What goes into a CV?

First decide on the content and its presentation. For most first-time applicants, two pages will do. While you do not have to blow your trumpet, you must sell yourself. Put your best foot forward. Think about yourself, your achievements and your skills. Then decide what you want to tell in a clear, positive prose.

The CV should not be apologetic. It should tell them your story in an interesting way. Choose a clear font and a simple layout in designing your CV. Do not make it over-fancy. Take laser printouts on good A4 paper. Place these in your CV:

Personal details: This should contain full name; address; telephone number and e-mail; and date of birth (many employers prefer you to include this)

Education: Offer details of your academic experiences and demonstrate what you can offer an employer (goals/long-term objectives). Include ICAI, college and school details with qualifications obtained/expected and dates.

Work experience: Include paid and unpaid work with dates and indicate level of responsibility.

Tell them what you got out of your Articleship. Do not undersell voluntary work and low-level jobs — describe what you learnt from these.

Optional details: Include these only if you have enough space or if the advertiser/interviewer had specifically sought this information.

E-mail CVs: These are "on" in this high-tech era. Send your CV in the main body of the text, not as an attachment. In case you decide to send it as an attachment, check with the recipient that it is in a format they are able to read. It is a good idea to call the attached file by your name (for example, `kamini_cv.doc').

Your CV must standout. Take pains to give it a polish. In quite a few cases, the CV is the first filter — yes, candidates are short-listed based on the CV.

Group discussions

Some companies have a group discussion (GD) before the candidates meet the interview panel. The GD may help to show your capability in initiating an idea, your skills in listening or steering a group. To the selection panel it may also serve as a filter helping it to eliminate a few more candidates, thereby narrowing the contest.

Dos and don'ts: If you know in advance a job selection process includes a group discussion, practice mock GDs with a group of friends. Ask them to suggest a surprise topic. This helps to hone your quick thinking and collating skills.

Dos:

In the few minutes given for preparation, jot down a few ideas.

Take the lead and try to initiate the discussion. If this does not happen, do not panic. You don't necessarily have to be the first off the block.

Make your points in a concise and clear manner.

Speak in a modulated voice, addressing the group, letting your eye sweep across the group.

If the GD is being dominated by one or two people, wait for a sag in their conversation. Even these two may not be able to sustain the discussion with fresh ideas. If one or two participants are not able to get an edge in, see to it that they get a chance to express themselves.

If the discussion is going off track try to bring it on track. Interviewers are looking for leadership qualities in candidates.

Provide a new slant to the discussion. In case all the points you had in mind have been expressed already, try to rephrase an important observation or provide a quick statistic, theory or a management tenet to illustrate it.

When the rest of the group are hounding out your suggestion, or have weakened their argument, try to steer it to a new angle in the issue, without looking defeated.

If you are alert you will get your word in. Even if you speak for a minute a couple of times and have introduced a new idea or a twist to the discussion, you have succeeded in your task.

Show that you are with the group with your body language. Sit erect, look alert. Have a pleasant demeanour. Look at the speaker while listening. Keep your cool.

Don'ts:

A group discussion can be an exhausting experience. So don't come for a GD on an empty stomach.

Remember that even a person with average intelligence and communication skills can impress in a GD if he has prepared well and is attentive through the process.

The interview

Before the interview:

At the interview:

Remember, if it is obvious through the interview that the position is not suited for you, you have the option of saying so. Many employers appreciate your candour and might even speak to you about other positions in their organisation and refer you elsewhere.

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