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1 | Page  1. Functional English Introduction The advent of globalization has presented Indian youth with opportunities to function at an international level. Realizing the n eed for expert communication skills for these interactions, Mosaic has applied its technical clout in developing tool that would not only help them know English, but "think and Function" in the language. Features of functional English Improve language skills in all 4 core components of English learning(listening, writing, reading and speaking) Develop a higher degree of comfort in using English as a language of interaction in daily life Develop higher confidence levels required to progress in education and career Use linguistic and functional skills to improve productivity in enterprises Few commonly used situational phrases Heaven on Earth Feel like Heaven Home coming Very promising Pretty cordial out here In harmony with Splendid moment Momentous occasion Double delight Dramatic break through  Not at all worried Will get better Limping back to normalcy Win –win situation Under high vigil Under tight security Under control Out of control Out of hand Very volatile Highly critical www.jntuworld.com www.jntuworld.com www.jwjobs.net 

Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

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1 | P a g e

1 Functional English

Introduction

The advent of globalization has presented Indian youth with opportunities to function at

an international level Realizing the need for expert communication skills for theseinteractions Mosaic has applied its technical clout in developing tool that would not only

help them know English but think and Function in the language

Features of functional English

bull Improve language skills in all 4 core components of English learning(listening

writing reading and speaking)

bull Develop a higher degree of comfort in using English as a language of interaction

in daily life

bull Develop higher confidence levels required to progress in education and career

bull Use linguistic and functional skills to improve productivity in enterprises

Few commonly used situational phrases

Heaven on Earth

Feel like Heaven

Home coming

Very promising

Pretty cordial out here

In harmony with

Splendid moment

Momentous occasion

Double delight

Dramatic break through

Not at all worried

Will get better

Limping back to normalcy

Win ndashwin situation

Under high vigil

Under tight security

Under control

Out of control

Out of hand

Very volatile

Highly critical

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2 | P a g e

2 Situational Dialogues

Mr Lopez bought a pair of shoes on sale He wore them one week and noticed the

sewing was starting to come out He took them back to the shoe store and this iswhat happened

Salesman Can I help you

Lopez Yes I bought these shoes last week and now they are starting to fall apartI would like my money back

S Do you have the sales receipt

L No I dont but I want my money back

S I am sorry but we have to have the receipt

L I understand what youre saying but I want my money back If you cant helpme who can

S No one You have to have your sales slip

L I understand what you are saying but I want my money back If you can not

help me who can

S Well the manager But he will tell you the same thing I am telling you

L I want to talk to the manager pleaseS Just a minute

Salesman goes through a door in the back of the store comes back in a few

minutes with another man The salesman points to Mr Lopez and the other mancomes toward Mr Lopez

Manager Hello I am the manager Did you have a problem with something

L I bought these shoes last week and they are starting to fall apart and I want my

money back

M Let me see the shoes please Oh this is no problem at all We can fix thesefor you again in no time

L I dont want them repaired I want my money back

M It is not our policy to refund moneyL I understand what you are saying but I want my money back

M Listen Mr

L Lopez

M Mr Lopez if we refunded everybodys money we would have a bookkeeping

nightmare We just can not afford that Surely you can understand

L I understand what you are saying but I want my money back

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M But you have worn these for a week We can not give you all your money

back

L I know I only wore them for a week and they started falling apart and I want

my money back

M (Sigh) OK come with me and I will see that you get it back

Leonel De Niro of Merapi Insurance Company is calling a prospective client RobertMessi

A Agent Leonel De Niro

P Prospect Robert Messi

A Good morning may I speak to Mr Leonel De Niro please

P SpeakingA Mr Messi this is Leonel De Niro of Merapi Insurance Company Could I have a few

minutes of your time to tell you about our new comprehensive insurance plans

P Im pretty busy right now

A Thats Okay how about I meet with you tomorrow and we can discuss Merapis plansin person

P I dont really have time to sit down and talk about insuranceA Mr Messi it would only take about fifteen minutes of your time It will take evenless if I know a bit about you before I come How many people are there in your family

P There are four - me my wife and our two kids

A Also how old are you and what line of work of you in

P Im forty-three and Im a senior accountant at my firm

A It sounds like we have two specific plans that would suit your needs Mr Messi I can

present them to you tomorrow say around two P Two thirty is better for me

A Thats fine Ill see you then Im looking forward to meeting you Mr Messi

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3 Vocabulary Building

Introduction

Words are unique and interesting A limited vocabulary keeps you from expressing yourreal thoughts and feelings A strong vocabulary gives you the right words to use at theright time

Vocabulary building takes patience and continued effort Your vocabulary can and should be a reflection of you Your vocabulary is you And like you your vocabulary should be

alive It should change and grow to meet your needs

The Purpose of Vocabulary

Words are great subjects to investigate When you become a student of language and

delight in discovering word relationships and become aware of how you can make wordswork for you you are more likely to stop when you encounter an unfamiliar word and

consider its meaning If you do this you will become a master of words and your

vocabulary will grow

Why Vocabulary Development Counts

bull Vocabulary is a basic part of reading comprehension If you dont know enough

words you are going to have trouble understanding what you read An occasional

word may not stop you but if there are too many words you dont know

comprehension will suffer The content of textbooks is often challenging enough

you dont want to work as well on understanding the words that express thatcontent

bull Vocabulary is a major part of almost every standardized test including reading

achievement tests college entrance exams and armed forces and vocational

placement tests Vocabulary is a key measure of both ones learning and ones

ability to learn The more words you know then the better you are likely to do onsuch important tests

bull Studies have indicated that students with strong vocabularies are more successful

in school and that a good vocabulary is an influential factor for people who enjoy

successful careers in life Words are the tools not just of better reading but of

better writing speaking listening

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5 | P a g e

and thinking as well The more words you have at your command the more

effective your communication can be and the more influence you can have on the people around you

bull In todays world a good vocabulary counts more than ever Many jobs provide

services or process information and the skills of reading writing listening and

speaking are essential

Improving your Vocabulary

Throughout your college years new words will be flooding into your consciousness

Many of them are the keys to ideas and information that will be new to you When

students have trouble in a course the trouble can often be traced back to their imperfect

comprehension of terms that are essential to an understanding of subject matter A first-year science or social science course may introduce you to almost as many new words as

a first course in a foreign language Then there are also words which may not literally be

new to you but which have specific meanings within the context of a specific course and

therefore must be learned as if they were new words

Affixes and roots

Adding affixes to existing words (the base or root) to form new words is common in

academic English Prefixes are added to the front of the base (like dislike) whereassuffixes are added to the end of the base (active activate) Prefixes usually do not

change the class of the base word but suffixes usually do change the class of the word

The most common prefixes used to form new verbs in academic English are re- dis-over- un- mis- out- The most common suffixes are -ise -en -ate -(i)fy By far the

most common affix in academic English is -ise

Verbs

eg prefix + verb verb

Prefix Meaning Examples

re- again or back restructure revisit reappear rebuild refinance

dis- reverses the meaning of theverb

disappear disallow disarm disconnectdiscontinue

over- too much overbook oversleep overwork

un- reverses the meaning of the

verbunbend uncouple unfasten

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6 | P a g e

mis- badly or wrongly mislead misinform misidentify

out- more or better than others outperform outbid

be- make or cause befriend belittle

co- together co-exist co-operate co-own

de- do the opposite of devalue deselect

fore- earlier before foreclose foresee

inter- between interact intermix interface

pre- before pre-expose prejudge pretest

sub- underbelow subcontract subdivide

trans- across over transform transcribe transplant

under- not enough underfund undersell undervalue underdevelop

eg Suffix used to form verbs with the meaning cause to be

Suffix Example

-ise stabilise characterise symbolise visualise specialise

-ate differentiate liquidate pollinate duplicate fabricate

-fy classify exemplify simplify justify

-en awaken fasten shorten moisten

An idiom is a phrase where the words together have a meaning that is different from the

dictionary definitions of the individual words

IDIOMS EXAMPLES

absent-minded forgetful My grandfather is very absent-

minded and often forgets hiskey

all ears eager to listen tosomeone

Okay Im all ears please tellme about the party

all of a sudden suddenlywithout advance warning

All of a sudden it becamecloudy and began to rain

beat around the bush speakindirectlyor evasively

Stop beating around the bush and give us your final decision

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behind the times old fashioned My aunt is a little behind thetimes

blow ones own horn praiseoneself

He is always blowing his ownhorn and is very annoying at

times brand new absolutely new He was finally able to buy a

brand-new car

catch ones eye attract onesattention

I tried to catch her eye but shedidn`t notice me

catch (someone) red-handed find someone in the middle ofdoing something wrong

The policeman caught the boyred-handed when he wasstealing the candy

change horses in midstream make new plans or choose a newleader in the middle of animportant activity

They decided to change horsesin midstream and that is probably why they lost theelection

change (ones) mind changeone`s decision

He changed his mind and saidthat he would not go to themovie tonight

come across find something ormeet someone by chance

I came across an interestingstory in the newspaper the otherday

come into fashion becomefashionable

She says that although bell-bottom pants have come into

fashion again she will neverwear them

crocodile tears a show of sorrowthatis not really felt

He said that he was very sorrybut his tears were just crocodiletears

cry over spilt milk cry orcomplain about something thathas already happened

Dont cry over spilt milk Youcan never change the past

die out die or disappear slowlyuntil all gone

Dinosaurs died out millions ofyears ago

doll up dress in fancy clothes She was all dolled up for the party at the downtown hotel

do without manage withoutsomething

If there is no sugar well have todo without

dressed to the nines (teeth) The stars were all dressed to

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8 | P a g e

dressed elegantly the nines (teeth) during the Academy Awards ceremony

dress up put on ones bestclothes

He decided to dress up fordinner at the restaurant

drop (someone) a line write ormail a note or letter to someone

She promised that she woulddrop me a line when she gets toSingapore

easy-going tolerant and relaxed He has a very easy-going management style

eat like a bird eat very little He eats like a bird Thats whyhe can`t put on enough weight to

join the football team

eat like a horse eat a lot He eats like a horse but henever puts on any weight

eat ones words admit beingwrong in something one has saidretract ones statement

He was forced to eat his words after his boss proved that he waswrong

end up finish finally dosomething

We ended up going to therestaurant after the movie lastnight

face the music accept theconsequences of something

He is going to have to face the

music sooner or later

fall behind fail to keep up withwork or studies or payments etc

He fell behind with hishomework at the beginning of theterm and had problemsthroughout the year

fall in love with begin to lovesomeone

I fell in love with her the firsttime that I saw her at therestaurant

fed up with disgusted or boredwith someone or something

I think that he is getting fed up

wit h the constant demands of hisboss

figure out try to understand orsolve

He finally figured out how touse the new video recorder

fit as a fiddle in good athleticconditionor health

Her grandfather is 92 years oldbut he is as fit as a fiddle

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9 | P a g e

fix someone up with someone help someone get a date byarranging a meeting for the

I tried to fix my sister up with adate with my friend but sherefused me

for all the world for anything

for any price

For all the world I do not know

what he is trying to tell me withthe notes that he writes

for better or worse dependingon how one looks at the matterwith good or bad effects

For better or worse he hasdecided to quit his job and go tolive in Brazil

from hand to hand from oneperson to another and another

The plate of food went fromhand to hand until finally it wasall finished

from the bottom of ones heart

with great feeling sincerely

I thanked him from the bottom

of my heart for helping mydaughter when she was sick

from now on from this momentforward

From now on I will study Italianevery day

from scratch from the verybeginning

He decided to build the housefrom scratch

from time to time occasionally We go to that restaurant fromtime to time

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10 | P a g e

4 Group Discussions

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has

certain personality traits andor skills that it desires in its members In this methodologythe group of candidates is given a topic or a situation given a few minutes to think aboutthe same and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 8-15 minutes

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include -

Ability to work in a team

Communication skillsReasoning ability

Leadership skills

Initiative

AssertivenessFlexibility

Creativity

Ability to think on ones feet

Why is GD part of selection process in companies

Companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your

interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people The GD isto check how you behave participate and contribute in a group how much importance do

you give to the group objective as well as your own how well do you listen to viewpoints

of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own The

aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication non-verbal behavior

conformation to norms decision-making ability and cooperation You should try to be as

true as possible to these aspects

Types of GD

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types -

1 Factual Topics

2 Controversial Topics3 Abstract Topics

Factual Topics-

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Factual topics are about practical things which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-

to-day life Typically these are about socio-economic topics These can be current iethey may have been in the news lately or could be unbound by time

A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of andsensitive to his environment

Eg The education policy of India Tourism in India State of the aged in the nation

Controversial Topics-

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature They are meant to

generate controversy In GDs where these topics are given for discussion the noise levelis usually high there may be tempers flying The idea behind giving a topic like this is to

see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check by

rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional

Eg Reservations should be removed Women make better managers

Abstract Topics-

Abstract topics are about intangible things These topics are not given often fordiscussion but their possibility cannot be ruled out These topics test your lateral thinking

and creativity

Eg A is an alphabet Twinkle twinkle little star The number 10

GD Dos

Dos

1 Be as natural as possible Do not try and be someone you are not Be yourself

2 A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal The evaluator wants to hearyou speak

3 Take time to organize your thoughts Think of what you are going to say

4 Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject5 Dont start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject

6 Work out various strategies to help you make an entry initiate the discussion or

agree with someone elses point and then move onto express your views

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7 Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition If

you do not give valuable insights during the discussion all your efforts ofinitiating the discussion will be in vain

8 Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are

more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say

9

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your pointsacross clearly and fluently

10 Be assertive not dominating try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussionand analysis

11 Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to The key is to stay

objective Dont take the discussion personally

12 Always be polite Try to avoid using extreme phrases like `I strongly object or `I

disagree Instead try phrases like `I would like to share my views onhellip or `One

difference between your point and minehellip or I beg to differ with you13 Brush up on your leadership skills motivate the other members of the team to

speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to

say let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say or Raghu letus hear your views - Essentially be subtle) and listen to their views Be receptive

to others opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive

14 If you have a group of like-minded friends you can have a mock group discussionwhere you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback

15 Apart from the above points the panel will also judge team members for their

alertness and presence of mind problem-solving abilities ability to work as a

team without alienating certain members and creativity

GD Topics

1 Involvement of youth in politics

2 Should parents interfere in the decision making of children

3 Water resources should be nationalized

4 BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY

5 Effect of cinema on Youth

6 Education in India compared to Foreign nations

7 Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad

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5 Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand a written passage of text Itrsquos

answering ldquoyesrdquo to the question ldquoDid you lsquogetrsquo what you readrdquo

Reading comprehension is what allows the reader to interact with the text in ameaningful way Itrsquos the bridge from passive reading to active reading -- from letters

and words to characters and contexts Reading comprehension is the crucial link to

effective reading -- a strong factor in our educational and professional lives Formany reading comprehension also unlocks the door to a lifetime of reading

recreation and enjoyment

Eye Span

Eye-span is referred to the amount of text someone takes in with the eyes for eachstopping or fixation of the eyes By stating eye-span someone has already been

doing some investigating about speed reading There is much mis-information aboutthe topic It is true that part of the goal of speed reading is to allow the eyes to take in

more for each stop of the eyes (fixation) A traditional linear reader typically takes in

one to three words per fixation That is inefficient when you consider the total area of

clear focus the eyes have at normal reading distance

Skimming and scanning reading techniques

Skimming and scanning are not the same as reading Skimming should be done as a pre-reading activity and scanning as a post-reading activity With so much reading

required in todayrsquos world you may wonder shy you need to engage an article threetimes in three different ways Herersquos why skimming allows you to determine if you

even need to read the article at all If you decide after skimming that you do need to

read it then do so at your normal natural speed Even so it is not likely that you will

retain all the information included in the article this is where scanning comes into

play Scanning is used to quickly locate the specific information you need later for areport discussion etc

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14 | P a g e

Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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16 | P a g e

6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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18 | P a g e

not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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19 | P a g e

Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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20 | P a g e

bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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21 | P a g e

7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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2 Situational Dialogues

Mr Lopez bought a pair of shoes on sale He wore them one week and noticed the

sewing was starting to come out He took them back to the shoe store and this iswhat happened

Salesman Can I help you

Lopez Yes I bought these shoes last week and now they are starting to fall apartI would like my money back

S Do you have the sales receipt

L No I dont but I want my money back

S I am sorry but we have to have the receipt

L I understand what youre saying but I want my money back If you cant helpme who can

S No one You have to have your sales slip

L I understand what you are saying but I want my money back If you can not

help me who can

S Well the manager But he will tell you the same thing I am telling you

L I want to talk to the manager pleaseS Just a minute

Salesman goes through a door in the back of the store comes back in a few

minutes with another man The salesman points to Mr Lopez and the other mancomes toward Mr Lopez

Manager Hello I am the manager Did you have a problem with something

L I bought these shoes last week and they are starting to fall apart and I want my

money back

M Let me see the shoes please Oh this is no problem at all We can fix thesefor you again in no time

L I dont want them repaired I want my money back

M It is not our policy to refund moneyL I understand what you are saying but I want my money back

M Listen Mr

L Lopez

M Mr Lopez if we refunded everybodys money we would have a bookkeeping

nightmare We just can not afford that Surely you can understand

L I understand what you are saying but I want my money back

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M But you have worn these for a week We can not give you all your money

back

L I know I only wore them for a week and they started falling apart and I want

my money back

M (Sigh) OK come with me and I will see that you get it back

Leonel De Niro of Merapi Insurance Company is calling a prospective client RobertMessi

A Agent Leonel De Niro

P Prospect Robert Messi

A Good morning may I speak to Mr Leonel De Niro please

P SpeakingA Mr Messi this is Leonel De Niro of Merapi Insurance Company Could I have a few

minutes of your time to tell you about our new comprehensive insurance plans

P Im pretty busy right now

A Thats Okay how about I meet with you tomorrow and we can discuss Merapis plansin person

P I dont really have time to sit down and talk about insuranceA Mr Messi it would only take about fifteen minutes of your time It will take evenless if I know a bit about you before I come How many people are there in your family

P There are four - me my wife and our two kids

A Also how old are you and what line of work of you in

P Im forty-three and Im a senior accountant at my firm

A It sounds like we have two specific plans that would suit your needs Mr Messi I can

present them to you tomorrow say around two P Two thirty is better for me

A Thats fine Ill see you then Im looking forward to meeting you Mr Messi

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3 Vocabulary Building

Introduction

Words are unique and interesting A limited vocabulary keeps you from expressing yourreal thoughts and feelings A strong vocabulary gives you the right words to use at theright time

Vocabulary building takes patience and continued effort Your vocabulary can and should be a reflection of you Your vocabulary is you And like you your vocabulary should be

alive It should change and grow to meet your needs

The Purpose of Vocabulary

Words are great subjects to investigate When you become a student of language and

delight in discovering word relationships and become aware of how you can make wordswork for you you are more likely to stop when you encounter an unfamiliar word and

consider its meaning If you do this you will become a master of words and your

vocabulary will grow

Why Vocabulary Development Counts

bull Vocabulary is a basic part of reading comprehension If you dont know enough

words you are going to have trouble understanding what you read An occasional

word may not stop you but if there are too many words you dont know

comprehension will suffer The content of textbooks is often challenging enough

you dont want to work as well on understanding the words that express thatcontent

bull Vocabulary is a major part of almost every standardized test including reading

achievement tests college entrance exams and armed forces and vocational

placement tests Vocabulary is a key measure of both ones learning and ones

ability to learn The more words you know then the better you are likely to do onsuch important tests

bull Studies have indicated that students with strong vocabularies are more successful

in school and that a good vocabulary is an influential factor for people who enjoy

successful careers in life Words are the tools not just of better reading but of

better writing speaking listening

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and thinking as well The more words you have at your command the more

effective your communication can be and the more influence you can have on the people around you

bull In todays world a good vocabulary counts more than ever Many jobs provide

services or process information and the skills of reading writing listening and

speaking are essential

Improving your Vocabulary

Throughout your college years new words will be flooding into your consciousness

Many of them are the keys to ideas and information that will be new to you When

students have trouble in a course the trouble can often be traced back to their imperfect

comprehension of terms that are essential to an understanding of subject matter A first-year science or social science course may introduce you to almost as many new words as

a first course in a foreign language Then there are also words which may not literally be

new to you but which have specific meanings within the context of a specific course and

therefore must be learned as if they were new words

Affixes and roots

Adding affixes to existing words (the base or root) to form new words is common in

academic English Prefixes are added to the front of the base (like dislike) whereassuffixes are added to the end of the base (active activate) Prefixes usually do not

change the class of the base word but suffixes usually do change the class of the word

The most common prefixes used to form new verbs in academic English are re- dis-over- un- mis- out- The most common suffixes are -ise -en -ate -(i)fy By far the

most common affix in academic English is -ise

Verbs

eg prefix + verb verb

Prefix Meaning Examples

re- again or back restructure revisit reappear rebuild refinance

dis- reverses the meaning of theverb

disappear disallow disarm disconnectdiscontinue

over- too much overbook oversleep overwork

un- reverses the meaning of the

verbunbend uncouple unfasten

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mis- badly or wrongly mislead misinform misidentify

out- more or better than others outperform outbid

be- make or cause befriend belittle

co- together co-exist co-operate co-own

de- do the opposite of devalue deselect

fore- earlier before foreclose foresee

inter- between interact intermix interface

pre- before pre-expose prejudge pretest

sub- underbelow subcontract subdivide

trans- across over transform transcribe transplant

under- not enough underfund undersell undervalue underdevelop

eg Suffix used to form verbs with the meaning cause to be

Suffix Example

-ise stabilise characterise symbolise visualise specialise

-ate differentiate liquidate pollinate duplicate fabricate

-fy classify exemplify simplify justify

-en awaken fasten shorten moisten

An idiom is a phrase where the words together have a meaning that is different from the

dictionary definitions of the individual words

IDIOMS EXAMPLES

absent-minded forgetful My grandfather is very absent-

minded and often forgets hiskey

all ears eager to listen tosomeone

Okay Im all ears please tellme about the party

all of a sudden suddenlywithout advance warning

All of a sudden it becamecloudy and began to rain

beat around the bush speakindirectlyor evasively

Stop beating around the bush and give us your final decision

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behind the times old fashioned My aunt is a little behind thetimes

blow ones own horn praiseoneself

He is always blowing his ownhorn and is very annoying at

times brand new absolutely new He was finally able to buy a

brand-new car

catch ones eye attract onesattention

I tried to catch her eye but shedidn`t notice me

catch (someone) red-handed find someone in the middle ofdoing something wrong

The policeman caught the boyred-handed when he wasstealing the candy

change horses in midstream make new plans or choose a newleader in the middle of animportant activity

They decided to change horsesin midstream and that is probably why they lost theelection

change (ones) mind changeone`s decision

He changed his mind and saidthat he would not go to themovie tonight

come across find something ormeet someone by chance

I came across an interestingstory in the newspaper the otherday

come into fashion becomefashionable

She says that although bell-bottom pants have come into

fashion again she will neverwear them

crocodile tears a show of sorrowthatis not really felt

He said that he was very sorrybut his tears were just crocodiletears

cry over spilt milk cry orcomplain about something thathas already happened

Dont cry over spilt milk Youcan never change the past

die out die or disappear slowlyuntil all gone

Dinosaurs died out millions ofyears ago

doll up dress in fancy clothes She was all dolled up for the party at the downtown hotel

do without manage withoutsomething

If there is no sugar well have todo without

dressed to the nines (teeth) The stars were all dressed to

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dressed elegantly the nines (teeth) during the Academy Awards ceremony

dress up put on ones bestclothes

He decided to dress up fordinner at the restaurant

drop (someone) a line write ormail a note or letter to someone

She promised that she woulddrop me a line when she gets toSingapore

easy-going tolerant and relaxed He has a very easy-going management style

eat like a bird eat very little He eats like a bird Thats whyhe can`t put on enough weight to

join the football team

eat like a horse eat a lot He eats like a horse but henever puts on any weight

eat ones words admit beingwrong in something one has saidretract ones statement

He was forced to eat his words after his boss proved that he waswrong

end up finish finally dosomething

We ended up going to therestaurant after the movie lastnight

face the music accept theconsequences of something

He is going to have to face the

music sooner or later

fall behind fail to keep up withwork or studies or payments etc

He fell behind with hishomework at the beginning of theterm and had problemsthroughout the year

fall in love with begin to lovesomeone

I fell in love with her the firsttime that I saw her at therestaurant

fed up with disgusted or boredwith someone or something

I think that he is getting fed up

wit h the constant demands of hisboss

figure out try to understand orsolve

He finally figured out how touse the new video recorder

fit as a fiddle in good athleticconditionor health

Her grandfather is 92 years oldbut he is as fit as a fiddle

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fix someone up with someone help someone get a date byarranging a meeting for the

I tried to fix my sister up with adate with my friend but sherefused me

for all the world for anything

for any price

For all the world I do not know

what he is trying to tell me withthe notes that he writes

for better or worse dependingon how one looks at the matterwith good or bad effects

For better or worse he hasdecided to quit his job and go tolive in Brazil

from hand to hand from oneperson to another and another

The plate of food went fromhand to hand until finally it wasall finished

from the bottom of ones heart

with great feeling sincerely

I thanked him from the bottom

of my heart for helping mydaughter when she was sick

from now on from this momentforward

From now on I will study Italianevery day

from scratch from the verybeginning

He decided to build the housefrom scratch

from time to time occasionally We go to that restaurant fromtime to time

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4 Group Discussions

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has

certain personality traits andor skills that it desires in its members In this methodologythe group of candidates is given a topic or a situation given a few minutes to think aboutthe same and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 8-15 minutes

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include -

Ability to work in a team

Communication skillsReasoning ability

Leadership skills

Initiative

AssertivenessFlexibility

Creativity

Ability to think on ones feet

Why is GD part of selection process in companies

Companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your

interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people The GD isto check how you behave participate and contribute in a group how much importance do

you give to the group objective as well as your own how well do you listen to viewpoints

of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own The

aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication non-verbal behavior

conformation to norms decision-making ability and cooperation You should try to be as

true as possible to these aspects

Types of GD

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types -

1 Factual Topics

2 Controversial Topics3 Abstract Topics

Factual Topics-

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Factual topics are about practical things which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-

to-day life Typically these are about socio-economic topics These can be current iethey may have been in the news lately or could be unbound by time

A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of andsensitive to his environment

Eg The education policy of India Tourism in India State of the aged in the nation

Controversial Topics-

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature They are meant to

generate controversy In GDs where these topics are given for discussion the noise levelis usually high there may be tempers flying The idea behind giving a topic like this is to

see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check by

rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional

Eg Reservations should be removed Women make better managers

Abstract Topics-

Abstract topics are about intangible things These topics are not given often fordiscussion but their possibility cannot be ruled out These topics test your lateral thinking

and creativity

Eg A is an alphabet Twinkle twinkle little star The number 10

GD Dos

Dos

1 Be as natural as possible Do not try and be someone you are not Be yourself

2 A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal The evaluator wants to hearyou speak

3 Take time to organize your thoughts Think of what you are going to say

4 Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject5 Dont start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject

6 Work out various strategies to help you make an entry initiate the discussion or

agree with someone elses point and then move onto express your views

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7 Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition If

you do not give valuable insights during the discussion all your efforts ofinitiating the discussion will be in vain

8 Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are

more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say

9

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your pointsacross clearly and fluently

10 Be assertive not dominating try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussionand analysis

11 Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to The key is to stay

objective Dont take the discussion personally

12 Always be polite Try to avoid using extreme phrases like `I strongly object or `I

disagree Instead try phrases like `I would like to share my views onhellip or `One

difference between your point and minehellip or I beg to differ with you13 Brush up on your leadership skills motivate the other members of the team to

speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to

say let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say or Raghu letus hear your views - Essentially be subtle) and listen to their views Be receptive

to others opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive

14 If you have a group of like-minded friends you can have a mock group discussionwhere you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback

15 Apart from the above points the panel will also judge team members for their

alertness and presence of mind problem-solving abilities ability to work as a

team without alienating certain members and creativity

GD Topics

1 Involvement of youth in politics

2 Should parents interfere in the decision making of children

3 Water resources should be nationalized

4 BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY

5 Effect of cinema on Youth

6 Education in India compared to Foreign nations

7 Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad

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5 Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand a written passage of text Itrsquos

answering ldquoyesrdquo to the question ldquoDid you lsquogetrsquo what you readrdquo

Reading comprehension is what allows the reader to interact with the text in ameaningful way Itrsquos the bridge from passive reading to active reading -- from letters

and words to characters and contexts Reading comprehension is the crucial link to

effective reading -- a strong factor in our educational and professional lives Formany reading comprehension also unlocks the door to a lifetime of reading

recreation and enjoyment

Eye Span

Eye-span is referred to the amount of text someone takes in with the eyes for eachstopping or fixation of the eyes By stating eye-span someone has already been

doing some investigating about speed reading There is much mis-information aboutthe topic It is true that part of the goal of speed reading is to allow the eyes to take in

more for each stop of the eyes (fixation) A traditional linear reader typically takes in

one to three words per fixation That is inefficient when you consider the total area of

clear focus the eyes have at normal reading distance

Skimming and scanning reading techniques

Skimming and scanning are not the same as reading Skimming should be done as a pre-reading activity and scanning as a post-reading activity With so much reading

required in todayrsquos world you may wonder shy you need to engage an article threetimes in three different ways Herersquos why skimming allows you to determine if you

even need to read the article at all If you decide after skimming that you do need to

read it then do so at your normal natural speed Even so it is not likely that you will

retain all the information included in the article this is where scanning comes into

play Scanning is used to quickly locate the specific information you need later for areport discussion etc

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Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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M But you have worn these for a week We can not give you all your money

back

L I know I only wore them for a week and they started falling apart and I want

my money back

M (Sigh) OK come with me and I will see that you get it back

Leonel De Niro of Merapi Insurance Company is calling a prospective client RobertMessi

A Agent Leonel De Niro

P Prospect Robert Messi

A Good morning may I speak to Mr Leonel De Niro please

P SpeakingA Mr Messi this is Leonel De Niro of Merapi Insurance Company Could I have a few

minutes of your time to tell you about our new comprehensive insurance plans

P Im pretty busy right now

A Thats Okay how about I meet with you tomorrow and we can discuss Merapis plansin person

P I dont really have time to sit down and talk about insuranceA Mr Messi it would only take about fifteen minutes of your time It will take evenless if I know a bit about you before I come How many people are there in your family

P There are four - me my wife and our two kids

A Also how old are you and what line of work of you in

P Im forty-three and Im a senior accountant at my firm

A It sounds like we have two specific plans that would suit your needs Mr Messi I can

present them to you tomorrow say around two P Two thirty is better for me

A Thats fine Ill see you then Im looking forward to meeting you Mr Messi

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3 Vocabulary Building

Introduction

Words are unique and interesting A limited vocabulary keeps you from expressing yourreal thoughts and feelings A strong vocabulary gives you the right words to use at theright time

Vocabulary building takes patience and continued effort Your vocabulary can and should be a reflection of you Your vocabulary is you And like you your vocabulary should be

alive It should change and grow to meet your needs

The Purpose of Vocabulary

Words are great subjects to investigate When you become a student of language and

delight in discovering word relationships and become aware of how you can make wordswork for you you are more likely to stop when you encounter an unfamiliar word and

consider its meaning If you do this you will become a master of words and your

vocabulary will grow

Why Vocabulary Development Counts

bull Vocabulary is a basic part of reading comprehension If you dont know enough

words you are going to have trouble understanding what you read An occasional

word may not stop you but if there are too many words you dont know

comprehension will suffer The content of textbooks is often challenging enough

you dont want to work as well on understanding the words that express thatcontent

bull Vocabulary is a major part of almost every standardized test including reading

achievement tests college entrance exams and armed forces and vocational

placement tests Vocabulary is a key measure of both ones learning and ones

ability to learn The more words you know then the better you are likely to do onsuch important tests

bull Studies have indicated that students with strong vocabularies are more successful

in school and that a good vocabulary is an influential factor for people who enjoy

successful careers in life Words are the tools not just of better reading but of

better writing speaking listening

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and thinking as well The more words you have at your command the more

effective your communication can be and the more influence you can have on the people around you

bull In todays world a good vocabulary counts more than ever Many jobs provide

services or process information and the skills of reading writing listening and

speaking are essential

Improving your Vocabulary

Throughout your college years new words will be flooding into your consciousness

Many of them are the keys to ideas and information that will be new to you When

students have trouble in a course the trouble can often be traced back to their imperfect

comprehension of terms that are essential to an understanding of subject matter A first-year science or social science course may introduce you to almost as many new words as

a first course in a foreign language Then there are also words which may not literally be

new to you but which have specific meanings within the context of a specific course and

therefore must be learned as if they were new words

Affixes and roots

Adding affixes to existing words (the base or root) to form new words is common in

academic English Prefixes are added to the front of the base (like dislike) whereassuffixes are added to the end of the base (active activate) Prefixes usually do not

change the class of the base word but suffixes usually do change the class of the word

The most common prefixes used to form new verbs in academic English are re- dis-over- un- mis- out- The most common suffixes are -ise -en -ate -(i)fy By far the

most common affix in academic English is -ise

Verbs

eg prefix + verb verb

Prefix Meaning Examples

re- again or back restructure revisit reappear rebuild refinance

dis- reverses the meaning of theverb

disappear disallow disarm disconnectdiscontinue

over- too much overbook oversleep overwork

un- reverses the meaning of the

verbunbend uncouple unfasten

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mis- badly or wrongly mislead misinform misidentify

out- more or better than others outperform outbid

be- make or cause befriend belittle

co- together co-exist co-operate co-own

de- do the opposite of devalue deselect

fore- earlier before foreclose foresee

inter- between interact intermix interface

pre- before pre-expose prejudge pretest

sub- underbelow subcontract subdivide

trans- across over transform transcribe transplant

under- not enough underfund undersell undervalue underdevelop

eg Suffix used to form verbs with the meaning cause to be

Suffix Example

-ise stabilise characterise symbolise visualise specialise

-ate differentiate liquidate pollinate duplicate fabricate

-fy classify exemplify simplify justify

-en awaken fasten shorten moisten

An idiom is a phrase where the words together have a meaning that is different from the

dictionary definitions of the individual words

IDIOMS EXAMPLES

absent-minded forgetful My grandfather is very absent-

minded and often forgets hiskey

all ears eager to listen tosomeone

Okay Im all ears please tellme about the party

all of a sudden suddenlywithout advance warning

All of a sudden it becamecloudy and began to rain

beat around the bush speakindirectlyor evasively

Stop beating around the bush and give us your final decision

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behind the times old fashioned My aunt is a little behind thetimes

blow ones own horn praiseoneself

He is always blowing his ownhorn and is very annoying at

times brand new absolutely new He was finally able to buy a

brand-new car

catch ones eye attract onesattention

I tried to catch her eye but shedidn`t notice me

catch (someone) red-handed find someone in the middle ofdoing something wrong

The policeman caught the boyred-handed when he wasstealing the candy

change horses in midstream make new plans or choose a newleader in the middle of animportant activity

They decided to change horsesin midstream and that is probably why they lost theelection

change (ones) mind changeone`s decision

He changed his mind and saidthat he would not go to themovie tonight

come across find something ormeet someone by chance

I came across an interestingstory in the newspaper the otherday

come into fashion becomefashionable

She says that although bell-bottom pants have come into

fashion again she will neverwear them

crocodile tears a show of sorrowthatis not really felt

He said that he was very sorrybut his tears were just crocodiletears

cry over spilt milk cry orcomplain about something thathas already happened

Dont cry over spilt milk Youcan never change the past

die out die or disappear slowlyuntil all gone

Dinosaurs died out millions ofyears ago

doll up dress in fancy clothes She was all dolled up for the party at the downtown hotel

do without manage withoutsomething

If there is no sugar well have todo without

dressed to the nines (teeth) The stars were all dressed to

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dressed elegantly the nines (teeth) during the Academy Awards ceremony

dress up put on ones bestclothes

He decided to dress up fordinner at the restaurant

drop (someone) a line write ormail a note or letter to someone

She promised that she woulddrop me a line when she gets toSingapore

easy-going tolerant and relaxed He has a very easy-going management style

eat like a bird eat very little He eats like a bird Thats whyhe can`t put on enough weight to

join the football team

eat like a horse eat a lot He eats like a horse but henever puts on any weight

eat ones words admit beingwrong in something one has saidretract ones statement

He was forced to eat his words after his boss proved that he waswrong

end up finish finally dosomething

We ended up going to therestaurant after the movie lastnight

face the music accept theconsequences of something

He is going to have to face the

music sooner or later

fall behind fail to keep up withwork or studies or payments etc

He fell behind with hishomework at the beginning of theterm and had problemsthroughout the year

fall in love with begin to lovesomeone

I fell in love with her the firsttime that I saw her at therestaurant

fed up with disgusted or boredwith someone or something

I think that he is getting fed up

wit h the constant demands of hisboss

figure out try to understand orsolve

He finally figured out how touse the new video recorder

fit as a fiddle in good athleticconditionor health

Her grandfather is 92 years oldbut he is as fit as a fiddle

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fix someone up with someone help someone get a date byarranging a meeting for the

I tried to fix my sister up with adate with my friend but sherefused me

for all the world for anything

for any price

For all the world I do not know

what he is trying to tell me withthe notes that he writes

for better or worse dependingon how one looks at the matterwith good or bad effects

For better or worse he hasdecided to quit his job and go tolive in Brazil

from hand to hand from oneperson to another and another

The plate of food went fromhand to hand until finally it wasall finished

from the bottom of ones heart

with great feeling sincerely

I thanked him from the bottom

of my heart for helping mydaughter when she was sick

from now on from this momentforward

From now on I will study Italianevery day

from scratch from the verybeginning

He decided to build the housefrom scratch

from time to time occasionally We go to that restaurant fromtime to time

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10 | P a g e

4 Group Discussions

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has

certain personality traits andor skills that it desires in its members In this methodologythe group of candidates is given a topic or a situation given a few minutes to think aboutthe same and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 8-15 minutes

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include -

Ability to work in a team

Communication skillsReasoning ability

Leadership skills

Initiative

AssertivenessFlexibility

Creativity

Ability to think on ones feet

Why is GD part of selection process in companies

Companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your

interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people The GD isto check how you behave participate and contribute in a group how much importance do

you give to the group objective as well as your own how well do you listen to viewpoints

of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own The

aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication non-verbal behavior

conformation to norms decision-making ability and cooperation You should try to be as

true as possible to these aspects

Types of GD

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types -

1 Factual Topics

2 Controversial Topics3 Abstract Topics

Factual Topics-

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Factual topics are about practical things which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-

to-day life Typically these are about socio-economic topics These can be current iethey may have been in the news lately or could be unbound by time

A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of andsensitive to his environment

Eg The education policy of India Tourism in India State of the aged in the nation

Controversial Topics-

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature They are meant to

generate controversy In GDs where these topics are given for discussion the noise levelis usually high there may be tempers flying The idea behind giving a topic like this is to

see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check by

rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional

Eg Reservations should be removed Women make better managers

Abstract Topics-

Abstract topics are about intangible things These topics are not given often fordiscussion but their possibility cannot be ruled out These topics test your lateral thinking

and creativity

Eg A is an alphabet Twinkle twinkle little star The number 10

GD Dos

Dos

1 Be as natural as possible Do not try and be someone you are not Be yourself

2 A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal The evaluator wants to hearyou speak

3 Take time to organize your thoughts Think of what you are going to say

4 Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject5 Dont start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject

6 Work out various strategies to help you make an entry initiate the discussion or

agree with someone elses point and then move onto express your views

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7 Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition If

you do not give valuable insights during the discussion all your efforts ofinitiating the discussion will be in vain

8 Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are

more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say

9

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your pointsacross clearly and fluently

10 Be assertive not dominating try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussionand analysis

11 Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to The key is to stay

objective Dont take the discussion personally

12 Always be polite Try to avoid using extreme phrases like `I strongly object or `I

disagree Instead try phrases like `I would like to share my views onhellip or `One

difference between your point and minehellip or I beg to differ with you13 Brush up on your leadership skills motivate the other members of the team to

speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to

say let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say or Raghu letus hear your views - Essentially be subtle) and listen to their views Be receptive

to others opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive

14 If you have a group of like-minded friends you can have a mock group discussionwhere you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback

15 Apart from the above points the panel will also judge team members for their

alertness and presence of mind problem-solving abilities ability to work as a

team without alienating certain members and creativity

GD Topics

1 Involvement of youth in politics

2 Should parents interfere in the decision making of children

3 Water resources should be nationalized

4 BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY

5 Effect of cinema on Youth

6 Education in India compared to Foreign nations

7 Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad

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5 Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand a written passage of text Itrsquos

answering ldquoyesrdquo to the question ldquoDid you lsquogetrsquo what you readrdquo

Reading comprehension is what allows the reader to interact with the text in ameaningful way Itrsquos the bridge from passive reading to active reading -- from letters

and words to characters and contexts Reading comprehension is the crucial link to

effective reading -- a strong factor in our educational and professional lives Formany reading comprehension also unlocks the door to a lifetime of reading

recreation and enjoyment

Eye Span

Eye-span is referred to the amount of text someone takes in with the eyes for eachstopping or fixation of the eyes By stating eye-span someone has already been

doing some investigating about speed reading There is much mis-information aboutthe topic It is true that part of the goal of speed reading is to allow the eyes to take in

more for each stop of the eyes (fixation) A traditional linear reader typically takes in

one to three words per fixation That is inefficient when you consider the total area of

clear focus the eyes have at normal reading distance

Skimming and scanning reading techniques

Skimming and scanning are not the same as reading Skimming should be done as a pre-reading activity and scanning as a post-reading activity With so much reading

required in todayrsquos world you may wonder shy you need to engage an article threetimes in three different ways Herersquos why skimming allows you to determine if you

even need to read the article at all If you decide after skimming that you do need to

read it then do so at your normal natural speed Even so it is not likely that you will

retain all the information included in the article this is where scanning comes into

play Scanning is used to quickly locate the specific information you need later for areport discussion etc

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Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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3 Vocabulary Building

Introduction

Words are unique and interesting A limited vocabulary keeps you from expressing yourreal thoughts and feelings A strong vocabulary gives you the right words to use at theright time

Vocabulary building takes patience and continued effort Your vocabulary can and should be a reflection of you Your vocabulary is you And like you your vocabulary should be

alive It should change and grow to meet your needs

The Purpose of Vocabulary

Words are great subjects to investigate When you become a student of language and

delight in discovering word relationships and become aware of how you can make wordswork for you you are more likely to stop when you encounter an unfamiliar word and

consider its meaning If you do this you will become a master of words and your

vocabulary will grow

Why Vocabulary Development Counts

bull Vocabulary is a basic part of reading comprehension If you dont know enough

words you are going to have trouble understanding what you read An occasional

word may not stop you but if there are too many words you dont know

comprehension will suffer The content of textbooks is often challenging enough

you dont want to work as well on understanding the words that express thatcontent

bull Vocabulary is a major part of almost every standardized test including reading

achievement tests college entrance exams and armed forces and vocational

placement tests Vocabulary is a key measure of both ones learning and ones

ability to learn The more words you know then the better you are likely to do onsuch important tests

bull Studies have indicated that students with strong vocabularies are more successful

in school and that a good vocabulary is an influential factor for people who enjoy

successful careers in life Words are the tools not just of better reading but of

better writing speaking listening

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and thinking as well The more words you have at your command the more

effective your communication can be and the more influence you can have on the people around you

bull In todays world a good vocabulary counts more than ever Many jobs provide

services or process information and the skills of reading writing listening and

speaking are essential

Improving your Vocabulary

Throughout your college years new words will be flooding into your consciousness

Many of them are the keys to ideas and information that will be new to you When

students have trouble in a course the trouble can often be traced back to their imperfect

comprehension of terms that are essential to an understanding of subject matter A first-year science or social science course may introduce you to almost as many new words as

a first course in a foreign language Then there are also words which may not literally be

new to you but which have specific meanings within the context of a specific course and

therefore must be learned as if they were new words

Affixes and roots

Adding affixes to existing words (the base or root) to form new words is common in

academic English Prefixes are added to the front of the base (like dislike) whereassuffixes are added to the end of the base (active activate) Prefixes usually do not

change the class of the base word but suffixes usually do change the class of the word

The most common prefixes used to form new verbs in academic English are re- dis-over- un- mis- out- The most common suffixes are -ise -en -ate -(i)fy By far the

most common affix in academic English is -ise

Verbs

eg prefix + verb verb

Prefix Meaning Examples

re- again or back restructure revisit reappear rebuild refinance

dis- reverses the meaning of theverb

disappear disallow disarm disconnectdiscontinue

over- too much overbook oversleep overwork

un- reverses the meaning of the

verbunbend uncouple unfasten

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mis- badly or wrongly mislead misinform misidentify

out- more or better than others outperform outbid

be- make or cause befriend belittle

co- together co-exist co-operate co-own

de- do the opposite of devalue deselect

fore- earlier before foreclose foresee

inter- between interact intermix interface

pre- before pre-expose prejudge pretest

sub- underbelow subcontract subdivide

trans- across over transform transcribe transplant

under- not enough underfund undersell undervalue underdevelop

eg Suffix used to form verbs with the meaning cause to be

Suffix Example

-ise stabilise characterise symbolise visualise specialise

-ate differentiate liquidate pollinate duplicate fabricate

-fy classify exemplify simplify justify

-en awaken fasten shorten moisten

An idiom is a phrase where the words together have a meaning that is different from the

dictionary definitions of the individual words

IDIOMS EXAMPLES

absent-minded forgetful My grandfather is very absent-

minded and often forgets hiskey

all ears eager to listen tosomeone

Okay Im all ears please tellme about the party

all of a sudden suddenlywithout advance warning

All of a sudden it becamecloudy and began to rain

beat around the bush speakindirectlyor evasively

Stop beating around the bush and give us your final decision

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behind the times old fashioned My aunt is a little behind thetimes

blow ones own horn praiseoneself

He is always blowing his ownhorn and is very annoying at

times brand new absolutely new He was finally able to buy a

brand-new car

catch ones eye attract onesattention

I tried to catch her eye but shedidn`t notice me

catch (someone) red-handed find someone in the middle ofdoing something wrong

The policeman caught the boyred-handed when he wasstealing the candy

change horses in midstream make new plans or choose a newleader in the middle of animportant activity

They decided to change horsesin midstream and that is probably why they lost theelection

change (ones) mind changeone`s decision

He changed his mind and saidthat he would not go to themovie tonight

come across find something ormeet someone by chance

I came across an interestingstory in the newspaper the otherday

come into fashion becomefashionable

She says that although bell-bottom pants have come into

fashion again she will neverwear them

crocodile tears a show of sorrowthatis not really felt

He said that he was very sorrybut his tears were just crocodiletears

cry over spilt milk cry orcomplain about something thathas already happened

Dont cry over spilt milk Youcan never change the past

die out die or disappear slowlyuntil all gone

Dinosaurs died out millions ofyears ago

doll up dress in fancy clothes She was all dolled up for the party at the downtown hotel

do without manage withoutsomething

If there is no sugar well have todo without

dressed to the nines (teeth) The stars were all dressed to

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dressed elegantly the nines (teeth) during the Academy Awards ceremony

dress up put on ones bestclothes

He decided to dress up fordinner at the restaurant

drop (someone) a line write ormail a note or letter to someone

She promised that she woulddrop me a line when she gets toSingapore

easy-going tolerant and relaxed He has a very easy-going management style

eat like a bird eat very little He eats like a bird Thats whyhe can`t put on enough weight to

join the football team

eat like a horse eat a lot He eats like a horse but henever puts on any weight

eat ones words admit beingwrong in something one has saidretract ones statement

He was forced to eat his words after his boss proved that he waswrong

end up finish finally dosomething

We ended up going to therestaurant after the movie lastnight

face the music accept theconsequences of something

He is going to have to face the

music sooner or later

fall behind fail to keep up withwork or studies or payments etc

He fell behind with hishomework at the beginning of theterm and had problemsthroughout the year

fall in love with begin to lovesomeone

I fell in love with her the firsttime that I saw her at therestaurant

fed up with disgusted or boredwith someone or something

I think that he is getting fed up

wit h the constant demands of hisboss

figure out try to understand orsolve

He finally figured out how touse the new video recorder

fit as a fiddle in good athleticconditionor health

Her grandfather is 92 years oldbut he is as fit as a fiddle

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fix someone up with someone help someone get a date byarranging a meeting for the

I tried to fix my sister up with adate with my friend but sherefused me

for all the world for anything

for any price

For all the world I do not know

what he is trying to tell me withthe notes that he writes

for better or worse dependingon how one looks at the matterwith good or bad effects

For better or worse he hasdecided to quit his job and go tolive in Brazil

from hand to hand from oneperson to another and another

The plate of food went fromhand to hand until finally it wasall finished

from the bottom of ones heart

with great feeling sincerely

I thanked him from the bottom

of my heart for helping mydaughter when she was sick

from now on from this momentforward

From now on I will study Italianevery day

from scratch from the verybeginning

He decided to build the housefrom scratch

from time to time occasionally We go to that restaurant fromtime to time

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4 Group Discussions

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has

certain personality traits andor skills that it desires in its members In this methodologythe group of candidates is given a topic or a situation given a few minutes to think aboutthe same and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 8-15 minutes

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include -

Ability to work in a team

Communication skillsReasoning ability

Leadership skills

Initiative

AssertivenessFlexibility

Creativity

Ability to think on ones feet

Why is GD part of selection process in companies

Companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your

interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people The GD isto check how you behave participate and contribute in a group how much importance do

you give to the group objective as well as your own how well do you listen to viewpoints

of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own The

aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication non-verbal behavior

conformation to norms decision-making ability and cooperation You should try to be as

true as possible to these aspects

Types of GD

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types -

1 Factual Topics

2 Controversial Topics3 Abstract Topics

Factual Topics-

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Factual topics are about practical things which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-

to-day life Typically these are about socio-economic topics These can be current iethey may have been in the news lately or could be unbound by time

A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of andsensitive to his environment

Eg The education policy of India Tourism in India State of the aged in the nation

Controversial Topics-

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature They are meant to

generate controversy In GDs where these topics are given for discussion the noise levelis usually high there may be tempers flying The idea behind giving a topic like this is to

see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check by

rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional

Eg Reservations should be removed Women make better managers

Abstract Topics-

Abstract topics are about intangible things These topics are not given often fordiscussion but their possibility cannot be ruled out These topics test your lateral thinking

and creativity

Eg A is an alphabet Twinkle twinkle little star The number 10

GD Dos

Dos

1 Be as natural as possible Do not try and be someone you are not Be yourself

2 A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal The evaluator wants to hearyou speak

3 Take time to organize your thoughts Think of what you are going to say

4 Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject5 Dont start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject

6 Work out various strategies to help you make an entry initiate the discussion or

agree with someone elses point and then move onto express your views

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7 Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition If

you do not give valuable insights during the discussion all your efforts ofinitiating the discussion will be in vain

8 Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are

more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say

9

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your pointsacross clearly and fluently

10 Be assertive not dominating try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussionand analysis

11 Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to The key is to stay

objective Dont take the discussion personally

12 Always be polite Try to avoid using extreme phrases like `I strongly object or `I

disagree Instead try phrases like `I would like to share my views onhellip or `One

difference between your point and minehellip or I beg to differ with you13 Brush up on your leadership skills motivate the other members of the team to

speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to

say let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say or Raghu letus hear your views - Essentially be subtle) and listen to their views Be receptive

to others opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive

14 If you have a group of like-minded friends you can have a mock group discussionwhere you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback

15 Apart from the above points the panel will also judge team members for their

alertness and presence of mind problem-solving abilities ability to work as a

team without alienating certain members and creativity

GD Topics

1 Involvement of youth in politics

2 Should parents interfere in the decision making of children

3 Water resources should be nationalized

4 BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY

5 Effect of cinema on Youth

6 Education in India compared to Foreign nations

7 Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad

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5 Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand a written passage of text Itrsquos

answering ldquoyesrdquo to the question ldquoDid you lsquogetrsquo what you readrdquo

Reading comprehension is what allows the reader to interact with the text in ameaningful way Itrsquos the bridge from passive reading to active reading -- from letters

and words to characters and contexts Reading comprehension is the crucial link to

effective reading -- a strong factor in our educational and professional lives Formany reading comprehension also unlocks the door to a lifetime of reading

recreation and enjoyment

Eye Span

Eye-span is referred to the amount of text someone takes in with the eyes for eachstopping or fixation of the eyes By stating eye-span someone has already been

doing some investigating about speed reading There is much mis-information aboutthe topic It is true that part of the goal of speed reading is to allow the eyes to take in

more for each stop of the eyes (fixation) A traditional linear reader typically takes in

one to three words per fixation That is inefficient when you consider the total area of

clear focus the eyes have at normal reading distance

Skimming and scanning reading techniques

Skimming and scanning are not the same as reading Skimming should be done as a pre-reading activity and scanning as a post-reading activity With so much reading

required in todayrsquos world you may wonder shy you need to engage an article threetimes in three different ways Herersquos why skimming allows you to determine if you

even need to read the article at all If you decide after skimming that you do need to

read it then do so at your normal natural speed Even so it is not likely that you will

retain all the information included in the article this is where scanning comes into

play Scanning is used to quickly locate the specific information you need later for areport discussion etc

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Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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and thinking as well The more words you have at your command the more

effective your communication can be and the more influence you can have on the people around you

bull In todays world a good vocabulary counts more than ever Many jobs provide

services or process information and the skills of reading writing listening and

speaking are essential

Improving your Vocabulary

Throughout your college years new words will be flooding into your consciousness

Many of them are the keys to ideas and information that will be new to you When

students have trouble in a course the trouble can often be traced back to their imperfect

comprehension of terms that are essential to an understanding of subject matter A first-year science or social science course may introduce you to almost as many new words as

a first course in a foreign language Then there are also words which may not literally be

new to you but which have specific meanings within the context of a specific course and

therefore must be learned as if they were new words

Affixes and roots

Adding affixes to existing words (the base or root) to form new words is common in

academic English Prefixes are added to the front of the base (like dislike) whereassuffixes are added to the end of the base (active activate) Prefixes usually do not

change the class of the base word but suffixes usually do change the class of the word

The most common prefixes used to form new verbs in academic English are re- dis-over- un- mis- out- The most common suffixes are -ise -en -ate -(i)fy By far the

most common affix in academic English is -ise

Verbs

eg prefix + verb verb

Prefix Meaning Examples

re- again or back restructure revisit reappear rebuild refinance

dis- reverses the meaning of theverb

disappear disallow disarm disconnectdiscontinue

over- too much overbook oversleep overwork

un- reverses the meaning of the

verbunbend uncouple unfasten

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mis- badly or wrongly mislead misinform misidentify

out- more or better than others outperform outbid

be- make or cause befriend belittle

co- together co-exist co-operate co-own

de- do the opposite of devalue deselect

fore- earlier before foreclose foresee

inter- between interact intermix interface

pre- before pre-expose prejudge pretest

sub- underbelow subcontract subdivide

trans- across over transform transcribe transplant

under- not enough underfund undersell undervalue underdevelop

eg Suffix used to form verbs with the meaning cause to be

Suffix Example

-ise stabilise characterise symbolise visualise specialise

-ate differentiate liquidate pollinate duplicate fabricate

-fy classify exemplify simplify justify

-en awaken fasten shorten moisten

An idiom is a phrase where the words together have a meaning that is different from the

dictionary definitions of the individual words

IDIOMS EXAMPLES

absent-minded forgetful My grandfather is very absent-

minded and often forgets hiskey

all ears eager to listen tosomeone

Okay Im all ears please tellme about the party

all of a sudden suddenlywithout advance warning

All of a sudden it becamecloudy and began to rain

beat around the bush speakindirectlyor evasively

Stop beating around the bush and give us your final decision

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behind the times old fashioned My aunt is a little behind thetimes

blow ones own horn praiseoneself

He is always blowing his ownhorn and is very annoying at

times brand new absolutely new He was finally able to buy a

brand-new car

catch ones eye attract onesattention

I tried to catch her eye but shedidn`t notice me

catch (someone) red-handed find someone in the middle ofdoing something wrong

The policeman caught the boyred-handed when he wasstealing the candy

change horses in midstream make new plans or choose a newleader in the middle of animportant activity

They decided to change horsesin midstream and that is probably why they lost theelection

change (ones) mind changeone`s decision

He changed his mind and saidthat he would not go to themovie tonight

come across find something ormeet someone by chance

I came across an interestingstory in the newspaper the otherday

come into fashion becomefashionable

She says that although bell-bottom pants have come into

fashion again she will neverwear them

crocodile tears a show of sorrowthatis not really felt

He said that he was very sorrybut his tears were just crocodiletears

cry over spilt milk cry orcomplain about something thathas already happened

Dont cry over spilt milk Youcan never change the past

die out die or disappear slowlyuntil all gone

Dinosaurs died out millions ofyears ago

doll up dress in fancy clothes She was all dolled up for the party at the downtown hotel

do without manage withoutsomething

If there is no sugar well have todo without

dressed to the nines (teeth) The stars were all dressed to

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dressed elegantly the nines (teeth) during the Academy Awards ceremony

dress up put on ones bestclothes

He decided to dress up fordinner at the restaurant

drop (someone) a line write ormail a note or letter to someone

She promised that she woulddrop me a line when she gets toSingapore

easy-going tolerant and relaxed He has a very easy-going management style

eat like a bird eat very little He eats like a bird Thats whyhe can`t put on enough weight to

join the football team

eat like a horse eat a lot He eats like a horse but henever puts on any weight

eat ones words admit beingwrong in something one has saidretract ones statement

He was forced to eat his words after his boss proved that he waswrong

end up finish finally dosomething

We ended up going to therestaurant after the movie lastnight

face the music accept theconsequences of something

He is going to have to face the

music sooner or later

fall behind fail to keep up withwork or studies or payments etc

He fell behind with hishomework at the beginning of theterm and had problemsthroughout the year

fall in love with begin to lovesomeone

I fell in love with her the firsttime that I saw her at therestaurant

fed up with disgusted or boredwith someone or something

I think that he is getting fed up

wit h the constant demands of hisboss

figure out try to understand orsolve

He finally figured out how touse the new video recorder

fit as a fiddle in good athleticconditionor health

Her grandfather is 92 years oldbut he is as fit as a fiddle

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fix someone up with someone help someone get a date byarranging a meeting for the

I tried to fix my sister up with adate with my friend but sherefused me

for all the world for anything

for any price

For all the world I do not know

what he is trying to tell me withthe notes that he writes

for better or worse dependingon how one looks at the matterwith good or bad effects

For better or worse he hasdecided to quit his job and go tolive in Brazil

from hand to hand from oneperson to another and another

The plate of food went fromhand to hand until finally it wasall finished

from the bottom of ones heart

with great feeling sincerely

I thanked him from the bottom

of my heart for helping mydaughter when she was sick

from now on from this momentforward

From now on I will study Italianevery day

from scratch from the verybeginning

He decided to build the housefrom scratch

from time to time occasionally We go to that restaurant fromtime to time

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4 Group Discussions

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has

certain personality traits andor skills that it desires in its members In this methodologythe group of candidates is given a topic or a situation given a few minutes to think aboutthe same and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 8-15 minutes

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include -

Ability to work in a team

Communication skillsReasoning ability

Leadership skills

Initiative

AssertivenessFlexibility

Creativity

Ability to think on ones feet

Why is GD part of selection process in companies

Companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your

interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people The GD isto check how you behave participate and contribute in a group how much importance do

you give to the group objective as well as your own how well do you listen to viewpoints

of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own The

aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication non-verbal behavior

conformation to norms decision-making ability and cooperation You should try to be as

true as possible to these aspects

Types of GD

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types -

1 Factual Topics

2 Controversial Topics3 Abstract Topics

Factual Topics-

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Factual topics are about practical things which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-

to-day life Typically these are about socio-economic topics These can be current iethey may have been in the news lately or could be unbound by time

A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of andsensitive to his environment

Eg The education policy of India Tourism in India State of the aged in the nation

Controversial Topics-

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature They are meant to

generate controversy In GDs where these topics are given for discussion the noise levelis usually high there may be tempers flying The idea behind giving a topic like this is to

see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check by

rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional

Eg Reservations should be removed Women make better managers

Abstract Topics-

Abstract topics are about intangible things These topics are not given often fordiscussion but their possibility cannot be ruled out These topics test your lateral thinking

and creativity

Eg A is an alphabet Twinkle twinkle little star The number 10

GD Dos

Dos

1 Be as natural as possible Do not try and be someone you are not Be yourself

2 A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal The evaluator wants to hearyou speak

3 Take time to organize your thoughts Think of what you are going to say

4 Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject5 Dont start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject

6 Work out various strategies to help you make an entry initiate the discussion or

agree with someone elses point and then move onto express your views

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7 Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition If

you do not give valuable insights during the discussion all your efforts ofinitiating the discussion will be in vain

8 Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are

more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say

9

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your pointsacross clearly and fluently

10 Be assertive not dominating try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussionand analysis

11 Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to The key is to stay

objective Dont take the discussion personally

12 Always be polite Try to avoid using extreme phrases like `I strongly object or `I

disagree Instead try phrases like `I would like to share my views onhellip or `One

difference between your point and minehellip or I beg to differ with you13 Brush up on your leadership skills motivate the other members of the team to

speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to

say let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say or Raghu letus hear your views - Essentially be subtle) and listen to their views Be receptive

to others opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive

14 If you have a group of like-minded friends you can have a mock group discussionwhere you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback

15 Apart from the above points the panel will also judge team members for their

alertness and presence of mind problem-solving abilities ability to work as a

team without alienating certain members and creativity

GD Topics

1 Involvement of youth in politics

2 Should parents interfere in the decision making of children

3 Water resources should be nationalized

4 BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY

5 Effect of cinema on Youth

6 Education in India compared to Foreign nations

7 Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad

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5 Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand a written passage of text Itrsquos

answering ldquoyesrdquo to the question ldquoDid you lsquogetrsquo what you readrdquo

Reading comprehension is what allows the reader to interact with the text in ameaningful way Itrsquos the bridge from passive reading to active reading -- from letters

and words to characters and contexts Reading comprehension is the crucial link to

effective reading -- a strong factor in our educational and professional lives Formany reading comprehension also unlocks the door to a lifetime of reading

recreation and enjoyment

Eye Span

Eye-span is referred to the amount of text someone takes in with the eyes for eachstopping or fixation of the eyes By stating eye-span someone has already been

doing some investigating about speed reading There is much mis-information aboutthe topic It is true that part of the goal of speed reading is to allow the eyes to take in

more for each stop of the eyes (fixation) A traditional linear reader typically takes in

one to three words per fixation That is inefficient when you consider the total area of

clear focus the eyes have at normal reading distance

Skimming and scanning reading techniques

Skimming and scanning are not the same as reading Skimming should be done as a pre-reading activity and scanning as a post-reading activity With so much reading

required in todayrsquos world you may wonder shy you need to engage an article threetimes in three different ways Herersquos why skimming allows you to determine if you

even need to read the article at all If you decide after skimming that you do need to

read it then do so at your normal natural speed Even so it is not likely that you will

retain all the information included in the article this is where scanning comes into

play Scanning is used to quickly locate the specific information you need later for areport discussion etc

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Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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mis- badly or wrongly mislead misinform misidentify

out- more or better than others outperform outbid

be- make or cause befriend belittle

co- together co-exist co-operate co-own

de- do the opposite of devalue deselect

fore- earlier before foreclose foresee

inter- between interact intermix interface

pre- before pre-expose prejudge pretest

sub- underbelow subcontract subdivide

trans- across over transform transcribe transplant

under- not enough underfund undersell undervalue underdevelop

eg Suffix used to form verbs with the meaning cause to be

Suffix Example

-ise stabilise characterise symbolise visualise specialise

-ate differentiate liquidate pollinate duplicate fabricate

-fy classify exemplify simplify justify

-en awaken fasten shorten moisten

An idiom is a phrase where the words together have a meaning that is different from the

dictionary definitions of the individual words

IDIOMS EXAMPLES

absent-minded forgetful My grandfather is very absent-

minded and often forgets hiskey

all ears eager to listen tosomeone

Okay Im all ears please tellme about the party

all of a sudden suddenlywithout advance warning

All of a sudden it becamecloudy and began to rain

beat around the bush speakindirectlyor evasively

Stop beating around the bush and give us your final decision

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behind the times old fashioned My aunt is a little behind thetimes

blow ones own horn praiseoneself

He is always blowing his ownhorn and is very annoying at

times brand new absolutely new He was finally able to buy a

brand-new car

catch ones eye attract onesattention

I tried to catch her eye but shedidn`t notice me

catch (someone) red-handed find someone in the middle ofdoing something wrong

The policeman caught the boyred-handed when he wasstealing the candy

change horses in midstream make new plans or choose a newleader in the middle of animportant activity

They decided to change horsesin midstream and that is probably why they lost theelection

change (ones) mind changeone`s decision

He changed his mind and saidthat he would not go to themovie tonight

come across find something ormeet someone by chance

I came across an interestingstory in the newspaper the otherday

come into fashion becomefashionable

She says that although bell-bottom pants have come into

fashion again she will neverwear them

crocodile tears a show of sorrowthatis not really felt

He said that he was very sorrybut his tears were just crocodiletears

cry over spilt milk cry orcomplain about something thathas already happened

Dont cry over spilt milk Youcan never change the past

die out die or disappear slowlyuntil all gone

Dinosaurs died out millions ofyears ago

doll up dress in fancy clothes She was all dolled up for the party at the downtown hotel

do without manage withoutsomething

If there is no sugar well have todo without

dressed to the nines (teeth) The stars were all dressed to

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dressed elegantly the nines (teeth) during the Academy Awards ceremony

dress up put on ones bestclothes

He decided to dress up fordinner at the restaurant

drop (someone) a line write ormail a note or letter to someone

She promised that she woulddrop me a line when she gets toSingapore

easy-going tolerant and relaxed He has a very easy-going management style

eat like a bird eat very little He eats like a bird Thats whyhe can`t put on enough weight to

join the football team

eat like a horse eat a lot He eats like a horse but henever puts on any weight

eat ones words admit beingwrong in something one has saidretract ones statement

He was forced to eat his words after his boss proved that he waswrong

end up finish finally dosomething

We ended up going to therestaurant after the movie lastnight

face the music accept theconsequences of something

He is going to have to face the

music sooner or later

fall behind fail to keep up withwork or studies or payments etc

He fell behind with hishomework at the beginning of theterm and had problemsthroughout the year

fall in love with begin to lovesomeone

I fell in love with her the firsttime that I saw her at therestaurant

fed up with disgusted or boredwith someone or something

I think that he is getting fed up

wit h the constant demands of hisboss

figure out try to understand orsolve

He finally figured out how touse the new video recorder

fit as a fiddle in good athleticconditionor health

Her grandfather is 92 years oldbut he is as fit as a fiddle

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fix someone up with someone help someone get a date byarranging a meeting for the

I tried to fix my sister up with adate with my friend but sherefused me

for all the world for anything

for any price

For all the world I do not know

what he is trying to tell me withthe notes that he writes

for better or worse dependingon how one looks at the matterwith good or bad effects

For better or worse he hasdecided to quit his job and go tolive in Brazil

from hand to hand from oneperson to another and another

The plate of food went fromhand to hand until finally it wasall finished

from the bottom of ones heart

with great feeling sincerely

I thanked him from the bottom

of my heart for helping mydaughter when she was sick

from now on from this momentforward

From now on I will study Italianevery day

from scratch from the verybeginning

He decided to build the housefrom scratch

from time to time occasionally We go to that restaurant fromtime to time

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4 Group Discussions

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has

certain personality traits andor skills that it desires in its members In this methodologythe group of candidates is given a topic or a situation given a few minutes to think aboutthe same and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 8-15 minutes

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include -

Ability to work in a team

Communication skillsReasoning ability

Leadership skills

Initiative

AssertivenessFlexibility

Creativity

Ability to think on ones feet

Why is GD part of selection process in companies

Companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your

interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people The GD isto check how you behave participate and contribute in a group how much importance do

you give to the group objective as well as your own how well do you listen to viewpoints

of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own The

aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication non-verbal behavior

conformation to norms decision-making ability and cooperation You should try to be as

true as possible to these aspects

Types of GD

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types -

1 Factual Topics

2 Controversial Topics3 Abstract Topics

Factual Topics-

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Factual topics are about practical things which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-

to-day life Typically these are about socio-economic topics These can be current iethey may have been in the news lately or could be unbound by time

A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of andsensitive to his environment

Eg The education policy of India Tourism in India State of the aged in the nation

Controversial Topics-

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature They are meant to

generate controversy In GDs where these topics are given for discussion the noise levelis usually high there may be tempers flying The idea behind giving a topic like this is to

see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check by

rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional

Eg Reservations should be removed Women make better managers

Abstract Topics-

Abstract topics are about intangible things These topics are not given often fordiscussion but their possibility cannot be ruled out These topics test your lateral thinking

and creativity

Eg A is an alphabet Twinkle twinkle little star The number 10

GD Dos

Dos

1 Be as natural as possible Do not try and be someone you are not Be yourself

2 A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal The evaluator wants to hearyou speak

3 Take time to organize your thoughts Think of what you are going to say

4 Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject5 Dont start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject

6 Work out various strategies to help you make an entry initiate the discussion or

agree with someone elses point and then move onto express your views

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7 Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition If

you do not give valuable insights during the discussion all your efforts ofinitiating the discussion will be in vain

8 Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are

more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say

9

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your pointsacross clearly and fluently

10 Be assertive not dominating try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussionand analysis

11 Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to The key is to stay

objective Dont take the discussion personally

12 Always be polite Try to avoid using extreme phrases like `I strongly object or `I

disagree Instead try phrases like `I would like to share my views onhellip or `One

difference between your point and minehellip or I beg to differ with you13 Brush up on your leadership skills motivate the other members of the team to

speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to

say let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say or Raghu letus hear your views - Essentially be subtle) and listen to their views Be receptive

to others opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive

14 If you have a group of like-minded friends you can have a mock group discussionwhere you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback

15 Apart from the above points the panel will also judge team members for their

alertness and presence of mind problem-solving abilities ability to work as a

team without alienating certain members and creativity

GD Topics

1 Involvement of youth in politics

2 Should parents interfere in the decision making of children

3 Water resources should be nationalized

4 BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY

5 Effect of cinema on Youth

6 Education in India compared to Foreign nations

7 Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad

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5 Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand a written passage of text Itrsquos

answering ldquoyesrdquo to the question ldquoDid you lsquogetrsquo what you readrdquo

Reading comprehension is what allows the reader to interact with the text in ameaningful way Itrsquos the bridge from passive reading to active reading -- from letters

and words to characters and contexts Reading comprehension is the crucial link to

effective reading -- a strong factor in our educational and professional lives Formany reading comprehension also unlocks the door to a lifetime of reading

recreation and enjoyment

Eye Span

Eye-span is referred to the amount of text someone takes in with the eyes for eachstopping or fixation of the eyes By stating eye-span someone has already been

doing some investigating about speed reading There is much mis-information aboutthe topic It is true that part of the goal of speed reading is to allow the eyes to take in

more for each stop of the eyes (fixation) A traditional linear reader typically takes in

one to three words per fixation That is inefficient when you consider the total area of

clear focus the eyes have at normal reading distance

Skimming and scanning reading techniques

Skimming and scanning are not the same as reading Skimming should be done as a pre-reading activity and scanning as a post-reading activity With so much reading

required in todayrsquos world you may wonder shy you need to engage an article threetimes in three different ways Herersquos why skimming allows you to determine if you

even need to read the article at all If you decide after skimming that you do need to

read it then do so at your normal natural speed Even so it is not likely that you will

retain all the information included in the article this is where scanning comes into

play Scanning is used to quickly locate the specific information you need later for areport discussion etc

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Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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behind the times old fashioned My aunt is a little behind thetimes

blow ones own horn praiseoneself

He is always blowing his ownhorn and is very annoying at

times brand new absolutely new He was finally able to buy a

brand-new car

catch ones eye attract onesattention

I tried to catch her eye but shedidn`t notice me

catch (someone) red-handed find someone in the middle ofdoing something wrong

The policeman caught the boyred-handed when he wasstealing the candy

change horses in midstream make new plans or choose a newleader in the middle of animportant activity

They decided to change horsesin midstream and that is probably why they lost theelection

change (ones) mind changeone`s decision

He changed his mind and saidthat he would not go to themovie tonight

come across find something ormeet someone by chance

I came across an interestingstory in the newspaper the otherday

come into fashion becomefashionable

She says that although bell-bottom pants have come into

fashion again she will neverwear them

crocodile tears a show of sorrowthatis not really felt

He said that he was very sorrybut his tears were just crocodiletears

cry over spilt milk cry orcomplain about something thathas already happened

Dont cry over spilt milk Youcan never change the past

die out die or disappear slowlyuntil all gone

Dinosaurs died out millions ofyears ago

doll up dress in fancy clothes She was all dolled up for the party at the downtown hotel

do without manage withoutsomething

If there is no sugar well have todo without

dressed to the nines (teeth) The stars were all dressed to

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dressed elegantly the nines (teeth) during the Academy Awards ceremony

dress up put on ones bestclothes

He decided to dress up fordinner at the restaurant

drop (someone) a line write ormail a note or letter to someone

She promised that she woulddrop me a line when she gets toSingapore

easy-going tolerant and relaxed He has a very easy-going management style

eat like a bird eat very little He eats like a bird Thats whyhe can`t put on enough weight to

join the football team

eat like a horse eat a lot He eats like a horse but henever puts on any weight

eat ones words admit beingwrong in something one has saidretract ones statement

He was forced to eat his words after his boss proved that he waswrong

end up finish finally dosomething

We ended up going to therestaurant after the movie lastnight

face the music accept theconsequences of something

He is going to have to face the

music sooner or later

fall behind fail to keep up withwork or studies or payments etc

He fell behind with hishomework at the beginning of theterm and had problemsthroughout the year

fall in love with begin to lovesomeone

I fell in love with her the firsttime that I saw her at therestaurant

fed up with disgusted or boredwith someone or something

I think that he is getting fed up

wit h the constant demands of hisboss

figure out try to understand orsolve

He finally figured out how touse the new video recorder

fit as a fiddle in good athleticconditionor health

Her grandfather is 92 years oldbut he is as fit as a fiddle

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9 | P a g e

fix someone up with someone help someone get a date byarranging a meeting for the

I tried to fix my sister up with adate with my friend but sherefused me

for all the world for anything

for any price

For all the world I do not know

what he is trying to tell me withthe notes that he writes

for better or worse dependingon how one looks at the matterwith good or bad effects

For better or worse he hasdecided to quit his job and go tolive in Brazil

from hand to hand from oneperson to another and another

The plate of food went fromhand to hand until finally it wasall finished

from the bottom of ones heart

with great feeling sincerely

I thanked him from the bottom

of my heart for helping mydaughter when she was sick

from now on from this momentforward

From now on I will study Italianevery day

from scratch from the verybeginning

He decided to build the housefrom scratch

from time to time occasionally We go to that restaurant fromtime to time

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4 Group Discussions

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has

certain personality traits andor skills that it desires in its members In this methodologythe group of candidates is given a topic or a situation given a few minutes to think aboutthe same and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 8-15 minutes

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include -

Ability to work in a team

Communication skillsReasoning ability

Leadership skills

Initiative

AssertivenessFlexibility

Creativity

Ability to think on ones feet

Why is GD part of selection process in companies

Companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your

interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people The GD isto check how you behave participate and contribute in a group how much importance do

you give to the group objective as well as your own how well do you listen to viewpoints

of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own The

aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication non-verbal behavior

conformation to norms decision-making ability and cooperation You should try to be as

true as possible to these aspects

Types of GD

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types -

1 Factual Topics

2 Controversial Topics3 Abstract Topics

Factual Topics-

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Factual topics are about practical things which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-

to-day life Typically these are about socio-economic topics These can be current iethey may have been in the news lately or could be unbound by time

A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of andsensitive to his environment

Eg The education policy of India Tourism in India State of the aged in the nation

Controversial Topics-

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature They are meant to

generate controversy In GDs where these topics are given for discussion the noise levelis usually high there may be tempers flying The idea behind giving a topic like this is to

see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check by

rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional

Eg Reservations should be removed Women make better managers

Abstract Topics-

Abstract topics are about intangible things These topics are not given often fordiscussion but their possibility cannot be ruled out These topics test your lateral thinking

and creativity

Eg A is an alphabet Twinkle twinkle little star The number 10

GD Dos

Dos

1 Be as natural as possible Do not try and be someone you are not Be yourself

2 A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal The evaluator wants to hearyou speak

3 Take time to organize your thoughts Think of what you are going to say

4 Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject5 Dont start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject

6 Work out various strategies to help you make an entry initiate the discussion or

agree with someone elses point and then move onto express your views

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7 Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition If

you do not give valuable insights during the discussion all your efforts ofinitiating the discussion will be in vain

8 Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are

more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say

9

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your pointsacross clearly and fluently

10 Be assertive not dominating try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussionand analysis

11 Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to The key is to stay

objective Dont take the discussion personally

12 Always be polite Try to avoid using extreme phrases like `I strongly object or `I

disagree Instead try phrases like `I would like to share my views onhellip or `One

difference between your point and minehellip or I beg to differ with you13 Brush up on your leadership skills motivate the other members of the team to

speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to

say let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say or Raghu letus hear your views - Essentially be subtle) and listen to their views Be receptive

to others opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive

14 If you have a group of like-minded friends you can have a mock group discussionwhere you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback

15 Apart from the above points the panel will also judge team members for their

alertness and presence of mind problem-solving abilities ability to work as a

team without alienating certain members and creativity

GD Topics

1 Involvement of youth in politics

2 Should parents interfere in the decision making of children

3 Water resources should be nationalized

4 BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY

5 Effect of cinema on Youth

6 Education in India compared to Foreign nations

7 Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad

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5 Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand a written passage of text Itrsquos

answering ldquoyesrdquo to the question ldquoDid you lsquogetrsquo what you readrdquo

Reading comprehension is what allows the reader to interact with the text in ameaningful way Itrsquos the bridge from passive reading to active reading -- from letters

and words to characters and contexts Reading comprehension is the crucial link to

effective reading -- a strong factor in our educational and professional lives Formany reading comprehension also unlocks the door to a lifetime of reading

recreation and enjoyment

Eye Span

Eye-span is referred to the amount of text someone takes in with the eyes for eachstopping or fixation of the eyes By stating eye-span someone has already been

doing some investigating about speed reading There is much mis-information aboutthe topic It is true that part of the goal of speed reading is to allow the eyes to take in

more for each stop of the eyes (fixation) A traditional linear reader typically takes in

one to three words per fixation That is inefficient when you consider the total area of

clear focus the eyes have at normal reading distance

Skimming and scanning reading techniques

Skimming and scanning are not the same as reading Skimming should be done as a pre-reading activity and scanning as a post-reading activity With so much reading

required in todayrsquos world you may wonder shy you need to engage an article threetimes in three different ways Herersquos why skimming allows you to determine if you

even need to read the article at all If you decide after skimming that you do need to

read it then do so at your normal natural speed Even so it is not likely that you will

retain all the information included in the article this is where scanning comes into

play Scanning is used to quickly locate the specific information you need later for areport discussion etc

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Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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dressed elegantly the nines (teeth) during the Academy Awards ceremony

dress up put on ones bestclothes

He decided to dress up fordinner at the restaurant

drop (someone) a line write ormail a note or letter to someone

She promised that she woulddrop me a line when she gets toSingapore

easy-going tolerant and relaxed He has a very easy-going management style

eat like a bird eat very little He eats like a bird Thats whyhe can`t put on enough weight to

join the football team

eat like a horse eat a lot He eats like a horse but henever puts on any weight

eat ones words admit beingwrong in something one has saidretract ones statement

He was forced to eat his words after his boss proved that he waswrong

end up finish finally dosomething

We ended up going to therestaurant after the movie lastnight

face the music accept theconsequences of something

He is going to have to face the

music sooner or later

fall behind fail to keep up withwork or studies or payments etc

He fell behind with hishomework at the beginning of theterm and had problemsthroughout the year

fall in love with begin to lovesomeone

I fell in love with her the firsttime that I saw her at therestaurant

fed up with disgusted or boredwith someone or something

I think that he is getting fed up

wit h the constant demands of hisboss

figure out try to understand orsolve

He finally figured out how touse the new video recorder

fit as a fiddle in good athleticconditionor health

Her grandfather is 92 years oldbut he is as fit as a fiddle

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fix someone up with someone help someone get a date byarranging a meeting for the

I tried to fix my sister up with adate with my friend but sherefused me

for all the world for anything

for any price

For all the world I do not know

what he is trying to tell me withthe notes that he writes

for better or worse dependingon how one looks at the matterwith good or bad effects

For better or worse he hasdecided to quit his job and go tolive in Brazil

from hand to hand from oneperson to another and another

The plate of food went fromhand to hand until finally it wasall finished

from the bottom of ones heart

with great feeling sincerely

I thanked him from the bottom

of my heart for helping mydaughter when she was sick

from now on from this momentforward

From now on I will study Italianevery day

from scratch from the verybeginning

He decided to build the housefrom scratch

from time to time occasionally We go to that restaurant fromtime to time

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4 Group Discussions

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has

certain personality traits andor skills that it desires in its members In this methodologythe group of candidates is given a topic or a situation given a few minutes to think aboutthe same and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 8-15 minutes

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include -

Ability to work in a team

Communication skillsReasoning ability

Leadership skills

Initiative

AssertivenessFlexibility

Creativity

Ability to think on ones feet

Why is GD part of selection process in companies

Companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your

interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people The GD isto check how you behave participate and contribute in a group how much importance do

you give to the group objective as well as your own how well do you listen to viewpoints

of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own The

aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication non-verbal behavior

conformation to norms decision-making ability and cooperation You should try to be as

true as possible to these aspects

Types of GD

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types -

1 Factual Topics

2 Controversial Topics3 Abstract Topics

Factual Topics-

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Factual topics are about practical things which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-

to-day life Typically these are about socio-economic topics These can be current iethey may have been in the news lately or could be unbound by time

A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of andsensitive to his environment

Eg The education policy of India Tourism in India State of the aged in the nation

Controversial Topics-

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature They are meant to

generate controversy In GDs where these topics are given for discussion the noise levelis usually high there may be tempers flying The idea behind giving a topic like this is to

see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check by

rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional

Eg Reservations should be removed Women make better managers

Abstract Topics-

Abstract topics are about intangible things These topics are not given often fordiscussion but their possibility cannot be ruled out These topics test your lateral thinking

and creativity

Eg A is an alphabet Twinkle twinkle little star The number 10

GD Dos

Dos

1 Be as natural as possible Do not try and be someone you are not Be yourself

2 A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal The evaluator wants to hearyou speak

3 Take time to organize your thoughts Think of what you are going to say

4 Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject5 Dont start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject

6 Work out various strategies to help you make an entry initiate the discussion or

agree with someone elses point and then move onto express your views

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7 Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition If

you do not give valuable insights during the discussion all your efforts ofinitiating the discussion will be in vain

8 Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are

more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say

9

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your pointsacross clearly and fluently

10 Be assertive not dominating try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussionand analysis

11 Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to The key is to stay

objective Dont take the discussion personally

12 Always be polite Try to avoid using extreme phrases like `I strongly object or `I

disagree Instead try phrases like `I would like to share my views onhellip or `One

difference between your point and minehellip or I beg to differ with you13 Brush up on your leadership skills motivate the other members of the team to

speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to

say let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say or Raghu letus hear your views - Essentially be subtle) and listen to their views Be receptive

to others opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive

14 If you have a group of like-minded friends you can have a mock group discussionwhere you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback

15 Apart from the above points the panel will also judge team members for their

alertness and presence of mind problem-solving abilities ability to work as a

team without alienating certain members and creativity

GD Topics

1 Involvement of youth in politics

2 Should parents interfere in the decision making of children

3 Water resources should be nationalized

4 BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY

5 Effect of cinema on Youth

6 Education in India compared to Foreign nations

7 Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad

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5 Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand a written passage of text Itrsquos

answering ldquoyesrdquo to the question ldquoDid you lsquogetrsquo what you readrdquo

Reading comprehension is what allows the reader to interact with the text in ameaningful way Itrsquos the bridge from passive reading to active reading -- from letters

and words to characters and contexts Reading comprehension is the crucial link to

effective reading -- a strong factor in our educational and professional lives Formany reading comprehension also unlocks the door to a lifetime of reading

recreation and enjoyment

Eye Span

Eye-span is referred to the amount of text someone takes in with the eyes for eachstopping or fixation of the eyes By stating eye-span someone has already been

doing some investigating about speed reading There is much mis-information aboutthe topic It is true that part of the goal of speed reading is to allow the eyes to take in

more for each stop of the eyes (fixation) A traditional linear reader typically takes in

one to three words per fixation That is inefficient when you consider the total area of

clear focus the eyes have at normal reading distance

Skimming and scanning reading techniques

Skimming and scanning are not the same as reading Skimming should be done as a pre-reading activity and scanning as a post-reading activity With so much reading

required in todayrsquos world you may wonder shy you need to engage an article threetimes in three different ways Herersquos why skimming allows you to determine if you

even need to read the article at all If you decide after skimming that you do need to

read it then do so at your normal natural speed Even so it is not likely that you will

retain all the information included in the article this is where scanning comes into

play Scanning is used to quickly locate the specific information you need later for areport discussion etc

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Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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fix someone up with someone help someone get a date byarranging a meeting for the

I tried to fix my sister up with adate with my friend but sherefused me

for all the world for anything

for any price

For all the world I do not know

what he is trying to tell me withthe notes that he writes

for better or worse dependingon how one looks at the matterwith good or bad effects

For better or worse he hasdecided to quit his job and go tolive in Brazil

from hand to hand from oneperson to another and another

The plate of food went fromhand to hand until finally it wasall finished

from the bottom of ones heart

with great feeling sincerely

I thanked him from the bottom

of my heart for helping mydaughter when she was sick

from now on from this momentforward

From now on I will study Italianevery day

from scratch from the verybeginning

He decided to build the housefrom scratch

from time to time occasionally We go to that restaurant fromtime to time

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4 Group Discussions

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has

certain personality traits andor skills that it desires in its members In this methodologythe group of candidates is given a topic or a situation given a few minutes to think aboutthe same and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 8-15 minutes

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include -

Ability to work in a team

Communication skillsReasoning ability

Leadership skills

Initiative

AssertivenessFlexibility

Creativity

Ability to think on ones feet

Why is GD part of selection process in companies

Companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your

interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people The GD isto check how you behave participate and contribute in a group how much importance do

you give to the group objective as well as your own how well do you listen to viewpoints

of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own The

aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication non-verbal behavior

conformation to norms decision-making ability and cooperation You should try to be as

true as possible to these aspects

Types of GD

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types -

1 Factual Topics

2 Controversial Topics3 Abstract Topics

Factual Topics-

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Factual topics are about practical things which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-

to-day life Typically these are about socio-economic topics These can be current iethey may have been in the news lately or could be unbound by time

A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of andsensitive to his environment

Eg The education policy of India Tourism in India State of the aged in the nation

Controversial Topics-

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature They are meant to

generate controversy In GDs where these topics are given for discussion the noise levelis usually high there may be tempers flying The idea behind giving a topic like this is to

see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check by

rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional

Eg Reservations should be removed Women make better managers

Abstract Topics-

Abstract topics are about intangible things These topics are not given often fordiscussion but their possibility cannot be ruled out These topics test your lateral thinking

and creativity

Eg A is an alphabet Twinkle twinkle little star The number 10

GD Dos

Dos

1 Be as natural as possible Do not try and be someone you are not Be yourself

2 A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal The evaluator wants to hearyou speak

3 Take time to organize your thoughts Think of what you are going to say

4 Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject5 Dont start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject

6 Work out various strategies to help you make an entry initiate the discussion or

agree with someone elses point and then move onto express your views

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7 Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition If

you do not give valuable insights during the discussion all your efforts ofinitiating the discussion will be in vain

8 Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are

more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say

9

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your pointsacross clearly and fluently

10 Be assertive not dominating try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussionand analysis

11 Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to The key is to stay

objective Dont take the discussion personally

12 Always be polite Try to avoid using extreme phrases like `I strongly object or `I

disagree Instead try phrases like `I would like to share my views onhellip or `One

difference between your point and minehellip or I beg to differ with you13 Brush up on your leadership skills motivate the other members of the team to

speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to

say let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say or Raghu letus hear your views - Essentially be subtle) and listen to their views Be receptive

to others opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive

14 If you have a group of like-minded friends you can have a mock group discussionwhere you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback

15 Apart from the above points the panel will also judge team members for their

alertness and presence of mind problem-solving abilities ability to work as a

team without alienating certain members and creativity

GD Topics

1 Involvement of youth in politics

2 Should parents interfere in the decision making of children

3 Water resources should be nationalized

4 BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY

5 Effect of cinema on Youth

6 Education in India compared to Foreign nations

7 Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad

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5 Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand a written passage of text Itrsquos

answering ldquoyesrdquo to the question ldquoDid you lsquogetrsquo what you readrdquo

Reading comprehension is what allows the reader to interact with the text in ameaningful way Itrsquos the bridge from passive reading to active reading -- from letters

and words to characters and contexts Reading comprehension is the crucial link to

effective reading -- a strong factor in our educational and professional lives Formany reading comprehension also unlocks the door to a lifetime of reading

recreation and enjoyment

Eye Span

Eye-span is referred to the amount of text someone takes in with the eyes for eachstopping or fixation of the eyes By stating eye-span someone has already been

doing some investigating about speed reading There is much mis-information aboutthe topic It is true that part of the goal of speed reading is to allow the eyes to take in

more for each stop of the eyes (fixation) A traditional linear reader typically takes in

one to three words per fixation That is inefficient when you consider the total area of

clear focus the eyes have at normal reading distance

Skimming and scanning reading techniques

Skimming and scanning are not the same as reading Skimming should be done as a pre-reading activity and scanning as a post-reading activity With so much reading

required in todayrsquos world you may wonder shy you need to engage an article threetimes in three different ways Herersquos why skimming allows you to determine if you

even need to read the article at all If you decide after skimming that you do need to

read it then do so at your normal natural speed Even so it is not likely that you will

retain all the information included in the article this is where scanning comes into

play Scanning is used to quickly locate the specific information you need later for areport discussion etc

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Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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4 Group Discussions

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has

certain personality traits andor skills that it desires in its members In this methodologythe group of candidates is given a topic or a situation given a few minutes to think aboutthe same and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 8-15 minutes

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include -

Ability to work in a team

Communication skillsReasoning ability

Leadership skills

Initiative

AssertivenessFlexibility

Creativity

Ability to think on ones feet

Why is GD part of selection process in companies

Companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your

interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people The GD isto check how you behave participate and contribute in a group how much importance do

you give to the group objective as well as your own how well do you listen to viewpoints

of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own The

aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication non-verbal behavior

conformation to norms decision-making ability and cooperation You should try to be as

true as possible to these aspects

Types of GD

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types -

1 Factual Topics

2 Controversial Topics3 Abstract Topics

Factual Topics-

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Factual topics are about practical things which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-

to-day life Typically these are about socio-economic topics These can be current iethey may have been in the news lately or could be unbound by time

A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of andsensitive to his environment

Eg The education policy of India Tourism in India State of the aged in the nation

Controversial Topics-

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature They are meant to

generate controversy In GDs where these topics are given for discussion the noise levelis usually high there may be tempers flying The idea behind giving a topic like this is to

see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check by

rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional

Eg Reservations should be removed Women make better managers

Abstract Topics-

Abstract topics are about intangible things These topics are not given often fordiscussion but their possibility cannot be ruled out These topics test your lateral thinking

and creativity

Eg A is an alphabet Twinkle twinkle little star The number 10

GD Dos

Dos

1 Be as natural as possible Do not try and be someone you are not Be yourself

2 A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal The evaluator wants to hearyou speak

3 Take time to organize your thoughts Think of what you are going to say

4 Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject5 Dont start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject

6 Work out various strategies to help you make an entry initiate the discussion or

agree with someone elses point and then move onto express your views

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7 Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition If

you do not give valuable insights during the discussion all your efforts ofinitiating the discussion will be in vain

8 Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are

more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say

9

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your pointsacross clearly and fluently

10 Be assertive not dominating try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussionand analysis

11 Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to The key is to stay

objective Dont take the discussion personally

12 Always be polite Try to avoid using extreme phrases like `I strongly object or `I

disagree Instead try phrases like `I would like to share my views onhellip or `One

difference between your point and minehellip or I beg to differ with you13 Brush up on your leadership skills motivate the other members of the team to

speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to

say let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say or Raghu letus hear your views - Essentially be subtle) and listen to their views Be receptive

to others opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive

14 If you have a group of like-minded friends you can have a mock group discussionwhere you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback

15 Apart from the above points the panel will also judge team members for their

alertness and presence of mind problem-solving abilities ability to work as a

team without alienating certain members and creativity

GD Topics

1 Involvement of youth in politics

2 Should parents interfere in the decision making of children

3 Water resources should be nationalized

4 BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY

5 Effect of cinema on Youth

6 Education in India compared to Foreign nations

7 Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad

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5 Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand a written passage of text Itrsquos

answering ldquoyesrdquo to the question ldquoDid you lsquogetrsquo what you readrdquo

Reading comprehension is what allows the reader to interact with the text in ameaningful way Itrsquos the bridge from passive reading to active reading -- from letters

and words to characters and contexts Reading comprehension is the crucial link to

effective reading -- a strong factor in our educational and professional lives Formany reading comprehension also unlocks the door to a lifetime of reading

recreation and enjoyment

Eye Span

Eye-span is referred to the amount of text someone takes in with the eyes for eachstopping or fixation of the eyes By stating eye-span someone has already been

doing some investigating about speed reading There is much mis-information aboutthe topic It is true that part of the goal of speed reading is to allow the eyes to take in

more for each stop of the eyes (fixation) A traditional linear reader typically takes in

one to three words per fixation That is inefficient when you consider the total area of

clear focus the eyes have at normal reading distance

Skimming and scanning reading techniques

Skimming and scanning are not the same as reading Skimming should be done as a pre-reading activity and scanning as a post-reading activity With so much reading

required in todayrsquos world you may wonder shy you need to engage an article threetimes in three different ways Herersquos why skimming allows you to determine if you

even need to read the article at all If you decide after skimming that you do need to

read it then do so at your normal natural speed Even so it is not likely that you will

retain all the information included in the article this is where scanning comes into

play Scanning is used to quickly locate the specific information you need later for areport discussion etc

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Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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Factual topics are about practical things which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-

to-day life Typically these are about socio-economic topics These can be current iethey may have been in the news lately or could be unbound by time

A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of andsensitive to his environment

Eg The education policy of India Tourism in India State of the aged in the nation

Controversial Topics-

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature They are meant to

generate controversy In GDs where these topics are given for discussion the noise levelis usually high there may be tempers flying The idea behind giving a topic like this is to

see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check by

rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional

Eg Reservations should be removed Women make better managers

Abstract Topics-

Abstract topics are about intangible things These topics are not given often fordiscussion but their possibility cannot be ruled out These topics test your lateral thinking

and creativity

Eg A is an alphabet Twinkle twinkle little star The number 10

GD Dos

Dos

1 Be as natural as possible Do not try and be someone you are not Be yourself

2 A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal The evaluator wants to hearyou speak

3 Take time to organize your thoughts Think of what you are going to say

4 Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject5 Dont start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject

6 Work out various strategies to help you make an entry initiate the discussion or

agree with someone elses point and then move onto express your views

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7 Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition If

you do not give valuable insights during the discussion all your efforts ofinitiating the discussion will be in vain

8 Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are

more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say

9

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your pointsacross clearly and fluently

10 Be assertive not dominating try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussionand analysis

11 Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to The key is to stay

objective Dont take the discussion personally

12 Always be polite Try to avoid using extreme phrases like `I strongly object or `I

disagree Instead try phrases like `I would like to share my views onhellip or `One

difference between your point and minehellip or I beg to differ with you13 Brush up on your leadership skills motivate the other members of the team to

speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to

say let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say or Raghu letus hear your views - Essentially be subtle) and listen to their views Be receptive

to others opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive

14 If you have a group of like-minded friends you can have a mock group discussionwhere you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback

15 Apart from the above points the panel will also judge team members for their

alertness and presence of mind problem-solving abilities ability to work as a

team without alienating certain members and creativity

GD Topics

1 Involvement of youth in politics

2 Should parents interfere in the decision making of children

3 Water resources should be nationalized

4 BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY

5 Effect of cinema on Youth

6 Education in India compared to Foreign nations

7 Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad

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5 Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand a written passage of text Itrsquos

answering ldquoyesrdquo to the question ldquoDid you lsquogetrsquo what you readrdquo

Reading comprehension is what allows the reader to interact with the text in ameaningful way Itrsquos the bridge from passive reading to active reading -- from letters

and words to characters and contexts Reading comprehension is the crucial link to

effective reading -- a strong factor in our educational and professional lives Formany reading comprehension also unlocks the door to a lifetime of reading

recreation and enjoyment

Eye Span

Eye-span is referred to the amount of text someone takes in with the eyes for eachstopping or fixation of the eyes By stating eye-span someone has already been

doing some investigating about speed reading There is much mis-information aboutthe topic It is true that part of the goal of speed reading is to allow the eyes to take in

more for each stop of the eyes (fixation) A traditional linear reader typically takes in

one to three words per fixation That is inefficient when you consider the total area of

clear focus the eyes have at normal reading distance

Skimming and scanning reading techniques

Skimming and scanning are not the same as reading Skimming should be done as a pre-reading activity and scanning as a post-reading activity With so much reading

required in todayrsquos world you may wonder shy you need to engage an article threetimes in three different ways Herersquos why skimming allows you to determine if you

even need to read the article at all If you decide after skimming that you do need to

read it then do so at your normal natural speed Even so it is not likely that you will

retain all the information included in the article this is where scanning comes into

play Scanning is used to quickly locate the specific information you need later for areport discussion etc

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Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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7 Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition If

you do not give valuable insights during the discussion all your efforts ofinitiating the discussion will be in vain

8 Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are

more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say

9

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your pointsacross clearly and fluently

10 Be assertive not dominating try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussionand analysis

11 Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to The key is to stay

objective Dont take the discussion personally

12 Always be polite Try to avoid using extreme phrases like `I strongly object or `I

disagree Instead try phrases like `I would like to share my views onhellip or `One

difference between your point and minehellip or I beg to differ with you13 Brush up on your leadership skills motivate the other members of the team to

speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to

say let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say or Raghu letus hear your views - Essentially be subtle) and listen to their views Be receptive

to others opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive

14 If you have a group of like-minded friends you can have a mock group discussionwhere you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback

15 Apart from the above points the panel will also judge team members for their

alertness and presence of mind problem-solving abilities ability to work as a

team without alienating certain members and creativity

GD Topics

1 Involvement of youth in politics

2 Should parents interfere in the decision making of children

3 Water resources should be nationalized

4 BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY

5 Effect of cinema on Youth

6 Education in India compared to Foreign nations

7 Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad

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5 Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand a written passage of text Itrsquos

answering ldquoyesrdquo to the question ldquoDid you lsquogetrsquo what you readrdquo

Reading comprehension is what allows the reader to interact with the text in ameaningful way Itrsquos the bridge from passive reading to active reading -- from letters

and words to characters and contexts Reading comprehension is the crucial link to

effective reading -- a strong factor in our educational and professional lives Formany reading comprehension also unlocks the door to a lifetime of reading

recreation and enjoyment

Eye Span

Eye-span is referred to the amount of text someone takes in with the eyes for eachstopping or fixation of the eyes By stating eye-span someone has already been

doing some investigating about speed reading There is much mis-information aboutthe topic It is true that part of the goal of speed reading is to allow the eyes to take in

more for each stop of the eyes (fixation) A traditional linear reader typically takes in

one to three words per fixation That is inefficient when you consider the total area of

clear focus the eyes have at normal reading distance

Skimming and scanning reading techniques

Skimming and scanning are not the same as reading Skimming should be done as a pre-reading activity and scanning as a post-reading activity With so much reading

required in todayrsquos world you may wonder shy you need to engage an article threetimes in three different ways Herersquos why skimming allows you to determine if you

even need to read the article at all If you decide after skimming that you do need to

read it then do so at your normal natural speed Even so it is not likely that you will

retain all the information included in the article this is where scanning comes into

play Scanning is used to quickly locate the specific information you need later for areport discussion etc

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Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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5 Reading Comprehension

Introduction

Reading comprehension is the ability to understand a written passage of text Itrsquos

answering ldquoyesrdquo to the question ldquoDid you lsquogetrsquo what you readrdquo

Reading comprehension is what allows the reader to interact with the text in ameaningful way Itrsquos the bridge from passive reading to active reading -- from letters

and words to characters and contexts Reading comprehension is the crucial link to

effective reading -- a strong factor in our educational and professional lives Formany reading comprehension also unlocks the door to a lifetime of reading

recreation and enjoyment

Eye Span

Eye-span is referred to the amount of text someone takes in with the eyes for eachstopping or fixation of the eyes By stating eye-span someone has already been

doing some investigating about speed reading There is much mis-information aboutthe topic It is true that part of the goal of speed reading is to allow the eyes to take in

more for each stop of the eyes (fixation) A traditional linear reader typically takes in

one to three words per fixation That is inefficient when you consider the total area of

clear focus the eyes have at normal reading distance

Skimming and scanning reading techniques

Skimming and scanning are not the same as reading Skimming should be done as a pre-reading activity and scanning as a post-reading activity With so much reading

required in todayrsquos world you may wonder shy you need to engage an article threetimes in three different ways Herersquos why skimming allows you to determine if you

even need to read the article at all If you decide after skimming that you do need to

read it then do so at your normal natural speed Even so it is not likely that you will

retain all the information included in the article this is where scanning comes into

play Scanning is used to quickly locate the specific information you need later for areport discussion etc

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Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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Skimming

Why do it to quickly assess the value of the article and determine if it is worth your time

and energy to spend any more time with it

How to do it

1 Read the title

2 Read the introduction

3 Read all the subheadings and think about how they are related to one another and to the

title

4 Read the first sentence in each paragraph You may also need to read the last sentencein each paragraph depending on the style of writing

5 Go back through the text looking for clues as to content and importance Such clues

include

983223 words that answer who what when where why and how

983223 proper nouns

983223 numbers

983223 adjectives such as best worst most least etc

983223 changes in font such as italics underlining boldface etc

6 Read the last paragraph

After skimming you should be able to know the general ideas of what the article is about

and be able to determine if it fits your needs or not If not let it go Yoursquore done Move

on to the next article

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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Scanning

Why do it to find a specific fact or piece of information that you need for something

else

How to do it

1 Remember what it is you are looking for so you will not be distracted by other pieces

of information

2 Anticipate how the information looks ndash is it identified by numbers italics propernouns etc

3 Run your eyes over several lines at one time

4 When you find the information you are looking for focus your eyes and attention

there and read the entire sentence You may also need to read the sentence before and

after as well

When you understand what skimming and scanning are and how to use these techniquesyou can manage a large amount of text in a relatively short amount of time Skimmingand scanning skills allow you to use your time both efficiently and effectively

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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6 Resume Writing

A resume is a document used by individuals to present their background and skill sets

Reacutesumeacutes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment

A typical reacutesumeacute contains a summary of relevant job experience and education The

reacutesumeacute is usually one of the first items along with a cover letter and sometimes jobapplication packet that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is

typically used to screen applicants often followed by an interview when seekingemployment

Resume Structure

The resume structure is important in more than one way The ideal resume structure givesthe resume a professional outlook while displaying a career-oriented attitude of the

applicant Also it influences the flow of the resume and thereby affecting its readability

Hence constructing your resume perfectly will improve your chances of gaining that

important interview call Each applicant decides on the structure of the resume as per his

strengths capacities and the expectations of his prospective employer and hence every

resume tends to differ from the other

The most common and professionally ideal format of resume is given below A typical

resume is divided in three sections

Introduction

As the name suggests this section introduces the document to the employer It includes

only two sub sections namely header and objectives Avoid giving a title to the documentas resume

Header

This includes name and contact details of the applicants The document opens up withthese details Highlight your name in bold form in an eye catching way Do not use

numbering or bullets to write information like address email id or telephone number

Refrain from writing any more information beyond the contact details such as marital

status religious beliefs or family background Such information is not required

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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not matter to the employer Moreover it is considered immoral to ask employees for their

personal information Do some market research and try to find out the recruitersexpectations and only then include these details in your resume

References

This includes the name and contact details of people you have worked with or studiedunder the guidance of However the practice of writing references is slowly thinning

down and concluded in only one sentence available upon request The references should

always come last in the resume

Resume Format

Your Contact Information First Last Name

Street Address

City State Zip

Phone (CellHome)Email Address

Objective

What do you want to do If you include this section it should be a sentence or two aboutyour employment goals A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect

candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition

Career Summary Highlights

A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements skills traits and

experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes Ithighlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have

taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job

Experience

This section of your resume includes your work history List the companies you workedfor dates of employment the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and

achievements

Company 1 City StateDates Worked

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Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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25 | P a g e

Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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28 | P a g e

8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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29 | P a g e

introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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19 | P a g e

Job Title

bull Responsibilities Achievements

bull Responsibilities Achievements

Company 2 City StateDates Worked

Cover Letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on

your skills and experience

A cover letter typically provides detailed information on why you are qualified for the job

you are applying for Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the

specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences

Sample Cover Letter

Your Name

Your Address

Your City State Zip Code

Your Phone Number

Your Email

Date

Name

TitleOrganization

Address

City State Zip Code

Dear MrMs Last Name

I am interested in the Coordinator position advertised on XYZ My resume is enclosed

for your review Given my related experience and excellent capabilities I would

appreciate your consideration for this job opening My skills are an ideal match for this

position

Your Requirements

bull Responsible for evening operations in Student Center and other facilities

including managing registration solving customer problems dealing with riskmanagement and emergencies enforcement of department policies

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bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

wjntuworldcom

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wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

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25 | P a g e

Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

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26 | P a g e

TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

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28 | P a g e

8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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29 | P a g e

introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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20 | P a g e

bull Assists with hiring training and management of staff Coordinate statistics and

inventory

bull Experience in the supervision of student staff and strong interpersonal skills are

also preferred

bull Valid Minnesota drivers license with good driving record Ability to travel to

different sites requiredbull Experience in collegiate programming and management

My Qualifications

bull Register students for courses design and manage program software solve

customer problems enforce department policies and serve as a contact for

students faculty and staff

bull Hiring training scheduling and management of staff managing supply inventory

and ordering

bull Minnesota drivers license with NTSA defensive driving certification

bull Extensive experience in collegiate programming and management

bull Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

I appreciate your taking the time to review my credentials and experience Again thank

you for your consideration

Sincerely

Your Signature (for mailed letter)

Your Typed Name

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

wjntuworldcom

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

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TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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7 Interview Skills

Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather

information The employer wants to know if you the applicant have the skills

knowledge self-confidence and motivation necessary for the job At this point you can be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume He or she alsowants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the organizations current

employees and philosophy Similarly you will want to evaluate the position and the

organization and determine if they will fit into your career plans The interview is a two-

way exchange of information It is an opportunity for both parties to market themselvesThe employer is selling the organization to you and you are marketing your skills

knowledge and personality to the employer

Interview Preparation

Research is a critical part of preparing for an interview If you havent done your

homework it is going to be obvious Spend time researching and thinking about yourselfthe occupation the organization and questions you might ask at the end of the interview

Step 1 Know Yourself

The first step in preparing for an interview is to do a thorough self-assessment so that

you will know what you have to offer an employer It is very important to develop a

complete inventory of skills experience and personal attributes that you can use to

market yourself to employers at any time during the interview process In developing thisinventory it is easiest to start with experience Once you have a detailed list of activities

that you have done (past jobs extra-curricular involvements volunteer work school

projects etc) it is fairly easy to identify your skills

Simply go through the list and for each item ask your self What could I have learned

by doing this What skills did I develop What issuescircumstances have I learnedto deal with Keep in mind that skills fall into two categories - technical and generic

Technical skills are the skills required to do a specific job For a laboratory assistant

technical skills might include knowledge of sterilization procedures slide preparation

and scientific report writing For an outreach worker technical skills might include

counseling skills case management skills or program design and evaluation skillsGeneric skills are those which are transferable to many work settings Following is a list

of the ten most marketable skills You will notice that they are all generic

bull AnalyticalProblem Solving

bull FlexibilityVersatility

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bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

wjntuworldcom

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wwwjwjobsnet

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written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

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bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

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25 | P a g e

Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

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26 | P a g e

TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

wjntuworldcom

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wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

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27 | P a g e

2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2829

28 | P a g e

8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2929

29 | P a g e

introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

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22 | P a g e

bull Interpersonal

bull OralWritten Communication

bull OrganizationPlanning

bull Time Management

bull Motivation

bull Leadership

bull Self-StarterInitiative

bull Team Player

Often when people think of skills they tend to think of those they have developed in the

workplace However skills are developed in a variety of settings If you have ever

researched and written a paper for a course you probably have written communication

skills Team sports or group projects are a good way to develop the skills required of ateam player and leader Dont overlook any abilities you may have When doing the

research on yourself identifying your experience and skills is important but it is not all

that you need to know Consider the answers to other questions such as

bull How have I demonstrated the skills required in this position

bull What are my strong points and weak points

bull What are my short term and long term goals

bull What can I offer this particular employer

bull What kind of environment do I like (ie How do I like to be supervised

Do I like a fast pace)

bull What do I like doing

bull Apart from my skills and experience what can I bring to this job

Step 2 Know the Occupation

The second step in preparing for an interview is to research the occupation This isnecessary because in order to present a convincing argument that you have the

experience and skills required for that occupation you must first know what those

requirements and duties are With this information uncovered you can then match the

skills you have (using the complete skillsexperience inventory you have just prepared)with the skills you know people in that occupational field need The resulting shortlist

will be the one that you need to emphasize during the interviewIt is also in your best interest to identify the approximate starting salary for that position

or those similar There are several ways to find out about an occupation

bull Acquire a copy of the job description from the employer (Human

bull ResourcesPersonnel) or check with Student Employment Services If youare responding to an advertisement this may also supply some details

The Career Resource Centre has general information files on a variety of occupations

Make sure you have read through the appropriate file and are updated on the occupationIf you belong to a professional association related to the occupation use its resources

These associations often publish informative newsletters and sponsor seminars It is alsoa good way to meet people working in the field Conduct information interviews with

people working in the field Read articles about people in the occupation and articles

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23 | P a g e

written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

wjntuworldcom

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wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2429

24 | P a g e

bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2529

25 | P a g e

Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2629

26 | P a g e

TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2729

27 | P a g e

2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2829

28 | P a g e

8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2929

29 | P a g e

introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

wjntuworldcom wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2329

23 | P a g e

written by people in the occupation Sources include newspapers magazines and the

internet Find out what the future trends are in the area Is technology changing the job

Step 3 Know the Organization

The more you know about an organization the better prepared you will be to discuss

how you can meet its needs Some of the characteristics that you should know about an

organization are

bull Where is it located

bull How big is it

bull What are its products and who does it serve

bull How is the organization structured

bull What is its history

bull Have there been any recent changes new developments

There are a number of ways in which you can access this information Most medium- to

large-sized organizations publish information about themselves You can access this a

number of ways

bull On campus at the Student Employment Services (company literature and

business directories) or at the Drake Centre Library

bull The Winnipeg Centennial Library has a business microfiche with

information on over 5000 Canadian companies and business directories

bull Many companies have internet home pages which you can locate by

searching by industry and company namebull Finally you can visit or phone the organization and request some

information on their products services or areas of research

If the organization is fairly small or fairly new there may not be much information published In this case it will be necessary to do an information interview Contact

someone within the organization introduce yourself explain that you are considering

moving into the field and ask if it would be possible to meet with himher to inquire

about the companyorganization and about what exactly the position would involve

Step 4 Prepare Questions

Having completed your background research you are now ready to prepare questions toask the interviewer(s) Try to think of questions for which the answer was not readily

available in company literature Intelligent well thought-out questions will demonstrate

your genuine interest in the position Be careful how many questions you ask however

as too many can imply you feel the interview was not successfully run Pick your

questions with care - this is your chance to gather information so ask about what youreally want to know Avoid sounding critical by mentioning negative information you

may have discovered This is one of the most effective ways to compare differentemployers so for issues of particular importance to you (for example whether they

support staff upgrading) you should ask the same questions of each employer Some

sample questions are

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2429

24 | P a g e

bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2529

25 | P a g e

Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2629

26 | P a g e

TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

wjntuworldcom

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wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2729

27 | P a g e

2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2829

28 | P a g e

8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2929

29 | P a g e

introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

wjntuworldcom wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

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24 | P a g e

bull What are the most significant factors affecting your business today How have

changes in technology most affected your business today

bull How has your businessindustry been affected by the recession

bull How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years

bull What future direction do you see the company taking

bull Where is the greatest demand for your services or product

bull Where is most of the pressure from increased business felt in this company

bull Which department feels it the most

bull How do you differ from your competitors

bull How much responsibility will I be given in this position

bull What do you like about working with this organization

bull Can you tell me more about the training program

bull Have any new product lines been introduced recently

bull How much travel is normally expected

bull What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance

bull Will I work independently or as part of a team

bull How did you advance to your position

bull What are the career paths available in this organization

bull When can I expect to hear from you regarding this position

It is very important to ask the last question because employers want to hire individuals

who are interested in the position - and asking this question definitely helps to

demonstrate interest on your part Exercise judgment when asking questions to an

employer When being interviewed by a large company that has a high profile one

would not ask the question What is the history of your company and how was your

company started You can find the answer to this question in the companys annualreport or articles in magazinesnewspapers However small- and medium-sized

companies do not always produce publicly available annual reports and it may bedifficult to access information on the company and its role in the industry This question

is appropriate if you have exercised all other ways to find out the answer

Dressing

Although proper dressing by itself will not get you the job a poor dress sense mayexclude you from further consideration warns Gerry Ditching managing partner of

Filgiftscom Besides given two equally good applicants the compan y may choose to

hire the person who is dressed more professionally Here are some tips to give you a

headstart

Men

Long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks White is still the safest and the best color for shirts

The colour is also appropriate for our tropical weather Also acceptable pale shades such

as beige blue and other pastels

Tuck in the shirt and do not roll up the sleeves Never wear a short-sleeved shirt to an

interview or any business purpose Wearing a short-sleeved shirt will destroy your

executive image

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25 | P a g e

Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2629

26 | P a g e

TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2729

27 | P a g e

2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2829

28 | P a g e

8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2929

29 | P a g e

introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

wjntuworldcom wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2529

25 | P a g e

Ties Optional But if you do wear one choose a conservative pattern Solids small polka

dots diagonal stripes small repeating shapes subtle plaids and paisleys are allacceptable

Belts Belts should match your shoes Those with smaller buckles with squared lines look

more professional

Socks Black socks are the best followed by blue or gray depending on your attire

Never wear white socks Check your sock length too--no skin should show when you sit

down or cross your legs Shoes Black or burgundy leather shoes with laces on them

because tassel loafers are very casual Other suitable colors are brown cordovan and

navy

Hair Keep neat short and preferably parted on the side And shave off all those facial

hair

Jewellery Wear no or little jewellery The watch and wedding ring are the onlyacceptable pieces of jewellery to go with the male attire Thin gold or leather-strapped

watches look professional but not digital watches Also avoid political or religious

insignias necklaces or bracelets Definitely Accessories As much as possible use

leather briefcases or folders to hold copies of your resume Use narrow briefcases and

avoid plastic folders and plastic ball pens as they are out of place

Women

Three-piece business suits blouse and skirt or slacks and cardigan twin-sets Sleeveless

shirts should be rejected Short-sleeved blouses are okay when they are tailor-cut or have

features such as a sports collar or double breast design to create a business-like lookSkirts can either be long provided it does not create a Cinderella or barn-dance look or

short where it falls no shorter than two inches from the knee Nothing too revealing

please

Panty-hose or stockings

A must for professional grooming but nothing with overly fussy patterns Bring an extra

pair just in case the ones you are wearing run

Shoes Closed shoes or pumps with at least 1frac12-inch heels suggest a more professional

look Dark colors are best

Hair Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn up or pulled back Dont let it fallin front of your face and dont keep trying to fix it during the interview Avoid large hair

ornaments and trendy hairstyles

Make-up Be subtle natural is the key word Light shades of lip coloring and nail polish

are recommended

Jewellery Be conservative Studs of gold silver or pearls are best Do away with gaudy

fashion jewelers and those that clank and make noise when one moves

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2629

26 | P a g e

TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2729

27 | P a g e

2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2829

28 | P a g e

8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2929

29 | P a g e

introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

wjntuworldcom wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2629

26 | P a g e

TYPICAL QUESTIONS THAT AN INTERVIEWER WOULD ASK

1Tell me about yourselfThe most often asked question in interviews You need to have a short statement prepared

in your mind Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed Limit it to workStudy-related

items unless instructed otherwise Talk about things you have done well at your collegeand how you wanted to perform in the first job

2 Why Should We Employ You For this question your answer should list out strengths that you feel are relevant to the

job Given below are some answers which could help you with your answers However

structure them to suit your requirements

I have good co-ordination skills

Good analytical skills

I can persuade people to see my point of view and get the work done

My greatest asset is my ability to motivate peopleEven during emergencies I do not loose my coolI have good entrepreneurial skillsI have consistently met my deadlines and targets

Can say ldquonordquo to people when required to do so

I am very co-operative with my sub-ordinates and would like to see them grow

I am a good team player

I am very flexible and have the ability to work hard under difficult work conditions

I have the experience and knowledge relevant to this job (Here give appropriate detailsand examples)

3 Do You Have Offers From Other Companies This is of course a difficult question to answer Obviously you must have applied toother companies if you are looking for a job or would have some offers from other

companies already Therefore do not lie that you have not However you are on thin ice

here The interviewer could be checking your honesty On the other hand heshe may

also be trying to find out how focused you are - are you applying randomly or is there awell-planned strategy

Whatever your answer it should match your career goals

4 What Salary Are You Expecting Try not to get into salary details early in the interview If pressed you could say that it all

depends on the job and would like to talk about it after a job offer Say this in aconvincing tone In case you are asked this question in your latter interviews give a

direct answer Do not sound apologetic while quoting the figure you have in mind

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

1 How much do you expect

If you have done your homework you would know how much other people in similar jobs are paid Quote the range upfront

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2729

27 | P a g e

2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2829

28 | P a g e

8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2929

29 | P a g e

introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

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2 How much do you think you are worth

Work out how much you should be paid given the market value of the job and yourskills If you can bring some extra skills to the table do not hesitate to ask for more than

the market value

3 What kind of a culture are you comfortable withIt is better to be frank about your preferences Your interviewer will get a clear idea aboutyour expectations

4 Which is more important to you-salary perks or growth opportunities

This one will reveal the real you So be sure what you are going to say Above all be true

to yourself If you think this is a negotiation move then say clearly that you will never

sell yourself short

5 What do you know about our company

Do not give your opinions about the company Stick to reported facts that you have

gathered from newspapers and so on Talk about the product portfolio size income andmarket perceptions of the company Also it is better to refer details about each company before going for the interview from Freshersworldcom or PlacementWeekcom

6 Why should we choose you over someone else

Talk clearly about problems that you have solved in your CollegeProject Team andhighlight the quality required

6 Your qualifications are excellent but you may be overqualified for the position we

have to offer

Point out that more experience can never be a drawback If you are multi-skilled then

highlight the fact that a company on the fast-track needs multi-skilled people It needs people within different departments to work together Also emphasise that the companys

future growth will be an exponential function of your experience

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8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

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introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

wjntuworldcom wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2829

28 | P a g e

8 Technical Report Writing

In Engineering one of the major forms of communication is the technical report This is

the conventional format for reporting the results of your research investigations and

design projects At university reports are read by lecturers and tutors in order to assess

your mastery of the subjects and your ability to apply your knowledge to a practical taskIn the workplace they will be read by managers clients and the construction engineers

responsible for building from your designs The ability to produce a clear concise and professionally presented report is therefore a skill you will need to develop in order to

succeed both at university and in your future career

While reports vary in the type of information they present (for exampleoriginal research the results of an investigative study or the solution to a design

problem) all share similar features and are based on a similar structure

Key features of reports

Reports are designed for quick and easy communication of information

Reports are designed for selective reading

Reports use sections with numbered headings and subheadings

Reports use figures and diagrams to convey data

Basic structure of a report

A report usually has these components

bull Title page

bull Summary Introduction

bull Table of Contents

bull Introduction

bull Middle sections with numbered headings

bull Conclusions

bull References

bull Appendices

Title page

The title of the report should indicate exactly what the report is about The reader shouldknow not only the general topic but also the aspect of the topic contained in the report

Summary Introduction

The summary (sometimes referred to as the executive summary) provides a brief

overview of the substance of the report usually no more than half a page It is not an

wjntuworldcom

wwwjntuworldcom

wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2929

29 | P a g e

introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

wjntuworldcom wwwjwjobsnet

8132019 Advanced English Communication Skills Lab

httpslidepdfcomreaderfulladvanced-english-communication-skills-lab 2929

29 | P a g e

introduction to the topic The summary should outline all the key features of your report

including the topic what you did and how you did it and the main outcomes of yourwork

Table of contents

The contents page sets out the sections and subsections of the report and their

corresponding page numbers It should clearly show the structural relationship between

the sections and subsections A reader looking for specific information should be able to

locate the appropriate section easily from the table of contents

Body of the report

This is main part of the report where you present your work The introduction andconclusions act as a frame for the body only therefore all the details of your work

(including a summarised version of material in the appendices) must be included here in

the appropriate section You will need to put some thought into the ordering of thesections the presentation of information should flow logically so that the reader can

follow the development of your project

Conclusions

The conclusions section provides an effective ending to your report The content shouldrelate directly to the aims of the project as stated in the introduction and sum up the

essential features of your work

wjntuworldcom wwwjwjobsnet