If you're counting down the days till your next job interview, these helpful hints will help you get in the right mood so you can leave a lasting impression on the interviewers.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Unless you are a Board level candidate, we would recommend a CV of no more than two pages long. Statistics show that clients tend to lose interest in
CV's which are too 'wordy'. Complex wording should also be avoided. If the client doesn't understand what you actually do, why would they hire you?
Stick to a modern font such as Calibri or Helvetica as opposed to something too ornate or in italics. A brief review of a CV should be all that is required to
gain a client's initial interest. On that basis you need to get it right.
DON'T LEAVE GAPS
It is always best to start off on the right foot with a potential employer and changing your CV, amending details and deleting previous employers is an
absolute no no'. It is also really important that you include both months and years of employment on your CV. It's not the end of the world if you have had
movement on your CV. Of course it will need to be explained but remember good recruiters are in short supply and the client is just looking for
reassurance that if they hire you will be looking to stay with them long term. Clients appreciate that relocation, changes in circumstances, office closures
and other issues can all result in completely justifiable reasons for leaving a previous role.
TAILOR YOUR CV TO THE SPECIFIC JOB YOU ARE APPLYING FOR.
Don't send a generic CV out en masse. A CV which is tailored to the specific role you are applying for demonstrates that you have taken the time to read
the spec and are interested in that particular role. It also allows you to highlight the areas of your experience which make you a strong candidate for the
role. Your CV is the first point of contact the client has from you. They need to quickly assess your suitability and this is much easier for them to do if the
key components of their role match the detail on your CV.
INCLUDE KEY INFORMATION
How often have we all received CV's omitting key information or incorrect/out of date contact information. The following should always be included:
Name, address, telephone numbers (both home and mobile) and email address. A link to your Linked in profile, or indeed any social media mediums you
use, should also be included should you have them. A word of warning: clients often check information against Linked In profiles so both need to be
factually correct.
SPELL CHECK
It's crucial that you both spellcheck and reread your CV through at least twice. It needs to 'flow' and errors could be viewed as rushed work or a lack of
attention to detail. We would always recommend you ask someone else to proof read your CV. A second opinion is never a bad thing!
EMPHASISE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY
On a personal level any academic or sporting achievements will impress clients as they demonstrate your competitive spirit and potential leadership
ability. Professionally it's also extremely important to list any important successes including the following: targets exceeded, your best month/year of
billings, your highest fee, league tables, competitions won, a major client converted or even a speedy promotion. These are just a few examples of the
many things that could potentially make your CV stand out from those of other applicants.
If you're counting down the days till your next job interview, these helpful hints will help you get in the right mood so you can leave a lasting impression on the interviewers.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Fail to plan, and you plan to fail. You are certain to be asked specific questions about the company, so make sure you've done your homework on things like their last year's profits and latest product launches. Also take a look at the latest developments in the industry so you can converse with confidence.
PRACTICE YOUR ANSWERS
Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up. You should prepare answers to some of the most common interview questions such as listing your personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as being able to explain why you would be the best person for the job and why you have left previous roles.
LOOK THE PART
Appearances shouldn't matter, but the plain fact is that you are often judged before you've even uttered a word. Make sure your shoes are polished, your clothes fit correctly and that your accessories are subtle. Dressing one level above the job you're applying for shows a desire to succeed.
STAY CALM
Good preparation is the key to staying in control. Plan your route, allowing extra time for any unexpected delays, and get everything you need to take with you ready the night before. Remember to speak clearly, smile and remember that your interviewers are just normal people, and they may be nervous too!
ASK QUESTIONS
You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of five questions, some which will give you more information about the job, and some which delve deeper into the culture and goals of the company.
