CV & Interview Advice

Writing your CV

A CV is your primary marketing tool when trying to secure a new job. It’s often your first point of contact with a prospective employer, and first impressions do count. Below is basic advice and tips on how we would advise a candidate to present their CV.

A common misconception is that CVs should be limited to two pages. This is perhaps appropriate for more junior candidates, but is often too restrictive for an individual with several years’ experience. Whatever the length, all parts of the CV should be punchy and concise - short paragraphs are far more readable than large blocks of text.

A basic CV should include:

•    Contact details
•    A brief profile outlining your main attributes, skills and experience
•    Career history (most recent history listed first)
•    Education (again, most recent history listed first)
•    Specific skills and memberships
•    Hobbies and interests
•    References

Always ensure that your CV is well-presented, and do check that grammar and spelling are correct throughout.

What makes a good Cover Letter?

Use your cover letter to target your application to a particular role.

Whilst the cover letter gives you a chance to personalise your application, remember that the CV is the primary tool – and this should also be tailored to highlight specific skills for each individual application.

Cover letters should be brief (a long two page letter won’t be read) but should include a summary of your skills, experience and attributes.

It should also outline what you are looking for in a new role, the level of salary you are after and locations that you are interested in.

As with the CV, it is essential that grammar, spelling and presentation are all excellent.

Interview tips and techniques

How you perform in an interview will ultimately decide whether you secure a role – so it’s important to prepare well. The following ‘common-sense’ tips will ensure that you get off to the right start.

Preparation

Researching the organisation is critical. You should take the following information into account:

•    Core activities
•    History and origins
•    Territories in which the company operates
•    The number of employees and types of roles held
•    Current initiatives and future plans
•    The CEO and key executives within the business (including interviewers)
•    Recent press comments

Ensure that you are clear on the following:

•   Your key achievements
•   Your key strengths
•   The key challenges you have experienced in your career and how they were overcome
•   What skills you feel you need to develop further
•   Your professional aspirations

On the day

It is important to remain professional, polite and courteous throughout the interview. Remember that you are being assessed as soon as you arrive on site – so make a good impression with everyone you meet.

Other general tips include:

•   Dress smartly regardless of the company dress code
•   Turn up five to ten minutes before the meeting.
•   And don’t turn up too early – the interviewer may still be preparing
•   Listen to questions and answer them as honestly as possible.
•   It’s generally not a good idea to over-prepare for interviews. Interviewers can sense 'stock answers'
•   Take each point in turn and ask for clarification if necessary
•   If you don't know the answer, say so
•   Don't give one-word answers, such as "yes" and "no" – ensure you elaborate
•   Make eye contact and assume a relaxed but formal body position.
•   If there are multiple interviewers, give your attention equally
•   Know if you need to prepare anything prior to interview e.g. preparation for numeracy/literacy tests
•   Be sure to ask questions at the end of the interview based on topics discussed
•   Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or eating strong-smelling food directly before the meeting