Job Seekers Advice - CV Writing and Interview Techniques

Advice - The tools for a Successful Jobhunter.

Advice on Writing an Effective CV
The Interview
Make sure you choose the right agency?

Why use a CV?

Curriculum vitae can be used for responding to an advertisement, making a speculative approach to companies or if a company does not have an application form. The main aim of a CV is to present you in an accurate and positive light, to encourage the prospective employer to find our more and to get an interview.

CV Preparation

Start by writing down all the details of your career including:

Job Titles
Starting and finishing dates of each job. Do not leave any gaps, if you were unemployed, did you travel, do voluntary work or raise a family during this time?
Duties & responsibilities.
Achievements – give examples of results that you are proud of, such as "I achieved sales person of the month consecutively of 3 months".
Skills i.e.) word processing.
Education – Name of School University etc and Qualifications.
Other Training courses attended.

Size & Content of your CV

The maximum size of your CV should be two sides of A4 paper, so there is no room for waffle, decide what are the most relevant points for the position you are applying for.

For a position that is very specialised or specific it is better to tailor your CV with information that is relevant to that company.
Your CV need to be easy to read and interesting, use headers and short sentences or bullet point the information to make it clear and concise.
Be specific.
Use plain English; remember to keep it brief.
Be Honest, this information is likely to form the basis of your interview and hopefully your employment.

CV layout & design

The standard layout of a CV would be as follows :-

Full name.
Address and postal code.
Telephone number with the STD code.
Date of birth.
Driving licence.
Employment History – list your employment starting with the most recent position first. Include the name of the company, dates of employment, job title and your responsibilities.
Achievements should be in bullet point.
Education training & qualifications – List all education details from secondary school onwards. List the exams passed, with the dates and location.
Additional information – includes computer skills, word processing packages used, typing speed and any language skills.
Hobbies & other interests – keep it brief and factual, try to show hobbies that would use the underlining skills needed for the job.
References – Only include them if you’re asked.
Try to stay away from writing Curriculum Vitae at the top of the page; it is obvious to employers what the document is.

CV Appearance

Remember first impressions count, use a good quality paper and send an original not a photocopy. If you’re applying for a position within art/design or public relations you can afford to be a bit more experimental.

Take the time to check for spelling mistakes and errors; where possible get someone to check it for you.
Use a word processor, get someone to produce it professionally if you can not do it yourself. CV services are often advertised in newspapers, but you will be charged a fee.

A Covering letter for your CV

A covering letter should always accompany a CV, even if the advert does not ask for one.

The letter should be a maximum of 1 page.
Check the advert, sometimes a handwritten letter is requested instead of using a word processor.
Address it to the relevant person; make sure their name is spelt correctly.
State the name of the position you are applying for. Outline why you want the job and expand on your skills that are directly relevant to the position.
End the letter by saying you look forward to seeing them.
Keep a copy of the letter for your own record.

Finally, feel free to call into any branch of Barker Personnel Services for more information and GOOD LUCK!

The Interview

Plan ahead for the interview and remember that the company has called YOU in because they think you can do the job.

Impress your Interviewer by the following……

RESEARCH

What do you know about the company?

Some companies may send out company information with the invitation for interview. If you do receive this, ensure you read it before the interview as you may be asked questions concerning your knowledge of the company.

If you do not receive an information pack, telephone the company and ask them to send you some literature. Alternately, you could visit your local Library or the company’s web site on the Internet.

When you have gathered all the relevant information, it is a good idea to make some notes to take along to the interview. This will impress the company as it proves you have shown an interest in them.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

How will you get there and how long will it take you?

If you are going to travel by car, plan your route in advance and find out where you can park. It may be a good idea to do a dummy run the day before, in traffic. This will ensure you allow enough time to get there.

If necessary ask the employer for directions, bus or train routes or details of parking.

WHAT TO WEAR

What are you going to wear?

Plan your outfit a couple of days before. This will save you worrying about what to wear on the day. Dress professionally - darker colours are very smart and can be more effective. Always ensure that your shoes are polished!

QUESTIONS TO ASK AT INTERVIEW
Have you thought about questions you would like to ask at the interview or what the interviewer may ask you?

Make a list of all the questions you want to ask at the interview. For example, you may want to ask about the training you will be given, promotional prospects, makeup of the department or what would be involved in a typical day.

Never ask about the salary unless the interviewer asks you. Holidays and sick pay should not be mentioned either as you want to show you are interested in the company and not just the benefits. These will be discussed at the final interview.

READ THROUGH YOUR CV
What relevant experience do you have?

Read through your CV before the interview and match your experience against the job specification. Highlight the similarities, as there will be some tasks that you have experienced in the past. You could also take certificates or examples of your work along with you, as these demonstrate your capabilities.

Have you got the following to take with you?

A copy of the advertisement
Your CV
The letter inviting you to attend interview
Notes you have made on the company along with the question you want to ask
Examples of your work, if applicable
Any company information you have gathered

First impressions are very important. If you have the opportunity to chat to the Receptionist on arrival, do. This will calm your nerves and take your mind off the interview. Afterwards, the interviewer may ask the Receptionist for their opinion of you.

Here are some tips to help you in your interview

Stand up confidently, smile and shake the interviewers hand when he / she greets you.
Sit up straight in the chair and do not slouch or fidget.
Make good eye contact with the interviewer throughout the interview.
Listen to the interviewer.
Show interest in the company and ask questions, especially is there is something you don’t understand.
Avoid ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers. Always answer the questions in full and try to give examples where possible.
Sell yourself – don’t be afraid to tell the interviewer about your strengths.
Ask the interviewer if they would like to see examples of your work or certificates.
Never criticise your past employers.
Always tell the truth!

If you like what you see at the interview let the interviewer know. Tell them that you like the sound of the job and would like to know what the next stage is. Remember you only get one opportunity to sell yourself!

Good luck !

Make sure you use the Right Agency

No-one ever has any time! How therefore can you make the best of your time by registering with an employment agency? Which one do you choose?

Before visiting any employment agency ensure that they are the right match for you. Are you looking for temporary or permanent work? Where possible telephone your selected agency, to make an appointment, question the duration of your visit, book a scheduled interview, ensuring time is set aside for you.

Do the people you talk to sound helpful? Interested? And will you feel happy confiding in them with regard to your career history? Do they manage the kind of vacancies you are looking for?

Plan ahead, where possible, attend the interview in business dress. This is the first stage on the route to your aspired career. If you are unable to attend in business dress, apologise on arrival.

Have you updated your CV? Check your current employment package and review your expectations for your next career move.

The right employment agency is there to help you find the right job. Be honest, be open, be prepared to listen and accept constructive comments and advice. Be positive, sell yourself! After all they will be doing the same for you to their clients. REMEMBER – first impressions count. At the end of your interview, give feedback, otherwise how can the agency check the quality of service they are giving you.

At the conclusion of the interview, make sure you know what will happen next. If you are unsure – ask. Relationships work best when both parties participate and the key is communication. Don’t be afraid to phone them often to ask what is happening with your application. Always feed back to the agency after interviews; this information is crucial to the ongoing success of your career.

After following the above, we wish you lots of luck, and ask you to pick up the telephone now and make that call to Barker Personnel – we are the right agency to help you secure the right job.

For a caring, listening and professional approach to your career contact your nearest branch of Barker Personnel Services.