CVs and Interviews are a means to an end.  If you want your job applications to be successful, you need to think about how you are going to present yourself to prospective employers in order to get that all important interview and once there, how to do yourself justice and land the job.  Read through our CV and interview tips, apply what you have learned and success will be yours...

cv tips
interview tips

 






cv tips

Your CV is an important introduction to yourself, your skills and the qualities you can bring to the role you are applying for. The purpose of your CV is to make the reader interested in you and make them want to invite you for an interview. Below are some helpful hints and reminders to bear in mind when writing your CV. Remember, if your CV gets you an interview - you CAN get the job.

Display your CV [Career & Achievements] in reverse chronological order (latest job first)
Be completely honest - information is easily verified
List courses attended and certificates (if any) gained
Leave out any negative information; gaps or career mistakes are best explained at interview
Only list hobbies if you actually do them
Provide two referees - ideally work related

Remember to use only good quality paper and never give the impression that this is one of many CVs you have sent out to every position going.  The use of gimmicks and fancy designs should also be avoided.
Always write a concise, to the point covering letter.  In the letter you should include which vacancy you are applying for and why you believe you should be considered.
Be concise.  Try to keep your CV as short as possible. The people who will have to read it have probably got many more so don't put them off yours by making it too long. Do not skip information - only include relevant information. You can expand on any information when invited for interview.

Including a Career Statement or Personal Profile can be viewed as merely representing the applicant's view of him/herself. However, employers do find them useful and, when compiling your own, you will appreciate that in doing so it is impossible to write anything other than the absolute truth. The following is an example:-
"Enthusiastic Customer Services Co-ordinator with proven ability to control multiple marketing projects within given timescales whilst maintaining a high quality of work and achievements of set goals. A confident communicator both internally and externally."
cv do's cv don'ts  
Ensure CV is well presented - use a professional font and good quality paper Omit vital information such as contact details
Ensure there are no grammatical, spelling or typing errors.  Ask someone else to check it over for you Make your CV too long - it will discourage the reader and make it difficult to find the salient points; 2 or 3 pages is ideal
Highlight your skills and qualities, try to include achievements and, if possible, the resultant benefits for past employers List dangerous or 'different' interests eg bungee-jumping; political affiliations or past trade union involvement [unless applicable to the post]

Drop the 'I' and use past tense when describing your achievements.  It's easier to give yourself credit without boasting and using past tense means you don't have to keep repeating 'I'; you can use an asterisk or a bullet point.

 

Give reasons for leaving.  An employer has to consider if you will stay and to remind him of reasons why you leave a job [better prospects, more pay] is not fitting at this point.

Your CV is your first chance to impress the company so be sure to take time to produce a first class, professional CV.

The importance of your CV is paramount; its purpose is to place your name on an interview shortlist, so its got to be unique and special.  If you need any further help in compiling or producing your own CV, contact a member of our recruitment team.
  Start Page
interview tips
The key to a successful interview is preparation.  Contact the company and find out exactly what they do and if possible get a company brochure.  Look to see if the company has a website as these usually provide extensive company and product information.  In the case of smaller companies, the very least benefit is that the receptionist may tell the interviewer that you were keen enough to make enquiries.
Also ensure you have a full understanding of all the duties and skills required for this position.  Re-familiarise yourself with your CV and note the skills and experiences you have which match their requirements and be prepared to talk about these strengths.

Ensure you leave home in plenty of time for your interview - it is much better to arrive early rather than red-faced, sweaty and running late.  Try the journey a few days before and bear in mind any rush hour traffic problems you may have if your interview is first thing in the morning or during the evening rush hour.
Make sure you dress appropriately for the vacant position, dress up rather than down if in any doubt about dress code; you should aim to look smart, professional and in control.  Try to always maintain eye contact from the moment you arrive and greet the receptionist (remember first impressions count on everyone - it only takes 7 seconds to form a first opinion).  Offer a firm handshake and remember to SMILE and look interested.  If you look at ease it will be easier for the interviewer to see all your attributes and how you would fit into the company.
During your interview make sure you listen to the interviewer intently and remember any points that need clarifying later.  Don't be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat points - it looks much better than nodding inanely to something that you shouldn't.  Ask questions that you think are relevant to the position, prospects and company.  However, don't just ask questions for the sake of it - ensure that all questions relate to the position or company.

Make sure you come across as a team player and be prepared to offer examples of times you have worked as part of a team and what attributes and strengths you offered.  Never tell the interviewer anything that isn't strictly true as untruths have a habit of being uncovered.  Avoid the temptation to criticise a former boss or company, as this never impresses interviewers.

Finally, thank your interviewer for their time, smile and give them a firm handshake.
top tips
If you find it difficult to 'blow your own trumpet' give yourself a reference and attribute it to someone else; e.g. 'My last boss promoted me to Credit Control Manager because of my supervisory and negotiating skills which saved the company some £25,000 in the last quarter alone"
The hypothetical question. Try to imagine what type of situational question you may be asked - the interviewer may want to know if you can "think on your feet" and pose a question significant to their industry.  Eg for a customer service role you may well be asked "How would you deal with an irate customer who is disappointed with our service?".   Rehearsing your answers will prevent the dreaded "erm's and hmms" which interviewers hate and which send your confidence levels spiralling downwards.
Be ready with examples of experiences in previous jobs in readiness for questions such as:- "Describe how you handled a difficult situation in your present/last job?" "What can you bring to our company from day one?"; "What did you least enjoy about your last job?"; and be ready for the all important "Why should we hire you?" - it's your chance to sell yourself!
If you would like to read more of our Top Tips or would like to receive a list of more than 50 commonly asked interview questions; please do not hesitate to contact one of the Recruitment Team.