Useful Job Hunt Tips and Tricks

A. Writing a CV

A lot of people tend not to like writing about themselves. Or others tend to feel a bit odd at having to boast about themselves, or others go the other way and are tempted to oversell themselves, running the risk of getting caught out at a future date. Therefore we want to help with some simple tips as a guide.

Presentation of a CV

• Use good quality white paper with a plain type face
• Avoid italics and decorative fonts, and don’t add an ornate border – you want to be noticed for what you say, not how you present it
• Try to keep your CV to no more than two pages (best: stapled together), ideally only one page Structure of a CV
• Place your name right at the top of the front page, with your contact details directly underneath. Your work number should only be mentioned if you don’t mind being contacted there
• Have a clear structure. It should always be easy to understand and to read. Your goal is to present facts about yourself concisely and with clarity
• Use bullet points rather than complete sentences to avoid unnecessary wordiness
• List your educational history, academic achievements and work experience in reverse order – university degree should come before your school exam results
• Never leave time gaps. If you took a year out, or carried out interim assignments, say so – otherwise, employers can suspect the worst.

Leave nothing to chance

• Leave your hobbies and interests until last – and keep it short

Double-check and proofread your content

• Check your work carefully – always run a spell check over it. Re-read to ensure accuracy; ask a person/friend to check it too
• If send by post: Send it off in a good quality, clearly addressed, A4 envelope and post it first class (this indicates efficiency)
• Your CV is the first impression your potential employer will have of you. Take the time to get it right – you may not have a second chance

B. Preparing your Cover Letter

A cover letter is the first thing a recruiter will see, so it is essential that a CV is introduced in the best way possible. Although there’s no such thing as the “perfect letter” following a basic formula will help make your cover letter a worthy accompaniment to your CV.

Type or write?

Opinion is divided among recruitment experts as to whether a covering letter should be painstakingly handwritten or typed out on a PC. In the times of Internet and Email most of the cover letters are written on a PC.

How to write an interesting Cover Letter

Introduction

Explain why you are writing, making sure it entices them to read on. If you’re replying to an advert, say where and when you saw the advert and if there is a reference number, quote it.

Second paragraph

Briefly explain your job and, if applicable, qualifications (professional/academic). Don’t give too much away or they may not want to go on and read your CV. If you are replying to an advert, make sure the skills you specified are reflected in your CV.

Third paragraph

Say why they should employ you and why you would be a good employee. Tell the company a little about themselves (e.g. “As the largest publishing company in the North West…”), to demonstrate your knowledge.

Fourth paragraph

Lay down an action plan; say you would like the opportunity to meet them for an interview and you’ll await their response, or that you’ll call in a few days. You don’t have to leave the ball in their court, although be wary of seeming to ‘pester’; if you said you’re going to call, make sure you do.

Use of email

The key to making an impact when you are emailing an application is to customize it as much as possible to the job for which you are applying.

Generally, the same rules as above apply, but there are three things to remember when you apply by email:

• Make sure your letter is written in a common font with standard formatting and punctuation. Once it is sent to another computer, the whole presentation of the document may change, so the content has to be especially good.
• If your cover letter is written in the email body (as opposed to an attachment), make sure you apply the same formalities as you would in a hand-written letter, and perform a spell check before sending.
• Do remember to attach your CV to the email!

The Do’s and don’ts when writing a Cover Letter

Do:

• Make sure your letter is addressed to the right person at the right address, and that you spell everything correctly
• Put all your contact details on the cover letter, including address, phone numbers, email address etc. so that the prospective employer can get hold of you to invite you to an interview
• Write or print your cover letter on good quality paper that matches the paper of your CV. Colored paper should be avoided – for best results, stick to good quality, white paper
• Use bullet points where possible – it will be easier and quicker for the reader. You should still include a proper introduction and ending to your letter
• Make your letter bespoke, customized to the employer. Anyone can download a standard cover letter, but personalization shows that you’ve put in the effort
• Pick out specific traits or skills mentioned in the job advert and demonstrate why you think you’re suitable .

Don’t:

• Never send your letter to ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ – find out who the right person is (e.g. department/HR manager) and address to them
• Never send your letter without checking the main body of the text for spelling mistakes, typos, strange grammar, bad punctuation or smudged ink
• Do not Write too much. Your letter should be succinct and to the point; there is no reason to duplicate the details shown in your CV
• Never include negative information such as personality conflicts with previous employers, details of tribunals or adverse comments about your current employer
• Never use long words to impress; if you’re using words you wouldn’t usually use, then don’t bother. Similarly, don’t get someone else to write the letter for you

C. Passing an Interview successfully

No matter how well-qualified you are for a job, your personality and personal presentation will be want will count at interview. Whatever your confidence levels, you can develop and work on the skills required to make the interview process more bearable.

Get organized and be prepared

• Know who it is you are meeting, where the building is and how to get there
• Bring your contact details, spare CV, pen and notepad
• Have information ready to impress the interviewer with your research
• Do your homework – find out about the company, read trade magazines, visit competitors’ websites, etc.
• Study the job specification; match it to your CV so you can provide evidence that you meet the criteria

Your first impression

• Wear a smart but comfortable suit
• Remember that you’re making an impression as soon as you walk through the door
• Be courteous to everyone, from the Receptionist to the MD – you never know who might influence the final selection of candidates, or even the job winner
• Look at all interviewers when greeting them, smile and carefully remember their names so you can address them throughout the interview
• If something does disturb you (sun is in your eyes or the chair is wobbly etc.) say something rather than squirm and fail to concentrate

Some General Tips:

• Relax and imagine you’re having a conversation with a friend
• People get so caught up in their feelings they forget to listen to the questions; slowing the pace will help you hear the questions and answer them correctly
• Before you respond to more difficult questions, think about your answers and how you want to express them. This will help you speak more confidently
• You could practice talking slowly and evenly before you go. Record your answers and listen to your pace and tone
• Body language demonstrates how comfortable you are with your subject matter. If you’re enthusiastic about what you are saying, smile and let your hands do the talking
• If you said something you did not mean and are worried it could damage your chances, rectify this by restating what you actually meant. Don’t hold back, it could be your only chance to get the point across
• Be factual and honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Show that you recognize your weaknesses and that you are striving to improve them
• If you get stuck on a question, do not dwell on it for too long but politely ask if you can come back to it later

D. Questions you could be asked in an Interview

Q: Tell me about yourself. (They “want to hear you talk”)
A: This is a commonly asked question designed to break the ice. Spend a maximum of five minutes to describe your qualifications, career history and your range of skills. Emphasise those skills that are relevant to the job on offer.

Q: What have been your achievements to date? (They interviewer wants to find whether “you are an achiever?”)
A: Again this is a common question so be prepared. Select an achievement that is recent. Identify skills you used in the achievement and quantify the benefit.

Q: What do you dislike about your current role? (Question to find out if job on offer has responsibilities you will dislike)
A: Be careful with this one. Don’t be too specific as you may draw attention to weaknesses. One approach is to choose a characteristic of your present company such as its size, its slow decision making process etc. Give your answer with the air of someone who takes problems and frustrations in your stride, as part of the job.

Q: What are your strengths? (What are you good at and how it is going to add value)
A: This is one question you will certainly be asked, so there’s no excuse for being unprepared. Concentrate on discussing your main strengths. List three or four explanations of how they could benefit the employer. Strengths to consider include technical proficiency ability to learn quickly; determination to succeed; positive attitude; team focus and your ability to work autonomously.

Q: What are your greatest weaknesses? (The interviewer is asking about your self-perception and self-awareness)
A: This is another standard question for which you can be well prepared. Don’t say you don’t have any. We all have weaknesses. Either use a professional weakness such as a lack of experience (not ability) on your part in one area that is not vital for the job, or use a personal weakness and show the steps that you have taken to combat it. An example would be,” I’m not very good at delegating but I’m learning to pass work on to colleagues by sitting down on a weekly basis and splitting the workload”.

Q: Are you happy with your career to date? (Are you self-confidence, any career aspirations and are you a positive person?)
A: The answer must be ‘yes’ but if you have hit a career plateau or you feel you are moving too slowly, then you must qualify the answer.

Q: Tell me the most difficult situation you have had to face and how you tackled it?
(What means “difficult” to you and can you show a logical approach to it)
A: Select a difficult work situation that was not caused by you. Explain how you defined the problem and what solution you applied to overcome the problem.

Q: What kind of decision do you find most difficult?
(Are you strong and decisive enough but you have a human side”)
A: Try to focus on decisions you have made without sufficient information. This will show your positive side. For example, “I like to make decisions based on sufficient information and having alternatives. When you have to make quick decisions you have to rely on “gut feeling” and experience.

Q: Why do you want to leave your current employer?
(The interviewer is trying to understand and evaluate your motives for moving)
A: This should be straightforward. State how you are looking for more challenge, responsibility, experience and a change of environment and explain why you feel you are no longer receiving these things from your current role. For example, ” I have been with my company for four years and feel I have learnt as much about their x function as possible and there is no opportunity for a more senior role at present”.

E. Question you should ask in an Interview

Things you should want to know:

• What will my responsibilities be?
• How has the position become vacant?
• How will you assess my performance?
• How does the role fit into the structure of the department?
• How does the department fit into the organisation as a whole?
• Who will I report to and are there persons reporting to me?
• Where does my line manager fit into the structure?
• What encouragement is given to undertake further training?
• Who are your customers?
• Where is the company going? Expansion plans?
• Where is the specific location of the position?
• Will the position entail travelling?
• How soon will you decide on the appointment?
• What is the next step?
• What are the other people in the department like? How would their roles impact on mine?
• What would my core responsibilities be?
• What sort of one-off projects might I be given?
• How much interaction would I have with other departments, or with clients/suppliers?
• What scope is there for taking on extra work, or being involved in any other aspects of the company?
• Where are the opportunities to progress within the company?

Conclusion

• There may be an explanation of how the process will continue. If not, ask.
• Try to find out when you should hear back but do not be pushy as some recruiters will not want to commit themselves to timescales until they have had time to consider all candidates
• Make sure the appropriate people know where you can be reached
• At the end, thank your interviewer for his or her time and shake hands
• Remember to say a personal goodbye to each person you talked to
• Do not forget to acknowledge the receptionist as you leave, particularly if you have been looked after while waiting

Post-interview

• Call your recruitment consultant and let him or her know how it went
• Your consultant is employed by the company to liaise with you, and can also handle any queries or objections raised, or persuade the employer to wait while you supply more information
• Some interviewers may give you their direct line in case you have any further queries. Take advantage of this if necessary but do not overdo it.
• Allow a reasonable amount of time before getting in touch. At least 24 hours.
• Write a letter confirming your interest and thanking the company for its consideration. A timely but subtle reminder like this could pay dividend

Useful Info About Switzerland

A. Top 5 Things to Know When Coming to Switzerland

1. Have you registered at the near by “Kreisbüro” registration office or in smaller towns called “Gemeinde”? Only necessary when you have a contract for more than 3 months? Go there with your passport and a copy of your rent contract to register yourself, ask for a confirmation paper. Sometimes it takes quite long until you receive your permit, then you have something in your hand to prove that you have registered.
2. Health insurance is a private matter in Switzerland. You have to register with one of the various health insurance companies on the market. Ask your employer – perhaps they have a special offer, which can be deducted directly from your salary. Also try comparis.ch which is a website that compares all different types of insurance policies. You have 3 months to select a health insurance company, otherwise some cantons like Zürich will force you to join one. Then you no longer have a choice.
3. We also recommend you take third liability insurance; you will need it when you rent an apartment and if you cause any damage to a third person you are covered. It’s the second and last insurance which you really need to consider if you stay here longer. All other necessary insurance policies will be part of your employment.
4. If you have just moved in, quickly say hello to your neighbours and introduce yourself! Swiss people know their neighbours.
5. As a foreigner you are taxed at source in Switzerland, you will see the monthly deduction on your payslip. Be aware that if you earn over CHF 120’000- you may receive a tax return to fill out.

B. Swiss Permit Regulations

EU / EFTA Members

Freedom to work is for the following countries EU- und EFTA:

• EU: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Great Britain, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Sweden, Spain, Cyprus, Malta

• EFTA: Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein

L Permit

This permit is issued for employment contracts that are up to 1 year in duration. You as an employee can obtain it by taking a copy of your signed contract, a copy of your valid rent contract and your passport to the registry office (Kreisbüro, Einwohnerdienste etc.). Always make sure that you ask for a confirmation of registration to have something on hand.

Should the employment contract be extended, this L permit can be extended by giving the registry office a copy of the new signed contract showing the new end date.

B Permit

This permit is for foreigners with employment contracts over a year. The B permit is valid for 5 years. There is no fixed quota anymore on the B permit. If you are in possession of an unlimited employment contract, you will get a B permit.

C Permit

Unrestricted living in Switzerland (ie no time restrictions) without the right to vote. Not liable to tax at source anymore. Depending on your nationality you can apply for it after 5-10 years living in Switzerland with a B-permit.

EU Plus Members

Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czeck Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania

Foreigners of one of these countries still need a permit which the employer has to apply for. But generally applications for specialists will be accepted without any objections.

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Non EU Members

Short Term Permit (L)

Short term permits are issued up to a period of 4 months. There is no quota/restriction on how these are issued. The issuing canton office can produce and approve this permit within their own authority.

In special circumstances this permit can be extended by a maximum of 24 months. This requires an application via the issuing canton office whereby the permit is then changed to a longer term L- permit. This process takes 3 to 6 weeks. Application goes via Bern.

Yearly Permit (B)

Currently, B permits will only be issued for highly qualified foreigners with several years of experience and diplomas with the option for unlimited employment contracts.

C. Tax Information

Foreign employees are subject to taxation at source. The respective tax rate is deducted monthly from the gross salary. The tax rates are progressive, i.e. they increase according to the gross salary amount. The tariff is based on Canton, marital status and number of children. If a religion is declared then church tax is also included.

Tax obligation

Foreign employees, who are not in possession of a C permit and are not self employed are subject to taxation at source. Tax is deducted from your salary every month. There is no reimbursement after termination of employment.

Foreign employees, who are married to a C permit holder or a Swiss citizen are exempt from taxation at source.

Church tax

People who belong to the following confessions are subject to church tax:

• Roman Catholic, protestant and evangelic.

Entry or exit from any of these churches can be applied for at the church authorities of the place of residence. The church authorities will issue a confirmation which must be submitted to your place of residence in order for the tax rate to be adjusted. Basel church tax are not included into the Tax at source rate, that bill will always come separate.

Employees with an annual salary of above CHF 120’000 must fill out tax return. In this case the monthly deduction for tax at source will be cleared with the ordinary tax bill at the end of the tax year. The definitive Tax calculation is based on the submitted tax return and the resulting assessment.

Advantages:

• Deductions can be made for actual expenses = Travel cost for the first arrival the last departure, moving cost, Rent costs, School fees, additional training cost incl. related travel expenses, Medical expenses (varies on the canton). Please make sure you always keep your receipts.
• Child support/alimony  related expenses can be deducted (proof of alimony payments must be submitted)
• Withholding tax on bank interest can be reclaimed (Verrechnungssteuer)
• Municipalities with lower tax rates lead to lower taxes
• Mortgage and percentage for repairs can be deducted

We recommend the following link to calculate your actual tax liability. The tax authorities provide a free online tax calculation for individuals.

Canton Zurich:
http://www.steueramt.zh.ch/html/steuerberechnung/natuerliche_personen.htm/

Canton Basel :

http://www.steuer.bs.ch/steuerkalkulatoren.htm

We are very happy to help you with your taxes!

(Completion and submission of normal tax declaration CHF 200.00)

D. Vested benefits

What does the term “vested benefits” mean?

The vested benefit is the sum an insured person is entitled to upon termination of the employment relationship and withdrawal from the employee benefits institution in the form of a withdrawal benefit. In this connection the law speaks of a case of vesting and stipulates that it may not be preceded by a claim to retirement, disability or death benefits.

Since 1995 the Federal Law on Vested Benefits has regulated vesting rights. Among other things, the law says:

That if you change jobs, the withdrawal benefit to which you are entitled must be transferred to the employee benefits institution of your new employer;

• That – if you do not take up a new position after an employment relationship ends – your entitlement to withdrawal benefit must be received in the form of a vested benefit policy or vested benefits account.

When can I have my vested benefit paid out in cash?

You can draw your vested benefit in cash under the following circumstances:

If you are leaving Switzerland permanently, but not taking up residence in an EU-country, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, where you are subject to mandatory retirement, death and disability insurance.

• If you are taking up self-employment and are no longer subject to mandatory occupational benefits coverage.
• If your vested benefit is lower than your own annual contribution
• In the context of encouraging home ownership, insured persons who are capable of earning a living can use their retirement savings, in whole or part, to finance their own home in the form of a prepayment of pledge.

What happens with my vested benefit when I leave Switzerland to an EU-country?

Your freedom to invest your vested benefit is restricted by law: If you do not join a new pension fund, you basically have two options available:

• You can obtain a vested benefit policy with benefits coverage
• You can open a vested benefits account at any bank in Switzerland in your name

The ideal solution for you very much depends on you personal goals and individual needs:

A vested benefit policy is suitable for closing gaps in insurance coverage if you have sufficient capital and are intending to make a long-term investment.

• If the sums involved are relatively small and the investment horizon is very short, a vested benefits account without risk coverage, which functions like a saving account, can be appropriate.
• If you intend to invest a more sizable vested benefit without risk coverage for a longer period of time, then it’s worth looking into a vested benefits account which is invested in securities.

The right investment for a vested benefit depends on the insurance cover and available capital as well as investment horizon and risk tolerance.

When can I cash in my vested benefit policy or close my vested benefits account?

A vested benefit policy or vested benefits account may be drawn no more than five years before reaching the normal retirement age, provided that no insured event has occurred earlier. The same conditions apply to cash payouts as apply to drawing the vested benefit itself in cash. In addition, a policy or account can also be cashed in or closed ahead of time in the following cases:

• If your are entitled to a full pension under disability insurance (IV) and no benefits are insured for disability.
• When you reach normal retirement age, or no earlier than five years after reaching normal retirement age.

For more details we are happy to help you, please contact the Stamford Back Office.

E. Unemployment Benefits in Switzerland

Your contributions to the unemployment insurance scheme ( Arbeitslosenversicherung – assurance chômage) are directly deducted from your gross salary by your employer. To be eligible for unemployment benefit you must meet the following conditions:

• In the two years before becoming unemployed and registering with the employment office you must have held, for at least 12 months, a job requiring the payment of unemployment insurance contributions
• You must remain at the disposal of the employment office and must at the same time actively seek work on your own behalf

If you have left their previous employment without an acceptable reason your entitlement to unemployment benefits may be suspended for a certain period of time.

Unemployment benefits

If you become involuntarily unemployed, you are entitled to 70 per cent of the average earnings paid into your unemployment insurance in the previous six months. If you have a child or your daily allowance falls below a predetermined minimum, you are entitled to 80 per cent of the average earnings in the last six months.

Unemployment benefit is allocated as a daily allowance covering five days per week. Entitlement begins after a waiting period of five days of proven unemployment. Unemployment benefits allows up to 400 daily allowances to be received in a two-year period. If you’re over 55 and have made unemployment insurance contributions for at least 18 months, you are permitted up to 520 daily allowances in the same period.

In many cases, your employment office might allow you to take training courses or be allowed to benefit from other programmes while continuing to receive daily allowances.

Application procedures

In order to claim unemployment benefits you should report to the employment office nearest your home on the first day of unemployment. After registration, you are normally required to attend consulting and control sessions twice a month at the regional placement office. Unemployment benefit is paid at a benefit payment office which you can choose when registering at your employment office.

Note that benefits are only paid while you’re living in Switzerland. If you leave Switzerland during your period of entitlement, monthly payments are automatically cancelled and you are not paid out a lump sum. If you residence permit expires while you’re still entitled to unemployment benefits, it will be renewed for the remainder of the period.

For the canton of Zurich, with the following Link you will find the closest employment office to you.

http://www.rav.zh.ch/internet/vd/awa/rav/de/informationen/standorte.html

If you need help with filling out your forms, no problem give us a call!

All Tips & Tricks can be downloaded in our Download Section.