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Your CV is your first opportunity to make an impression on the
Recruiter. Make it count! Visualise
an Recruiter with a heap of CVs which have to be separated into those which go
forward to interview - and those which do not. Your CV should sell you as the
ideal candidate for the vacant post and take you smoothly on to the next stage
of selection. Content and
Presentation are the first criteria.
Content Tailor your
CV to the vacancy for which you are applying. Don't include unnecessary information
that is not applicable to the job. Keep it concise and make every word count.
Communicate your skills and experience
effectively by using plain language, short paragraphs and succinct pieces of information
that can be easily extracted by the reader. Emphasise your achievements using
strong action words such as - Developed - Designed - Managed - Don't use
personal pronouns such as "I developed - I designed". Be precise and
don't exaggerate when describing what you have accomplished.
Presentation Readability
is not just about the words you choose to use. The appearance of your CV can make
all the difference. Use a white or cream coloured, reasonable quality paper. Never
use coloured or textured paper, they don't photocopy well and cause annoyance.
Use a simple font, avoid too much underlined, italicised or emboldened type. Don't
try to squeeze too much text on a page, use normal margins and equal spacing.
If you must send a photocopy of your CV, ensure it is a first generation copy
taken on a good photocopier. Review Nothing
degrades a written communication more than bad spelling or bad grammar. Take
the time to check and double check. Run the spell-checker through your document,
but don't forget it won't pick up words that are spelled right, but used wrongly
('there' / 'their' 'to' / 'too'). Check your grammar and choice of words. Never
use words you don't fully understand. Use plain English. Be consistent with your
punctuation. Check your personal details are up-to-date (address, telephone numbers,
e-mail address etc.) Double-check the dates of previous employment. Finally, give
your document to someone else to peruse. They may pick up errors that you haven't!!
Covering Letter Now that
you have constructed a well-presented, informative CV which is concise and contains
all the information relevant to the post desired, a Covering Letter should be
created. Never send out a CV without a covering letter. Use
your letter to introduce yourself and your reason for writing. Where possible,
it should be addressed to the person responsible for filling the position and
include that person's job title (phone the switchboard, if you're not sure). Follow
the same rules as for the construction of your CV - use simple language, be positive
in your approach and tell them why you believe you are the best person to fill
their vacancy. Don't repeat detail included in your CV but use the letter to underline
how your skills will specifically meet the Recruiter's needs and beyond. Close
the letter by telling the Recruiter where and how you can be reached and don't
forget to sign it. Presentation
of your covering letter is just as important as for your CV. Follow the same steps
and review your results carefully. Ensure your name and address appears on both
covering letter and CV and use the same paper stock as well. Most
Recruiters are happy to receive a printed covering letter (unless 'reply in writing'
is specifically requested).
Interview
Advice
Interview… the basics
DON'T BE LATE
Leave
plenty of time for the journey, you don't want to be late, plan you route in advance
and leave time for possible delays due to traffic, if for any reason you think
you'll be delayed you must inform your Interviewer as soon as possible. Do
your research on the company you wish to work for, you may be asked what you have
already found out and it will make a positive impression if you've done your homework.
Take
some copies of you CV with you as your Interviewer may refer to certain aspects
of it as part of the interview, or may require further copies for other colleagues
present. You may be required
to fill in either a short test of application form, make sure you read it well
before filling it in, take your time and thin about exactly what you are being
asked before you start to answer. (please download an example) Ensure
you greet your Interviewer with a handshake, smile, stand up straight with your
head high, look confident and professional. Make sure you sit up straight and
try not to fidget or look around the room, and keep eye contact. Wear
a smart suit, or trousers and a smart jacket, you have to project a professional
image at all time. Hair and nails should be clean, shoes polished and make up
and jewellery kept to a minimum.
Make sure you show interest and enthusiasm
for the company and the position you are applying for. If you have any questions
do not be afraid to ask the Interviewer it will show you are keen and interested.
When
the interview comes to an end, thank the Interviewer and shake hands, remembering
to smile and make eye contact again.
Questions you could be asked 1.
What are your strengths and weaknesses? 2.
Why are you leaving your current Recruiter? - 3.
What skills could you bring to this position?
- 4.
What are you looking for from your next position?
5.
Where do you see yourself professionally in 3 years? - 6.
How well do you work in a team?
- 7.
How do you cope under pressure?
Many
Interviewers will ask if you have any questions, you could ask at interview
1.
What do you expect of the person who takes on this role? 2.
How soon would you be able to start?
3. When
will you be making your decision?
4.
What are the company's future development plans?
5.
How would my role fit in with these?
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