Hints and tips

Interview top tips

• Wear suitable interview clothes.
• Take copies of your CV with you.
• Arrive on time for your job interview.
• Always greet the interviewer by his/her last name and try to pronounce it correctly.
• Have a good firm handshake.
• Look alert and interested. Scan the room once and then keep your eyes on the interviewer.
• Wait until you are offered a chair before you sit down.
• Stress your achievements.
• Be enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language.
• Answer the interview question by more than a simple yes or no.
• Avoid at all cost complaining about your current or former employer in your job interview.

Writing your CV

• Your CV should be no more than two pages long.
• Keep it simple.
• Use an effective summary on the first page and include a list of your key skills.
• Ensure your CV has a clear structure – include career overview, skills overview, qualifications and employment history.
• Tailor your CV to the organisation and job role whenever possible.
• Include a list of your key skills and keys achievement in bold
• Always attach a supporting statement note with your CV

Writing your covering letter

Your covering letter must be professional and perfectly presented. Use a smart good quality paper, and ensure that the name and address details and date are correct and personal for the recipient of the CV. Do not use scruffy photocopies – ideally do not use photo-copies at all – CV cover letters should look individual and special for the job concerned.

Look at what the job advert is seeking. Ensure that the key skills, attributes and experience are reflected in the cover letter as well as your CV. Draw the reader’s attention to the fact that your profile fits their requirements. Make the cover letter look like a special and direct response to the job advert and personal profile that is sought.

Keep CV cover letters brief and concise and as with any communications, ensure you include key words and phrases which reflect what the reader is seeking.