When you are making plans for the future of your ACCA career, don’t forget soft skills, because if you want to rise to the top of the finance profession, they are just as important as financial expertise.
One of those soft skills includes presenting an idea. Presentation and speech shares a very fine line but it’s very important to understand the difference between the two.
A presentation is a communication form. It’s a unique form of oral communication and has certain characteristics.
The presentation media could vary from written scripted pages to a Microsoft Powerpoint slides. Visual aids are used more often in presentations compared to speeches.
The presentation usually has a limited time frame and in some situations the media or visual aids are mandated on the presenter by the organizer.
On the other hand, in delivering the speech, the speaker uses a platform behind a microphone. Audiences are in hundreds or thousands. The speech is usually scripted. This is all different from a presentation where audience is limited in number sitting in a room.
Presentation Techniques
Presentation techniques depend heavily on preparation and knowledge of your presentation matter. They are pre-requisite for a successful presentation.
Presentation skills are all about entertaining your audience and avoid boring them. Its all about conveying your key message.
You need to grab the attention of your audience in the first 3-5 minutes. Otherwise they will start to stare and notice everything in the room… except you. Most likely, they will start thinking about their own love lives, problems, next thing to do when they leave…anything but what you are talking about.
Mr Lin Luu, an ACCA teacher in China, said that your audience, no matter how small or large in numbers, wants to associate themselves with someone who could entertain them. Who have a sense of humour? Crunching numbers and statistics alone won’t let you win through them.
Continued
Written by Mr. Daniyal Hussain for TonySurridge.co.uk
Friday, 5 August 2011
Your 'Thank-you-for -the-interview'
1. Boost your chances by sending a follow-up thank-you note
2. Tips on how to write a Thank-You note
1. Boost your chances by sending a follow-up thank-you note
You’ve written a great CV and survived the crucial interview. So what do you do now? Just sit back and wait until the company contacts you? Wrong. Give a boost to your ACCA job application by following up with a thank-you note. Since less than 10% of interviewees ever follow-up with a thank-you note, by doing so you can be sure that you will rise that much higher through the list of candidates. A thank-you note always leaves a favourable impression with a prospective employer. It shows that you are an interested, committed and considerate person. The thank-you note is something that should not be overlooked in today's competitive job market, and it is to your advantage that many other applicants tend to ignore this small but significant gesture.
2. Tips on how to write a Thank-You note
The following are some tips to bear in mind when writing a thank-you note.
A mailed hard copy note.
You should plan to send a thank-you note within a day or so of your interview. While some professions such as those in the technology industry would accept e-mailed thank-you notes as norm behaviour, it is likely that employers in the finance profession would prefer a mailed hard copy. If you want to be ‘first’, e-mail a thank-you note and follow-up with hard-copy. Type your thank-you letter in a standard business format, although a hand-written note adds the nice touch (providing, that is, your hand-writing is good). Avoid using “Thank You” stationery (cards, etc.) or business letterhead when writing your thank you. Just use standard plain paper – preferably the same paper you used when printing out your CV.
Personalize it.
You will probably be one of numerous interviewees most of whom will also have the ACCA qualification, so you need to set yourself apart from the other applicants in a way that your prospective employer will remember you after the interview. In your thank-you note, emphasise a key point from your interview that you think the interviewer will recall, and therefore know who thethank-you note is coming from. Mention the day of the interview and job title,this will also aid recall.
Additionally, if you are interviewed by more than one person, perhaps a panel of
interviewers, consider sending them all thank-you notes, each one slightly different. This is not only polite, but you may not know exactly who in the group will be making the recruitment decision, and so it will be ‘good politics’as well. Try to get a business card from each interviewer as this will help you with names and titles when you write your thank-yous.
Keep your note brief and courteous.
Keep the thank-you note brief and courteous. It should be no more than one page. Show courtesy by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the prospective employer, and thank him/her for taking the time to talk with you.
Express your enthusiasm for the job.
Express your interest in and enthusiasm for the company, department and the job-position for which you interviewed. Try to be precise about why you are interested and how you are so right for the job. Resist the urge to sell yourself, the interview is the time you should have done that.
Address unresolved issues.
Address any points or questions that arose during the interview that you feel you did not fully answer or give jstice to. This thank-you note may be your last chance to resolve doubts in the mind of your interviewer and leave him/her with a positive impression.
Reiterate your strengths and highlight your successes
For instance that you have passed through the robust ACCA exam programme. If the
interviewer stressed particular issues, needs or challenges, use your thank-you
note to explain how you can meet those requirements. Similarly, if the interviewer spoke about the ideal qualifications and personal qualities required for the position, use your thank-you note to highlight how you meet or surpass those qualities.
Proof-read, and then proof-read again.
Now is not the time to make spelling or grammatical mistakes Make sure your thank-you note conveys a professional image by ensuring it is error free.
Keep a copy.
Keep a copy for your records, especially if you've used your thank-you note to restate, elaborate, or clarify points raised on the interview. Also,keep copies of any replies, so that you have an entire history of your employment application.
For template examples suitable for ACCA applicants of 'Thank-You' notes refer to the free-of-charge tonysurridge.co.uk/job-search/ ‘Thank-You-For-The-Interview' template examples.
2. Tips on how to write a Thank-You note
1. Boost your chances by sending a follow-up thank-you note
You’ve written a great CV and survived the crucial interview. So what do you do now? Just sit back and wait until the company contacts you? Wrong. Give a boost to your ACCA job application by following up with a thank-you note. Since less than 10% of interviewees ever follow-up with a thank-you note, by doing so you can be sure that you will rise that much higher through the list of candidates. A thank-you note always leaves a favourable impression with a prospective employer. It shows that you are an interested, committed and considerate person. The thank-you note is something that should not be overlooked in today's competitive job market, and it is to your advantage that many other applicants tend to ignore this small but significant gesture.
2. Tips on how to write a Thank-You note
The following are some tips to bear in mind when writing a thank-you note.
A mailed hard copy note.
You should plan to send a thank-you note within a day or so of your interview. While some professions such as those in the technology industry would accept e-mailed thank-you notes as norm behaviour, it is likely that employers in the finance profession would prefer a mailed hard copy. If you want to be ‘first’, e-mail a thank-you note and follow-up with hard-copy. Type your thank-you letter in a standard business format, although a hand-written note adds the nice touch (providing, that is, your hand-writing is good). Avoid using “Thank You” stationery (cards, etc.) or business letterhead when writing your thank you. Just use standard plain paper – preferably the same paper you used when printing out your CV.
Personalize it.
You will probably be one of numerous interviewees most of whom will also have the ACCA qualification, so you need to set yourself apart from the other applicants in a way that your prospective employer will remember you after the interview. In your thank-you note, emphasise a key point from your interview that you think the interviewer will recall, and therefore know who thethank-you note is coming from. Mention the day of the interview and job title,this will also aid recall.
Additionally, if you are interviewed by more than one person, perhaps a panel of
interviewers, consider sending them all thank-you notes, each one slightly different. This is not only polite, but you may not know exactly who in the group will be making the recruitment decision, and so it will be ‘good politics’as well. Try to get a business card from each interviewer as this will help you with names and titles when you write your thank-yous.
Keep your note brief and courteous.
Keep the thank-you note brief and courteous. It should be no more than one page. Show courtesy by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the prospective employer, and thank him/her for taking the time to talk with you.
Express your enthusiasm for the job.
Express your interest in and enthusiasm for the company, department and the job-position for which you interviewed. Try to be precise about why you are interested and how you are so right for the job. Resist the urge to sell yourself, the interview is the time you should have done that.
Address unresolved issues.
Address any points or questions that arose during the interview that you feel you did not fully answer or give jstice to. This thank-you note may be your last chance to resolve doubts in the mind of your interviewer and leave him/her with a positive impression.
Reiterate your strengths and highlight your successes
For instance that you have passed through the robust ACCA exam programme. If the
interviewer stressed particular issues, needs or challenges, use your thank-you
note to explain how you can meet those requirements. Similarly, if the interviewer spoke about the ideal qualifications and personal qualities required for the position, use your thank-you note to highlight how you meet or surpass those qualities.
Proof-read, and then proof-read again.
Now is not the time to make spelling or grammatical mistakes Make sure your thank-you note conveys a professional image by ensuring it is error free.
Keep a copy.
Keep a copy for your records, especially if you've used your thank-you note to restate, elaborate, or clarify points raised on the interview. Also,keep copies of any replies, so that you have an entire history of your employment application.
For template examples suitable for ACCA applicants of 'Thank-You' notes refer to the free-of-charge tonysurridge.co.uk/job-search/ ‘Thank-You-For-The-Interview' template examples.
Are you a ‘Rambler ‘ or ‘Waffler’
Over the years I have listened to many grumbles about ACCA exam syllabuses and ACCA exam pass rates but few about how students prepare themselves for the exam. I have been teaching for some time now and I have a few grumbles which I wish to share with you so that you may reflect on your own style of learning. Dare I hope that my observations may help a few students to study more effectively and pass their exams?
The average ACCA student is a ‘coat of many colours’. So which type of student are YOU?
Could this be you …?
The 'Rambler' is a studious devotee - paragon of good intention and gusto - but who meanders through the syllabus in an unstructured and cluttered way - oblivious to study plans, learning targets and progress milestones. In the exam the 'Rambler' often transforms into the 'Waffler' who knows most of the material but stumbles through answers in an imprecise manner.
So there it is. Here is one student caricature ( and others just as valid will be posted soon) which is somewhat common and dare I say may even be a version of your own behaviour. Quid rides? Mutato nomine de te fabula narratur. (Why do you laugh? With change of name the story is about you).
Prevent yourself from becoming simply a Rambler by taking advantage of the tony.surridge.co.uk e-books. The series of Tony Surridge +AddVance E-books are specially designed for the ACCA exam syllabuses (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Our high quality ACCA study guide is structured around the core study text, with additional mnemonics and charts, supported by activities, as well as exam-status questions and answers for you to practice. Our comprehensive +AddVance electronic study tools provides an essential route-map through the ACCA syllabus and provides an expert interpretation of the subject and the ACCA exam requirements.
Download our free ACCA samples now (using the above link), to see just how helpful these study tools will be for your ACCA studies.
The average ACCA student is a ‘coat of many colours’. So which type of student are YOU?
Could this be you …?
The 'Rambler' is a studious devotee - paragon of good intention and gusto - but who meanders through the syllabus in an unstructured and cluttered way - oblivious to study plans, learning targets and progress milestones. In the exam the 'Rambler' often transforms into the 'Waffler' who knows most of the material but stumbles through answers in an imprecise manner.
So there it is. Here is one student caricature ( and others just as valid will be posted soon) which is somewhat common and dare I say may even be a version of your own behaviour. Quid rides? Mutato nomine de te fabula narratur. (Why do you laugh? With change of name the story is about you).
Prevent yourself from becoming simply a Rambler by taking advantage of the tony.surridge.co.uk e-books. The series of Tony Surridge +AddVance E-books are specially designed for the ACCA exam syllabuses (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Our high quality ACCA study guide is structured around the core study text, with additional mnemonics and charts, supported by activities, as well as exam-status questions and answers for you to practice. Our comprehensive +AddVance electronic study tools provides an essential route-map through the ACCA syllabus and provides an expert interpretation of the subject and the ACCA exam requirements.
Download our free ACCA samples now (using the above link), to see just how helpful these study tools will be for your ACCA studies.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Are you a ‘Hedger’or ‘Mark-Ignorer’?
Over the years I have listened to many grumbles about exam syllabuses and exam pass rates but few about how students prepare themselves for the exam. I have been teaching for some time now and I have a few grumbles which I wish to share with you so that you may reflect on your own style of learning. Dare I hope that my observations may help a few students to study more effectively and pass their exams?
The average student is a ‘coat of many colours’. So which type of student are YOU?
Could this be you ….?
The Hedger is the student who attempts to dodge a lot of the syllabus by 'question spotting'. Favourite questions by this student are 'Do I have to learn this topic?' 'Is this area likely to come up in the exam?' The 'Hedger' shows up in the exam as the Mark-Ignorer - the candidate who writes pages and pages about the 'lucky' question and pretends to run out of time on others, writing notes to the examiner such as "Wish I had the time - there is a lot to write'. This type of candidate seldom gets good marks and is more often among the failures.
So there it is. Here is one student caricature ( and others just as valid will be posted soon) which is somewhat common and dare I say may even be a version of your own behaviour. Quid rides? Mutato nomine de te fabula narratur. (Why do you laugh? With change of name the story is about you).
Prevent yourself from becoming simply a ‘Hedger’ of ‘Mark-Ignorer’ by taking advantage of the tony.surridge.co.uk e-books. The series of Tony Surridge +AddVance E-books are specially designed for the ACCA exam syllabuses (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Our high quality ACCA study guide is structured around the core study text, with additional mnemonics and charts, supported by activities, as well as exam-status questions and answers for you to practice. Our comprehensive +AddVance electronic study tools provides an essential route-map through the ACCA syllabus and provides an expert interpretation of the subject and the ACCA exam requirements.
Download our free ACCA samples now (using the above link), to see just how helpful these study tools will be for your ACCA studies.
The average student is a ‘coat of many colours’. So which type of student are YOU?
Could this be you ….?
The Hedger is the student who attempts to dodge a lot of the syllabus by 'question spotting'. Favourite questions by this student are 'Do I have to learn this topic?' 'Is this area likely to come up in the exam?' The 'Hedger' shows up in the exam as the Mark-Ignorer - the candidate who writes pages and pages about the 'lucky' question and pretends to run out of time on others, writing notes to the examiner such as "Wish I had the time - there is a lot to write'. This type of candidate seldom gets good marks and is more often among the failures.
So there it is. Here is one student caricature ( and others just as valid will be posted soon) which is somewhat common and dare I say may even be a version of your own behaviour. Quid rides? Mutato nomine de te fabula narratur. (Why do you laugh? With change of name the story is about you).
Prevent yourself from becoming simply a ‘Hedger’ of ‘Mark-Ignorer’ by taking advantage of the tony.surridge.co.uk e-books. The series of Tony Surridge +AddVance E-books are specially designed for the ACCA exam syllabuses (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Our high quality ACCA study guide is structured around the core study text, with additional mnemonics and charts, supported by activities, as well as exam-status questions and answers for you to practice. Our comprehensive +AddVance electronic study tools provides an essential route-map through the ACCA syllabus and provides an expert interpretation of the subject and the ACCA exam requirements.
Download our free ACCA samples now (using the above link), to see just how helpful these study tools will be for your ACCA studies.
Some Useful Tactics for ACCA Exams - By Anum Fazli
An ACCA qualification is highly considered, given the professional nature of the course, and where passing the ACCA exams is a hard earned process for every student. However, when the exam results come out, it saddens a large proportion of students who worked very hard but still only got 47%-48% marks.
The question often asked is where did we go wrong? Unfortunately that is a question we genuinely can’t answer generically – after all, there are numerous reasons why a pass is a pass, and why a fail becomes a fail.
However, here are some of the useful study tactics which I am sure will definitely help you out in passing your ACCA exams.
1. Question spotting: This is a dangerous approach and often puts students in great trouble. Trying to guess what will come in the exam, and focusing your efforts solely in those areas? If you had that much insight into potential future outcomes, you’d be better placing your hand at stock trading! The examiner knows it better. It has been observed that those topics which have come in the previous ACCA exams may not be considered as important for the current exam, but this is by no means a guarantee. Only in-depth learning will save the student in the exams.
2. Practice questions: Solving past exam questions (revision kits), will give students a confidence and a clear idea about the exam style. You can practice how long you have to sit and write for, practice to identify what answer the examiner is truly asking for, practice the feel for the exam in general.
3. Rote learning: This approach will never assist you in passing your ACCA exam. Examiners have vast choice to test student in a way he or she wants. For this, rather to focus on rote learning thorough understanding of the topic and dealing the scenario questions smartly is very important. This can be only achieved if you have a good reading habit and you should know to present your answer in a professional way.
4. Level of the verbs used: It is very important to make yourself fully comfortable with the level of the verbs used in exams. Failing to do this will put you in difficulty and lead you getting no marks. Questions practice will assist you in dealing with this easily.
5. Time management: This is the most important factor. Normally on the exam day lots of students face this problem, as so many students are unable to handle pressure. To overcome this, divide your time carefully for each question and try to ensure you are able to finish your answer within that time. Reach your ACCA exam center at least one hour before the start, so that you can settle down, and ease any nervous tensions. If you stuck in any of the questions during your paper try to skip it and return to it later. Try not to leave any questions blank in your exam, preferably try answering them all, even if it shows minor working or an understanding of what is required from the question.
These are just some minor and basic pointers, but often can be forgotten in the heat of exam preparation. Along with these tactics, a positive attitude, hard work and determination will definitely help you in passing your ACCA exams. Good luck to you all.
Remember, the series of Tony Surridge +AddVance E-books are specially designed for the ACCA exam syllabuses (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Our high quality ACCA study guide is structured around the core study text, with additional mnemonics and charts, supported by activities, as well as exam-status questions and answers for you to practice. Our comprehensive +AddVance electronic study tools provides an essential route-map through the ACCA syllabus and provides an expert interpretation of the subject and the ACCA exam requirements.
Download our free ACCA samples now (above), to see just how helpful these study tools will be for your ACCA studies.
The question often asked is where did we go wrong? Unfortunately that is a question we genuinely can’t answer generically – after all, there are numerous reasons why a pass is a pass, and why a fail becomes a fail.
However, here are some of the useful study tactics which I am sure will definitely help you out in passing your ACCA exams.
1. Question spotting: This is a dangerous approach and often puts students in great trouble. Trying to guess what will come in the exam, and focusing your efforts solely in those areas? If you had that much insight into potential future outcomes, you’d be better placing your hand at stock trading! The examiner knows it better. It has been observed that those topics which have come in the previous ACCA exams may not be considered as important for the current exam, but this is by no means a guarantee. Only in-depth learning will save the student in the exams.
2. Practice questions: Solving past exam questions (revision kits), will give students a confidence and a clear idea about the exam style. You can practice how long you have to sit and write for, practice to identify what answer the examiner is truly asking for, practice the feel for the exam in general.
3. Rote learning: This approach will never assist you in passing your ACCA exam. Examiners have vast choice to test student in a way he or she wants. For this, rather to focus on rote learning thorough understanding of the topic and dealing the scenario questions smartly is very important. This can be only achieved if you have a good reading habit and you should know to present your answer in a professional way.
4. Level of the verbs used: It is very important to make yourself fully comfortable with the level of the verbs used in exams. Failing to do this will put you in difficulty and lead you getting no marks. Questions practice will assist you in dealing with this easily.
5. Time management: This is the most important factor. Normally on the exam day lots of students face this problem, as so many students are unable to handle pressure. To overcome this, divide your time carefully for each question and try to ensure you are able to finish your answer within that time. Reach your ACCA exam center at least one hour before the start, so that you can settle down, and ease any nervous tensions. If you stuck in any of the questions during your paper try to skip it and return to it later. Try not to leave any questions blank in your exam, preferably try answering them all, even if it shows minor working or an understanding of what is required from the question.
These are just some minor and basic pointers, but often can be forgotten in the heat of exam preparation. Along with these tactics, a positive attitude, hard work and determination will definitely help you in passing your ACCA exams. Good luck to you all.
Remember, the series of Tony Surridge +AddVance E-books are specially designed for the ACCA exam syllabuses (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Our high quality ACCA study guide is structured around the core study text, with additional mnemonics and charts, supported by activities, as well as exam-status questions and answers for you to practice. Our comprehensive +AddVance electronic study tools provides an essential route-map through the ACCA syllabus and provides an expert interpretation of the subject and the ACCA exam requirements.
Download our free ACCA samples now (above), to see just how helpful these study tools will be for your ACCA studies.
Updated ACCA study materials provided by TonySurridge.co.uk
ACCA accountancy publishers, TonySurridge.co.uk have just announced the release of their updated study publications. For most of their ACCA subjects the E-book titles made available on their website have been updated for 2011 and beyond. This includes changes to the text in keeping with today’s date and current affairs, corrections of any mistakes, and naturally any changes to their respective ACCA exam syllabuses.
The free sample chapters, allowing ACCA students to preview the study material before purchase, have also been revised in keeping with the new updates.
The E-books that underwent updating were ACCA Papers F5, F8, F9, and P3. ACCA Papers F1, F2, F3 are currently valid until 30th November 2011, but the authors at TonySurridge.co.uk are in the process of revising these as well, in light of the new ACCA exam changes due to take place starting 1st December 2011.
Providing affordable high quality ACCA study materials in the form of online downloadable E-books, TonySurridge.co.uk is a publishing company pushing the boundaries of ACCA education in today’s society. A spokesperson at TonySurridge.co.uk commentated on the way ACCA is learnt globally.
“Given today’s technological advancements, many ACCA students are now revising from notes and tips held on their computers or other electronic devices. Whilst the classroom teaching environment, with face-to-face lecturers and a whiteboard, will always be the conventional and perhaps most effective method, substantial consideration should be presented to the next generation of online students and that dynamic method of learning.
At TonySurridge.co.uk we provide that service to ACCA students globally, allowing them to purchase one of our ACCA study titles, then download and start learning within minutes. It’s that simple and easy.”
For more information on the ACCA study services provided by TonySurridge.co.uk, head to their website now, using the above link.
The free sample chapters, allowing ACCA students to preview the study material before purchase, have also been revised in keeping with the new updates.
The E-books that underwent updating were ACCA Papers F5, F8, F9, and P3. ACCA Papers F1, F2, F3 are currently valid until 30th November 2011, but the authors at TonySurridge.co.uk are in the process of revising these as well, in light of the new ACCA exam changes due to take place starting 1st December 2011.
Providing affordable high quality ACCA study materials in the form of online downloadable E-books, TonySurridge.co.uk is a publishing company pushing the boundaries of ACCA education in today’s society. A spokesperson at TonySurridge.co.uk commentated on the way ACCA is learnt globally.
“Given today’s technological advancements, many ACCA students are now revising from notes and tips held on their computers or other electronic devices. Whilst the classroom teaching environment, with face-to-face lecturers and a whiteboard, will always be the conventional and perhaps most effective method, substantial consideration should be presented to the next generation of online students and that dynamic method of learning.
At TonySurridge.co.uk we provide that service to ACCA students globally, allowing them to purchase one of our ACCA study titles, then download and start learning within minutes. It’s that simple and easy.”
For more information on the ACCA study services provided by TonySurridge.co.uk, head to their website now, using the above link.
ACCA Paper P3 - Mnemonics and Charts
At last we are able to publish our ACCA Paper P3 e-book 'Mnemonics and Charts'. It is specially written for the ACCA Paper P3 syllabus,and is a unique and fast-paced E-book study publication which will greatly enhance the student's ability to recall facts, close out knowledge gaps, build confidence and electronically locate information pertinent to this demanding P3 Business Analysis paper. The Tony Surridge +AddVance ‘Mnemonics and Charts’ E-book reminds students of important facts they need to know about the ACCA Paper P3 syllabus – fast!
This powerful electronic P3 ACCA study tool consists of introductory pages of ‘Getting to know us’ telling you about … the design and layout of your +AddVance E-book … the P3 syllabus … our comprehensive and friendly electronic hyperlinking structure as well as our unique on-screen colour coded system.
In the main, the E-book contains an indispensable set of memory aids covering the ACCA Paper P3: Business Analysis syllabus and consists of:
283 Mnemonics
191 Charts and Diagrams
6 Revision modules for areas from Paper F5 and Paper F9
769 Pages
Click on "download a FREE Sample Chapter" (using the above link)to see just how extensive our ACCA P3 Revision Mnemonics and charts publication is, and how it can help you better prepare for your ACCA exams.
This powerful electronic P3 ACCA study tool consists of introductory pages of ‘Getting to know us’ telling you about … the design and layout of your +AddVance E-book … the P3 syllabus … our comprehensive and friendly electronic hyperlinking structure as well as our unique on-screen colour coded system.
In the main, the E-book contains an indispensable set of memory aids covering the ACCA Paper P3: Business Analysis syllabus and consists of:
283 Mnemonics
191 Charts and Diagrams
6 Revision modules for areas from Paper F5 and Paper F9
769 Pages
Click on "download a FREE Sample Chapter" (using the above link)to see just how extensive our ACCA P3 Revision Mnemonics and charts publication is, and how it can help you better prepare for your ACCA exams.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
