Showcasing Versatility in CVs, Cover Letters, and Aptitude/Interviews - SCHOOLCONTENTS.info

Showcasing Versatility in CVs, Cover Letters, and Aptitude/Interviews

If you've been following us at Techie, we've claimed to pay attention to three main areas in our graduate coaching class. You don't need a reminder if you've been one of our students. The three areas are versatility, breathtaking CV, and outstanding interview performance. Needless to say, there is probably no way you can avoid the three (or two of) and still get that dream job. 

In our recent post, we paid a visit to crafting employer-convincing CVs (especially for those with lower grades - 2.2 or lower credit). In this post, we will be taking you through why you will need versatility to get a job, how you can develop that if you're lacking, and how you can show it when the time comes.

What's a Job Seeker's Versatility?

Before we ride on, the versatility of a job seeker is one core area that needs attention, training, and utilization. Unfortunately, it's a less-talked-about quality of fresh graduates seeking their next positions. A survey by McKinsey revealed that lack of job readiness is the number 2 factor limiting businesses from employing. The result stated punctuality and dependability as examples of "lack of readiness".

There is more to versatility than readiness to work, it includes the ability to adapt and apply your skills and experiences across different roles, industries, or tasks. It extends to being flexible and open-minded, willing to explore various opportunities that may not fit into your trainied-for career path but still align with your abilities and interests. 

It may be easy to come up with varous skills and competencies and put those up on your CV, the queston is "are you truly what you calim to be?". Qualities that can be put up on your CV are required to be exhibited at the other stages of the recruitment exercise. This is why you should learn and show it all along. Employers often value versatility because it demonstrates your capacity to handle diverse challenges and contribute effectively in various contexts. Being versatile can make you more marketable and increase your chances of finding satisfying employment, especially in today's dynamic and ever-changing job market.

Versatility is Learnable

It's easy to conclude that being versatile comes naturally to people. That's not entirely true. Some are endowed with certain versatile qualities that prepare them for life after graduation. However, that doesn't mean that if you're lacking, you can't learn to be versatile. In most cases, it comes through conscious learning. There are three key areas to learning to be versatile: mindfulness, continuous adaptation, and embracing diversity.

1. Self-Assessment

You start by consciously identifying your strengths, weaknesses, skills, and experiences. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, 65% of children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in completely new job types that don't yet exist. This means being open to acquiring new knowledge and skills, being adaptable to changing circumstances, and being able to apply learning across different domains. Understanding your adaptability quotient will be needed in navigating this dynamic job landscape.

In fact, in this part of the world, where classroom workload has limited students to on-paper and in-class knowledge acquisition, the post-graduation period is the ideal time to learn from other worlds beyond your restricted course. Being a graduate doesn't certify you to have stopped learning. In fact, it only opens you to new worlds to explore - your free time is not over! 

Absolutely, expanding your horizons after graduation can be immensely rewarding. Take, for example, a computer science graduate who wants to explore the world of machine learning. They might enroll in online courses like Andrew Ng's "Machine Learning" on Coursera, join forums like Reddit's r/MachineLearning to engage with experts and enthusiasts, and even participate in Kaggle competitions to apply their skills. By doing so, they not only deepen their understanding but also stay updated with the latest advancements in their field. Similarly, a literature graduate might join book clubs, attend literary festivals, or even explore creative writing workshops to continue nurturing their passion for literature beyond the confines of academia. These experiences not only enrich their knowledge but also foster personal growth and fulfillment. So, regardless of your field of study, the post-graduation period offers boundless opportunities to learn, grow, and explore new worlds beyond the classroom.

2. Continuous Learning

Stay updated with industry trends, acquire new skills, and be open to learning opportunities. A survey conducted by LinkedIn found that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development. This could include taking online courses, attending workshops, or pursuing additional certifications.

At this point, while some have been able to enhance their certificates by acquiring new skills in school, some of us won't tap into such opportunities until we're done. Whether you've gained a few additional skills from school or are just considering it, be cautious of how you invest your time. This is no longer a time to dwell solely in traditional skills; the tech world offers countless opportunities for the tech-savvy and more. For instance, if you're studying marketing, learning digital marketing skills such as SEO, social media marketing, and analytics can significantly boost your prospects in the modern job market. Similarly, if you're pursuing a career in finance, mastering financial modeling software and data analysis tools can give you a competitive edge. Be decisively conscious when choosing what to invest your time in, ensuring alignment with your discipline, the industries of your dreams, and your professional life.

3. Seek Diverse Experiences

Don't limit yourself to a specific field or role. A study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) found that 66% of employers believe that internship experience is an important factor in their hiring decisions. The same study also revealed that 56% of interns were offered full-time positions after completing their internship.

Volunteer for projects outside your comfort zone, participate in extracurricular activities (sports, arts, clubs, community service, and more), or take on internships in different industries. In its other report, NACE says, “Our research consistently shows that students who participate in paid internships not only get more job offers than their peers in unpaid internships, but we also see a relationship between a paid internship and a higher starting salary.”

Volunteering for projects outside your comfort zone can be a fantastic way to gain new skills and perspectives. For instance, a marketing major might volunteer for a local non-profit organization to manage their social media accounts, thereby honing their digital marketing skills and expanding their portfolio.

So, whether it's volunteering, joining extracurricular activities, or pursuing internships, actively engaging in these opportunities can greatly enhance your post-graduation prospects and set you apart in the competitive job market.

Applying Versatility in Recruitment Exercises

As a job seeker, three areas of a recruitment exercise should matter to you: CV writing, cover letter writing, and aptitude test/interview. Let's briefly look into each.

1. CV Writing

To bring your versatility into play, tailor your CV to highlight a diverse range of skills and experiences. According to a study by TheLadders, recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds reviewing a CV. Make those seconds count by showcasing how your varied background makes you adaptable and capable of taking on different responsibilities.

As usual, to put theory into practice, you'll find the CV below reflecting exactly what we've discussed so far. Interestingly, this CV has won a few of our students their first jobs.


2. Cover Letter

Use your application letter to explain how your versatility makes you a valuable asset to the company. According to a report by CareerBuilder, 40% of employers say they're more likely to pay attention to job applications that include a cover letter. Similar to that is the reports that 53% of employers say CVs alone are not enough to consider candidates, with 49% of recruiters seeing a cover letter as a factor that’ll make them pay more attention to your application. Provide specific examples of situations where you successfully adapted to change or took on new challenges.

Based on the CV above, below should be an ideal cover letter.


3. Aptitude Test/Interviews

Interviews among recruiters are different. Ideally, methods can be different; however, in most cases, they are targeted at achieving the same result. In this part of the article, let's briefly look into three methods that are common around here and provide what to expect in any of the three situations or in a combination of two or all.

1. Behavioral Test

Be prepared to answer behavioral questions that assess your ability to adapt, problem-solve, and work in diverse environments. According to research by Glassdoor, the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is the most popular method for answering behavioral interview questions in a structured and well-thought-out manner. Most job interviews include behavioral questions. Use the STAR method to structure your responses.

Let's explore the 3 questions below for a better understanding of the STAR approach.

Question 1: Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or work environment?
  1. Situation: During my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at Idi-N-Busu Government College, Suleja, we experienced a sudden shift in responsibilities where I transitioned from being a subject teacher to also serving as the school's ICT manager.
  2. Task: My task was to seamlessly integrate these new roles into my existing responsibilities while ensuring the school's ICT infrastructure continued to function effectively.
  3. Action: I quickly assessed the requirements of both roles and devised a plan to balance my teaching duties with ICT management tasks. I scheduled regular maintenance checks for the school's computer labs, implemented new software updates, and provided technical support to both staff and students. Additionally, I organized community development projects and cultural exchange activities to foster a sense of unity within the school community amidst these changes.
  4. Result: Despite the sudden transition, my proactive approach ensured smooth operations within the school's ICT department, contributing to an improved learning environment for students and positive feedback from fellow teachers and administrators.

Question 2: Tell me about a time when you encountered a problem at work and how you solved it.

  1. Situation: During my software development internship at 1Tech Solutions Ltd., Ikotun, Lagos, our team encountered a critical bug in one of the software applications we were developing
  2. Task: My task was to assist in identifying and resolving the issue to ensure the timely delivery of the project.
  3. Action: I collaborated with senior developers and cross-functional teams to conduct a thorough analysis of the software code. Through rigorous testing and code reviews, we pinpointed the source of the bug and devised a solution to address it. I actively participated in implementing the necessary changes, ensuring that the software met quality standards and performance requirements.
  4. Result: Our concerted efforts led to the successful resolution of the bug within the project timeline, enabling us to deliver a high-quality product to our client and showcasing our team's ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve effectively.

Question 3: Can you give an example of a time when you successfully worked in a diverse team?

  1. Situation: As a volunteer IT support specialist for the Chief Baalogun Adepo Community Outreach Program in Akure, Ondo State, I collaborated with a diverse team of volunteers from various backgrounds and skill sets.
  2. Task: Our task was to provide technical support and assistance to the local community, including setting up computer systems and conducting training sessions on IT basics.
  3. Action: I actively engaged with my fellow volunteers, leveraging our diverse skills and experiences to effectively address the IT needs of the community. We organized workshops and training sessions tailored to the specific needs of different groups within the community, ensuring that everyone had access to valuable IT resources and knowledge.
  4. Result: Our collaborative efforts resulted in improved digital literacy within the community, empowering individuals to utilize technology for personal and professional development. This experience underscored the importance of diversity in problem-solving and reinforced my commitment to working effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

2. Case Studies or Simulations

If given a case study or simulation during the interview process, demonstrate your ability to think creatively, analyze problems from different angles, and come up with innovative solutions. 

For the purpose of readers who are not in the ICT/Computer domain, let's place the following scenarios (for other domains) before you and guide what to do.

Case Study Example: You are presented with a scenario where a company is experiencing declining sales in a particular product line. You are asked to analyze the situation and propose strategies to reverse this trend.

Approach:

  1. Situation Analysis: Start by examining the factors contributing to the decline in sales. This may involve looking at market trends, competitor analysis, customer feedback, and internal factors such as product quality or pricing.
  2. Problem Identification: Identify the root cause(s) of the decline in sales. Is it due to changing consumer preferences, ineffective marketing strategies, product issues, or external factors such as economic conditions?
  3. Solution Proposal: Based on your analysis, propose specific strategies to address the problem. This could include revamping the marketing campaign, improving product features or packaging, exploring new target markets, or adjusting pricing strategies.
  4. Implementation Plan: Outline a step-by-step plan for implementing your proposed strategies, including timelines, resource allocation, and key performance indicators to measure success.

Case Study Example 2:You are placed in a simulated team environment where you must work together to solve a complex problem within a limited time frame. The scenario may involve tasks such as developing a business plan, resolving a crisis situation, or designing a product prototype.

Approach:

  1. Team Collaboration: Start by establishing open communication with your team members and clarifying roles and responsibilities. Encourage everyone to contribute their ideas and perspectives.
  2. Problem Analysis: Quickly assess the problem at hand and break it down into manageable components. Prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively to maximize efficiency.
  3. Creative Thinking: Encourage creative thinking within the team to explore innovative solutions. Brainstorm ideas, consider alternative approaches, and challenge assumptions to uncover new possibilities.
  4. Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances or new information that may arise during the simulation. Remain flexible and open to adjusting your strategies or tactics as needed to achieve the desired outcome.
  5. Execution: Once a plan is formulated, execute it with precision and diligence. Assign tasks to team members based on their strengths and expertise, and ensure clear communication channels are established to monitor progress and address any obstacles that may arise.
  6. Evaluation: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your strategies and tactics throughout the simulation. Use key performance indicators and feedback mechanisms to measure progress and identify areas for improvement.
  7. Reflection: At the conclusion of the simulation, take time to reflect as a team on what worked well and what could have been done differently. Extract lessons learned that can be applied to future scenarios or real-world situations.
  8. Continuous Improvement: Emphasize the importance of continuous improvement and learning from experience. Use insights gained from the simulation to refine your problem-solving skills and enhance your ability to collaborate effectively as a team.

3. Assessment Centers

If your prospective employer includes an assessment center or group activities, show your flexibility by actively contributing ideas, collaborating with team members, and adapting to changing circumstances. For example, if you're tasked with developing a marketing campaign for a new product during an assessment center, demonstrate your ability to brainstorm creative ideas, delegate tasks efficiently, and adjust the strategy based on feedback from team members or assessors. 

Other areas could involve suggesting innovative promotional tactics, coordinating with designers to create compelling visuals, and being open to modifying the campaign approach based on market research or competitor analysis conducted during the exercise. By showcasing your adaptability and collaborative skills in a simulated team environment, you can impress potential employers and demonstrate your readiness to tackle real-world challenges in the workplace.

Summary

This post places importance on versatility in securing a dream job. Drawing from various sources, the article outlines the significance of adaptability, continuous learning, and diverse experiences in enhancing post-graduation prospects. Highlighting survey results and real-life examples underscores the value of being versatile in today's dynamic job market. Additionally, practical advice is offered on how to develop and showcase versatility through self-assessment, continuous learning, and seeking diverse experiences. Furthermore, the post provides insights into incorporating versatility into recruitment exercises, such as CV writing, cover letters, and interviews, using examples and structured approaches like the STAR method. Overall, it offers a comprehensive guide for job seekers to navigate the competitive employment landscape successfully.

Sources:

  1. World Bank. (n.d.). Nigeria: Skills for Competitiveness and Employability. Retrieved from https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/886411468187756597/pdf/96420-WP-P148686-PUBLIC-Nigeria-Skills-report-January-5-Final-Draft-report.pdf
  2. World Economic Forum. (n.d.). The Future of Jobs: Employment, Skills and Workforce Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Retrieved from https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_FOJ_Executive_Summary_Jobs.pdf
  3. LinkedIn. (2018). 2018 Workplace Learning Report. Retrieved from https://learning.linkedin.com/resources/workplace-learning-report-2018?src=li-scin&veh=7010d000001BicLAASv2&cid=7010d000001BicLAAS&bf=1
  4. Internships USA. (n.d.). The Role of Internships in the Hiring Process. Retrieved from https://internships-usa.eu/blog/the-role-of-internships-in-the-hiring-process
  5. National Association of Colleges and Employers. (n.d.). More Than Half of College Class Of 2023 Grads Took Part Internships—The Majority Were Paid Retrieved from https://www.naceweb.org/about-us/press/b75773e6-def0-4df8-9c6d-8416df61dba1
  6. The Ladders. (n.d.). You have 7.4 seconds to make an impression: How recruiters see your resume. Retrieved from https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/you-only-get-6-seconds-of-fame-make-it-count
  7. CareerBuilder. (2016). CareerBuilder Survey Reveals Five Common Job Seeker Pitfalls That Will Hinder Any Career Search. Retrieved from https://press.careerbuilder.com/2016-07-27-CareerBuilder-Survey-Reveals-Five-Common-Job-Seeker-Pitfalls-That-Will-Hinder-Any-Career-Search
  8. Zety. (n.d.). What Is a Cover Letter? Definition + Example. Retrieved from https://zety.com/blog/what-is-a-cover-letter
  9. Glassdoor. (n.d.). How to Use the STAR Method. Retrieved from https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/star-method/
  10. Adebanbo, G. (n.d.). THE DANGER OF GRADUATES THAT DON’T THINK BEYOND THEIR CERTIFICATES! Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/danger-graduates-dont-think-beyond-certificates-gbenga-adebambo
  11. Chicago Booth Review. (n.d.). In Praise of Versatile Skills. Retrieved from https://www.chicagobooth.edu/review/praise-versatile-skills

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