What the BIG 4 will look for in candidates:
Overall quality & the effort of the application
Sound GPA - 3.5 and above preferred. See note below.
Extra-curricular activities – involvement in social, community life, and academic clubs & activities.
Work experience- relevant/ non-relevant
Demonstrated knowledge/ interest in role & company
*Note: If your GPA is below 3.5, do not hesitate to apply. Your experience and social skills may land you an offer. If your GPA is 4.0, do not assume automatic entrance. Work on social skills and broaden your horizon to achieve your desired offer.
Be prepared to answer the following questions:
What are your work values?
What are your career goals?
What are your interests?
What are your skills?
What are your hobbies?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
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Cover letters should include:
Which position you are applying for
A summary of your key skills & qualifications
An explanation as to why you have chosen the company & position
Resumes should:
Be created for each application
Clearly state your education information- type of degree, grade average & major
Detail your involvement in extra curricular activities and include personal experiences
Use bullet points, write in clear, concise terms using active words
Keep it 1 page
Detail any work experience: volunteer, internships, independent contractor, part-time, full-time
Notes:
Follow instructions carefully
Complete the entire application form
Watch your spelling, grammar
Use appropriate email address/ cell phone number
Understand the role/ group you are applying for
Group Activities:
Designed to assess your behavior and effectiveness in a team
Group discussions about a topic or a business problem or team building game
Be prepared for an element of controversy in the topic
Group size usually between 4-6 people
Competency based
Timed
Level playing field for all candidates
Competencies Assessed:
Teamwork
Leadership and Influencing
Communication Skills
Critical Self-Awareness
Analytical and Problem Solving Skills
Integrity
Helpful Hints for Group Activities
Positive outlook
Collaborate with others
A behavior to suit the environment and group
Maintain good listening and body language
Actively contribute
Make logical decisions after considering necessary information
Develop accurate conclusions
Support comments with data/rationale, if applicable
Show clear support for a particular approach
Read instructions carefully and set team goals
Be yourself!
Competency Based (Behavioral) Interviews:
A competency is an underlying characteristic of an individual that has been shown to predict outstanding performance
In interviews, the most accurate predictor of future performance is past behavior in a similar situation
Examples: Team work/interpersonal skills, achievement drive, flexibility, negotiation ability, analytical thinking, client service
Common Interview Structure:
Introductory chat/ building rapport
Qualification and work experience
Competency (behavior) based questions
Motivations and cultural fit
Position and company description
Questions (Important to prepare questions in advance)
During the Interview:
Listen carefully
Pause, think, respond
Be conscious of the interviewers' response
Thank the interviewer for their time
Interview Preparation & Tips:
Revise your application, if needed
Be clear on the time and location of interview
Do additional research on the company
Review examples of competency questions
Prepare questions for the interviewer
Be aware of body language and eye contact
Turn off your cell phone
Relax and be yourself
Dates to remember:
Application Due Date
First Interview Date
Second Interview Date
Networking and business etiquette tips:
“developing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships”
Common barriers to successful networking:
A reluctance to talk to strangers
Lack of a formal introduction
Fear of being seen as pushy
Thinking that other people may not like you
Having your intentions misunderstood
Networking tips:
Be prepared before any networking event
Work the room
Act as a catalyst - help others to socialize
Shake hands confidently
Master the art of holding food, drink and shaking hands
Remember names
Include a relevant detail about yourself
Smile :)
For more detailed information on what goes on at the actual interviews, get the eBook manual "BIG 4 Master Guide to 1st and 2nd Interviews" - coming soon.
