network, your chances of lingering long in the job market is very high.

4. Reluctance to volunteer or intern

The mindset of the average job seeker is they see job opportunity as a way to make big money. They would most likely turn down an opportunity to volunteer or intern if they are very sure that there will not be any financial reward in it for them. What they however fail to realize is that most companies would prefer a candidate that have volunteered or interned to one without any experience at all. Volunteering is one quick and easy way to gain the much needed work experience that most job seekers are not considering.

5. Inability to make a positive impression during interviews

This is about the major reason why most job seekers do not land the job. You have just a few minutes to make a lasting impression on the minds of your interviewers. Inability to do this will lead to the infamous but common response “you’ll hear from us later” which they never do. Employers are more interested in where and how you can add value to their organization and not everything that you’ve done. Consider an interview as a movie trailer and not a season film.

Have you been seeking a job for a while now without any success? Have you attended job interviews that you were unsuccessful? What do you think are the reasons for such? Please kindly share with us.

Source: http://cvwizards.com.ng/5-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-searching-for-a-job-in-nigeria/

Visit www.cvwizards.com.ng/our-blog for more career-related articles.

You’ve covered the basics, you’ve done your best to create the perfect professional CV, you’ve applied for your dream job, and everything seems to be working in your favour, as you’ve just been invited for an interview with your choice company.

Getting invited for an interview means you’re fifty percent ahead of other applicants, it means there is something that interests the company about your resume, they see prospects in you, they see you as a potential employee, and they would like to meet you in person and ascertain that you’re what you claim to be on papers. All these expectations make the interview process a little bit demanding, because you’re expected to be your best and make a lasting impression on your interviewer.

Today’s post will discuss the basic things that you must know before attending a job interview, how to avoid the common errors that may hinder you from getting your dream job. What I will be discussing with you in this post will go a long way in giving you an edge ahead of others and make you stand out in the selection process.

1. Do Your Home Work: Before attending a job interview, it’s a rule of thumb that you know everything possible about the company, read as much as you can, conduct a comprehensive research on their model of operation, their customers, their competitors, abreast yourself with all the available information about the company.

You will be amazed with how much information you can acquire about a particular company from a simple Google search. Check the company’s website; you can also check online news archive to see if there is any occurrence in the past that you should know about.
If you have a friend that works for the company, you might want to ask some personal questions about the structure of the company, ask for clues on how to scale through the interview process.

You’re going there to show your interviewers that you know about their company, you want to give them the impression that you’ve been monitoring their activities for some time. This will portray you as an individual with passion for the company not just as an individual that needs the job as a means to survival.

2. Body Language: We definitely say more with our body language than we do with verbal words. As expected, human resources (HR) officers know all about body language, and they make use of our body gesture to their own advantage. This makes it very important to know the basics of what your body gesture means, so as to avoid giving a wrong impression when interviewing for a job.

When interviewing for a job, try as much as possible to keep eye contact with the interviewers, keeping eye contact indicates honesty and shows that you’re confident of what you’re saying. Smiling is also another indicator of confidence; it makes you look less nervous and calm. When answering a question that has to do with your area of expertise, it’s advisable to make use of hand gesture, express yourself with your hands when necessary, it does not only portray you as an expert with in-depth knowledge of what you’re discussing, it also makes you feel in control of the atmosphere.

Your sitting posture is also very important. Sitting with your back leaned against the back rest makes you too relaxed and over confident. Try to sit-up straight.

Read more at: http://cvwizards.com.ng/things-you-must-know-before-attend…/

Thanks.

sholay2011:
Nice one.

You're welcome.

willi926:
thank you very much for this info

Young job hunters these days are very refined in their understanding of job hunting. They comprehend the process very well, have an understanding of networking and prepare smartly for the interview. However, when it comes to some basics, they are still unsophisticated.

Below, we have rounded up top 6 tips for young job seekers to help them avoid some very common mistakes so that they can get themselves a perfect job.

1. Distinguish your addressees

A very common mistake of the job seekers these days is that they fail to mark a boundary line between professional contacts and acquaintances. They don’t understand that when applying for a job, you are not fraternizing. In fact, you the more professional and sophisticated is your manner, the greater are the chances that you will be called for an interview.

2. Never expect people to remember you

You must not expect people to remember you or even your name. Therefore, it is very uncivil to call someone (with whom you just got acquainted through a mutual friend/colleague) and say, “Hello, it’s me, Zara.” Many people have poor memory, and even if they don’t, it is only civil and proper to state who referred you and the reason you called.

3. If you don’t know what do you want, don’t fake

Most of the young job hunters are unclear about their priorities.......

Read more at: http://cvwizards.com.ng/the-game-of-job-hunting-and-how-to-play-it/

If you have received an offer for interview, there’s no need to be so nervous about it. Instead of freezing up, try to gather hints and tips which can help you get the job. There are many things to take care in job interviews but one must not take much pressure. Here are some useful tips that can help you land a successful job:

1. Research the Company/Organization

The web is a blessing, and this is the right use of it: Research about the organization you applied in, gather some facts and make use of it. You can look up their employment history, annual reports, service information or media reports. Anything that you believe is quotable during the interview (without looking overconfident) is worth remembering. Not only this, but when you look up them on web, you can also see what is it like to work there. So, if they ask you during the interview that why’d you want to work here, you can answer them what they exactly want to hear. Furthermore, this information will also help you feel confident during the interview.

2. Prepare your answers and practice

All the job interviews are never the same; however, a few questions are bound to be in each of them. Like,” Why do you think you are the best candidate for this job?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” are the questions that almost every interviewer asks. Therefore, it only makes sense to prepare answers for such questions. Then there are some common psychological questions for which you should be ready. For example, “If you were an animal, which one would, you want to be?”

3. Be punctual

Remember this: there is no excuse for arriving late for a job interview. You may have been eaten up by a dragon or lost your eyes for all they care. Therefore, make sure you have plenty of time to get ready for the interview and try to show up 15 minutes early than the scheduled time to give a better impression.

Read more at: http://cvwizards.com.ng/must-read-top-6-job-interview-tips-for-job-seekers/

You're welcome!

Etizz:
Nai I dey talk rubbish since so... Thank u very much... I have taken a big correction I will never fail... Thanks again.....

It's the question that sets the tone. When interviewers open this way you have the ball in your court pretty quickly. You can use the opportunity to frame how they see you and convey important qualities representing your unique fit for the position. You have a chance to start your conversation by painting a picture of how you would perform—and even excel— as an associate. What will you say?

This is an important question for you to have practiced. More importantly, it's a question you should have considered as it uniquely pertains to this organization and this position. If you're taking your job search seriously, the answer to this question likely emphasizes different qualities depending on what you know about the culture or the needs specific to this particular job. Are you ready?

Telling about you should be fun; because it needs to be enjoyable to hear. Don't assume this question was asked for a particular reason or that the interviewer is expecting a particular response. The interviewer may have a strategic reason, but it's just as likely an icebreaker. The more interesting you are, the more memorable you will be. In addition, if you plan your response well , you may event set the stage for follow up questions that play to your strengths. Why wouldn't you try?

How you respond and what you focus on depends on your qualifications and the burning needs you suspect are imminent. Once you have an idea what these things are, craft a response that allows you to get to these things right away. There are hundreds of things you can say about you. Don't. Zero in on the traits that would matter Monday morning if you started next week. Add a dash of the special skills you have that would help you elevate the role or slay a killer problem in the next few weeks or months. Conclude with a personality trait or preference that affiliates you with the cultural values or organizations' mission.

Resist the urge to start with college (or your childhood) and then walk through your resume. If your resume is already in hand, the interviewer should have reviewed it already. Even if she hasn't, it's there for her to peruse later. Your time is better spent painting the picture, zeroing in on key information and adding information that makes you memorable for and compatible to the position. One thing you can be sure of is that the interviewer will only remember certain things about each candidate. If nothing else, it's not a bad thing if you are remembered as interesting, easy to talk to and keenly aware of how you would be an immediate asset to the role. That's all you need to convey. Everything else is clutter.

This is difficult for us because it feels too casual and lacks direction. It also is true that we tend to be our favorite subjects. But for an interview, the worst way to answer this question is with a monologue "in the life of me." Limit your response to two or three minutes. Know in advance what you need to say and stick to your plan. When you have achieved your mission, smile and wait. Allow the room to be silent. Be confident in your response and let go.

Read more at: http://cvwizards.com.ng/answering-the-interview-question-tell-me-about-yourself/

Thanks.

eluquenson:
Interesting and informative...kudos for the reminder.

1. Interview Question: Tell us about Yourself.

Tip: If you’re attending an interview, here’s one question you can’t escape. and it usually comes first. The formula to getting the answer right is to start from where you currently are, then delve backwards a little bit about the experience you’ve garnered at your previous roles. And round off with the future – why you’re really excited about this opportunity.

Answer: “I’m currently an Accounts Officer at GTBank, where I manage the accounts of some of the bank’s top customers. Before that, I worked at KPMG as a graduate trainee for 2 years. My experience there really enhanced my analytical and problem solving skills. I’ll love the chance to advance my career in the Oil and Gas Sector, which is why I’m so excited about this opportunity with the Petroleum Training Institute.”

2. Interview Question: What do you know about this organization?

Tip: This question is one reason to do some research on the organization before the interview. As soon as you’re invited for an interview, it is expected of you to find out as much information you can about the company. Find out where they have been and where they are going. What are the current issues and who are the major players (The Founders/ Owners), when was the company established, what services or goods do they produce, where is their head office, branches located, what is their mission statement, vision?

Answer: “The Petroleum Training Institute is a federal government owned tertiary institution established in 1973 to train indigenous middle-level manpower to meet the labour force requirement of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The motto of the institution is “For skill, service and progress” and the current principal is Mr. Joseph Orukele.

3. Interview Question: Why do you want to work here?

Tip: To answer this question correctly, you need to do a little research on the company so that you can identify specific reasons why you want to work with the organization, and most importantly, be able to defend whatever reason you state, should the interviewer ask you to explain further. These reasons could be one or more of the following: The company’s pedigree, the reputation of its founders, admiration of its offerings (goods or services), company’s management philosophy, company’s recognition and awards received, core values, company’s market position and prospects.

Answer: “Well, the Zenith Bank’s pedigree is certainly one to be reckoned with. I would be proud to work for a company with such a long history of leadership in the industry.”

4. Interview Question: What experience do you have in this field?

Tip: Speak about what you’ve done in the past or what you do in your present job that is related to the position you are applying for. Here you can also include free services you rendered to religious or social organizations, friends and relations. If you do not have any specific experience, get as close as possible.

Answer: “From the job description, you’re looking for an individual who can take proper charge of your financial records. You also need someone who is computer literate and proficient with accounting packages. In my previous role as an Accountant with PZ Industries, I was responsible for maintaining the books of accounts of the company. I prepared the final accounts, balance sheets, profit and loss account, cash flow statement, and other management accounts without supervision. I did these and other related accounting tasks for over a period of 4 years using various accounting software including Peachtree and QuickBooks.”

5. Interview Question: Why should we hire you?

Tip: Don’t be scared to tell the interviewer that you are the best person for the job, but be prepared to back your claim up with what specifically differentiates you.

Answer: “You should hire me because I’m the best person for the job. Although there may be other candidates who also have what it takes to get the job done. Yet I bring an additional quality which makes me the best person for the job – my passion for excellence. I am passionately committed to producing results in all my endeavors. For example, in 2008 when I was given a target to generate 100 million naira deposit from customers, because of the passion I had for my job, I was the only one in my team who achieved the target.”

6. Interview Question: How did you hear about the vacancy?

Tip: No beating about the bush. Go ahead and state the source. If you found out about the opening through a friend or a relative, don’t hesitate to drop the name. Back it up by stating why you were so excited about the vacancy. Make your answer short.

Answer: “I heard about the opening through Bidemi, a childhood friend, but since my undergraduate days, I’ve always had the dream of working with your company.”

Read more at: http://cvwizards.com.ng/18-common-interview-questions-tips-answers/

Epic. Oyibo get sense pass us.

So they even agreed that their Obas collected dollars. If that's the case, what are they to do with the dollars? To buy peoples vote? They must be jokers.