Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Significance of Resume /CV
A Resume/CV is an important document since success of a candidate
in getting shortlisted and securing a job greatly depends
on its contents and quality. The starting point in clinching
a job is the drafting of an appropriate Resume/CV. Most employers
receive a large number of Resumes, but it is only those select
few that are written concisely and briefly, highlighting the
skills and experience acquired that catch the attention of
the employer. A Resume should be written in such a language
as to arouse added interest in the mind of the employer to
meet the candidate in person. If you wish to be amongst those
short-listed, it is important that your Resume/CV stands out
amongst the thousands that pour-in.
Preparation of a Resume/CV
As far as preparation of CV is concerned, there is no standardized
format for it. It may vary in its content and form depending
upon the nature of job applied for. However, some of the common
guidelines for preparation of a CV are listed below.
1. Do not write a CV of more than two pages. Too long a CV
does not lend itself to full readability. At the same time
it should not be so sketchy that it would induce a negative
response from the employer. Studies reveal that employers
do not spend more than ten seconds to look at a CV.
2. A CV must be neatly typed/printed but never hand-written.
3. Don’t use flowery English by writing complex and
unfamiliar words. Avoid using long-winded sentences and paragraphs.
A CV is best written and easily comprehended when presented
in simple English.
4. Avoid usage of pronouns like, I, Me, My etc. as much as
possible.
5. Start with the objective, highlighting your knowledge,
personal qualities special skills etc. Continue with experience
acquired with full details i.e., job title, period, responsibilities
and special achievements if any, in descending order. Give
a brief description of your current job stating how you made
a difference to the success and growth of the organization
in qualitative and quantitative terms. Aim to connect your
skills to your job history. Also, mention the skills you now
have to the job you are applying for.
6. List out your academic and professional qualifications.
At the end, add other personal informations such as date of
birth, address, telephone number etc.
7. Make sure that there are no spelling and grammatical mistakes
in your CV. A CV having such mistakes is very repulsive to
the employer and he may just put it away in the rejected lot.
Interview
Importance of Interview
In the whole process for ultimate selection for a job, the
interview plays the most important part. It is only in the
interview that a candidate can prove his edge over others.
The primary purpose for the interview is to enable the employer
to get a deeper insight into the professional acumen of the
candidate and also to probe into his personality. It is an
area which continues to haunt the candidate till final selection
is made by the employer. Studies reveal that only 10 percent
of the applicants are called for the interview, hence, the
importance to face it successfully needs special preparation.
Most of the candidates fear facing an interview. This happens
only due to inadequate preparation. If a candidate has done
thorough preparation, he will find the interview phase an
enjoyable experience.
Preparation for an Interview
A few salient points which will help a candidate to prepare
for a successful interview are listed below:-
1. Effective Communication. Ability to express oneself
clearly and concisely plays a very significant role in the
interview. To achieve this, one must develop effective power
of expression through regular reading and conversation/discussion
with friends as much as possible. This will lead to improved
vocabulary and ultimately help the candidate in choosing right
words while giving answers to the questions asked by the employer.
2. Professional Knowledge. It is essential to keep
oneself abreast with the latest developments in the professional
field. This requires regular updating through continued reading
of professionally related literature and surfing through internet
and constant involvement in matters concerning your professional
area.
3. Company & Job Profile. Most of the large companies
have their own web-site. Know as much as you can about the
company and the job offered. Update technical knowledge essential
for performing the job. Work yourself up to be suitable for
the job.
4. General Awareness. Employers give a lot of emphasis
to this aspect. In order to be able to keep oneself aware
of the general happenings in the country and the rest of the
world, one must form a habit of reading newspapers, books,
periodicals etc.
5. Job Experience. Although this has been already
included in your Resume/CV, an employer will definitely ask
questions related to this aspect to reassess his judgement
about your suitability for the job. A candidate must be fully
prepared to answer questions related to his job performance,
work environment, outstanding achievements, reasons for leaving
present job, why he considers himself suitable for the job
applied for etc. One must be fully aware of his strengths
and weaknesses and be ready to capitalize on his strengths
when the opportunity arises.
6. Personal Qualities. Employers look for leaders
who stand out amongst others and possess qualities like initiative,
drive, honesty, integrity, loyalty, courage etc. These are
judged from the responses given by the candidate to the questions
asked by the interviewer. Hence, a candidate must make it
a point to present them effectively during the course of interview.
7. Appearance & Bearing. The first impression
a candidate makes is by his appearance. Although employers
are unlikely to get carried away by appearance alone, yet
they cannot ignore impressive bearing. While you can not change
the way you look, but you definitely can make a positive impact
on the interviewer through a good physique and pleasant disposition.
It is therefore, essential to take regular exercise to remain
slim and trim, not to be fat and have a clean mind.
8. Academic Career. Special distinctions achieved
by you in your educational career will hold you in good stead
all along. Be prepared to highlight these when the occasion
demands.
Useful Tips for Interview
Having done the preparation for the interview, what follows
next is the conduct during the interview. Appended below are
some of the useful tips to be observed during the interview
phase.
1. Punctuality. Do not be late for the interview.
It is advisable to reach the place of interview at least fifteen
minutes before the appointed time.
2. Dress Code. Proper dress makes a strong impact.
Do not wear flashy or casual dress. In winters, a lounge suit
is advised and in summer, a pant and shirt with tie will be
appropriate. Be well groomed and have a neat shave.
3. Don’t be Nervous. Hold no fears in facing
an interviewer. If you have done adequate preparation for
the interview you will have a smooth sailing.
4. Be Truthful. Do not bluff. It you are not sure
of an answer, just say ‘I do not know’.
5. Attitude. Do not be casual. Project a professional
and enthusiastic image. Your aim is to convince the interviewer
that you would be an asset to the company and not a liability.
6. Shaking Hands. Do not extend your arm for a handshake
unless offered by the interviewer. While shaking hands, make
sure that it is done warmly and firmly without making the
grip too strong.
7. Mannerism.
(a) Avoid undesirable gestures. Body language plays a crucial
role. Do not make excessive hand gestures.
(b) Do not sit unless offered a seat. Sit straight on the
chair with hands in the lap. Do not be fidgety.
(c) Do not try to be familiar with the interviewer.
(d) Do not be aggressive or emotional. Do not get into any
argument. Be polite and courteous.
(e) Do not be too loud but you must be audible. Do not speak
too fast.
(f) Make eye contact when you speak. Do not look downwards,
sideways or outside the window.
(g) Be at ease. Feel confident. Remain calm and maintain a
pleasant disposition.
FAQs
Q 1. Who can register with AFA Placement Cell?
A 1. All ex-Air Force Personnel can register themselves with
the Placement Cell.
Q 2. How is the Registration done?
A 2. Through filling up of a registration form and submitting
it alongwith a copy of Resume/CV.
Q 3. When can one register?
A 3. Anytime after retirement or one month before the date
of discharge from service.
Q 4. Does one need to produce any documents for registration?
A 4. No.
Q 5. Is there any fee for registration?
A 5. No.
Q 6. Is the submission of a Resume/CV essential for registration?
A 6. Yes.
Q 7. Does one have to be a member of AFA to register with
the Placement Cell?
A 7. No. One need not necessarily be a member of AFA to register
with the Placement Cell.
Q 8. For jobs arranged through Placement Cell does one have
to pay any charges? If so, how much?
A 8. The candidates employed through Placement Cell are required
to donate 15 days gross salary. The amount thus donated is
utilized for the welfare of Ex-Air Force Personnel. It is
to be paid by crossed cheque favouring ‘Air Force Association’.
No cash is to be transacted under any circumstances.
Q 9. Can registration be done online?
A 9. No. Registration can be done only through submission
of a duly filled Registration Form and a copy of Resume/CV
either by post or by handing it over in person at the Placement
Cell.
Q 10. Do the AFA branches also have Placement Cell?
A 10. Presently, not all branches have Placement Cells. Such
Cells exist at Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata and Kanpur. However,
registration form and Resume/CV can be submitted at any of
the branches of AFA.
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