Job Seekers Advice

Changing jobs is a large step for any individual, and in this competitive job seekers market, it is essential job candidates promote themselves to the best of their advantage. Employers are looking to take on the right person for their business. Different employers will have different objectives, criteria and preference for the type of candidate they will chose to see, however there are key industry qualifications and experience they will all be looking for and it is important to make sure they see it in you.

Curriculum Vitae - Preparation and Presentation

Your CV is a vital tool when seeking employment and you should take time preparing it. Think about how you want to present yourself and make sure that key skills, qualifications and experience are `relevant` and given. Ask people to read your CV prior to sending it to a prospective employer. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes or errors in dates etc.

Helpful Hints

Employers will have many CVs to read, so they do not want to have to hunt out the relevant information from your CV as to why you would be suitable for the job. To short list applicants for interviews, employers can be much harder reviewing a CV than on a candidate in person, therefore it is essential not to give the reader any reason to dismiss your CV. Your CV is no different to a soap powder commercial. You expect to hear what the product can do within 30 seconds and are likely to loose attention on anything longer - your CV is the same for the reader. They want to see quickly why they should finish reading your CV and at the end of it understand why you should be short listed for an interview - they will ask you to explain relevant points in detail then.

Eliminate unnecessary detail and `waffle`. Include enough information to stimulate an interest but not too much so that you `bore` the reader. Keep the detail for the interview.
Use good quality white paper and try to avoid photocopying. Do not be tempted to use fancy layouts and fonts or coloured paper. It may make the CV stand out but it will detract from the information presented and rarely makes a good impression.
Be clear and concise. Keep the number of pages to a minimum - 2 pages is ideal but 3 is fine depending upon your experience.
Visit recruitment agencies websites and read the job descriptions, even for unrelated work. Notice the 'to the point' style and experience and qualifications requested. This is how the employer is thinking and therefore gives an idea to what they expect to see. When you apply for a position your CV needs to answer the requirements of the advert. Does yours?
Page 1 should detail your name and contact details (address, telephone number, email), any qualifications and courses attended, a brief personality profile/career summary.
Pages 2 and 3 should detail your employment history (with your most recent role first) - job title, company name, dates of employment and key areas of responsibility. It is also advisable to include `achievements`, not just tasks. You can also include information such as hobbies/interests should it support your application - remember the job requirements.
References, either say 'References available upon request' or detail the Referee`s name, position, company address and telephone number.

Covering Letter

Some companies will ask you to write a covering letter, however even if one is not specifically requested, it is always worth returning. A covering letter will introduce you as a person and it is here you have a short opportunity to bring relevant aspects of your CV to the attention of the reader.

The covering letter should be short and concise, just a few paragraphs - do not write more than 1 page.
This is your opportunity to bring to the readers attention that you have read their job advert and have done some background reading into their organisation - and that if they care to look at your CV they will find you have relevant skills, experience or qualifications as specified or which you feel would be of interest to them.
Similar to a contents page, you are highlighting to the reader what they will find of interest in your CV - do not repeat details that will then be read later in the CV - the reader does not need to read it twice.

Interview - Advice and Techniques

Preparation

Prior to attending an interview you should be clear on what is written on your CV (be prepared to provide evidence to back up your statements), know why you are interested in the role and why the company should be interested in you! Other areas for consideration are:

Find out Company details via the website. If you cannot find any literature, telephone the Company and ask for information to be sent to you (if applying for work on a holiday park, request a brochure)
Prepare questions to ask (see below)
Plan your journey – you do not want to be late or rushed to arrive
Decide what to wear – this should be appropriate to the position

Questions

Prepare at least 5-6 questions to ask relating to the job. The areas to probe are career prospects, training, daily duties, what the team is like you’d be working with, and maybe social aspects
Avoid ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers, always expand on the information and ‘sell’ yourself
Do not ask about salary as your first question
Do not be afraid to take a list of questions – this demonstrates preparation
Be prepared to tell the interviewer your strengths and weaknesses

Questions you may be asked

What do you know about our Company?
What do you know about the role?
What does your current job involve?
Are there certain aspects you really enjoy or dislike and why?
What can you bring to the role?
Demonstrate how you...
Give an example of...
What would you do if...

Body Language

Remember the interview starts in the Reception area, so be polite to the Receptionist and sit confidently and patiently
Give a firm, warm handshake
Keep a warm and attentive attitude - no slouching or gazing out the window - maintain eye contact with the interviewer and look interested
Turn your mobile off
Try to avoid smoking before the interview
Do not be negative about other employers or colleagues, regardless of why you are leaving/have left. It is important to be honest, and you should not lie, but you should not degrade or be rude about them.

Attachments:
CV & Interview Info	[ ]	90 Kb