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Tips and Advice

CV TIPS

When applying for a job your CV is your selling tool, ensure that it is presented in a professional manner. Remember that employers are very busy so ensure that you keep the information succinct, factual and to the point

A CV should be tailored according to the role you are applying for i.e. highlighting appropriate skills and experiences that are relevant to the role.

When sending your CV to a recruitment consultancy the more information that you can supply the better as your recruitment consultant will tailor your CV for you when sending it to a company on your behalf.

Take time when preparing your CV. A poorly presented CV calls into question the plausibility of the information it contains. Be honest and use examples to demonstrate your experience.

Remember to always check your CV for spelling or grammatical errors.

Your CV should include the following:

  • Personal / Contact Details
    • Address, contact telephone number, email address, date of birth
  • Education & Qualifications in chronological order
    • Professional qualifications and membership
  • Career History in chronological order
    • Positions held, company name, responsibilities and achievements for each role. Your current / last position held should be the first listed. All dates and length of time served should be indicated for each role. Keep this concise and ideally tabulate your information for ease of reading
  • Personal Achievements
    • Personal awards received and significant sporting achievements
  • Hobbies & Interests
    • Genuine personal interests that can be discussed at interview

Do's and Don'ts

Do present your CV in a clear and precise manner

Do include your achievements - it is your time to sell yourself

Do take time to read your CV and check the spelling and grammar

Don't leave gaps in your employment or education

Don't lie on your CV – you will be found out!

Don't use photographs on CV's they are not relevant

Don't use coloured paper or various font sizes

Once you have been fully registered we will start to liaise with clients on your behalf in order to arrange interviews for you. To perform the best you possibly can at interviews that we arrange for you, you will need to prepare for the interview.

INTERVIEW ADVICE

Preparation

Find out information on the client, check the clients website for information, ask your consultant for information on the company; plan your journey and if possible do a dummy run. Find out whether you will have to take any tests at the interview. Arrive in plenty of time for the interview. Ensure that you know who is interviewing you and their position within the company.

Dress appropriately for an interview:-

Ladies - a business suit with a shirt creates the most professional appearance with clean polished shoes, do not wear to much make up or overpowering perfume.

Gentleman - a suit with a shirt and a plain tie, dark shoes and socks, do not wear too much aftershave.

During the interview

Start the interview with a strong handshake. First impressions are very important, appearance is vital. It's difficult to recover from a bad first impression, where as the good one will give you the confidence to build on your initial success.

A strong handshake while maintaining eye contact is a good start. Keeping eye contact will show that you are interested and alert, as will sitting upright in your chair.

Don't ramble. Keep your answers clear and concise. Describe your skills and experience in a positive way. The interviewer will be looking for confidence and interest in the position.

It is always best to ask for clarification if you do not understand a question. Take your time and think through all questions before offering an answer, make sure you answer the question you have been asked and aim to give a practical example to demonstrate your experience.

Example questions that you may be asked:

  • Tell me about yourself - talk me through your CV
  • Why have you applied for this job?
  • What is your understanding of this job role?
  • Why do you want to work for us?
  • What experience and qualities do you think that you can bring to the role?
  • What are your strengths and what are your development areas?
  • Give me an example of the most difficult situation you have been in at work - what was it and how did you handle it?
  • Why are you leaving your current role?

 

An invitation to ask any questions is generally a sign that the interview is drawing to a close and that you have one more chance to make an impression. Find out anything that is relevant and that has not been covered during the interview.

Information that you have obtained about the company will show commitment and this effort will be seen in a good light by the interviewer. It may give you the extra edge when a decision is being made.

Be sure that you understand the job description. Think of ways that your experience and skills fit the company's requirements.

Try to pre-empt any questions that the interviewer might ask about your CV and have well thought out answers ready.

The interviewer will be impressed if you have salient questions about the company. You could also ask about career progression but don't let your questioning in this respect eclipse your interest in the position under offer. Employers will not want someone who is keen to move on and leave the position as soon as they are employed.

Below are some areas that you might like to cover with your questions:

  • Ask the interviewer out of courtesy if you may take down notes?
  • Why is this opportunity available?
  • How will my performance be measured?
  • What are the longer-term opportunities?
  • How does this role fit into the structure of the department and how does the department fit into the organisation as a whole?
  • Ask the interviewer how long they have been with the company and what their background in?
  • Ask the interviewer what the next step will be?

 

Make sure you allow plenty of time for the interview to be carried out. Always remain positive and affirm your continued interest in the position.

After the interview

If you have been unable to take notes during the interview write a few notes down as soon as you can, so as not to forget any important information you may need for the next stage.

Send a letter thanking the interviewer for their time. This will allow you another opportunity to express your enthusiasm and interest in the role. Re-affirm issues raised at the interview, if you think it is necessary.

If, at the end of the process you are unsuccessful, try to find out why. This could prove invaluable for the future as you can address any problems and move on to your next interview with more confidence.

Above all, be positive.

Do's

  • Get to your interview ten minutes early
  • Use the interviewers name
  • Make sure that you application form, letter and CV are delivered to the person who is recruiting for the position
  • Ensure that all correspondence is well presented and there are no mistakes
  • Give a firm handshake
  • Wait to be seated. Sit upright and look interested at all times
  • Smile and display good eye contact
  • Be positive about your experience and skills
  • Give the interviewer space to talk to show that you are a good listener as well as a good communicator
  • Relay your appropriate skills accordingly, whilst following the interviewer's leads
  • Show you are interested in the opportunity and be positive at all times

 

Don'ts

  • Remember. Most companies operate a no smoking policy so it will probably be best not to smoke just before your interview
  • Never answer questions with a yes or no. Elaborate on the answer but don't ramble
  • Don't exaggerate or lie. You are unlikely to secure a position if the employer thinks you are dishonest
  • Don't be overly negative about your present of former employers
  • Unless you are sure your potential employer wants to give you the job, leave questions about salary, holiday, bonuses etc to subsequent interviews
  • You want to be at your sharpest, so avoid a late night or alcohol the night before the interview

 

If during the interview you become unsure about the position, don't show it. Remain positive. You may change your mind as more information becomes available to you throughout the course of the interview.

CV Tips and Interview Guide