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CV Tips and advice

CV Tips and advice

CV Tips:

  1. Your CV should not be longer than 2 pages. Make sure all your contact details are on there.
  2. You should not have any gaps in your CV, all your time should be accounted for.
  3. A CV should be well presented, clear and easy to read.
  4. You should be able to give a clear and concise employment history, waffling should be avoided.
  5. Employment history should be displayed in chronological order, with your most recent employer first.
  6. Make positive statements only, about your previous employers and your reasons for leaving the company.
  7. A CV should always be supplied with a covering letter, try to tailor your covering letter to the role you are applying for.
  8. If your employment history stems back to longer than 10 years then only include the most recent ten years.
  9. Be truthful, you’ll get caught out with social media.
  10. Always include hobbies and interests, something perhaps you’ll have in in common with your interviewer.
  11. Try and stand out from the crowd, Your CV should demonstrate your unique blend of skills and experience. Make sure you include examples of problem solving and leadership.

Interview Tips:

  1. Research and planning, preparation is key, research the company and based your questions around both the role and company.
  2. Try to understand the personality of the business.
  3. Research your interviewer and find some common ground, who is interviewing you, social media particularly LinkedIn should give you an insight into that person.
  4. Make sure your own social media is in good order with nothing inappropriate on there, your interviewer will check you out!
  5. Ensure you have two good references lined up, make sure there ready for a potential call.
  6. Be absolutely sure what is expected of you should you be offered the role.
  7. Practise, it doesn't matter who with retaining eye contact at all times, make sure whoever you practise with gives you honest and constructive feedback.
  8. Always try and have at least 3-4 questions primed to ask, some of these will get answered through the interview but you will have an opportunity at the end to ask further questions.
  9. Goes without saying, dress up for the occasion and be enthusiastic when you first meet, always shake hands, first impressions go a long way in interviews.
  10. Make sure your know where you are going before you leave home, leave plenty of time, arriving late will only make you flustered.
  11. Lastly, don't be afraid to ask what the next stage is, effectively your trying to close the interview using softer skills.