THE SECRETS OF A SUCCESSFUL JOB

Interview and how to find work you love to do

TABLE OF CONTENT CONTENT Foreword Introduction Effective Writing The technique of Good Writing 1. How to secure the job you love 2. How to write a good curriculum vita (CV) 3. How to write application letters that get result 4. Quick strategies for successful job hunting 5. Preparing for an interview 6. Interviewing 7. Dos and Dont of effective interview 8. Frequently asked interview questions 9. Questions from screening employers 10.Keys to effective salary negotiation 11.Attending job interview while still employed 12.How to increase your value and get better paid 13.Polite ways of resigning your appointment

INTRODUCTION Securing a dream job is the desire of everyone. But the snag is that most job applicants don't know what to do, to get the job of their dream. It is the kind of adventure that can kindle both anticipation and apprehension. By its nature, it involves encounter increasingly competitive, only candidates who can package themselves to the taste of prospective employer may smile home with their dream jobs. Before you ever meet an interview, some preliminary research and much paperwork are essential. The first step would be investigating various job markets on the basis of your skills and interests. You will discover when you embark on this phase of your job campaign, that you need organization, imagination and determination. In fact, just tracking down job openings is a job in itself. Every employer is looking for a specific set of skills from job seekers that match the skills necessary to perform a particular job. But beyond these jobspecific technical skills, certain skills are nearly universally sought by employers. The good news is that most jobseeker possess these skills to some extent. The better news is that job- seeker with weakness in these areas can improve their skills through training, professional development, or obtaining coaching/mentoring from someone who understands these skills. The best news is that once you understand the skills and characteristics that most employer seek, you can tailor your job search communication- your resume, cover letter, and interview language to showcase how well your background aligns with employer's requirements.

EFFECTIVE WRITING Writing is only second to speech in importance as a means of communication in the day to day business of life. It has an advantage over speaking in that whatever we write-down can easily be stored and retrieved, it is true that speech can be recorded and stored also. The process is, however more complicated and more costly than writing. Writing is therefore, of utmost importance in our daily affairs. In this edition of the book, we are going to discuss and teach you how to write a successful application letters that get results and how to acquire the technical expertise necessary for good writing, THE MECHANICS OF GOOD WRITING As a product of a higher institution therefore, a measure of correctness is expected of you in all your writing. You may have a brilliant layout of your outline and the ideas contained in your paragraphs well developed and connected, these must be in correct English. You may in a few year's time become an Engineer, an Accountant, a Medical doctor, a Banker, an Architect, or other professional you can think of, your written English must be correct if you rightly claim the title "Educated".

CHAPTER 1 HOW TO SECURE THE JOB YOU LOVE Most people arc just striving to perform their daily work routine because they are yet to get the type of job they want Saying on, and grudgingly carrying out your daily routine in a job or career that you are not in love with, will not only lead to "Personal rustiness". It can also ill your talents and personal ambition to succeed in your endeavours. Getting and securing the type of job you love is not only the beginning of achieving your personal and corporate goals, it can also position you strongly for the challenges and successes that are ahead of you in life. So, what are the steps you need to take in achieving your long- desired goal of getting and securing the type of job you love and want to keep. Find out which companies or business organizations that have position that meet your ideal position requirements. Having done that, you would have to evaluate the companies that you have shortlist or targeted, or those that have sent a response to your enquiries. The evaluation is important, if you are not to have the same of old story. You could also conduct a little research to ascertain your evaluation". Contact the decision makers in the companies you favour, and tell them you want to work for them in the specific job you choose. Ask them if there are special skills or qualifications you would need to be accepted in the position, and explain your reason for choosing to work for them. In most ease, decision makers are usually impressed with such hold and sincere moves, and opportunities are provided for it. Most importantly, be willing to take an internship job or position if necessary, and don't' be afraid to ask for support when you need it", Discover what you really want. Define the job you want. . . Evaluate the companies that have your desired Jobs. Contact the decision makers in the companies. Be willing to be an intern or start with a lower position. Get support and when necessary.

CHAPTER 2 HOW TO WRITE A GOOD CURRICULUM VITAE (CV) Your resume is a summary of your qualifications. You can think of it as an expanded business card. You use a business card to introduce yourself and leave it behind as a reminder of who you are, what and whom you represent. In this case the product\service you represent is yourself! As you would never rely on a business card to sell your product\service, you should never rely on your resume to get you the job. The resume introduces you to prospective employers, and gives them information about your education, work experience, abilities and accomplishments. Ultimately, its job is to convince an employer that they should take the time to interview you. Your goal is to appear on a paper or in an electronic forum as someone who could meet their needs. Many organizations receive hundreds of resume everyday; therefore, most interviews spend 30-40 seconds skimming over the average resume. It takes only that long for it to make either a positive or negative impression on the employer. And these days employers are able to collect resumes electronically (via the internet or E-mail) and review them with the aid of software that scans for the needed skills or experiences. For your resume to be considered, it must "hit home" immediately by including the key words for which the software has been programmed to search. An excellent resume clearly states your qualifications (in descending order of importance) for the position for which you are applying. You will need to spend many hours thinking, writing and rewriting your resume. Since at times it will form an employers first impression of you, it must be an example of your best thought and effort. Steps to Writing a Successful Resume 1. Define your objective: A resume will be most effective if it is focused, you have determined a specific objective and include the job title or a brief statement describing the position desired. It is best to state your objective at the top of your CV Analyse the job and yourself: You do this by showing you have the qualities the employer is looking for. First of all, find out what the job involves and tasks you would be called upon to perform. Next think about yourself the type of person you are and what you have done to date. Tailor your CV to suit your case: This means that if you are applying for more than one job, then what you put on your CV and the way to

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express it may vary. If you are applying for widely different types of work then your various CVs differ quite a lot from one another. Final Points to note: Scanty CV does not help matters Also when you feel that the recruiting officer has enough time to help bind your documents, you are wrong. He is too busy for that, When you fail to state your personal distinctive qualities, you kill your chance, and when your application is written with reckless abandon, you bury your chance of setting that job.

CHAPTER 3 HOW TO WRITE APPLICATION LETTERS THAT GET RESULTS Whenever you send a Curriculum Vitae (resume), be sure that it is accompanied by an application letter. The application letter provides you with an opportunity to highlight and amplify some of the information in your CV. To address directly the needs and interest: of the employer, and suggest the areas in which your skills match the organ ization1s needs. Although the resume may be printed, the application letter should always be individually created for each employer and handwritten unless otherwise stated, printed on paper that is identical, or at least similar, to that of the resume. It should not be more than one page long and business-like in appearance Whenever feasible, address the letter to a specific person, preferably the one who is likely to make the employment decision. The cover letter is as important as the resume because it is the first thing that is seen by the employer. Having an excellent cover letter can cause you to stand out from others applying for the same position, Basic Roles for a Good Application Letter 1. 2. 3. 4. Create each letter individually [This process is greatly facilitated by having the basic format in your file or diskette Flash drive) , Address each employer by title as specified in the advertisement for the job. Open your letter with a strong sentence that indicates why you should be seriously considered for the position. Devote the center of your letter to brief facts about your experience and accomplishments that will arouse the employer's interest. Use such facts to draw attention to your CV. Appeal in your letter to the self-interest of the person to whom you are writing. Include clues that indicate that hiring you will lead to higher productivity, greater efficiency reduced waste, better sales higher profits, etc. that is, things that will help solve the employer's problems Keep your letter short to hold the employer's interest. Finally, get someone to proof-read your letters. Avoiding typos and grammatical errors is important in making your cover letter stand out.

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Format of a contemporary curriculum Vitae Plot 700/ Ago Palace way, Okota Isolo, Lagos State. Tel: 01-8465717 E-mail: tunjikj@yahoo.com TUNJI ADEWALE OBIOMA. OBJECTIVE To work in an establishment where my administrative and organizational skills will be maximally utilized, as well as face new challenges in my career development. 2000- To Date 1990 1991 1990 1999 Personal Assistant to the Chairman Top Charm Paint Ltd, Obadare - Lagos. Executive Assistant to the Chairman Administrative Officer

EXPERIENCE

Responsibilities: - Recruitment, short listing and participating in interview and selection, - Issuing letters (query, suspension, promotion, transfer etc) to affected staff as occasions demand- Making traveling arrangement for my boss. - General administrative activities, - Liaising - Representing the board of Directors at the signing of contract at Government House EDUCATION 1985-1989 University of Lagos, Lagos State. 1982 1984 Abia State Polytechnic, Aba 1975-1981 Secondary Technical School, Abia State. 1989 1984 1981 B.Sc Public Administration ND in Secretarial Admin. WASC/GCE/OLevel

QUALIFICATION:

SPECIAL SKILLS

8 Analytical Ability. 8 Ability to work under pressure and long hour. 8 Working with minimum or no supervision. 20th May, 1973
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DATE OF BIRTH

STATE OF ORIGIN

Abia State

LOCAL GOVT. Umuahia South NATIONALITY Nigerian SEX: Male Married with two kids Mr. Suleiman Adams Executive Director NNPC Group of Company P.O. Box 26100 Apapa Lagos Mr. Maxwell Albert Asst. Manager Finance Albert Oil & Gas Company 49, Moscow Road, Ikoyi Lagos

MARTIAL STATUS REFEREES 1.

2.

HOBBIES

Reading, writing and meeting people.

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CURRICULUM VITAE Name: DAVID EDGAR Date of Birth: 22nd Dec1949 Nationality: British Qualifications * University College London, UK. M.Sc marine Earth, Science * University of Brimingham, Uk. B.Sc. Geology (with Geophysics) Career Summary: Highly skilled and experienced seismic interpreter and geoscientis. Over 21 years varied project work in diverse tectonic and stratigraphic regimes including UKCS, eastern Europe, Middle East, Spain, Italy Far East and Gulf of Mexico, working on exploration and development problems. Strong geological" background, advanced computing, systems and problem solving skills. Project experience varies from working structurally complex areas through to subtle stratigraphic plays. Specific Experience: Voxel Geo, GX II, GXII-VM, Sierra, Major exploration and field project and CPS-3 include: East Irish Sea Basin, Po valley, Heather area, North Cormorant, Audrey, Alison, Tengiz Landmark and geoquest systems Areas of Expertise Areas of Expertise Structural Interpretation Interpretation validation analysis Interpretation of sub salt and Underthrust plays 20 and 3D seismic interpretation Experienced in model building for 20 and 3D pre and post stack depth migration.

Present Employment: Since 1985 Troy Ikoda Ltd: Principal Interpretation Geophysicist Conducted integration of multiple 3D interpretation in Central North Sea in 2000. Involved in numerous time and depth interpretation projects of oil and gas fields and exploration acreage on a worldwide basis. Key UKCS projects since 1991 have included a major evaluation of the East Irish Sea basin, Northern North Sea Jurassaic prospectively, and structural reassessments of complicated reservoir fault patterns in Southern North Sea gas fields and Brent Province oil fields. Also substantial involvement with depth conversion work through complex.
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SAMPLE FORMAT Block 20, Flat2, Obi Crescent, Ajawo Estate lkoyi - Lagos. 22nd May, 2008. The Human Resource Manager, The Guardian Newspaper Ltd., Plot 1881, Tunji Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos. Dear Sir, APPLICATION FOR THE POSITION OF AN ADMINISTRATION OFFICER Reference is hereby made to your advertisement in "The Sun Newspaper of today, Thursday 22nd May, 2008 as a result of which I hereby apply for the position of an Administration Officer in your Organization. Aged 32 years, I hold a Bachelor Degree in Public Administration from University of Ibadan and I have Eleven years of experience in meritorious service with Ngbati Nigeria Ltd, Lagos and Topcharm Paint Ltd., Lagos, Presently, I work as a Administration Officer in Tonimax Merchandise Ltd, Aba, Abia State. As a Seasoned Administrator, I have acquired vast experience and the necessary skill in the field of public relations, personnel management and, general administration duties. Please refer to the curriculum Vitae for detailed information about my background and experience. I look forward to your favourable reply. Yours faithfully,

OLUCHI JUDE OLUWALE

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FORMAT SAMPLE FOR SECONDARY LEVEL Ndi Oji Abam Postal Agency, AnaLGA, ImoState. 24th June, 2008. The Director General, AfT TV 50, Enugu. APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF REPORTER 111 (lGBO) With reference to your advertisement which appeared in the Guardian Newspaper of 24th June, 2008. I wish to apply for the post of Reporter III (igbo) in your Television Corporation. I passed my WASC in 2003 with the following results: English Language English Literature Igbo Bible Knowledge Economics Maths Biology History A2 A2 AI AI C4 C4 C6 C5

I have since then been teaching in my local primary school. I teach English and Igbo in the Upper Primary Classes. 1 have written several poems in Igbo. The Evens publishers have accepted to publish a novel I wrote in Igbo. I am interested in writing and would like to make TV journalism my career. I am 22 years old. 1 look forward to your favourable reply. Yours faithfully,

EMEKA IBRAHAM JOHN

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CHAPTER 4 QUICK STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFUL JOB HUNTING

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Spend at least 30 hours a week on your job search (ten hours if you are working full-time).lf you are between jobs, consider your job search to be your full - time job. Plan and structure your days as though you were being paid by someone else to conduct a successful job search. Allow as many people as possible to help you. The greater the ,number of people who know you are job-hunting and who understand specifically what type of work you are seeking, the greater your chances of finding suitable employment Take the initiative to talk with employers directly. Remember that 85% of employers never advertise positions that they have open. Instead, they fill positions with people they already know, or those who find out about the job openings through word of mouth or people who just by chance contact the hiring manager directly by phone, mail or in person. Be "gently persistent' in contacting potential employers. More than any other trait, persistency is key to your job search success. Being "gently persistent' means, that you may-need to become more assertive than you are used to being. It means that you will be willing to hear many "no" from employers And when you hear a "no" you will be willing to ask again (at a later time) and hear, possibly, a "yes"! Apply to small businesses as well as large ones. Two-thirds of all new jobs are created in companies with twenty or fewer employees. While large companies are still laying off employees, small companies are the ones that are growing and hiring new employees-people like you. 6. Take the time to know yourself thoroughly. A major reason for extended unemployment, a study found, is that 80% of job applicants cant prove the skills for the job for which they are applying. You need to Know which of your marketable skills, abilities, values, personality traits, motivations etc. will help you to do the job you have targeted. God has gifted you in a special way to make a difference in this world. Understanding your God-given design will allow you to prove to employers what makes you different and unique from others who are seeking the same type of work. Describe yourself in terms of skills you have rather than the jobs you have done. For example, someone is not only a car mechanic, but also a person who is good with tools and diagnosing problems.

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Always maintain the attitude that no one owes you a job, instead take on the attitude of someone who is always looking for opportunities to meet an employers needs and he a resource in solving problems.

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CHAPTER 5 PREPARING FOR AN INTERVIEW 1. Preparing & Presenting Yourself: Many people form their opinion of others based on their first impression. These opinions can be very difficult to change This makes it imperative that you deliver a positive first impression since you will not have a second chance

HOW SHOULD ONE DRESS FOR AN INTERVIEW? What you wear to an interview makes a lasting impression and affects the direction of your interview. Wear clothing that is clean, well-ironed and businesslike. In most cases, "businesslike" translates into a suit and tie for men, and a suit or business dress for women. SOME RULES OF THUMB FOR INTERVIEW/OFFICE ATTIRE: Ironed clothes; no wrinkles. Clean and polished shoes. No open toed or tennis shoes. Before the interview, turn off your cell phone Dress for the occupation; wear to the interview what you would wear on the job. You may even want to dress one step above that depending on the position. If you are still unsure, visit the organization and observe what others in similar positions are wearing. Be careful not to overdress and especially not to out-dress the person interviewing you. Pay attention to personal grooming; neat hair, clear and manicured nails, etc. Make sure your clothes are neat, clean, ironed, conservative and your shoes are polished. Jewellery should be simple and conservative, Avoid heavy fragrances. Sit down after getting dressed. If you are uncomfortable and feel you will tend to "fidget' during the interview, put some thing more comfortable.
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Other Consideration for Women: Wear tailored suits, classic dresses (rule of thumb: the higher the position. the darker the outfit). Shoes, bag, and belt should be in a conservative manner. Avoid miniskirts, heavy make-up, shoes with worn or very high heels, large purses, and clanking jewellery. Other Consideration for Men: Wear conservative suits in dark colour or pinstripe, white or light coloured shirts, and conservative ties in red, blue, grey, etc. Shoes should be leather, black, and polished. Avoid dark shirts and shirts with crests, logos, or trademarks.

2.

Be Punctual: Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the interview. The interviewer assumes the interview is the best you will ever act, so arriving late indicates a trend that will only worsen when you start working. If you are unsure of the exact location of the interview, take trial run to determine how best to get there, how, long it takes, where to park your car, etc. 3. Be Friendly and Courteous: It is important to be friendly and courteous to all people you meet. You have to be able to fit into this organization's "team" so many times receptionists and others are asked for their opinion of you. Smile, give a firm handshake and keep a positive attitude

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CHAPTER 6 INTERVIEWING What is interview? An interview can be defined as any situation in which you have a face-to-face meeting with a person who has the power to hire you-even if he or she does not currently have a job opening. Why would talking to an employer who doesn't have a current opening be helpful? Well. as one Harvdard study found, of the people who found Jobs through personal contacts, 43.8% had new positions created for them! Jobs are created every day for people who can meet an employer's needs. By thinking of any conversation with a prospective employer as an interview, you will be better prepared to take advantage of opportunities that may arise as you follow up on leads from your personal contacts and as you contact employers directly. You could become the best person in the world at finding job opening but that still would not be enough to obtain a job, You also need to interview well that is, you need to be able to prove that you can do the job and meet the employer's needs If you can prove to the employer that you can meet their needs (i.e., save them money, make a job more efficient etc.) better than the other candidates, you will get the job. The key is being able to communicate effectively what you can do for the employer. One study showed that 80%.of job hunters can't prove their top ten skills for the Jobs for which they are interviewing ["Proving" your skills means that you can give specific examples that illustrate that you do, indeed, have the needed skills for the position in question. For example, a secretary might prove he or she has the skill of organizing systems by saying, "Mr. Employer, recently I organized our filing systems which allowed out staff to find files in half the time it used to take.") in order to prove that you are the applicant who should be selected, you need to first know what relevant skills you possess and then be able to cite compelling examples of how you have used those skills. Communicating effectively also means 'being able to answer the most frequently asked interview questions like a professional. Practice answering interview questions with a friend or family member until you feel you could confidently answer most questions in your sleep) And. for the best possible practice, work with a career counselor who can coach you on how to answer each question most strategically. Remember that it is not necessarily the most qualified person who gets the job, but rather, the person who can most convincingly communicate in the manner that he or she can do the job.

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If you had time to practice answering only one interview question, this is the question we would suggest: Why should I hire you? This question underlies almost all other interview questions. Listed below is an example of how a person applying for a graphic artist position might answer this question: "Mr. Employer, Ive had two years of work experience designing and producing brochures, newsletters and training materials. Im proficient with PageMaker and saved my employer N3.5 million this past year by doing the work hed previously hired out to a graphic artist. I am skilled in providing good customer service, handling pressure and meeting deadlines. Mr. Employer, 1 believe you'll never regret making a decision to hire me. Take time to write out and then memorize your own answer to this key question. This "30-second commercial" about yourself can then be used in impressing your personal contacts or potential employers.

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CHAPTER 7 DOS AND DONTS OF EFFECTIVE JOB INTERVIEW YOU may already be aware of many of the dos and don'ts" listed below. However, it is important to remind yourself of the following information prior to every interview that you have. By following through the following do's and don'ts, you will maximize your potential to present yourself well in the interview and be selected for the job. DO's Greet the interviewer by Mr. or Mrs. ___________________________Let the Interviewer take the lead in giving you permission to call him or her by first name. Smile, shake hands firmly, look the employer on eyes when talking to him/her, and watch your body posture so you appear to be comfortable and confident. Let the interviewer offer suggestion to sit down before you do so. Listen carefully so that your answers and comments are appropriate and succinct. Unless otherwise asked, discuss matters related to the job only Assertively express your strengths and accomplishments. You serve the interviewer best by giving him or her an accurate picture of your capabilities. Translate your skills so the employer can see you as some one who meet his/her needs. That is, explain how the skills you have developed previously will enable you to do this job effectively. Pause before answering questions. Give yourself a chance to mentally compose your answers. Ask for clarification if you don't understand clearly a question you are asked. Speak in a confident voice. Be enthusiastic! Ask well thought-out and relevant questions Stress your qualifications and interest in the job.

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Find out when you can expect to receive a call or when you may call back the employer regarding his/her decision. DON'Ts Don't be late. Do arrive about 10 minutes prior to your interview time. Don't use slang, dominate the conversation or argue Don't be critical or negative (e.g. regarding a former employer). The prospective employer may then be concerned that you are & negative person and/or that you will talk 'his way about their company as well, if employed. Don't act defensive, intimidated, over-eager or complain about anything. Don't chew gum, smoke, tap the table or tell jokes. Don't evade questions or be afraid to ask questions. Don't beg, boast or act desperate Don't bring your social life into the interview. Don't suggest that this job is a stepping stone Don't ask about salary, vacations, bonuses, benefits, sick pay, retirement. Wait until the employer brings up these items for discussion or you are offered the job.

Your Role in the interview It is important to know yourself before beginning the interview process. The interview is your opportunity to sell yourself' to an employer. Specifically, the interview is about your ability to tell a story, a story about you. The more you know about yourself, the better you will be able to tell your story. Throughout the time of the interview it is imperative that you pay attention and listen to the interviewer(s). During the interview your conduct is as important as appearance and qualifications. Use some of the following tips in order to demonstrate to the employer your interest in the available opportunity. Sit up straight, maintain good eye contact with the employer and answer questions with short, crisp, smooth answers. Do not talk too much. A good rule of thumb is to talk for about 50% of the interview. Say positive things about past employers and previous situations. If you are being interviewed by more than one person, make sure you maintain good eye contact and pay equal attention to each person in the room.

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Casual conversation. The interview begins with light conversation meant to make the interviewee feel at ease. Typical questions include; "How was the traffic?" and 'Were you able to locate our office easily?" OR "Did you have problems locating our office?" Down to business. The actual interview begins with the interviewer describing the position and organization. Listen to comment on any recent changes and how the recruiter refers to the position. Employer will ask questions about skills, education, training and work history. You should be selective about the experiences you present and always emphasize the positive, but NEVER exaggerate or falsify information. When asked about your weaknesses, do not reveal a major flaw and be cautious about revealing a personal problem. Talk about a weakness you've overcomed and how you did it. Be truthful about your willingness to travel or relocate. Above all DO NOT LIE

At the end of the interview, employers will almost always ask if you have any questions) for them. This is your opportunity to impress the employer by showing your interest in. and knowledge of, the organization. This is a very important component of the interview that people often do not take seriously. The employers are expecting you to have some questions. If you do not they may assume that you do not have the desire and interest they are pursuing. There are good and bad questions to ask an employer. Good questions relate to tasks, priorities, development, employee education, department, and "growth opportunities. Questions that are generally bad to ask are self-centered and revolve around salary, benefits, and job security. These questions should be saved for the negotiation phase of the job offer. Communicating & Answering Questions Effectively Because a job interview is a combination process, your skills will become more polished over time. It is helpful to remember the following: You can prepare for the actual interview once you know something about the employer. You should be able to anticipate some questions that will be asked in the interview. Practice answering them aloud with someone else to see how you perform. However, do not memorize your answers since employers will notice it.

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If you answered particular questions poorly in the past, practice them to better prepare yourself in case you come such questions again. Be prepared to answer the tough questions (i.e. What are your weaknesses?). For questions to expect, see the "Frequently Asked Interview Questions" in this manual. Speak clearly and enthusiastically about your experiences and skills. Be professional, but don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Listen carefully. You will want to remember what you learn about the job, and you will certainly want to be answering the question that was asked. Be positive: Employers do not want to hear a litany of excuses or bad feelings about a negative experience. If you asked about a low grade, a sudden job change, or a in your background, don't be defensive. Focus instead on the facts (briefly) and what you learned from the experience. Pay attention to your non-verbal behaviour. Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer, sit up straight with both feet on the floor, control nervous habits, drumming fingers, etc., and smile as you are greeted. Don't be afraid of short pauses. You may need a few seconds to formulate an answer. The interviewer may need time to formulate an appropriate question. It is not necessary to fill up every second with conversation.

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CHAPTER 8 FREQUENTLY ASKED INTERVIEW QUESTION Most questions you will be asked in interviews can be anticipated beforehand that means that you can develop effective answers and practice your responses before sitting face-to-face with a prospective employed! This list of frequently asked interview questions is a good starting point in preparing for interviews. Once you have developed good answers (in writing) to each relevant question (all questions may not relate to your situation or the prospective job), practice giving your answers out loud. Have a friend pose as the interviewer, u and use a tape recorder or camcorder to record the mock interview. (This type of preparation is like having the questions in advance for a final exam!) Listen to the recorded interview' and modify any of your responses That: (1) are too long (most answers should not exceed 60 seconds): (2) do not clearly answer the question being asked; and/or, (3) do not market your skills and abilities effectively. Find below some major interview questions that are often asked and dues to answering them: QI: A: TELL ME/US ABOUT YOURSELF 'or' WHO ARE YOU REALLY? In a concise, two-minute reply, you might talk about your education and work experience, leading to why you think you are fit for the job. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don't waste your best points on it. CAN YOU TELL US ONE OF YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN YOUR PROFESSION? Although I feel my biggest achievements are still ahead of me, I am proud, of my involvement in (increasing the sales volume of my organization "or" my company being certified into ISO 9002 that makes it one of the best service/manufacturing company of international standard or by introducing computerized typesetting, I save my company N1.5m a year). CAN YOU TELL US ONE AREA OF YOUR STRONG POINTS 'OR' WHAT IS YOUR STRENGTH. I believe in planning and proper management of my time yet, I can still work under pressure
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Q2. A.

Q3. A.

Q4. A.

WHATAREYOURWEAKNESSES:1 I enjoy my work and always give each project/assignment my best shot. So, when sometimes don't feel others are pulling their weight, I find it a little frustrating. I am aware of that weakness, and in those situations I try to overcome it with a positive attitude that I hope will catch on. HAVE YOU RECORDED. ANY SUCCESS IN YOUR PROFESSION? IF YES, WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR YOUR SUCCESS? I attribute my success to the support I've always receives from coworkers, which always encourage me to be cooperative and look at my specific job in terms of what we as a department are trying to achieve. Moreover, I fine that every job has its problems/challenges that need solution, and while there's always a costly solution. There is usually economical one as well, whether in terms of money or time. (Then give an example of your experience that illustrates those points)

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WHAT DO YOU THINK DETERMINES PROGRESS IN A GOOD COMPANY? Listening profile, determination, ability to take rough with the smooth, adherence to system and procedures with propensity for change when the need arises and the good fortune of having a manager who wants you to grow. WHAT TYPE OF BOSS DO YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH? A competent and strong leader I can learn from, who will let me take chances, guide me and criticize me when I need ie (Be as positive as you can. A potential boss is likely to wonder if you might talk about him in similar terms at some point in the future). WHY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE YOUR PRESENT JOB (if already employed)? or WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE 'or WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR LASTJOB? "The reason I want to leave my present job/work with your organization is to find a position where I can make a greater contribution as well as

Q7. A.

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working with a team who will help me to develop in fit professional manner. (If you were laid off in an across-the-board cutback, say so; otherwise, indices that the move was your decision, the result of your action. Do not mention personality conflicts. The interviewer may spend some time probing you on this issue, particularly if it is clear that your appointment was terminated. The "We agreed to disagree "approach may be useful. Remember that your references are likely to be checked, so don1t concoct a story for an interview). Q9. A. HOW LONG WOULD YOU STAY WITH THIS COMPANY IF EMPLOYED? I will really like to settle down with this company. I take direction well and love to learn. As long as I am growing professionally, there is no reason for me to make a move.

Q10. CAN YOU DESCRIBE HOW A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE IN YOUR PRESENT (OR PREVIOUS) JOB? A. I believe in good use of time. I do plan my day beforehand, and when that is over, I review my own performance to make sure I am reaching the desired goals. At the end of the day when I'm ready to go home, I make rule always to type one more letter (or make one more official call, etc,) jot down the activities to be carried out the next day In order of their importance and dear my desk for the day.

Q11. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? A. My vocational plans are that I want to get ahead. To do that I must be able to channel my energies and expertise Into Those areas my industry and employer need. So given a couple of years, I hope to have become a Thorough professional with a clear understanding the company, and where the biggest challenges and opportunities lie.

Q12. CAN YOU WORK UNDER PRESSURE? A. Yes. I always find it stimulating, However, 1 believe in planning and proper management of my time to reduce panic deadlines within my areas of responsibilities.

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Q13. HOW D0 YOU HANDLE PRESSURE / TENSION? A. Tension is caused when you let things pile up. It is usually caused by letting other areas of responsibility slip by for an extended period. I do prioritize my activities and break seemingly overwhelming task into tittle pieces and give attention to every detail in order of importance.

Q14. DO YOU PREFER WORKING WITH OTHERS OR ALONE? A. (This question is usually used to determine whether an applicant is a team player or not. Before you answer, be sure you know whether the job requires you working alone)

Then your answer might be "I'm quite happy working alone when necessary. I don't need constant reassurance. But I prefer working in a group so, much is achieved when people pull together' Q15. WHEN YOU JOINED YOUR COMPANY AND MEET THE GROUP FOR THE FIRST TIME. HOW DID YOU FEEL? HOW DID YOU GET ON WITH THEM (if employed)? A. I naturally felt a little nervous, but I was etched about the new job I shared that excitement with my new friends and told them I was enthusiastic about learning new skills from them. I was open and friendly and when given an opportunity to help someone, I jumped at it.

Q16. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR CURRENT/LAST BOSS? A. I liked him/her as a person, respected him/her professionally and appreciated his/her guidance.

Q17. HOW DO YOU HANDLE REJECTION? (Mostly for Sales / Marketing, PR applicants) A. I accept rejection as an integral pan of the sales process. If everyone says 'yes' to a product, there would be no need for sales functions. As it is, I see every rejection as bringing me closer to the customer who will say 'yes, I regard rejection as simply a fact of life, that the customer has no need for the product today. I can go on to my next call with the conviction that I am a little closer to my next sales.

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Q18. HOW HAVE YOU DISAPPOINTMENTS)? A.

BENEFITTED

FROM

YOUR

I treat disappointment as a learning process. I look at what has happened, why it happened and now I would do things differently in each stage should the same set of circumstances appear again, that way, I put disappointment behind me and I'm ready with renewed vigor and understanding to face the new day's problems. YOU DEFINE A CONDUCIVE WORK

Q19. HOW WOULD ATMOSPHERE? A.

One where the team has a genuine interest in its work and desire to turn out a good product/deliver a good service.

Q20. DESCRIBE A DIFFICULT PROBLEM YOU'VE HAD TO DEAL WITH A. Well, I always follow a five-step formats with a difficult problem. One, I stand back to examine the problem. Two, 1 recognize the problem as the symptom of other(s), perhaps hidden factors. Three, I make a list of possible solutions. Four, 1 weigh both consequences and cost of each solution, and determine the best solution. And five, I go to my boss, outline the problem(s) and make recommendation, and ask for my superior's advice and approval.

Q21. WHAT WOULD YOU DO WHEN YOU HAVE DECISION TO MAKE AND NO PROCEDURE EXISTS? I would act without my managers direction only if the situation were urgent and my manager is not available. Then I would take command of the situation, make a decision, based on the facts, and implement in would update my boss at the earliest opportunity. Q22. WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU? A. I have the qualifications you need (itemise them) I am a team player, 1 take direction and have the desire to make a thorough success.

Remember it is not necessarily the best possible candidate who gets the Job, but rather the person who can prove during the interview that he/she can meet the employers needs. The majority of job applicant donts Interview as effectively as they could and thus delay their employment.
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CHAPTER 9 QUESTIONS FOR SCREENING THE EMPLOYERS During and/or at the end of an interview you will probably have the opportunity to ask the interviewer some questions. Be prepared with several (at least three, but not too much) appropriate questions. The following questions are appropriate to use and can stimulate your thinking about / additional question;, you may want to ask. How is "success" evaluated in this position? What problems would you like to see the person in this position address/solve within the next year? What are the major responsibilities of this position? Can you explain the typical career path of someone entering in this position? Can I progress at my own speed or is the work structured? How frequently do you relocate professional employees? What opportunities are there for employees education or professional development? What is the Firm's policy with regard To paying for educational tuition and fees? How often are performance Appraisal reviews given? Is it possible to transfer from one division to another? Is it possible to move through the training program faster than average? When. can I expect to hear regarding this position? (Always ask this question If the Interviewer hasnt given information)

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CHAPTER 10 KEYS TO EFFECTIVE SALARY NEGOTIATION Lets face it, salary negotiation is unpleasant! Most job seekers feel anxious, embarrassed and uncomfortable when the "time comes to discuss salaries. Advice such never bring up the issue of salary, let the interviewer say it first," is rarely helpful if you don't have any idea of how to respond when the topic does come up. Salary is rarely discussed during a first interview. Wait for the interviewer to bring up the topic at a second or third interview. You can ask about salary if you have been offered a job without the salary being disclosed What do I need to know in order to negotiate a salary? 1. Know the salary range you can expect to be paid for the position you have targeted. Not knowing the typical salary range is like trying to negotiate on a new car without knowing the dealer's costs. You must know this in order to negotiate effectively. The most accurate salary information for your local area can be obtained by conducting a labor market survey. Call three to five employers who would hire people for the position you are targeting. Ask them (1) how often they have that type of position open. (2) how many people they employ who hold that position and (3) the typical salary range for that position. By asking three to five employers these questions you will be able to determine an appropriate salary range for your targeted job. Salary information can also be obtained through state/federal employ men! departments and employment agencies.
2.

Always remember that pay is negotiable. Employers usually do not always have one particular naira amount in mind for a position Instead, they typically have a range (for example, N40.00 to N5O.OOO) that they will be willing to negotiate within. Let the employer discuss his/her salary range first before you give your range. This gives you an advantage in negotiating a fair salary amount. Avoid discussing salary (and other benefits) until the employer is interested in hiring you The only time you have power to negotiate is from when the employer accepts to hire you to the time you accept the offer. If salary questions are brought up early in the interview, attempt to defer the question by stating. Mr. Employer, of course salary issues are important to me, but at this point Im more concerned with whether or not Im the right person for this position and whether the job and company are the right fit for me.
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3.
4.

Once we determine if Im the right person, Im sure that we can come up with a salary amount that would be satisfactory for both of us. Until this approach will defer the salary discussions. If however, the employer insists that you answer at that time, or if you are asked after the employer has indicated that they are interested in you. go ahead and answer in this way. "Mr. Employer, depending on the company, the job and the responsibilities of the position, Im looking for a salary range of between N45.000 and N60,000." This statement will give you room in which to negotiate later on. 5. If you have to indicate your salary range first, never hesitate to ask the employer what pay range he or she has in mind. This will give you a sense of how much room there is for negotiation. When you are given a firm job offer and they have offered you a particular salary amount, you are now ready to negotiate if needed. Lets say for example that you are offered N450,000/year Based on your market research, an appropriate salary for someone with your skills and experiences is N500,000/year. When negotiating, it is important to ask questions and not give ultimatums, Therefore, you can state, "Mr. Employer, I appreciate your job offer. I am excited about the job, the company seems to be a good fit for me, and I believe that you and I, could work well together. And Mr. Employer, 11m wondering if you could come up to N500,000/year. If needed you can always discuss how you have conducted some market research and have determined that 500.000 year seems appropriate for someone with your skills and experience. If the employer says, 'No, I m sorry we can only pay N450.000 per year," you are still in a position to be able to accept the job if you so desire. But in many cases they will negotiate with you and just think-by asking questions you could add several thousands of naira/dollar to your salary! 7. Remember that other benefits (for example, vacations) can also be negotiated. Your overall compensation package may be what is most important to you. It is easier to get a pay raise before you accept a job than after. Once again, your power to negotiate is stronger from the time that an employer wants to hire you until the time you accept the position. Do your negotiating during that window of time.

6.

8.

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CHAPTER 11 ATTENDING JOB INTERVIEW WHILE STILL EMPLOYED It is always easier to find a job when you have a job. Your employer wouldn't be too pleased, however, if he finds out that you took time off to find another job. How do you attend and interview to secure the new job without current employer finding out? You have to come up with that dreaded interview excuse again because you don't want to tell your boss you're leaving just yet. And unless your reputation is so hot that you're headhunted, you are going to have to get out of there, apply for jobs and do some interviews. You need a whole day to prepare for the interview you know is going to lead to the job of your dreams. But you want to have a job to come back to, if it all goes wrong. Here are some suggestions about how to do this without raising suspicious. Try to schedule interviews for a period you would not normally be expected to be at your current work, discussing the situation with your potential employer may cause them to be sympathetic to your plight and many will respect your conscientious effort to minimize that inconvenience of your current employer. Schedule interview early in the morning, at lunchtime or late in the day so you're not coming in and out of the office more frequently than usual. Interviews over breakfast, lunch or in the early evening are not uncommon. Depending on your position, you may be able to schedule interviews when you are out of the office on business, or sales calls or on road trips. It may be possible to arrange a number of interviews on the same day and then take a day's holiday~ to attend them. If your interview is to take place within a few minutes' walk of your current job, it may be possible to step out for a short time at any time of the day. A casual remark to a nearby colleague that you "have to sort something out over there" will probably be sufficient to cover your tracks for a useful period of time. Take care to avoid being seen going in or coming out of your competitor s office though, No matter how you go about attending a job interview it's important that you neither neglect your current job responsibilities nor do something unethical.

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CHAPTER 12 HOW TO INCREASE YOUR VALUE AND GET BETTER PAID To be successful in your work, not only do you need to develop your skills and abilities to do the job well, but you also need to have the right frame of mind. One of the best ways to achieve this, is to think of yourself as being selfemployed even if your paycheck comes from an employer! When you think of yourself as being self-employed, you are much more likely to take responsibility for your career rather than letting circumstances dictate what happens to you. Your value to employers will increase as you look for new opportunities to use your skills to meet the employer's needs. The following is a list of hints on how to think and act so as to increase your value to your employer- which may result in a bigger paycheck! 1. Ask your employer: What problems would you like to see solved within the next year? Employers don't hear this question from employees often, they may give you some ideas about how you can become more valuable by solving problems they would like to see solved Ask your boss what he or she evaluate? to determine how "successful" you are in your position. Often the answer is not written into your job description. The rules for success in most companies are unwritten. You can learn them faster by asking this question and personally observing what successful people at your company are doing. On a regular basis ask yourself. "How can I make myself more useful here?" "What problem can I take the initiative to solve?" Become a visionary person who is able to see opportunities where you can use your skills to solve problems, develop new client save the company money, etc. 4. Volunteer for the jobs that others do not ~ant. While this does not sound like a lot of fun, you will find that employers will value you more than others who only do the least possible to fulfill their job responsibilities. Document what you do each day (or each week), highlighting your accomplishments. Use this documentation for updating your resume, building your self-confidence and making a case for deserving any requested pay raises or promotions

2.

3.

5.

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6.

On at least a quarterly basis (and weekly or bi-weekly in the first month of a new job) ask your boss if you can set up a fifteen minute meeting. During this meeting ask him/her how you are doing, and if there are any ways you can improve your performance on the job. Then be silent and write down anything he/she tells you. If he/she states you are doing a greet job, super! If he/she tells you that he/she wants you to improve in some area, write it down. Ask your boss to describe specifically how you can improve. Don't ever become defensive even if you feel he/she is off base in his/her evaluation. Somehow he/she have this image (even if its wrong) and you need to do something to change his/her impression, Conduct a labour market survey of the salary range for others doing your type of work. This involves contacting approximately five to ten people in your area who do the type of work you do. Tell them you are doing a survey of salary ranges (for example. Accountants), and ask them what the approximate salary range is for Accountant in their firm. Tell them you are contacting several companies, and will be glad to send them a, copy of what you find out (Let them. know, that the information they give will be kept confidential, and that no individuals or companies will be named in the information that will be sent.) When you complete this you will know where your salary falls in this rangy. This Will help you to evaluate the equity, of your salary, and can help you to make a case for deserving a requested pay raise.

7.

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CHAPTER 13 POLITE WAYS OF RESIGNING YOUR APPOINTMENT There are right and wrong ways of resigning from a job. Doing it the wrong way can lead to negative feelings between you and your employer, recriminations on both sides and often a bad reference. On the other hand, conforming to the proper way of resigning can go a long way in continued success in both your personal and career development. Firstly have you pursued all avenue for advancement within your current company? If so and you have accepted an offer from another company you should try to leave your current employer on a positive note. It's best to keep things short and simple when you resign. You may find your employer eager to learn from, you any tips as to what their company can do to improve and avoid losing people like yourself in the future. The Oral Resignation: This is usually the most difficult type of resignation because it may place you in the compromising position of having to explain your decision. It is not unusual for your old boss to probe you for information on reason for your decision. Bosses often want to know who or what is causing you to leave, or if you have any suggestions that can help make the organization move effective. You might want to tell your boss something like this: "I need to discuss something with you if you have a moment. I've been made an exceptional offer by another company and I've decided to accept it. I have given this opportunity a lot of thought. As much as I'd like to advance within this company. I feel the new opportunity is in my best long-term interest". The Written Resignation: This is the easiest because it gives you time to effectively prepare what you wish to communicate. Because it is written it reinforces the fact that you are really leaving and not simply threatening in order renegotiate your position. Under no circumstance should you state any dissatisfaction with the company or Individuals. Not only is it good manners to stress the positive when leaving, but also what you write, will remain in your personnel file long after the individuals and circumstances that may have caused your dissatisfaction are gone. If you genuinely have differences of opinion with your boss, save the communication on them for another time and place Never commit these thoughts to paper! If you are leaving in good circumstances and feel that you want to say a little bit more, again, emphasize the positive perhaps thank the boss for the opportunities he/she gave you or express appreciation for past training. You never know when you may need your ex-employer to vouch for you or give you a reference.
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