Hints

Below are some useful hints when compiling your CV or promoting yourself at interview:

Curriculum Vitae

A CV is an essential tool in your search for a new job and it is therefore important to get this right.

You want your CV to be responded to and you need to include enough information to stimulate interest, but not so much to bore the reader! 

Overall:

    3 Pages maximum

    Well structured and well laid out

    Self opinion is best avoided

    Include factual information or objective evidence

    Focus on the benefits of your achievements

Page 1:

     Personal Details, Address and Contact Details

     Overview Statement covering strengths, skills and experience

    Achievements - statements of accomplishments

Page 2/3:

    Employment History with most recent job first: Each job should include dates, company, job title  and summary of responsibilities

    Educational credentials and qualifications

    Hobbies and interests (no more than 3 lines)

    Two referees

The Result:

A comprehensive CV giving the relevant information for the job you are applying!

THE INTERVIEW

You rarely get a second chance to make a good impression on a prospective employer so you need to get it right first time!

Preparation:

    Think about your skills, qualifications and experience and talk confidently about your CV contents

    Prepare some questions to ask i.e. job and company (not salary at this stage)

     Find out about the company prior to interview

    Smart business dress and tidy appearance

    Plan your journey

Top Tips:

    Practice a strong and positive handshake

    Remember to smile and be polite

    Do not accept tea/coffee unless you feel comfortable doing so

    Take any relevant papers in a suitable case or folder

At Interview:

    Interview situations differ - either one to one or before a panel

    Interview styles differ - you may be fired several questions, or be asked an open question i.e. "tell me about yourself"

    It is important to sell yourself - let the interviewer know the advantages of employing you

    Relate your experience to the job specification

    Ask how the job contributes to the success, efficiency and profitability of the company

    Show that you have done some research

    Don't give negative information or criticise previous employers.

What Happens Next?:

    Let the interviewer know if you are interested in the job

    Agree exactly the next steps i.e. when will they be in touch?

    If there will be second interviews who will conduct them?

GOOD LUCK!