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CV & Interview Advice

CV Tips and Interview Techniques

CV Advice

The Do’s:

  • Start with a profile summarising your key experiences, achievements and aspirations.
  • Provide a summary of educational and qualification details, including grades and dates. Start with your most recent qualifications and work backwards. If you have a degree note this before your A levels.
  • For each employment position, use bullet points rather than paragraphs. Note specific dates of employment, location and industry sectors.
  • Clearly indicate the progress you have made including specific achievements and successes.
  • Use good quality white paper with a plain type face, avoiding italics, decorative fonts and graphics.
  • Attach a covering letter explaining specifically why you are suitable for the job. are suitable for the job.
  • Check and double check for spelling and grammatical errors. A fresh pair of eyes may help.
  • Where appropriate, tailor the CV to the position you are applying for.tion you are applying for.
  • Ensure all the information provided on the CV is factual and accurate.
  • If you have had any breaks in employment it is helpful to note what you have been doing during that period, i.e. travelling/raising a family.
  • Leave your hobbies and interests until last, and keep this section brief.d keep this section brief.

 

The Dont’s:

  • Do not waffle; you must keep the detail interesting and easy to read.
  • Do not use more than 3 pages.
  • Do not forget to include your contact details, i.e. home email address, home and mobile telephone numbers.
  • Do not leave any career gaps unexplained.
  • Do not use jargon or detail points which are irrelevant.
Interview Preparation

The Do's:

  • Preparation is the key; make sure you know about the organisation and the role you are being interviewed for.
  • Be sure you know where you are going and who you are meeting with. Take the company's telephone number in case you are delayed.
  • As soon as you arrive you will be making an impression at reception so conduct yourself accordingly.
  • Dress professionally; be smart - even if it is a less formal follow up meeting.
  • Be confident; with a firm handshake, make eye contact and be cheerful (smile).
  • Be prepared to ask questions and be enthusiastic.
  • Review the job specification and your CV thoroughly, so you can provide evidence that you meet the criteria.
  • Pre-empt the questions you will be asked so you are confident with your responses.
  • Make sure that by the time you leave that your questions or concerns are dealt with, so you are able to give the role and organisation your full consideration.

 

The Don'ts:

  • Be late.
  • Show a lack of interest.
  • Be negative about your current or previous employers.
  • Don't forget to be courteous to the Receptionist on arriving and leaving.
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