Tips for applicants
    This page doesn't pretend to give you a recipe to obtain a job or  even an
    interview but hopefully it will increase your chances to avoid the  frequently
    made mistakes.

    "Things to do" can be useful and "things not to do" even more so.
    Things to do:
    Before applying you need a resume that presents yourself in the most  efficient and accurate way possible.
    Keep it short.

  • Your resume should summarize who you are, your age, gender, education  and professional
    experience. Other things are usually unnecessary—except if they show an aptitude  that is relevant
    to the position. For example, if you are an officer  in a  social club, that can indicate you enjoy
    responsibility and  leadership.

  • Bahamas Executive Search' s experience tells us that a resume should be one or two pages but no
    more—even if you have 40 years experience. Recruiters look at many resumes and their time is
    precious. The most important information on your resume is your current or last position showing the
    highest level of responsibility.
    Any experience more than 10 years old can be omitted or summarized in one or two lines.
    Make sure it's fast and easy to find your age, last position, degrees and contact information.

  • As for the style of your resume or letter: make it simple and business-like.  With one legible typeface
    in black only. Recruiters are rarely artists who like drawings or colors. Make sure to spell-check your
    resume and letter. You must make it easy to read even for someone who has a bad sight.  

  • Make sure what is written is all true: it can be proof-checked at any time. If you write something that
    is not true and it is later discovered it will be enough to terminate you even after years in the job.
    Things not to do:
    Here below are a number of real life examples that lost people interviews and jobs.

    Common mistakes in the resume:
  • Many words spelt wrongly.
  • Improper or fanciful English.
  • Telephone numbers that no longer work or are not monitored.
  • Email addresses that people don't check.
  • Cover letters that were copied for a different position or company or by a different applicant .

    Lateness:
    Our worst experience was with an executive of 30 years experience who came late the first time. He or she
    was invited for a second  interview with the client and was again 15 minutes late! Of course, the second
    interview was abruptly cancelled.

    Mobile phones:
    During an interview turn your cell phone off. Firstly, it is rude. Secondly, it interrupts the train of thought and
    the interview process. Being on the phone when you are in front of a recruiter or a client is enough to lose
    you the job.

    Language and attitude:
    Some people, especially younger applicants, have not yet been exposed to the professional environment
    and they don't realize that proper, classical English is the only way to communicate in the workplace. Proper
    English and being accurate helps in being understood and is less likely to offend. For example, do not say
    "Hold" when answering a phone. To most people that is very rude. Use the words "please" and "thank you"
    as often a you can. When talking with someone or someone is addressing, do not keep looking at your
    computer screen. Also try and be accurate in what you say. For example, don't say that someone has
    "stepped out" when they have gone for lunch or for a long time. In proper English, "stepped out" means
    they'll be back in a few minutes time.
    Some men and women dress as if they are on basketball court or a dance floor—but not in a company.
    Caps, combs on the head, ornament jewellery, unconventional make-up, ankle socks, or blouses and pants
    that show your torso are not acceptable to the clients of a company— nor the company. If applying for a job
    requiring typing it is unwise to have very long, fashionable nails. They obviously prevent fast typing. Banks
    don't like them and nor do many other companies.  Recruiters will think you have your priorities wrong.

    Spot the mistake:
    One Human Resource Manager received a letter to his attention with his title on the letter and the
    application was for the position of... Human Resource Manager.

    Your reputation will catch up with you:
    During an interview by telephone someone confirmed he had worked in a certain company. Nobody in the
    company had any memory of him. Next time he called he said it was a mistake and gave the name of
    another company. This time the manager remembered him and his comment was "we wouldn't hire him if he
    applied again".
    During a phone interview an applicant stated he had worked for a certain company. Yet, nobody in the
    company had any memory of him. The next time he called he said he made a mistake and gave the name of
    another company. This time the manager remembered him and said: "we wouldn't hire him if he applied
    again".
    What do you think the recruiter did?

    Changing is good for experience but too often is a big negative:
    When recruiters receive resumes showing one job per year or even more, usually the recruiter immediately
    rejects that application.  Hiring personnel is expensive in terms of time and money so they will not choose
    people who are likely to leave.

    Finally, a common, major mistake:
    Don't ever forget: who pays has the right to ask for things to be done her/his way as long as it's not illegal.

    If you still believe it will be against the company's interest then make sure to write your suggestion but still
    follow the instructions or you will be soon on the job market

    Many people at all levels think that it's OK to do a particular job their own way—disregarding the
    procedures or instructions given. Companies and your supervisors usually have much more experience
    than you do. So it's best to listen to every word and every instruction regarding how to do a job. Remember,
    the company is paying for you to  do the job their way, so they have a right to tell you how they want the job
    done. If you still think you have a better way, make a suggestion but be careful to write it to the right people
    as your idea but don't be too pushy.
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