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Candidate Services
Where do you start, a blank piece of paper has never looked so empty. Here’s what you do, take some post-it notes and brainstorm the following topics:
- What are my strengths?
- In which areas did I excel in my previous positions?
- In which working environment would I thrive?
- What are my weaknesses?
- What are my mid to long-term professional goals?
- Define what I do professionally.
- What personal attributes can I bring to a role?
Now you have started the process you need to get them into some order.
Your CV is a reflection of your professionalism. It needs to state that you are the right person for the job. You need to have one master copy of a CV and then should tailor subsequent CVs to bring out salient points in your work history that match the Person Specification and Job Specification of the role your are interested in.
A Good CV should contain the following:
- A clear, un-cluttered layout (3 pages maximum)
- Job specific information (avoid jargon and include a synopsis of the company you worked for, don’t assume that people will recognise the company name.)
- Articulate, concise language- a maximum of 15 words per sentence.
- Specific and quantifiable achievements.
- No mistakes
Recruiters and employers look for the following attributes when filling a post. Include quantifiable examples of as many of these as possible in your CV.
- Competence and experience
- Relevant skills
- Strategic thinking
- Creativity and problem solving
- Leadership (how many people in your team, based in one place or in far-flung places?)
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Personal management skills
- Integrity
A Chronological CV is the most traditional; they list previous employers and job roles in detail and are suited to professionals who have a formal history of experience.
Functional or skills CVs are better suited to contractors, graduates, people who have taken time out. They are useful when making a complete career change.
- Personal details
- Name, contact details, nationality
- Profile
- A descriptive overview of your professional profile. List your key features, formal training and business acumen.
- Work experience in reverse chronological order
- Include dates, a brief summary of what the company did, size of turnover, and number of employees. Include projects worked on, responsibilities and key, quantifiable achievements.
- Education and Qualifications
- Most recent first (no need to include you GCSE results if you have subsequently gone on to achieve an MBA or similar.) Include PC skills and proficiencies
- References
There is nothing more unprofessional than grammar or spelling mistakes on your CV. Don’t rely on the spell-checker facility, print off a hard copy and circulate it around people you can trust who will read it through for you and highlight any errors.
Prior to the InterviewPlan your journey, where will you park? Allow for traffic hold-ups and build in time to get lost, even Satellite Navigation systems can go wrong! It is so unprofessional to be late, you will be even more nervous!
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If the worst of the worst happens and you are going to be held up, telephone ahead and be pessimistic about the time of you arrival. There is nothing more unprofessional if you are going to be late, inform the interviewer and then you are still late!
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Research the company and if possible, the interviewer.
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Prepare questions that you want to ask about the company, why is there a vacancy? You need to get an understanding of the culture and environment. It will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are interested in the job and working for the company.
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Go to the loo, check your appearance, calm down and wash your hands!
During the Interview
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Firm handshake with eye contact to everybody in the room.
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Relax, smile and be yourself. They asked to see you, remember!
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Sell yourself, not only on your past achievements, but on what you can bring to their company. Ask the questions that you have prepared.
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LISTEN attentively and answer the questions honestly. Integrity is important and an interviewer will pay more credence to you as a candidate if you are honest.
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Expect to be asked technical questions about your skills and experience. You may be asked to take some tests.
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At the end of the interview, if you want the job, tell them you are interested and let them know your availability. Do not leave any doubt in their minds.
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Thank the interviewer for seeing you and shake hands.
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Phone your consultant and give them honest feedback on how you think the interview went.
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