Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of conducting a SWOT analysis during career planning?
What is the primary purpose of conducting a SWOT analysis during career planning?
Which of the following is considered a hard skill?
Which of the following is considered a hard skill?
Which soft skill is defined as the ability to work effectively with others towards a common goal?
Which soft skill is defined as the ability to work effectively with others towards a common goal?
Why is it essential to highlight soft skills in a competitive job market?
Why is it essential to highlight soft skills in a competitive job market?
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What are the five most in-demand soft skills according to LinkedIn?
What are the five most in-demand soft skills according to LinkedIn?
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What is the first step suggested for effective career planning?
What is the first step suggested for effective career planning?
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What is suggested to enhance your job search strategy?
What is suggested to enhance your job search strategy?
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How is emotional intelligence best described?
How is emotional intelligence best described?
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What is the primary purpose of a resume?
What is the primary purpose of a resume?
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Which of the following is NOT typically included in a resume?
Which of the following is NOT typically included in a resume?
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What should be emphasized on a resume depending on the applicant's background?
What should be emphasized on a resume depending on the applicant's background?
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What is a key difference between a CV and a resume?
What is a key difference between a CV and a resume?
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Why is it advisable not to use a non-professional email address on a resume?
Why is it advisable not to use a non-professional email address on a resume?
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What do some career advisors recommend including at the top of a resume?
What do some career advisors recommend including at the top of a resume?
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What kind of information should a resume avoid including?
What kind of information should a resume avoid including?
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In terms of content, how should a resume be viewed?
In terms of content, how should a resume be viewed?
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What is the maximum length recommended for a typical resume?
What is the maximum length recommended for a typical resume?
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Which of the following formats is most suitable for someone with gaps in their employment history?
Which of the following formats is most suitable for someone with gaps in their employment history?
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What font size is recommended for bullet point lists on a resume?
What font size is recommended for bullet point lists on a resume?
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Which of the following is not a recommended professional font for a resume?
Which of the following is not a recommended professional font for a resume?
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How long do recruiters typically take to discard a resume?
How long do recruiters typically take to discard a resume?
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What is the standard size for resumes in the US and Canada?
What is the standard size for resumes in the US and Canada?
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When using a reverse-chronological format, how should positions be presented?
When using a reverse-chronological format, how should positions be presented?
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Which section should not be included in a typical resume?
Which section should not be included in a typical resume?
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What is emphasized as crucial when applying for an education job?
What is emphasized as crucial when applying for an education job?
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What is the recommended approach for writing your CV?
What is the recommended approach for writing your CV?
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Which of the following is NOT suggested as a strategy for using positive language?
Which of the following is NOT suggested as a strategy for using positive language?
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What structure should each bullet point about previous roles follow?
What structure should each bullet point about previous roles follow?
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In what way should a CV's heading that focuses on skills be titled?
In what way should a CV's heading that focuses on skills be titled?
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Which of the following action verbs is recommended for demonstrating leadership experience?
Which of the following action verbs is recommended for demonstrating leadership experience?
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Why should you avoid using the heading 'career history' in your CV?
Why should you avoid using the heading 'career history' in your CV?
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What should you include about challenges you faced in previous jobs?
What should you include about challenges you faced in previous jobs?
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What is a primary reason for saving your resume as a PDF?
What is a primary reason for saving your resume as a PDF?
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Which practice is NOT advisable when creating a CV?
Which practice is NOT advisable when creating a CV?
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How can voluntary work enhance a CV, especially for those with limited work experience?
How can voluntary work enhance a CV, especially for those with limited work experience?
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What aspect should be factually correct on a CV?
What aspect should be factually correct on a CV?
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What should you do if you find a gap in your employment history?
What should you do if you find a gap in your employment history?
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To effectively match a CV to a job, what should you compare with the job description?
To effectively match a CV to a job, what should you compare with the job description?
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What is the significance of drawing parallels between previous jobs and the new role applied for?
What is the significance of drawing parallels between previous jobs and the new role applied for?
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Which statement best summarizes the importance of achievements on a CV?
Which statement best summarizes the importance of achievements on a CV?
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What should be included in the education section of a resume?
What should be included in the education section of a resume?
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Which information is considered unnecessary to include if you have a university degree?
Which information is considered unnecessary to include if you have a university degree?
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When describing past job responsibilities, how many bullet points should you ideally provide?
When describing past job responsibilities, how many bullet points should you ideally provide?
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What is advised if you lack much work experience?
What is advised if you lack much work experience?
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Which of the following should be included in the skills and languages section of a resume?
Which of the following should be included in the skills and languages section of a resume?
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What type of achievement is best to highlight in the awards and honors section?
What type of achievement is best to highlight in the awards and honors section?
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For your current job on a resume, what date format should you use?
For your current job on a resume, what date format should you use?
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What is a key benefit of organizing events as a student?
What is a key benefit of organizing events as a student?
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Study Notes
Communication Skills 2 - Career Planning & CV Writing
- Job Market Ambience: The 21st-century job market is extremely competitive, requiring candidates to stand out.
- Career Goal Setting: Establish short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals, listing them chronologically.
- SWOT Analysis: Conduct a study to identify internal strengths and weaknesses, alongside external opportunities and threats.
- Skill Assessment: Identify existing and desired skills, differentiating between hard skills (quantifiable, like language or computer skills) and soft skills (personality-related, like teamwork and diplomacy).
- In-Demand Soft Skills: According to LinkedIn, highly sought-after soft skills include creativity, persuasion, collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
- Collaboration: Working together with colleagues to achieve a common goal. Teams, diverse backgrounds, and adaptability are vital.
- Adaptability: Flexibility in adjusting to new situations and circumstances. Learning and growing from experience is crucial.
- Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing one's own emotions, as well as those of others. Crucial for effective relationships and career success.
- Vacancy Search: Utilize online job boards (Glassdoor and LinkedIn) to find suitable vacancies, checking requirements carefully. Aim for at least 80% matching qualifications.
- Resume vs. CV: A resume is a concise summary (1-2 pages) used for job applications, detailing professional experience, education, and skills. A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is more detailed (longer document) encompassing the entire career history, often used for academic purposes.
- Resume Content: A resume should not just list qualifications or previous jobs but also present as a marketing device. Avoid personal info like age, gender, etc.; prioritize skills and experience, relevant culture, and achievements.
- Resume Design: A one-page resume is more suitable for new entrants, maybe two for experienced professionals. Stick to a simple, clear layout (using templates like Canva).
- Resume Formatting: Standard sizes (e.g., US letter, A4), appropriate font (e.g., Times New Roman, Calibri), and consistent font sizes (headings, text, bullet points).
- Quantifiable Achievements: Use action verbs and quantify achievements (e.g., "increased sales by 20%"). Highlight the impact of contributions.
- Voluntary Work: Document volunteer work if experience is limited or to add value to applications.
- Chronological vs. Functional vs. Combination: Reverse-chronological resume format (most recent experience first) is often preferred for entry-level job seekers.
Job Application Preparation and Analysis
- Job Analysis: The job specification clearly identifies the characteristics and qualifications needed and its duties and responsibilities.
- Matching Skills: Relate one’s skills and knowledge to the job description requirements to highlight matching competencies.
- Chronological Listing: Job history should be presented chronologically, starting with most recent experience.
- Highlighting Achievements: Demonstrate impact and value to employers through quantifiable results for each role listed rather than just simply listing duties.
- Positive Language: Use action verbs to highlight achievements, quantifying accomplishments wherever possible.
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Description
This quiz covers essential aspects of career planning and CV writing within the context of modern communication skills. Learn to set effective career goals, conduct a SWOT analysis, and assess the skills necessary for professional success in today's competitive job market. Additionally, discover important soft skills that enhance teamwork and adaptability.