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CV and Interview tips

CV Advice

A well written, relevant and interesting CV is one of the best tools in your search for a new job. The main purpose of a CV is to get an interview where you can show your talents.

Here, you can read our CV advice and tips, after which, you can write your own using the CV template.

Layout
Everyone has their own personal preference, but you should remember that a CV should be well laid-out and clear to the reader. Use bullet points or short, easy-to-read sentences.

Avoid using folders, photographs or flamboyant typefaces, as these may appear gimmicky.

Do not make up interests, this could cause people to doubt the other content of your CV.

Do not over estimate your level of fluency in any languages, as you may be tested and this may highlight unnecessarily any areas of concern.

Have two or three different versions of your CV, relevant to the type of job for which you are applying.

Content
Personal Profile

• Write a two line summary describing yourself and your ambition.

Personal Details

• Always include name, address, date of birth, marital status and contact numbers. Indicate if you are a car driver/owner.

Education

• List the schools and colleges attended, together with the examinations, dates and results/qualifications starting with the most recent first.
• Examination results should be enclosed if you have recently completed your education.
• If you undertook any formal education (in addition to school and university) include it as well.

Skills

• List up-to-date computer skills together with relevant courses attended.

Employment History

• List your work experience in chronological order starting with the most recent position first. State accurate dates and job titles.
• Highlight any unusual aspects or major achievements, as these can be a good talking point in an interview.
• If you have worked for a small company indicate the nature of their business, e.g. John Smith Associates, Architects.
• If you have spent a period of time temping then detail the company names and departments of any booking that you held long term, or particularly enjoyed.

Interests and Achievements

• Include interests and achievements ensuring that they are up to date as you may be asked about them at interview - remember, stick to what you know and therefore you can talk about it, if asked.

Languages

• List the languages which you speak and the degree of fluency.

References

• Either include the names and addresses of your chosen referees or state that they are available upon request.

Remember mistakes, especially spelling, on a CV give a poor impression.

 

Interview Tips

• It is important that you are fully prepared prior to an interview.
• At Upgrade Recruitment, we will ensure that you are fully briefed about the position and company for which you are being interviewed.
• An interview is an ideal opportunity for both you and the client to learn more about each other.
• Ask questions to ensure that the job for which you are being assessed, is consistent with your ambition and goals.

Interview Techniques

First impressions count!
It is always worth remembering that this is your first and maybe only chance to make an impression.

Arrive early and be well presented. When attending an interview, you should always wear a suit.

Always prepare
There are a number of things you will need to know prior to an interview. You should be able to answer the following questions:

• What you need to know about the job?
  Ensure you have a general outline of the role, the salary and the basic skills required.
• Why are you interested in the job?
  Think about what you are looking for, how you can utilise your skills, or relate them to the industry or the company, for which you are being interviewed.
• What do you know about the company?
  You must have a basic outline of the company, what size it is, where they have offices and what they do. This can be easily obtained by looking at their website.
• What you believe you can bring to the role
  Talk about your skills, personality and relevant work experience (i.e. good organisational skills, flexibility and enthusiasm).

When you are answering questions always remember to give concrete examples of your work and skills.

Interview Do's and Dont's

• Always ensure you are on time for the interview, ideally you should arrive 10 minutes early - it shows enthusiasm and will also give you a chance to observe the work place.
• Ensure your mobile phone is switched off.
• Always look smart and well presented.
• Don't chew gum or smoke while waiting.
• Show enthusiasm and interest.
• Always have prepared questions to ask at the end of the interview, write the questions down in advance.
• Never criticise your current employers, no matter how badly you have been treated, it never goes down well.
• Listen carefully when you are being asked questions.

Popular questions asked at interviews Here are some examples of popular questions asked at interviews:

• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Where do you see yourself in three years time?
• What was your biggest achievement in your last role?
• What can you offer this company?
• Why do you want to join this company?
• What was your biggest obstacle in your last role and how did you overcome it?
• What do you know about the job/company?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• What did you enjoy most about your last role?
• What did you enjoy least about your last role?
• If I were to approach your manager, what would he/she say about you?
• You might also be asked hypothetical questions.

Questions for you to ask on interview

• What sort of training does the company offer?
• What is the most difficult aspect of the job?
• What expansion plans does the company have for the future?
• How can I develop the role in the future?
• 'On your website I noticed you deal with……' Could you tell me more about this?
• How has the position arisen?
• What type of person would fit in to the company / department?
• Who would I report into?
• How many people are there in the department?