Sometimes, the companies reserve some CV to consider later. After several months, the company may call applicants and sometimes they do not remember anything. For that reason it´s necessary to be aware of the data and the requirements of the places where we have sent our information. In this case, it could be useful to follow certain guidelines to keep track of the nominations made.

First step, get organized

In a spreadsheet this information can be placed:

1. Institution´s name, area, sector.
2. How you contacted the institution. For example: newspaper advertisement, spontaneous presentation, through an acquaintance.
3. Occupation for which you have postulated.
4. Date of submission of CV.
5. CV and letter of introduction copies.
6. Interview: name of the interviewer, style of the interview.
7. Other data: may you contact the institution again? When? General comments about the interview, strengths and weaknesses that need strengthening.

Sometimes, there are other instances that you may have to pass before you get the job. For example a second interview, a psycho-technical test or others. Many times these instances are harder to get through than the others because the competition is against other applicants with more adequate profiles for the position.

To take into account

Before the interview: take an updated CV with you, verify the company´s contact data and adjust your own pretensions.

During the interview: be quiet, maintain the presence and respect, do not doubt, be tolerant and take care of your language.

After the interview: review your actions, reformulate positions, keep in contact with the company, be patient.

From the point of view of the candidate, it´s vital to be organized and to keep control over the CV sent. It has no sense sending hundreds of CV everywhere. One CV for each offer with its respective letter of introduction will allow a better monitoring and a good role in re-submitting the institution.

Once the objectives are clear, then we are ready to take a pen and a sheet of paper, sit down and start writing the résumé. The aim of the résumé is introducing our educative and labor backgrounds for a specific job opening or other positions (for example, an academic one).

In the beginning, we must consider that the applicant won’t be facing the employer at the time they’re reading the résumé. That is precisely why specific guidelines must be followed, in order to highlight some aspects and persuade the employer about having the ideal skills for the job. This can be achieved through organization and hierarchy of the contents, two very important aspects for the purpose. By properly organizing the information, the reading is guided to those strengths we want to emphasize.

Another important aspect to consider is that there is one model of résumé for each prospective job. Each presentation may require a specific order. For example, applying for a scholarship, the order will emphasize the academic base –degree, marks, and training courses- over the working experience.

An example of résumé

Here is a résumé organized according to a chronological order:

Personal data
Name, address, telephone numbers, e-mail. You may also mention if you have your own means of transport, driver’s license and if you’re willing to be transferred to another city.

Academic studies
Bachelors, masters, university degree and / or student of …

Computer skills
Programs where you have a basic, intermediate or advanced level. Always consider that during an interview one may be required to test these data.

Languages
Oral, written and translating level. Point out whether you have any certificate / degree.

Work experience
Clearly detail the tasks performed and the reasons why the previous position was abandoned.

Pre-professional practices
Voluntary work, workshops, publications.

Last but not least it is important to know that the formation, the courses, the constant training, all of them can open the doors to many opportunities, but most of the time you need to be sure of your own qualities, in order to offer your strong points and get a job according to your expectations.

By the time of the actual interview, always pay attention to your clothes and your looks altogether, both of them must be formal. Arriving on time gets you on the right track and also allows you to familiarize with the company’s environment, its moves, its dynamics, etc.

In the interview

The interview may take 30 to 40 minutes or may end suddenly, and both of them are signs of what to expect. Usually, you are first asked some general questions to create a friendly report between the parts; it is up to both of them for the kind environment to persist throughout the whole interview.

“You only have one chance to make a first impression”. This well-known phrase truly applies in this case, since the way you greet, the way you stand and the way you introduce yourself are really significant.

Never lie, and try to use a colloquial yet respectful vocabulary to show yourself as a sincere person. The same applies to body language, gestures, movements, etc. The more relaxed you are the better will things turn out. Of course, being natural doesn’t mean everything is allowed, you always have to keep your good manners.

Listen to the questions you are asked and always answer them. This may allow you to transform weakness –maybe suggested by your résumé- into strength. Pay specific attention to the answers you give about your previous job and the reasons for leaving that position.

Try to already have an idea about your salary conditions, with a minimum and a maximum requirement. This aspect shows your interest in the position. It is also helpful to remove all potential doubts about timetables, working place, salary and, if possible, when can you expect a result from the search and a contact to follow it.

To sum up, every second counts when it comes to a successful job interview. Knowing how to make use of the time you have can help you overcome the obstacles in your career of choice.

We have only one opportunity to cause a good impression, so it´s important to do it right. You must take care of your appearance as much as you can. It is always recommended to wear an elegant suit, for both, men or women. The makeup must be natural. In both cases the shoes must match with the rest of your clothes and must be as clean as possible.

On your way to the interview, the first rule is not to be late. If by any reason you are going to be late, you have to give notice of this as soon as you can. You have to take into account that you are not the only applicant and you could be out of contest very fast.

First words and acts

Once you are alone with the interviewer, it´s the time of truth. Wait until you are invited to take a seat and show confidence. Sit upright and try to control any tic or excessive movements that show tension or anxiety (avoid looking at your watch, playing with your fingers or your hair, crossing your legs once and again, etc.). Do not chew bubble gum and never smoke, even if the interviewer offers you.

It’s important to always be very respectful but also nice and enjoyable at the same time. Look at the person right into his eyes and do not get distracted.

How to behave and respond

It is essential to show yourself attentive and confident. Smile and answer the questions as simply and naturally as possible. You don’t have to show an exaggerated kindness or too much confidence with the interviewer, try always to maintain distance.

Listen to each question with interest and attention. At the moment of answering, avoid jokes or complex explanations, you won´t win anything by trying to seem important, be simple and brief in your responses. Do not try to guess what´s the trap in each question or what the other person is waiting to hear. Don´t show a personality that´s not your own, you should always tell the truth. If you didn´t understand the question, avoid answering anything, it is better to ask for an explanation.

At the end, remember to give thanks for the opportunity and repeat your interest in the job.

Although the technological era makes the companies ask for computer written letters more and more, there will always be those who try to discover “hidden” features through these lines.

If your future employer has asked you to write your letter by hand, you must write it at the right moment. Take your time; do not write if you are hurried or tired. The letter must be clear. There´s no need to have a perfect calligraphy, it is enough if it´s neat and easy to read.

Structure and writing

Both, in manuscript letters and in the computer, the coherence in the text is very important, as well as the structure in which it´s organized. In your letter you must explain shortly your qualities and why you think you are trained for the job you are applying to.

If you write too much, repeating what´s already specified in you Curriculum Vitae, then your letter won´t be taken into account. You must focus on the items that need extra information that could appear interesting for the interviewer.

Another common error is the mess in the structure of the letter. The letter has to be short and clear and has to be organized, basically, in three parts: introduction (presentation, position applied, where did you read the offer, etc.), important information (work experience, skills, goals, etc.) and greeting (asking for an interview and final greeting).

If we don´t know how to organize the information, it is convenient to use another letter as a guide.

Personal information

We must include contact data in the letter in order to be contacted easily by the interviewer, without having to come back to the CV. Complete name, address, telephone number and e-mail have to be in the letter. If they don´t, it is possible that our letter will end up being eliminated.

It´s advisable to have the advertisement with the offer so we can answer step by step all the requirements asked to the applicants. The interviewer needs to verify that we comply with the requirements.

The selection process, as well as the series of interviews, can be transformed into a seduction game. Besides the specific knowledges that you can offer to that job and the gained experience in other organizations, there is a relationship between the person that interviews, and the candidate, that should be equilibrated, precise and seductive at the same time.

The candidate must show his/her qualities to the interviewer, somebody that is looking for an indicate profile for the post. Previously, an updated CV was elaborated, its information was put into web searchers and data basis of companies, several contacts were moved, a work position was opened and now ¡you are there! What should you do?

The group interviews, at assessment centers, are in trend with the intention to get younger professionals. Those kind of interviews let us know the capacities of each candidate in a quick way. There is a coordinator that controls the case or the problem to solve and each candidate can give an opinion. It is important to know that the solution of the case is not important here, because the selection team will be concentrated in the development of each person in the group, the role adopted, the capacity of leadership, besides the strategy thought to solve the problem.

Some helpful secrets to be considered are these:

• Find a good use to the available time
• Participate and let others do the same
• Prepare a personal presentation to save time
• Be coherent in your answers, don’t follow the others just for the sake of it
• Include people that are not participating

In the case of individual interviews it is necessary to look for the compatible profile for the offered post. It is important to research about the company before going to the interview, you can do it by Internet or asking some friends that have worked there.

Your clothes must be adequate to the post, there always exists standard clothing for any situation. The first thing that will be evaluated is punctuality; if you arrive early you can be more relaxed. Normally, the questioning begins with your working history; the CV follows, in the weak and the strong points of it. This is something you should thing about before the interview, besides the relation between the abilities that you can give to the project, and the abilities that the company is looking for that post.

At the end of the interview it is normal to be asked: “Do you have any questions?”, and is a good idea to elaborate something basic to answer that question; something in relation with that company or about the selection process. It is advisable not to ask about the salary in the first interview, and leave it for the next interview.

If you want to take the interview as an opportunity to learn, a way to be open and find out about new organizations and make contacts, it is always possible to use this interaction space, because you will learn experiences or receive lessons about how to find the perfect post that is waiting for you, in some place of your CV.

Remember: THE INTERVIEW IS JUST ONE STEP MORE, NOTHING ELSE.

Obstacles to overcome

Mostly among professionals, the idea that predominates is that the dispersion of the work team members brings more problems than advantages. Actually, many of the problems are focused on the relationship between those forming the team.

The main difficulty is achieving the motivation of the worker, making them feel that they are a part of the group. The members of a virtual team lack all the data that non-verbal communication transmits in a “face to face” team. It is harder to generate trust between the professionals. It is common that when one of the workers doesn’t receive an answer the moment they ask a question, doubts arise: Why nobody answers? Haven’t they received my e-mail? Have they even read it?

If we succeed in establishing proper communication channels, these obstacles can be easily overcome and we may even get an advantage from the virtual space. What is the process?

How to establish a virtual team

Identity and mission: The team needs right from the start its identity and its common mission. A clear and concise document with these premises must be established from the beginning, and it will help to create a feeling of unity. The mission must be checked frequently, and it should be adapted according to the course of the project; all the members of the team must feel free to express their opinion.

Calendar: As in traditional teams, a task calendar must be established for the different parts of the project.

Roles and goals: Set each individual’s role always avoiding the duplication of work. There is a risk that everyone may want to do everything; this is a not very productive misconception. Each worker must have specific functions and be oriented to particular results.

Communication: The more communication channels available, the better. But the most important thing is having meetings (face-to-face as well as virtual) where every worker and contact takes part through e-mails, fax, and telephone. Principally we must take advantage of those facilities that are provided by digital media such as chat rooms, intranets, databases, video conferencing, etc.

These new ways of communication are the ones that offer the advantage of virtual teams.

Possibilities

A virtual team can interact frequently whether formally or casually. Working in a network allows the data to be recorded, letting all the team access in a regular and simple way. This can be useful in virtual meetings. Developing a project can be a 24 hour process in which there will always be somebody working somewhere.

To make it attractive, the letter must be simple and must be divided in three small parts: header, main body and final greeting.

The header

Our personal information is the first thing that we must include in a letter of introduction. In that way the employer is going to be able to contact us easily. First and last name, address, telephones and e-mail must appear clearly. This information will be aligned at the left, in the superior part of the sheet. Below this we’ll place the information of the company that we are contacting: name of the person that we are addressing to, always as Sir or Madame, occupation, name of the company and complete address.

Next, we are going to include the initial greeting. We must address to the person that was mentioned in the announcement (Dear Sr. name). Contrarily, we can simply write To Whom It May Concern.

A clear and simple development in the main body

At the beginning we must point out the number of reference that was mentioned in the advertisement that we are answering to. We must include also the communication media where we read the publication (newspaper, digital publication, etc.) or, in case we are presenting ourselves spontaneously, we must explain how we arrived to the company, what position we are interested in and why.

In the letter’s development we must include any information that might be relevant. Here we are going to talk about our strengths; we can mention skills and knowledge required in the announcement, any important accomplishment, work experience, etc. We don’t have to write down all the information already detailed in our CV, but it’s very important to remark our strong points.

In case we are talking about a self candidature, the information detailed in the development is going to be more relevant. You must make stand out your accomplishments, your skills, what you can bring to the company and why you can perform properly in the job you want to get.

The final greeting

In this short line we have to repeat our interest about being contacted by the company and give thanks in anticipation about the answer that we are waiting to receive.

The farewell must be simple and proper. We can use any of the traditional greetings above:

• Awaiting for news, yours faithfully
• Looking forward to a favorable reply, sincerely
• I remain at your entire disposal,
• Sincerely,

Finally we must include our complete signature, first and last name.

Be careful with the details

Review orthography and coherence in your words, do not write more than one page and use a simple typography, without ornaments. This is the only possibility you have to show your attributes; errors or incoherence can leave you out very fast.

• A CV that has not reached an immediate impact on the reader is going to end up in the garbage. It is fundamental to capture the attention from the first lines of the CV.
• The size of the document must be no more than two or three pages.
• The marital status or the number of children that we have is not evidence or prove about our profile or professional achievements, especially if we belong to the female sex.
• Explain in the first paragraph why we must be chosen, talk about your strong points, qualities, in the other sections of the CV, for example, giving details of specializations. Is not the same a graduate on education that a graduate on education specialized on TICs.
• The interviewer must find precise information in a quick way.

The basic structure of a CV is:

Personal information; name, mail zone, email, telephone and cell phone, is recommended to be formal.

Courses/studies: title obtained, the scholar center where the studies were taken, and the number of years, for example, “Graduated on education, specialist in TICs (1999-2005) University XXX

Job experiences: name of the company, its address, and the period of the job; if that relationship is finished, you have to indicate the beginning year and the ending year as well. If the contractual relationship remains, you can write “2002-remains”. Under that, you have to add the work position that you had, or the current one. Next, you can describe the functions using a technical language. For example, if we worked as telemarketers we can write “Commercial area with direct sales and telephonic attention to the clients”

Languages: it is a strong point in the CV. We must differentiate the reached levels in the oral and written expression. It is not convenient to put “low level”. If you have some knowledge about a foreign language, even reduced, it is better to write “intermediate level”.

Computer knowledge: we must indicate our level as “Basic”, “User”, or “Expert”. It is important to emphasize the operative system that you use. If you have knowledge about Office, it is not necessary to mention the version of it, or the programs that are included. If you are able to use other specific programs, you must explain in few words why they are useful. For example: “Audacity (sound edition)”.

It is not useful to invent experiences that we are not capable to prove, or to exaggerate knowledge. In a CV we always have to tell the truth, although it depends of how we choose to express that, in front of people. One piece of paper with our experience, in a very truthful and concise manner, is better than many pages with false information. Besides, the consultant offices accustom to store the CV of the candidates; that is why there is a risk we will be caught in that lie.

To omit is not to lie

You should not write exact dates (days, months). It is better just to mention years. This is useful to hide inexperience, or not too much time in a job. If we accustom to change frequently of job, it can give us a bad image. That is why it is a good idea to omit that information.

When you have a fair amount of experience, you can omit some previous jobs and courses and include only the most relevant. The CV will have a better way to be read if it is made in just one or two pages, and the information put in it is of quality. A speech of two hours about any given topic must not be considered as a seminary (and it must not be included).

Everything is experience

Jobs in familiar business, student activities in companies or similar labors are good ways to prove experience; that is the reason we should add all the scholar studies that were useful for your professional training.
Jobs without pay are useful for those people without experience. You should work in at least one free job and, therefore, in your next job meeting, you will be able to say that you have worked in some plan related with your professional area.

Organization and concision

You should keep a certain order if you want to have a CV easy to read, and, in order to get it, you must use just one or two pages. With this purpose, it is necessary to be concise. We have to divide the CV in two sections. First the personal information (full name, place and date or birth, nationality, marital status, full address, telephones and email). After that, scholar information, job experiences, include reference data (you can order it by date or by relevance) and, at least, your academic courses (idioms, computer science, etc)

No matter what style you choose to present your CV, it has to prove professionalism and has to be easy to read.