Wednesday 31 December 2008

Recommendation of some worth.

Dear friend,
I earlier taught there would be no reason to write again this year but, i have decided to make reference to a few blogs that i think you need to go through as we end 2008 or even as we start 2009.
The writers of these blogs(sites) are people i trust as well as hold in high esteem.
People i would call a gift to our present day generation just like you are. From these blogs, i have read mind blowing write ups and great testimonies which you will find interesting as well as learn and derive knowledge from.

In no particular order these blogs(sites) are;

1. http://www.ayooladejo.com/blog/

2. http://www.deoluakinyemi.com/

3. http://www.eolutosin.com/

..Just to mention a few.

From these blogs(site) you will get inspirations, knowledge, information and then get motivated. I recommend you to these blogs basically because i don't believe in re-inventing the wheel.... maybe in the nearest future similar topic might be discussed from a different perspective but for now lets read from the blogs above.

I recommend them to you as we start 2009.

All the best.

Tuesday 23 December 2008

Curtain Call for 2008

Dear Readers,
I apologise to those who check this blog for updates and yet did not find any last week. Sorry for being silent.
As we all know year 2008 would being drawing its curtains in about 8days of which most is a time of merriment.
Nonetheless amidst the merriment, i advice you take stock on how far you have gone this year with your career as well as projections for 2009.
Consider some self appraisal with regards to;
1. Performance,
2. Acquired skills,
3. Behavioural skills,
4. Customer Satisfaction,
5. Quality,
6. Commitment,
7. Dedication,
... Towards your career or if possible your job.
If over a scale of 100 you find yourself wanting, then do justice by making a CHANGE.

Ask yourself the ultimate question we do not ask, "Am i enjoying this?" If your answer is negative, make room to CHANGE or better still, find a way to get things better. .... for all you care, you might be in the wrong career.

As we evaluate our self, lets make plans for career development for the new year.

An example would be answer questions like;

"What do i need to do to get to the next level in my career path?".
Your answer might be
- Taking up a professional course,
- Going for a postgraduate course,
- It can also mean a plan toward a CHANGE in job.

The most important as we approach 2009 is;
A Strive for EXCELLENCE and not to be a mediocre.
A Strive to be the recruiters' choice
A Strive to be the Employers' Employee.


..........A Strive for a CHANGE

Its important you note that EXCELLENCE is an attitude and it has to be prepared for and developed, its not a skill.

May we experience the joy and merriment of Christmas and a fulfilling 2009.

See you in 2009.

Sunday 7 December 2008

Writing a CV 2

Doing a reassessment of the Clinic, i decided to do a re-write on the topic Writing a CV. I believe there is more to be said and more to be punched. I did a little research and i was able to get something good from the Internet so we can end this topic.


A Short Guide to Preparing your CV
CV's are called a variety of things such as curriculum vitae or resume. There is no commonly agreed format and what follows is a general guide for you to prepare your CV.
The most important feature of a successful CV is that it clearly explains to the potential employer what it is that you can do for them. Therefore, you should write your CV from the perspective of the reader by putting yourself in their shoes and thinking about what it is they are looking for and what you have to offer.
Your CV should be:
• A well-presented, selling document
• A source of interesting, relevant information
• A script for talking about yourself.


The Purpose of Your CV
The purpose of your CV is not to get you the job. Its purpose is to get you an interview, and after your meeting to remind the person you met about you. Think of the decision to recruit as a buying decision on the part of an employer, with you as the potential purchase!! With this in mind, your CV should:
• Meet the needs of your target employer where possible - this may mean that a single generalist CV is not sufficient; you may want to consider modifying your CV for each job application you make.
• Highlight your achievements and how they relate to the job you are applying for. It must give the reader a clear indication of why you should be considered for this role.
Guidelines for writing your CV
To decide what to include in your CV and where, follow these principles and guidelines:
• Generally, the document should contain no more than 2 pages.
• Your CV should be honest and factual.
• The first page should contain enough personal details for the potential employer to contact you easily.
• Choose a presentation format that allows you to headline key skills, key achievements or key attributes.
• Your employment history should commence with your current or most recent job and work backwards.
• Achievements should be short, bullet-pointed statements and include your role, the action you took and a comment on the result of your action.
• Where information clearly demonstrates your suitability for the vacancy you're applying for, and enhances your chances of being short-listed, include this information near the beginning of the CV.
• Leave out information that is irrelevant or negative.
Include details of recent training or skills development events you have attended which could be relevant.
• List all your professional memberships and relevant qualifications
The most common contents of a CV include:
• Personal Details
• Skills and Career Summary
• Key Achievements
• Qualifications
• Career History


Guidelines on setting out your CV
When you submit your CV it is likely to be the first thing your potential employer sees or reads about you. Therefore, you need to present your CV well and make it user friendly. For example:
• Lay your CV out neatly
• Don't make the margins too deep or too narrow
• Resist writing lengthy paragraphs - be concise
• Careful use of bold type can be effective
• Typefaces such as Times New Roman or Arial are fairly standard
• Do not use a type size less than 11pt.
• Check for spelling or typographical errors - whoever actually types your CV, errors are YOUR responsibility. Don't rely on a spell checker. If you're not sure about a word, resort to a dictionary. Sloppiness and lack of care could be heavily penalised.


Summary
Always remember:
• You must feel comfortable with your CV. It's yours – you need to feel you own it.
• Always take a copy to an interview.
• If possible, tailor each CV for each job application.
Don't forget: The ultimate test of YOUR CV is whether it meets the needs of the person making the buying decision, and whether YOU feel comfortable with its content and style.


Reference: Scott Wilson

Tuesday 2 December 2008

Career vs Course of Study

Am sure today's topic would ring a good bell in your ears. I have heard overtime people misplace the word career with course of study. It would please you to know that these two are miles apart.
Your Course or Course of study is what you went through the four walls of a classroom, preferable a higher institution.
While a Career is a chosen 'Course' of 'WORK' or 'PRACTISE', if you like professional Practise. i.e. a chosen path to follow.

If this foundation is not properly laid, you might have to pay for it for a a better path of your life.

For Example;
The fact that you studied Banking in a Higher institution does not qualify you as a 'Banker'. You having studied Banking only qualified you as a graduate of Banking. A career in Banking is a different ball game. As much as the Banking sector is a large industry you can have a career in different aspect of it.

The question now is, as a graduate of Banking which aspect of Banking do i want to pick a career in?

Same error goes for most graduates in the sciences and engineering.

Just as in project managements with inputs and outputs, a course of study is an input into a career path, a means to an end and not the end in itself. Your course of study should assist in choosing a career but not necessarily. Your Career is that which you believe you should be doing with respect to your educational background, exposure and most importantly your passion.

It would be great injustice if you choose a career because of what you have studied in school without considering the the niceties thereof.

My advice is thus;
1. Consider your passion before choosing a course of study.
2. Know and choose a career path.
3. Find the similarity and difference between your course of study and career. (most times this is wide apart. BE CHEERFUL!!