Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
Education
Tips for students preparing for board exams 2021 in the Pandemic
Excerpts from article by Er. Nitin Vijay, published in India Today
Students appearing for boards in the year 2021 are going to be making history, for being the only batch in recent years that has mastered the skill of online learning and managing with limited social contact with their fellow mates.
Now, with social distancing being the new norm and online test series as the only judge for their preparation, this year’s board examinations would be an unsaid conquest between time, knowledge and every student’s instincts.
Here are some simple tips for students appearing for board exams 2021:
1. Be the master of time
Time management is the key to your lock of success. The statement stands truer for board exams as each section is designed by the board in fairness to all candidates. It is also about juggling between the time-consuming sections.
Knowledge and confidence play a huge role in determining how effectively the time is managed in the examination hall. Students need to be abreast with all important topics and practise time management.
2. Revision must never be omitted
This also helps in eliminating the post-exam anxiety. The student should always keep a margin of 10 minutes for reading through the entire answer sheet. It will boost his/her confidence towards his performance and will also act as a double check if any questions missed.
This practice should be imbibed from the days of mock tests only, so before submitting the online paper during preparation, students must always make sure to read it thoroughly.
3. Create a stable and calm study environment
Having a stable study space is really important, as it helps the student achieve a composure. The key is minimising the distractions from the space, they can be in the form of sound and visuals. Avoid having a study area near to the background noise from TV/Music system etc.
Keep the space tidy and organised for it to be functional and adequate lightning is a must for students to reduce the strain on sight.
4. Good health and exercise are elemental
These days of confinement and isolation from the social circles are emotionally exhausting. The entire onus of being in a happy and steady mindset lies in the activities students can do by themselves.
Nutritious food consumption is way better than fast snacking. The energy and stability a body needs to go through strenuous study hours can only be provided by leafy vegetables, fruits, dry fruits and milk products.
5. Don’t be afraid to seek support
The times are undoubtedly tough for everyone around; everyone is adjusting and trying to fit in the new normal. It is common for young aspirants to overthink about their prospects and doubt themselves.
It might be something as trivial as your teacher’s remark, or the change of attitude in your competitive friend, the pressure you feel about growing up. Everything can be sorted out by simple communication. Parents and friends are the best choices for seeking emotional support during these times.
Career
4 ways established professionals can improve their rèsumès
Excerpts from article by Daily Press
Changing jobs can be a difficult decision to make, especially later in one’s career. In many ways, landing a new job is more challenging than ever thanks to the technology-driven society in which people live. Information is shared faster than ever, and applying for jobs isn’t the same as it might have been as recently as a decade ago.
One thing that has evolved is the rèsumè. Although creating a powerful rèsumè has always been a challenge, writing — or modifying one — for today’s digital world requires some insider tips.
A well-crafted rèsumè is one way for professionals to demonstrate how their skill set is current and adaptable to today’s business climate. The following tips can help improve a rèsumè:
1. Highlight your achievements
- Rather than focusing on job responsibilities at each job you held, gear the rèsumè around what you achieved in each position. This will help identify how you performed in the position, instead of just a general retelling of what you did.
- Rather than state that you were responsible for providing customer service, explain that you built your reputation on conveying difficult technical terms to the layperson, serving as the go-to employee for translating job jargon for outside correspondence.
- If you have quantitative proof of how you accomplished something, certainly add it. This can include measures of profit growth, reduction of debt or increase in customer base.
2. Aim for the future
Rather than emphasise what you did, highlight what you plan to do. This means giving greater weight to the expertise that will translate into your new position. Chances are you can find skills that you honed in one or more jobs that translate into credentials that can be used on another. All of the skills mentioned should be relevant to your career objective.
3. Choose the right keywords
It’s important to optimise a rèsumè for digital scanning, which has become a major component of the employment sector. This includes using the correct keywords and phrasing so that your rèsumè will get “flagged.” Take your cue from the job advertisements themselves and mimic the verbiage used. Replace the lingo accordingly, tailoring it to each job you apply for. Also, consult the “about us” area of a prospective employer’s website. This area may offer clues about buzz words for the industry.
4. Set yourself apart
Engage in activities that can improve your marketability. Be sure to list training, coursework, degree or volunteer efforts that pertain directly to the skills needed for the job to which you’re applying. These additions can tip the scales in your favour over another applicant.
Rèsumès continue to evolve, and it is crucial for applicants — especially established workers — to familiarise themselves with the changes and market themselves accordingly
(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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