Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
Education
(Image Source: India Today)
Boost your chances of getting into the top global universities
Excerpts from article published by the India Today Web Desk
After the initial months of COVID-19, top universities across the globe rapidly updated their teaching methods and admission processes.
While legacy institutions are still looking at factors such as top-notch academic records, excellent student profiles, high test scores and great Letters of Intent, there are other factors that can boost your chances.
Here are 5 important tips:
1. Have a great Statement of Purpose
You test scores are no longer important as they used to be. Due to the limitation of resources during COVID-19, many universities are now waiving off test scores and other admission requirements. This means that students who present their profiles in the best possible manner, with impressive Statements of Purpose, will have an edge over the others.
2. Perfect your Profile
Just like the admission requirements, universities are also offering waivers for certain documentation and extending the application deadlines for students. If you have strong letters of recommendation, work experience certificates, and other documents showcasing your various academic and professional achievements, it will lend strength to your profile. With the excess of applications pouring in, universities are also likely to pay more attention to the initial applications. Remember the adage, ‘Early bird gets the worm’?
3. Know your University
One of the lesser known methods of admission success is to network with the right university officials using social media platforms such as LinkedIn. This can increase your chances. With university education going digital, professors and officials are more active on these social media platforms than ever. When institutions go through all the applications, students who have focused on outreach stand out better than the others.
4. Adapt to flexible study options
It’s important to demonstrate your ability to adapt to the ‘new normal’. Universities across the globe have made changes in their curriculums to help students adapt to the new normal. Instead of resisting this, students should take advantage of these unique changes and indicate their ability to adapt and learn.
5. Up-skill technically
In most countries, only 20-30% companies have their employees coming into the offices physically. All other industries have gone digital and employees are working from home. This in turn indicates that those who show their proficiency in the several digital skills, would automatically have an edge over the other applicants.
Career
(Image Credit: Freepik)
Want a job? Ask the right questions
Excerpts from article by Susan P. Joyce, published in LinkedIn
When done right, job interviews should be a conversation between the candidate and the interviewer.
By researching the employer and preparing thoughtful questions, you can make a strong impression and stay better informed.
Ask questions that will help you understand the role and how to succeed in it. Find out about the company culture and who you’ll be working with. Learn what your interviewer’s experience has been like, which will help you build a rapport with him/her.
Tips to make a strong pitch for your dream job
- Prepare for the job interview by researching the employer, the interviewers, and the employer’s competitors.
- Prepare by matching your experiences and accomplishments with the requirements of the job.
- Prepare and practise your answers to the common interview questions, again focusing on how you match the job’s requirements.
- Be on time for the interview (in person or online), dressed appropriately (head to toe!), and stay alert. For a virtual interview, also test the video and audio, and ensure that there are no interruptions.
- Collect information about the interviewers (correct name spellings, job titles and email addresses) and share your LinkedIn profile URL.
- Listen carefully and judiciously, and take notes during the interview. Speak about your your areas of interest as well as concerns.
- Answer their questions and also have your own questions ready.
- Express your enthusiasm for the employer and the job, and ask if they have any concerns about your candidature.
- Ask about the next steps in the process (when you should expect to hear from them).
- Send your thank you notes – a unique email to EACH interviewer – within 24 hours.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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