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job marketing yourselfNo.3
How do I market my skills in the best way? Marketing is a huge part of selling a product successfully. The same goes for selling yourself. Landing a work experience gig – or any job! – is about convincing an employer of the value of your skills and qualities. To do this you need a strategic, personalised marketing plan that throws the spotlight on your employability. You need to become a walking, talking advertisement of yourself!
Presentation is a big part of your marketing. Remember, first impressions count. Maintain your professionalism in unfamiliar environments.
You need to market both your technical and personal skills. You can market technical skills through your educational history, academic transcripts, awards and achievements. In an interview, discuss skills that you have learned throughout your university life. You also need to talk about your personal or ‘transferable’ skills such as communication, problem solving and teamwork. Try to think of some experiences where you have developed and used these skills. Part-time jobs also show employers how you apply your skills in the workplace, such as customer service, time management and accountability.
résumé/CVsNo.4 How should I present my résumé?
A concise résumé is not really about the number of pages, but about how you present the information. It’s advisable to use short descriptive phrases in bullet point format, and avoid lengthy sentences and paragraphs that clutter key information. It’s also important that you present your skills and demonstrate determination, commitment and honesty. Prior to sending out your résumé ensure that it reads well and looks presentable and have it reviewed by your university careers service.
Some headings to include in your résumé: Objective Demonstrated skills Education (reverse chronological order, including your grades if appropriate) and relevant education awards Employment history Extracurricular/Community/Volunteering experience Computer skills Language skills Referees Interests.
{cont’d on next page} top 10 skills & attributes ranked by the proportion of employers who considered each to be an important selection criterion; Graduate Outlook 2010, GCA.
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10
Interpersonal & communication skills (written & oral)
Drive & commitment / industry knowledge
Critical reasoning & analytical skills / technical skills
Calibre of academic results Cultural alignment / values fit
Work experience Teamwork skills
Emotional intelligence (incl. confidence, motivation)
Leadership skills
Activities (intra & extracurricular)
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