We've prepared a few job tips below that may help you in your job search.


 

The aim of your CV is to get you chosen for interview - there are likely to be many other applicants for the same job, so you want to ensure that the reader can quickly identify you as a good potential candidate for the vacancy. This means it should be clear, accurate and well thought out, reflecting your abilities and achievements to best advantage. Below are some guidelines - but remember - CVs should be written with the reader in mind and not the writer!
  • Try not to exceed two pages. You don't want to force the reader through reams of paper to find the information he or she needs in order to come to an interview decision. Obviously you'll want to describe experience you have which is relevant in the most detail, so précis descriptions of your early work to save too lengthy a document if necessary.

  • Don't use jargon or abbreviations unless they're commonly used expressions.

  • Make the document as easy-to-read as you can. Use a combination of emboldening, underlining, upper and lower case type. Think about which titles you want to emphasise and which details should be in lower case letters. Never have the entire document in upper case - it becomes very hard on the eye. Don't overdo it - the rule is keep it clear and simple.

  • Somewhere in the document you should give details of your name, address, phone numbers, date of birth, nationality - usually at the beginning. There are two schools of thought concerning this - name and contact numbers should always go at the beginning creating a quick reference for the reader, but some people prefer to put date of birth, education and nationality at the end along with details of interests and hobbies.

  • Give educational details (even though it may be some time ago!) For education after the age of 11, add the name of the school or college, with dates, and make courses and results clear. Make sure you include all relevant courses, particularly those undertaken during your working life (ie telephone techniques, computer or technical training, office administration or supervisory and management courses)

  • Try to mention those hobbies or interests which show a range of skills or interests. If the job requires a specific type of person, for example an outgoing personality, mention the hobbies where you mix with others or are part of a club or team. If you are over 40 and physically active, make sure you mention any sporting activities in which you engage.

  • It is nearly always more appropriate to give details of your present or most recent employer first and work backwards.

  • Put the name of each employer and their location. If it isn't obvious, briefly describe the company's function (ie: electronic component manufacturers, retail shop, advertising agency etc) There is no need for lengthy address details.

  • Although you will need to put your job title, remember this alone will say nothing about how you performed in the job. Job titles can mean different things in different companies so always go on to describe your duties, responsibilities or achievements. Don't assume a new employer will know what a "Grade 5 Clerk" does. Try and describe "what" you did and not necessarily "how" you did it.

  • Ensure you use lots of positive verbs to describe your achievements ie: approved, demonstrated, edited, estimated, finalised, launched, organised, participated, scheduled, supervised - the list is endless. You may want to make a list of these "words of action" before you start - you can then select appropriate ones as you compile your descriptions.

  • Account for any breaks in your employment; future employers may wonder how you spent an unmentioned year.

  • There may be additional or summary information you wish to add, such as language skills, clean driving licence (if relevant) own car, ability to use specific piece of software etc.

  • You will need to have an acceptable salary range in mind before attending an interview but don't include details of present or desired earnings on the CV - you don't want to limit yourself.

  • Don't include a photograph, nor is there usually any need to include references with your CV unless requested - it simply creates more paperwork to read. Most employers take little notice of the "to whom it may concern" kind, preferring to send for references once a job offer has been made and accepted.

  • Don't make things up or put anything false on the CV - however, you may like to consider leaving out negative factors which may be better discussed at interview!

 





Over 50% of candidates are unsuccessful at interview NOT because they couldn't do the job but because they lack the necessary interview skills. More often than not it's because they haven't prepared for the interview beforehand.

Before - it's important to do some research about your prospective new employer. You'll need to work out who they are, where they are, what they do and there are a host of useful sites which can help you:

  • if the company is quoted on the stock exchange, www.corporateinformation.com can help to find out some more about them
  • there are NO excuses for being late; plan your journey in advance and if travelling by train, visit www.railtrack.co.uk to find out the timetable
  • find out the organisation's full address and postcode so you can access www.multimap.com which will assist with a printable street-map.
Next you need to workout who they are looking for so you can demonstrate that they need look no further:
  • re-read the job description (or make notes when your agency is explaining the job and the client's requirements) Concentrate on the particular skills and experience the client wants, as well as the personal skills and attributes they feel are required
  • go through the list, making sure you can explain how your experience, abilities and attitude meet their needs. If your experience is not DIRECTLY relevant, think how you can demonstrate similarities between your background and their requirements
  • remember, the interview is a 2-way process and you will have the chance to find out more about the company and the job. What else would you like to know? Prepare some questions in advance - apart from telling you what you need to know, it will also create the right impression.
During - if you've prepared well, you'll feel less flustered and more confident.
  • first impressions count. A firm (but not crushing!) handshake and a smile make a good start. Make sure you know your interviewer's name - and use it when you're introduced.
  • wait to be shown where to take a seat - in some non-traditional offices its not easy to see which will be your chair! When you do sit down, relax and try to get comfortable
  • almost everyone will start with some small talk; try to use this opportunity to relax and build some rapport
  • when answering questions, don't rush - there's no shame in thinking before opening your mouth! Obviously avoid one word answers, answering the questions as clearly and concisely as you can.
  • if you find yourself waffling or answering a questions badly, have the confidence to stop, state that you're not answering well and start again. Equally, if you haven't understood the questions, ask the interviewer for clarification.
  • if communication skills are important (and they invariably are) remember that being a good listener is also part of this; you can demonstrate your listening skills by leaning forward, establishing "sensitive" eye contact and showing you're interested in what your interviewer has to say ( for example: occasional nodding, smiling, mirroring body posture and language)
  • there is a fine line between putting across a positive account of yourself and appearing "too good to be true". We all have weaknesses - think which one you will mention if asked - perhaps mentioning a weaker skill which you later improved upon.
After - we can all benefit from reviewing what we do; sometimes to congratulate ourselves, sometimes to decide what we might do differently another time:
  • if you feel the interview went well, reflect on what you think you did well, the positive points you made or the good answers you gave. If things didn't go smoothly as you would have liked, analyse what went wrong; were there areas of questioning where you felt unprepared or uncomfortable? how might you do things differently another time?
  • think about what the company has on offer; jot down the positive and the negative elements - whether that's to do with the job itself or the salary, prospects, travel and so on. Its important to weigh things up and look at the whole picture
  • if you are really keen, it might benefit your application to write a brief follow-up letter the next day. You could thank the company for their time and reaffirm your interest in the company and the job. Even if you're not offered that particular position, it may prompt them to consider you for another position when one arises.
Following these brief guidelines could increase your chance of interview success. If you know someone else who may benefit, by all means refer them to this site.

Good Luck at your next interview!