CV/Resume Advice

Preparation:

Before starting to create your CV/Resume, take some time to prepare what you are going to include, being sure to make a note of all your relevant qualifications, skills and abilities related to the job. You can then use this as a check list once you start to make sure you don""t miss any important points out.

First Impressions:

This is very important; make sure it is well presented, with clear headings. Try to avoid large blocks of text. Research suggests that if you don""t get the readers interest in the first 20 seconds the chances of getting a interview are reduced.

Their position:

The reader is looking at why they should interview you so approach you CV/Resume from their point of view. Look at the job description and qualities needed and make sure you include a summary of your skills and qualities in relation to those mentioned.

Length:

Big is not always best. If you application is too long the reader will lose interest and may miss out valuable information. Try to keep your CV/Resume to a maximum of two sides of A4. Try to keep the length of each sentence short and to the point.

Sell Yourself:

Your CV/Resume is an advert for yourself, so include a section highlighting why you are ""Perfectly"" suited to the position and what the company will gain from employing you.

Check & Double Check:

The last thing you need after creating a good CV/Resume is for it to contain spelling mistakes or have poor grammar. It can make a good application look poor and rushed.

Interview Techniques

Research:

Always do some research about the company you are applying for. Find out some information such as where they have officers, how many staff they employ, what their mission statement/goals are. By doing this you can drop them in during the interview and appear to be clued up about the company and how it operates. Part of you research should be working out how exactly you will get to the interview, where it is and who you will be meeting. The last thing you want to do is turn up late not knowing who is supposed to interview you.

First impressions:

Be early, try to get to the interview location at least 15 minutes early. Arriving just on time or late will not be looked upon favorably whatever your excuse. Once you have arrived be sure to make a firm handshake and try to maintain eye contact when speaking

Confidence:

Have an air of confidence about you in the interview. Confidence will breed confidence and if you appear confident this will come across to the interviewer. This is not only in your physical appearance and posture but in how you answer questions, speak confidently and try not to hesitate or mumble.

Questions:

At the end of the interview you will most probably be asked if you have any questions, always try to ask a couple of questions as this will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job. Questions relating to the possibility of extra training and opportunities to progress are always good ones.

Likely Interview Questions:

- Tell me about your work experience.
- Why have you applied for this job?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- What can you bring to this job?