CV & Interview Tips
WRITING YOUR CV
Along with your cover letter, your CV is an introduction to yourself, your skills and the qualities you can bring to the role you are applying for. It should always be presented in a clear, easy to read format. The purpose of your CV is to make the reader interested in you and make them want to invite you for an interview. It should be a brief overview of your education and employment history and should not be an autobiography. Sometimes providing too much information can be as damaging as providing too little. Here are some helpful tips on how to write your CV:
Try not to make your CV longer than 2 pages, remember that you want it to gain you an interview, not give everything away.
- Set out your CV in a logical order.
- Always be honest as information can be easily checked.
- Include information about relevant training courses and certificates gained.
- State your current employment first and work backwards.
- Only provide relevant information and keep it to the point.
- Provide details of a few hobbies.
- Provide referee information.
CV Do's
- Do make sure your CV is well presented in an easy to follow format.
- Do ensure your CV is grammatically correct with no spelling or typing errors.
- Do be honest.
- Do highlight your skills and achievements.
- Do put your contact details on your CV as well as your cover letter.
CV Don'ts
- Don't make your CV too long, as it will discourage the reader. Too much information can sometimes be as bad as too little.
- Don't omit vital information such as your contact details.
- Don't provide false information, you will probably be caught out.
- Don't send your CV out without double checking it first.
Remember that the purpose of sending a covering letter and CV is to get you an interview.
PREPARATION FOR INTERVIEW
- Research Company (make notes)
- Plan Routes - Visit site
- Check out public transport times
- Allow enough time
- Prepare questions
- Plan what to wear
THE INTERVIEW FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT
- The Basics – Turn up on time, look smart, remember interviewers name, visit bathroom beforehand, have fresh breath strip if smoker
- Make an Impression – Smile, firm handshake, don’t talk too quickly, keep eye contact, relax and allow your personality to show through
- Do's – Be positive,sit up straight, keep arms unfolded, listen and look interested,concentrate and make frequent eye contact, reply to questions clearly and concisely
- Dont's – Be late, criticise current or previous employer, fidget or waffle,interupt the interviewer, be afraid to sell yourself, get stressed!!
- Be prepared for questions you may be asked
- Prepare questions you might like to ask
JOB OFFER
- Know what salary, holidays, working hours you are happy to except
- Sound enthusiastic
- Do not resign from any other employment until you receive job offer in writing
- Arrive early on first day!
SUMMARY
- Find the right vacancy for you
- Good first impression with application
- Research and prepare prior to Interview
- At Interview be prepared, smart, confident and smile
- And Start the Job on Time