CV Guide

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Your CV is your personal marketing tool so it needs to be factual and well presented

Presentation

• Make sure your CV is easy to read, clear and well presented
• Avoid italics and decorative fonts, and don't add an ornate border
• Try to keep your CV to no more than two pages

Structure

• Put your name right at the top of the front page, with your contact details directly underneath
• Your educational history, academic achievements and work experience should be listed in reverse order. Achievements and responsibilities are listed against each role. More emphasis/information should be put on more recent jobs
• Use bullet points rather than full sentences
• Never leave gaps, these should always be explained. If you took a year out, or carried out interim assignments, say so
• List your hobbies and interests last – and keep this section short
• Double-check and proofread before you send it off, your CV is the first impression your potential employer will have of you.

Interview

You have an interview !! This is your chance to really shine and prove yourself.

Get organised – be prepared

• Find out as much information as possible about your prospective employer in advance. Visit the company's website, read trade press, phone the company and request general information
• Study the job spec and match it to your own CV. Your potential employer will want to know how and why you meet their criteria
• Know who it is you are meeting, where the building is and how to get there. Allow extra time for your journey in case of delays
• Prepare for probable questions that may be asked about yourself and the job that you are apply for

Your first impressions count

• Don't fall at the first hurdle by turning up late. This is the big interview no-no, and could help decide your fate before you've even spoken a word
• Wear a smart but comfortable suit
• Be courteous to everyone, from the Receptionist to the MD – you never know who might influence the final selection of candidates
• Greet your interviewer standing, with a strong, firm handshake and a smile! Good body language is vital. Speak clearly and confidently and try and maintain a comfortable level of eye contact throughout
• Take with you a copy of your CV, a pen and pad of paper.

Questions that may be asked

• Tell me about yourself
• Why are you interested in this role
• Why are you interested in working for this company
• Why do you want to work within this industry
• What do you like/ dislike about your current role
• Why are you looking to leave your current employer
• What have your achievements been to date
• What are your strengths and weaknesses
• What interests do you have outside of work
• What are you goals and ambitions

Ask the interviewer ...

• Where would I fit in the structure?
• Who will report to me?
• How experienced are they?
• What do you expect me to do in the first 6 months?
• What plans do you have for expansion and how would these impact on my role?
• What scope is there for taking on extra work, or being involved in any other aspects of the company?
• What would be the opportunities to progress within the company?
• What training/ induction do you provide?
• When will you decide on the appointment?
• What is the next step?

Conclusion

When the interview has come to a close you may be offered an explanation of how the process will continue, if not try to find out when you should expect to hear back but remember not to be too pushy. Call your recruitment consultant as soon as you are out to give him/ her your feedback. Your consultant is employed by the company to liaise with both parties so if you have any queries go back through them rather than direct unless otherwise invited to do so.

Second interviews

The first interview lays the foundation, the second interview can take many different formats, panel interview, assessment center, presentations and interviews.

Whatever the format, the questions asked will probe two particular areas:

• Do you meet the core competencies of the job?
• Is your personal profile the right match for the company?

Your personality and the impact you make is what will really land you the job. Be yourself, show enthusiasm, positivity and honesty will go a long way.

Second interviews can be daunting but if you put in the preparation, your hard work may well pay off.

Good luck !!

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