CV Advice
A great CV is fundamental to getting the job you want, below are some important points to consider when compiling your CV.
- Your CV matters. Your CV is your tool to prove your interview worth and first impressions of it will determine whether you are successful or not.
- Make it inclusive. It is important that your CV attracts as wide an audience as possible. Therefore, where possible try and avoid specific terminology or industry jargon. If this isn’t possible, clarify where necessary.
- Demonstrate your achievements. Show how you use your skills within a working environment and offer quantifiable examples of this.
- Prioritise. It is important to prioritise the content of your CV, put the most relevant achievements at the beginning.
- Make it credible. Counteract any doubts about your CV by giving examples and quantifying results.
- Use space effectively. Make sure that your CV spells out how your individual skills and traits will benefit your next employer. Demonstrate where you have delivered consistent achievements.
- Keep it clear. Your CV should avoid using different colours, logos and fonts. Keep it clear, professional and easy to read.
- Stay Positive. A positive attitude will be reflected in your CV and help the potential employer have faith in your ability to contribute to the company.
Coping With Job Interviews
Providing you are asked to go in for an interview, it is best to make sure you are 100% prepared. Some things to bare in mind are listed below:
- Make sure you are absolutely clear about the job and have studied the description and requirements. Also, ensure that you know the correct name of your interviewer and job title.
- Make sure that you meet the requirements listed and if you don’t meet them all, prepare answers which will show how you could still contribute if you were to get the job.
- Research the company. Make sure you have background knowledge of their products, staff, culture, clients and competitors.
- If possible ascertain what the nature of the interview will be – this will help you be prepared and confident in the interview.
- Plan ahead, look at a map and consider the time needed for your journey in advance. Allow for any uncertainties such as a missed train.
- Make sure that you have all documents, CV, references etc to hand.
- In general it is best to wear conservative attire to an interview – however research the culture of the office first.
- When asked questions try and focus the answer on your achievements and make every answer positive.
- Before the interview think about questions they might be likely to ask and prepare some example answers.
- Be prepared to be offered the opportunity to ask some questions of your own, it is often beneficial to prepare these in advance. For example; What is the business plan for the next 2 years?
- At the first interview be cautious in enquiring about salary and benefits.
- As the interview is drawing to a close take the opportunity to ask whether they would like anything clarified further.
Networking Skills
Networking can be a valuable tool, its aim is to communicate effectively with the people you know and the people they know with clarity and purpose. When it is successful, networking appears as an extension of everyday contact but with career or business goals as the main focus.
Networking requires certain etiquette and it is important to bear in mind that it must operate as a two way process which will benefit both parties. Professionalism, integrity and courtesy are required at all times in order to maintain a positive business profile.
It is crucial to remember the rules regarding professional networking as networking badly will worsen your chances and potentially damage your reputation. The Job Search for Professionals scheme can provide support to help you market and sell yourself in the hidden jobs market.
If you have any questions for our Recruitment Zone team please contact Triangle on 0870 950 1177 or email jobsearch@trianglefusion.co.uk