KNOWLEDGE BANK
We know sometimes little bits here and there make a lot of difference. Just to be
sure that you are not losing any important aspect of job application process, we
at Santane have provided the best possible guidance for you .We hope this will enable
you to land in your dream career with a bang.
Should you require any further assistance, our consultants at Santane office will
always be on hand.
Wish you all the best!
APPLYING FOR THE JOB
Creating a CV
• Make sure your personal details are at the top front page which includes your name, email address, contact number and address.
• Write down details about your experience, education, professional qualifications, certifications, licences with corresponding dates and skills gained through them.
• Make sure the CV is tailored as per the job description.
• Keep the CV for 2 to 3 pages as it is not a report but a short summary on you.
• Don’t use fancy fonts as the CV should be easy to read and comprehend.
• Highlight your strengths and skills but don’t overload your CV with them.
• Please do check for any spelling, grammar and punctuation errors.
Covering Letters
• Keep it one page in length.
• Keep it clear, concise and to the point.
• Again tailor made this as per the job requirements and the organisation. Don’t send same covering letter to 50 organisations. These need to be unique for each.
• Show the employer how you fit the criteria and why you should be selected.
• Try to include why you want to join this organisation.
• Finish your letter by stating when you are available for interview.
Work with your Recruitment Consultant
• Discuss with your consultant in detail about your strengths and weaknesses.
• Try to understand what the market requirements are and work on those.
INVITED TO INTERVIEW
Competency based Interviews
• These interviews are designed to understand your skills by asking random questions.
• This interview is meant to understand your specific skills and competencies.
• The interviewer will ask examples to back up your answers.
• The interviewers will have determined the positive and negative indicators for each skill beforehand and they then just test you for those skills by asking questions.
• Lot of probing goes on if the interviewer is not able to judge your answer with respect to indicators.
Researching employers
• You need to do a proper research about the organisation before appearing for the interview.
• Find out company’s products and services, history, location, markets, competitors, growth, big changes, USP’S etc.
• Find out in detail about the job description and the requirements for the role.
• Try to find out the company culture, values, and its goals.
• Have a good reason ready why you need to work for this organisation.
Sail through your Interview
• Prepare your answers and practice them with your friends.
• Be enthusiastic but sincere.
• Interview time is the time to sell yourself so don’t be shy and talk about your accomplishments.
• Be early for your interview and show that you value time.
• Dress properly for the occasion. Remember this is an interview and not a party.
Inappropriate Interview Questions
• Questions about your ethnicity, culture, or parental background.
• Questions about your marital status or sexual preference.
• Questions about your race and gender.
• Questions about your religion or your religious practices.
• Questions about your health or physical limitations.
• Questions about your children, child care, or family plan.
Second Interviews
• This involves more preparation as there are more interviewers and questions.
• Review your past performance to have an improved one this time.
• Doesn’t stress too much as they have already liked you. Just be yourself.
• Remember to find if you are the right candidate. It is important for both you as well as the organisation.
OFFERED THE JOB
Pitch the Right Salary
• Research the salary brackets and find what is being offered in the market for your role and by this organisation.
• Do consider the total compensation package when comparing the salaries.
• Ask for a range of salary offered for the role and then pitch what you think is right for you.
Accepting a Job offer
• Don’t expect the offer until you are completely sure about the starting salary, when it will be reviewed, your start date, other benefits etc.
• Accept the offer the way it was being offered to you.
• Always back this with letter of acceptance and expect an offer letter in return.
• Make sure that your references are aware of this situation and inform them to expect a call from the organisation.
Counter Offer
• Take time to evaluate your positions and other options you have.
• Evaluate entire compensation package like salary, pension, health insurance, performance bonus etc.
• Be prepared to face different questions and expect different reactions from the employer like surprise, refusal, acceptance etc.
• Be enthusiastic and positive throughout your conversation and show continued interest in the company