What do fresh graduates need to prepare for their future career? How can they enhance their competitiveness in the career market?

To help fresh graduates equip themselves with job-hunting skills, JobsDB has organized a series of recruitment talks at universities from February to April 2009. Speakers at the talks shared with students useful tips in preparing their CV and cover letters as well as in attending job interviews.

More Tips for CV
Most students know that CV and cover letters should be concise and updated, and should be presented in a clear format. There are more. One of the speakers, Joseph Lau, Branch Manager – Kowloon & NT of Adecco Personnel Limited, reminded students that since they are going to join the career market, they should demonstrate that they are mature enough to take up a job. Therefore, avoid putting a funny email address on the CV. If a picture is to be put on the CV, it has to be a formal one and in colour.

Lau said that nowadays technology is advancing, but students should not save the CV in a format that is too advanced. “If the format is not compatible with the computer of the HR and they are not able to view your CV, they will simply ignore your application.”

Review & Try
Same as other job seekers, fresh graduates may fail in job interviews. Lau encouraged students to keep trying. “Even if you failed in the first few interviews, keep trying. Remember that it is just that someone else is more suitable for the job.” He advised students to conduct a self-assessment after each interview to review how they did and what they should improve.

Source: JobsDB HK
Updated: 19 March 2009