CURRICULUM VITAE

Your CV needs to be better than the rest, if you want it

to be noticed!!
TECHNICAL SUMMARY / EXPERTISE section. Break
into sub-categories.
Knowledge, Expertise and Technical certifications.
HW/SW and operating systems.
Your awareness of networking / protocols.
Programming/languages and web/data base
applications.
Note: List only those you can confidently discuss in an
interview.
Add a CAREER SUMMARY section.
?? in the CV
Employers are seeking for those who can
offer more than just technical credentials,
ensure you CV has a personality.
Soft skills (interpersonal communication,
team work, commitment and achievers)
Ensure you are technically and personally
suited for the job.


Succinct yet Effective.

Brief yet descriptive- on assignment completed.
Position held brief synopsis of your scope of
responsibility. Show how performance benefited the
company. Give Egs.of how past initiatives led to
positive outcome.
Enhanced efficiency, faster time-to market, monetary
savings etc.
Accomplishments most powerful when measurable,
include actual performance figures if possible
wherever.
Focus on most impressive technical
projects/accomplishments/ challenges faced and how
you overcame them.
Did performance improve organisations bottom line?

If worked on contract.

Bullet list of top projects, indicate company or type
of company if name is to be kept confidential.
Reason for hiring you, scope of your project & your
approach to obstacles, work performed and benefits
to company.
If new to field &d concerned about lack of
experience, consider offering free/low-cost technical
services to charitable organisations, local
businesses, family business and friends. This allows
you to hone your skills and show related work or
volunteer experience in CV.
Pursue as much training to upgrade self and get
speed at work.

Entry level candidates.

Focus on their potential in the field, ability to quickly
learn challenging concepts and motivation to
succeed in the industry.
Readiness to learn new areas and master the same.
Elaborate on objectives and responsibilities of the
position you are applying for.
Detail how you would be an asset according to their
objectives, in time frame and various resources you
would use.
* NB: CV -NOT EXCEED TWO/ THREE PAGES.

Ideal CV-1
Name
Personal details:
Address:
Date of Birth:
Passport Details: Marital Status:
Profile:
Dynamic, mission-oriented/ broad background in --------Skilled in
developing technology & using it for improving efficiency &
facilitate growth in -----industry. In-depth knowledge of Mg
professional services organizations, and a record of success in:
(These are just options-use one most suitable after a redo to your
edn and expertise.
Marketing / Start-up Management/Production/
Product Innovation / Business Planning/Engineering
Relationship Building/ Channel Marketing/Concepts
Accounts/Finance/SW/HW Solutions etc.
Ideal CV-2
o Professional Qualification:
o MBA(Specialised in Marketing Management) Indian
Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta, India --
year?)
o Bachelors of Engineering (Electronics &
Communications) Birla Institute of Technology, India
(Year---?)
o Awards & Achievements :
o Commendation for Innovation
o M.B.A Dissertation: .??.
Ideal CV-3
This to repeat as per experiences
Professional Experience:
Organisation :
Duration :
Position :
Member of team in the Integrated
Job responsibilities include planning,
operation, maintenance and responsible for
leading a team involved in tracking of and
data acquisition through
Implemented ----projects to ensure ----
increased reliability.
Ideal CV-4
Preparation of technical feasibility
studies, basic documentation, operating,
investment cost estimations and
operating guidelines. Clearing and
forwarding/ freight/ transportation.etc
Ability to coordinate various departments
and services to bring process technology
projects to successful completion.
Analysis of vendor and solving quality
issues, process marketing/advertising for
better product lifetime.
Responsible for -----??
Ideal CV-5
Achieved sales of ---- worth in first eight months
of operation.Handled -----tenders.
Build and lead ------ management teams serving
the accounts with complex product needs/
product and technical expertise to the largest
possible extent.
Identification and definition of key accounts and
potential strategies to serve them.
Worked with post sales technical and
commercial manager to ensure quality customer
service.
Ideal CV-6
Build & develop solutions / applications sales
expertise and continuously monitor competitor
strategies vis--vis own performance.
Use marketing intelligence and analysis including
environmental, customer and competitor information
and its impact on marketing strategy.
Develop tactical corporate marketing alliances
where needed to provide solutions to the client.
Analyze competitive intelligence related to ----,
justify specific systems/strategies.
Formulate sales strategies/forecasts and
competition report to Mgt.
Ideal CV-7
Designed and set up the entire distribution network for
--- system. Channel development experience of being
able to establish a dealer / distributor network, which
includes assessment of their capabilities, contract
negotiation & managing sales through third party
organizations.
Heading domestic outsourced ----centre operations for
---
Reporting to the Executive director and managing the
location with total employee strength of .
Ideal CV-8
Reduced operation costs by manpower
restructuring, vendor development and efficient
resource utilization.
Establish processes and systems to assess
internal quality standards as per ISO 9001.
Responsible for---centre operations which
includes resource planning, shift planning for 24
hrs desk operation, monitoring quality of service
and formulation of policies for smooth running
of operation.
Ideal CV-9
Launch of ----which include detailed study of
clients requirements, preparation of request for
proposal along with commercial quote, obtaining
purchase order and signing of service level
agreement.
Develop New Major Accounts & push and position
---- solutions available within the designated
accounts. Yearly Sales Budget Planning,
implementation, monitoring, reporting and
achievement of sale & profit .
Ideal CV-10
Worked with consultants/contractors to Identify,
schedule project deliverables, milestones, and
required tasks and manage the process for
contract/project order.
Review status reports and modify schedules, Prepare
project status reports and keeping management,
clients, others informed of project status and related
issues
Handled Customer satisfaction related issues.
Follow-up on payments and making sure they are
collected on time and as per the collection targets.
References: Mr

Cope with Interviews
Good Qlfns, Exp & a proven track record. But lose out
to a candidate who 'interviews better.
Interviewing better- actually means being well-prepared
and confident.
Answer questions in acceptable way (not necessarily
right).
Knowledge about potential employer's business and
post, are basic components for interviewing better.
Interviewer ascertains if candidate has qualities, skills
and abilities.
Preparation and confidence these are interlinked. Good
preparation = increased confidence.

Prepare for the Interview
Practically prepare, gather knowledge. Collate useful
information.
Time, date, location. Name of interviewer. Interview call
letter.
Be there half hour before - do a dummy run. Anticipate
delays. Carry along certificates, references etc.
Dress sense, colour/shades/fabric comfort down to the
last.
Decongest psychological as well as physical.
Concentrate.
Ensure receptionist knows & informs concerned you are
there.
Visit the Loo to tidy up.
Watch Them!!
Nonverbal pitfalls:
Handshake: firm,not bone-crushing, dry & warm.
Posture: Stand/sit erect. (not ramrod). Show some energy
and enthusiasm.
Eye contact: Look the interviewer in the eye. Don't stare-
shows aggression. Occasionally, and nonchalantly,
glance at the interviewer's hand as he/she is speaking.
Looking around conveys lack of confidence or discomfort
with discussions.
Gestures: Talking with hands is natural. Getting carried
away with it = distracting. Also, avoid touching your
mouth while talking.
Don't fidget: hair, clicking a pen top, tapping the foot, or
unconsciously touching parts of the body.
Preparation: How said is more important than what is
said. The nonverbal speaks louder.

Mind Joggers
Talk less of your skills and more about your
achievements.
Quantify (As result of my actions/endeavours the
customer service satisfaction levels increased by 15% /
defects fell by 10%).If no specific amounts, offer a best
guess.
Make sure you can back up your statement/guess.
Ensure achievements will be meaningful to employers,
and add value to them.
Highlight why you will be able to fit in with their
environment. (Eg: you are expected to be a team player,
make sure you can demonstrate, by example, what a
great team person/player you are.)

Avoid Negativism like Plague
You would be surprised how many people insist
on opening up and bearing their souls at
Interviews. Leave that to when you are in the
company of friends. Interviews are about selling
yourself by highlighting what makes you tick and
terrific.
Avoid criticising former employers / managers/
Teachers. Reasons may be very legitimate but it
does not make a good impression on potential
employers.
Do not dwell on all problems you faced, instead
mention briefly and then focus on what you did to
fix those problems.
Interviewer Question
Tell me about the positive and the negative
aspects of your last job:
Enjoyed working on it/ different projects/
challenging work.
Worked with talented persons & learned a lot.
The downside was I worked for a short period of
time, hence unable to see some of my projects
in the completed stage. (negative should sound
as if worked your best but not present till end,
but project successfully completed as last
heard).

Interviewer Question
What has been your most difficult task/ work experience ?:
When working in the recruitment department, had a difficult
time. All work was given was repetitive reading through
hundreds of CVs,
Weeks later, I approached my boss and explained to how I felt.
I asked & requested if I could take part in some interviews and
also made suggestions of how I could contribute more to the
HR department.
Got a positive response, was told that I was given that job
since they felt I was too new to work on any other matters.
They felt that was the best I could do.
Pleased, I had spoken up & approached them directly with my
problem and assignment. My new duties were more enriching
and rewarding both personally and professionally.
Demonstrates ability to confront & resolve a difficult situation
in a responsible and non-aggressive manner and that you are
not a person just to sit there and take no action when things
are not going well for you or the job.

Interviewer Question
How do you feel about working in groups? Do
you tend to play a particular role?
I enjoy working in groups. Though some projects
take a little longer when several people have to
reach a consensus, I believe the result is always
better when as benefit comes from several ideas.
When working in groups I am usually a person
who makes sure the work gets finished, the detail
person who ties up all the loose ends and who
sees the thing through..
This best shows a real understanding of the
value of teamwork and your major strength.
Before answering it is very important to consider
the type of job you are interviewing for.

Interviewer Question
How much do you want to make in this job? (Assume
your target range is 2.5 to 3 lakhs.
As I understand, this position would entail reporting
directly to --, overseeing all aspects of production,
acquisition, reviewing submissions, acting as a liaison
between the customer and company and other agents.
Am I missing anything? In that case based on my track
record and qualifications, what would be the salary for the
position? Clearly articulate your responsibilities, as if
there are any additional responsibilities besides the ones
you mentioned, that should be considered. Then turn
your question around to try and find out the employers
bargaining zone.
In any discussion of salary your goal should be to find
out about the employers expectations & target range
before you divulge your own.

Interviewer Question
What do you do in your spare time?
I have interest in theatre and work with a local theatre
group on weekends. The group conducts workshops in
summer and I have been volunteering for the last 2 years.
Shows long-time commitment to your interests and
community and which would also reflect in your work.
What are your greatest strengths?
Efficient & know how to get things done. Eg: my previous
job- I repeatedly met targets within the time frame and
budget and ensured quality standards. This was possible
due to planning ahead, prioritising and ensuring I was up
to date with any of the technical changes.
Best straight forward response. You know what you are
good at, you sound proud of it, a talent that is valuable to
any job. Concrete example of the relevant skills given.

Interviewer Question
If you are hired, how long will you stay with this
company?
As long as the work is challenging and I have the
opportunity to learn, grow and advance, I see no
reason to consider leaving. How long do you
believe that will be sir?
Since no one can predict the future, they become
responsible to ensure you are kept fruitfully busy
and its their turn to see that your output gives
them returns.
Asking him how long that environment will
continue is also a good idea. It suggests the idea
of mutual responsibility for ongoing commitment.


Interviewer Question
What is your greatest weakness?
Used to be very disorganised. Papers spread out
on my desk. Eventually this got me into trouble. I
missed a meeting due to slip of a paper I wrote
details on, and it got lost in the mess, I knew I
had to make changes in the way I function. I
asked a very meticulous colleagues if she could
help with suggestions and also took note of the
more organised ones at work. It took me a day to
work out a system that I still use today. I now find
I am on top of things and work efficiently and
also am happier being most organised.
This is the best answer as it discusses a real
weakness and how it was handled and how you
have placed it in the past and moved on.


Interviewer Question
Tell me something about yourself: A very
open ended question..
Your career goals. Your Hobbies. Your
further interests in other fields other than
your expertise and educational
background. Ask such a question and
allow the Interviewer to focus the
questions so you can provide that kind of
answer expected to be heard by them.



Interviewer Question
What have you done that shows initiative?
Not sufficient students enrolled for --class/subject & the
same got cancelled, but it was very important for others.
Was extremely frustrated and saw the Director and
suggested we form a task force with the department head
and a few other students to address the problem. We
revamped the lecture series so that it was more in line
with the time frame and expectations of the Institute &
student and also looked attractive enough to attend due
to some deviations at the end of such lectures which held
the interest of the students. The result was classes were
better attended and had enthusiastic responses too.
This demonstrated initiative and results from your pains
taken/ It shows you identified a problem and were willing
to take advice from others to solve and resolve the
situation for better results.

Interviewer Question
What aspects of your experience/ expertise/ qualification,
qualifies you for this job?
I understand your company is trying to expand to reach
the youth.. Having worked in the --- and covered areas of
technical and non technical subjects in my core subject in
my ---- background, I am sure I can get increased----
results in the next 10 months. I have the ability to build up
contacts and ensure my PR works wonders, as I have
learned down the line that interpersonal skills and
keeping the communication open is a big asset to any
organisation and individual. My marketing skills and
convincing powers and my strong belief and motivation
makes it all the more possible for me to achieve targets. I
am sure good sincere and consistent hard work gives
only the best results.


Interviewer Question
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? (assume
you are a candidate?
To be honest, I think it is a bit difficult to know now
exactly where I will be 5 years from now. Certainly my
main goal is to move forward and to get ahead to a senior
top managerial position of central answerability.
Sometimes while doing so we also imbibe qualities not
related to the present task of expertise, but its a constant
learning process that I will follow. I also look forward to
continue my learning in the areas that are essential to this
company and which will also stand me in good stead for
my personal and professional betterment. Once I have
given it my two years from now and I can be sure of
taking on much more, that makes me heading a branch.
Best answer as it shows you are willing to continue
learning and forward movement and that you are flexible
where you end up.

Interviewer Question
Why do you think you would enjoy this kind of work OR
why do you think you are best suited for this position?
Marketing/Sales/ Human Resourcemanagement appeals
to me because it requires a combination of creativity,
strategic and analytical ability and I do possess all these
qualities. Also after having educated myself in the related
area and having a pretty good idea of what it is. I like to
work towards the same goal but from another angle, I am
sure I will enjoy the work and the experience of
professional interactions and working towards achieving
targets and expectations with positive end results in the
mind always.



Interviewer Question-Change Orientation & Adaptability
Tell me about a situation you had to adjust to
quickly to change due to (institutional)
organisational priorities, new environments and
people, new locations, new procedures or new
systems. What was the impact of the change on
you.
Working (Studying) with people from diverse
backgrounds can be a challenge. Tell me when
you faced a challenge in working(studying) with
people from different organisational, professional
or cultural backgrounds, what did you do and
how did you handle such a situation.


Interviewer Question-Leadership
During the course of your studies/ summers/
winters, what techniques did you use to gain
acceptance of your ideas, plans- give examples.
Of the technique and the result.
Describe a situation when you had to influence a
very sensitive individual, what did you do and
how did you go about doing it, how did it turn
out?
Describe a situation where you had to motivate or
coach a person of varying skill levels. What
similar/different methods did you use in your
approach and what was the outcome.


Interviewer Question-Specific Knowledge/Skill
Specific knowledge/Skills:
Give specific examples of the most complex
assignment or project you had handled and your
role in it, how did you handle and accomplish the
same.
What steps did you use in performing the above.
Tell me about a time when you had to explain a
technical material/matter to personnel with a non-
technical background, how good/convincing
were you.



Interviewer Questions
Accountability/ Ownership:
Relate an experience you gained because you
persisted.
Give some specific examples wherein you gave
your all to a situation but you failedwhat was
the impact on you.
Innovative/Creative:
Give examples of a time when you had to handle
a situation where old solutions did not work,
what was the situation and what was the end
result.



Interviewer Question Initiative
Give 2 examples of the most imaginative ideas
you put into action for a situation/assignment
that you were responsible for.
Tell me about a project you generated on your
own, what prompted you to begin this project,
what was the result. Give example of a way you
used to make the job easier or more rewarding
and the end result.
Give me an example of a situation where you
did more than the required in your last
job/assignment.


Interviewer Question

Decision making /Judgement:
Give specific examples of a recent decision
made by you which involved the maximum risk
and what was the result.
Tell me about a time when you were able to
identify small problems before it became a big
one. How did you identify the same and what
measures were taken by you to ensure it did
not explode or go out of hand and what
happened at the end of it all.


Interviewer Question - Teamwork
Describe a situation or a problem that
developed in the team, what was the root
cause of the situation or who was
responsible could you identify the problem
or the person responsible for the same,
what was your role, what was your action
and what was the result

Tell me about the most challenging change
you faced at work, what did you do and
what was the result.


Interviewer Question
How do you claim you are the best for this position?
I am an authority on telephone etiquettes and possess
good interpersonal skills. Communicating with clients
over the telephone has been the most enjoyable
experience of my career thus far. My work experience
has predominantly been with
the(IT/Insurance/Engg/Medicalwhatever sector )
Industry and assisting clients over the telephone was a
large part of my job. My understanding, friendly and
energetic disposition has enabled me to succeed in
developing good interpersonal skills/relation with
clients.

Interviewer Question
How do you claim you are the best for this job?
Demonstrated commitment to quality client service: As a
peoples person, its natural to enjoy dealing with people.
Good listening and interpretation skills. Ability to assists
with the highest level of service. Am very empathetic and
supportive to problems or requests. Ability to
recommend an effective /alternative course of
action/assistance. Repeat business has been a result of
my commitment to providing quality client service.
Ability to relate to people from diverse
backgrounds/cultures: can communicate with a variety of
people and fully recognise its importance not only for self
enrichment but for the future of the company I work for.

Interviewer Question-why best for this job?
Ability to provide accurate and timely referral information:
information which is timely and accurate and useful once
demonstrated and delivered makes a world of difference.
Reading guidelines in customer support and making
clients understand the same makes customer satisfaction
more rewarding. Having a reference bank for other
queries was another plus point, as I had developed the
data bank of references has helped me tide over with
problems with clients and further moving action towards
achieving goals.
Experience in Reception and Office environment: my
work experience in various departments and my other job
experiences have given me an insight into team focussed
environments .


Interviewer Question
Why do you think you are the best person for
this job?
Ability to re-organise and prioritise workloads:
excellent time management skills and ability to
prioritise workflow when dealing with multi
tasks projects, especially in volume and time
demand. Handling simultaneous projects and
screening the priority has been my great asset
skill. Ensuring smooth transitions and
additional deadlines being met with are some
of my plus points.


Interview Question

Why do you think you are best suited for this job?
Excellent word processing, data entry and internet
search skills: data entry and new business entries into
the mainframe system has been my portfolio all along.
Ease with languages and archiving files, an eye for
details and systematic documentation and filing has
made my work flow easy and more professional all
along. Report writing, presentations, independent
correspondence and merging documents and record
maintenance including internet search skills
demonstrated from time to time when the need arose,
have given me an opportunity to endorse my ability to
handle such matters.


Interviewer Question
Why do you think you are best suited for this
post?
Record Keeping, Invoicing and Orders:
recording accounts receivable and payable,
issue of invoices to clients for our services,
order for stationery and housekeeping
requirements while ensuring the best quotes
have given me an insight into such
management skills that require high reporting
sense and sincerity.


Beware!!
What to avoid: the 4 points:
Never say you do not have any weaknesses.
Never say something that is really going to hurt you.
Never offer more than one weakness.
Avoid transparencies like: I work too hard. I am very
sensitive. I am very meticulous etc. never use to
comparative or superlative degree is such
situations/questions.
Create additional outlines and rehearse with friends and
mentors/guides/counsellors. Most of all let
commonsense, faith, believe, motivation and enthusiasm
be your constant personal guide.



How to handle Interviews
Know yourself- what do you want to achieve through
work or employment: inner fulfilment, fame, position, in
society, wealth, security, comfort, travel, power, joy of
just being a working professional, taking on lifes
responsibilities, making someone else happy.
Know the company you are applying to- its activities,
areas, growth over the last 3 years, its future and
projects. This shows interest and initiative for self and
company.
Anticipate the inevitable questions- your interests,
hobbies, achievements, prospects, relationships with
family and friends and colleagues. Decongest the mind
and have clarity. Never lie.