FIND A JOB: CV WRITING, JOB SEARCH, INTERVIEW PREPARATION

1 Day Online Course Outline, Course Objectives, and Scheme of Work: Find a Job: CV Writing, Job Search, Interview Preparation

Course Title:

Find a Job: CV Writing, Job Search, Interview Preparation

Course Duration:

1 Day (6-8 hours, delivered online)

Target Audience:

Job seekers, including unemployed, recent graduates, career changers, and individuals re-entering the workforce, who want to enhance their job search skills.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Create a professional and tailored CV to attract employers.
2. Learn effective job search strategies, both online and offline.
3. Develop confidence and skills to perform well in interviews.
4. Understand how to prepare for different types of job interviews (in-person, virtual, group, etc.).
5. Enhance personal branding through LinkedIn and other online platforms.

Course Outline and Scheme of Work

Session 1: CV Writing for Success (2 hours)

• Objectives:

  • Learn how to structure a CV that stands out.
  • Understand how to tailor CVs to specific job roles and industries.
  • Highlight key skills, experience, and accomplishments.

• Topics Covered:

  • The purpose of a CV and its role in the job search process.
  • CV formats: Chronological, functional, and hybrid.
  • Writing an effective personal statement or professional summary.
  • Showcasing achievements using measurable outcomes.
  • Customizing your CV for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

• Activities:

  • Practical task: Participants review sample CVs and identify areas of improvement.
  • Individual task: Participants create or update their CV based on job roles they are interested in.

Break (30 minutes)

Session 2: Mastering Job Search Strategies (1.5 hours)

• Objectives:

  • Learn about different job search platforms and networking techniques.
  • Understand how to maximise LinkedIn and other online job platforms such as Indeed, Reed and CV Library.
  • Develop strategies for effective follow-up after applications.

• Topics Covered:

  • Identifying job opportunities online (job boards, LinkedIn, company websites).
  • Networking and the hidden job market: How to find unadvertised positions.
  • Using LinkedIn for personal branding, job search, and connecting with recruiters.
  • Tailoring cover letters to match job applications.

• Activities:

  • Practical task: Participants research job roles they are interested in using online platforms and identify potential contacts to network with on LinkedIn.
  • Group discussion: Sharing tips and experiences on job search successes.

Break (15 minutes)

Session 3: Preparing for Job Interviews (2 hours)

• Objectives:

  • Understand different types of job interviews (behavioral, competency-based, group, virtual, etc.).
  • Learn how to answer common interview questions using structured methods like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
  • Build confidence to effectively communicate skills and experiences.

• Topics Covered:

  • Pre-interview preparation: Researching the company and role.
  • Common interview formats and how to approach each.
  • Behavioral interview techniques and answering competency-based questions.
  • How to handle difficult or unexpected questions.
  • Body language, virtual interview etiquette, and follow-up strategies.

• Activities:

  • Role-play: Participants practice answering interview questions in breakout groups.
  • Mock interviews: Volunteers simulate a real interview, with feedback provided by the trainer and peers.

Session 4: Personal Branding and Final Q&A (1 hour)

• Objectives:

  • Learn how to build and maintain a strong personal brand online.
  • Understand how to optimize social media profiles for job searching.

• Topics Covered:

  • LinkedIn profile optimization: Keywords, summaries, endorsements, and recommendations.
  • Personal branding on social media: How to ensure your digital footprint supports your job search.
  • The importance of networking and maintaining professional relationships after the interview process.

• Activities:

  • Practical task: Participants update their LinkedIn profiles and share with peers for feedback.
  • Group discussion: How to continue job searching after interviews and keeping networks alive.

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment through practical tasks, group discussions, and role-plays.
• Final task: Participants submit a CV and practice mock interviews.

Resources:

• Digital handouts on CV templates, cover letter examples, interview question lists, and LinkedIn best practices.
• Suggested reading: Articles and resources on job search strategies and personal branding.

This 1 day online course offers a comprehensive guide to securing employment, from crafting a professional CV to mastering interviews, tailored specifically for job seekers aiming to boost their chances of finding a job.