STUDENT SERVICES |
Free distribution of
basic advising materials and information on the U.S. educational
system. The office maintains an Educational Resource Center
and library, and conducts group advising sessions.
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BUILDING A
CV FOR THE MIDDLE EAST |
Middle
East employers are interested in Good Technical CV's, these
being CV's that emphasise your technical and professional
abilities to the finest details, including day to day activities
and responsibilities. There is not a requirement for elongated
personal details, interests and extra-curricular activities.
Another point, that
differentiates The Middle East from other parts of the world
is the requirement for detailed CV's. One or two page CV's,
the norm for many job markets, are not appropriate in the
Middle East. Instead a narrative of your work experience
starting with the most recent and working in chronological
order would give you a much greater chance of success.
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Interview Do's and
Dont's |
- Plan to arrive
on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job
interview is never excusable.
- If presented with
an application, do fill it out neatly and completely.
Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling
for you. Interviewers will want you to speak for yourself.
- Greet the interviewer
by last name if you are sure of the pronunciation. If
not, ask the employer to repeat it. Give the appearance
of energy as you walk. Smile! Shake hands firmly. Be genuinely
glad to meet the interviewer.
- Wait until you
are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, look
alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener
as well as a good communicator.
- Look a prospective
employer in the eye while speaking.
- Follow the interviewer's
leads, but try to get the interviewer to describe the
position and the duties to you early in the interview
so that you can apply your background, skills and accomplishments
to the position.
- Make sure that
your good points come across to the interviewer in a factual,
sincere manner. Stress achievements.
- Always conduct
yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are
discussing. Never close the door on opportunity.
- Show enthusiasm.
If you are interested in the opportunity, enthusiastic
feedback can enhance your chances of being further considered.
If you are not interested, your responsiveness will still
demonstrate your professionalism.
- Don't forget to
bring a copy of your resume! Keep several copies on hand.
- Don't smoke, even
if the interviewer does and offers you a cigarette. Do
not chew gum.
- Don't answer with
a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible. Describe
those things about yourself which relate to the situation.
- Don't lie. Answer
questions truthfully, frankly and succinctly.
- Don't make unnecessary
derogatory remarks about your present or former employers.
Obviously, there were issues or else you would not have
left a prior company or be looking to leave a present
employer. However, when explaining your reasons for leaving,
limit your comments to those necessary to adequately communicate
your rationale.
- Don't over-answer
questions. And if the interviewer steers the conversation
into politics or controversial issues, try to do more
listening than speaking since this could be a sensitive
situation.
- Don't inquire about
salary, vacations, bonuses, retirement, etc. on the initial
interview unless you are sure the employer is interested
in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you
want, indicate what you've earned but that you're more
interested in opportunity than specific salary.
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