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Interview
Tips
An
interview with Mr. Abhimanyu Acharya,
Vice- President HR- and Chief-Knowledge-Officer-
fondly referred to as CKO.
Read more about
him...
CMI:
Roughly how long does it take to go through a resume?
CKO:
If you want to go through the resumes word for word, it would
take you about 15 minutes; however you can only do that only if
you have few number of resumes in hand. Normally though, two minutes
is what it takes.
CMI:
What would make you pick up a resume from the thousands that
you receive?
CKO:
You don't have time on your side, so any resume that looks different
is likely to be picked out of the entire lot. You have got to
understand that usually candidates send in CVs in white A4 size
papers. To someone who is going through thousands of CVs, it would
all look the same. However, if a candidate uses stiff paper, buff
coloured it tends to stand out and the chances of his CV being
picked up are much higher.
CMI:
How much of importance do you stress on a resume and why?
CKO:
I stress considerable amount of importance to a resume provided
it is accompanied by a good cover letter. After all it's the first
impression you form of a candidate.
CMI: Ideally what format should
one follow?
CKO:
First of all the name and contact address. Usually CVs include
father's name as well. I would not recommend it, as it is an outdated
practice. However if it is a possibility that your father's name
could be familiar to the reader and in turn add weight to your
CV it is a good idea to include it, otherwise not. This should
be followed by work experience starting from your present job.
If you have switched jobs more than five times, mention only up
to four jobs. After this you must include education and other
qualifications. If you have learned any languages, make sure you
mention it; it helps the employer decide where you can be posted,
within the country or abroad. It would be indeed helpful if you
mention any material published which you have written. This way
your employer will know that your writing skills are of 'acceptable'
quality. Towards the end you must include all such hobbies and
activities that could be of relevance to your employer. E.g. if
you are a finance manager who is interested in event management,
mention that. Your employer could well place responsibilities
for organising functions. A hobby like this also brings out your
organisation and communication skills.
CMI:
What would you consider as NO-NOs in a CV?
CKO:
I detest a big heading, which reads 'curriculum vitae' or 'resume'.
It's quite obvious that you would be sending your resume. Usually
most candidates have certain clichéd objectives, which
must be avoided. Moreover on information marital status should
be left for the interview stage.
CMI:
What can a candidate do to make his CV look impressive to an
employer?
CKO:
Use stiff, buff coloured paper. The ink used must be black and
the printing job must be done on a laser printer. Always do a
laser print job on your CV. Give equal amount of importance to
you envelope quality. If you need to fold your CV make sure it's
a maximum of two horizontal folds.
Read more
on the art of resume writing: http://careermosaicindia.com/JS/CRC/CT/Resume.htm
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