Job hunting can seem daunting. We can provide you with free advice, tips and useful pointers along the way. Here is just a snapshot to get you going!
Write a Good CV | Interview Perparation | The Interview Itself | After the Interview
Write a Good CV
Your CV is your chance to make a lasting impression with the reader. It needs to shout about your successes and emphasise your good points. It is often a good idea to head up your CV with a Profile about yourself focusing on your strengths, skills and achievements to date.
It needs to be concise and easy to read, use bullet points to summarise.
Keep it to a maximum of 2 pages long and type on good quality paper.
Take your time preparing your CV and always get it checked by somebody for spelling and grammatical errors.
Remember to be honest. Employers are well within their rights and do checks on the detail within CVs.
Tailor your CV to the individual job you are applying for. If your applying for a job in a particular industry or the job has specific requirements highlight your skills and experience accordingly.
Provide your Personal Details first. As well as the obvious name and address you should include telephone numbers, email address, and whether you have a driving licence and own a car.
If you have left Education in the last 5 years put this next. List your qualifications and education history.
If you have any Professional Memberships or have attended work related training courses these should also be listed.
With your Work History start with your most recent job first. For each position you have held name the company, the dates you were employed and your job title. Bullet point your main duties and responsibilities. Keep them concise and remember to emphasise your achievements.
Other information you may want to include are any specialist skills you have such as languages or computer skills. Hobbies and interests can be included, this helps the reader build up a picture about you. It is particularly useful to include any that demonstrate achievements or levels of responsibility.
Interview Preparation – you only get one chance!
However nerve racking interviews are the more preparation you do the better you will feel about them! It is important to remember the employer has selected to see you for interview as they feel your skills and experience match those required in the job. The more prepared you are the more confident you will feel. Remember it is your chance to sell your personality and convince the interviewer you have the necessary qualities for the job and ultimately are the best person for them to employ.
Research the company
At Brite Recruitment we believe in fully briefing you before you attend interview. However it is a good idea for you to find out as much as possible yourself. What does the company do? Look at the Company Website. How many people do they employ? Find out who their Competitors are? Use this knowledge you have gained at the interview to show you have done your homework.
Do a Practice run
Make sure you know exactly where the company is. Do a dummy run, see how long it takes you to get there and allow plenty of time. There is nothing worse than being late for an interview. Take into account rush hour traffic. Arrive early allowing 10 minutes to relax and prepare.
Prepare a Checklist
Make sure you have all the details, for example the correct time, location and who you will be meeting. We always ring you to check you have all the information you need and answer any last minute questions.
Make sure you have reviewed the job description and prepare to describe how your skills and experience match what they are looking for.
Make a list of questions you can ask that will show you have done your research into the company. These could include:-
- Why is the job available?
- What sort of training is available?
- What is the culture of the company?
- Who will I report to?
- What are the major challenges within the role?
Plan to answer certain questions. Most interviewers will normally ask some standard questions to establish relevant skills and experience and see how you would deal with certain situations. Questions your are likely to be asked could include:-
- Describe your current job and responsibilities?
- How do your skills and experience relate to this job?
- Why are you interested in this job?
- Why do you want to change jobs?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 year’s time?
- How do you work in a team?
- How do you cope under pressure?
Plan what to wear. Plan this well in advance. Most interviewers will expect you to turn up in a business suit unless we advise you otherwise. Remember first impressions are vital and most interviewers will make judgements in the first 30 seconds of meeting you!
The Interview Itself
When you arrive at the company greet the reception staff professionally and confidently, they can be very influential.
Greet the interviewer by name, with a smile and firm handshake.
Be aware of your Body Language. Make regular eye contact with the interviewer, speak clearly and concisely. Remember you maybe superbly qualified for the position but you need to sell yourself and look motivated and interested.
Maintain good posture. Do not fidget, tap your feet or play with your hair or your hands! Keep your hands relaxed in your lap!
When you are asked questions remember it is your opportunity to sell yourself. Be ready to expand on the information on your CV.
Remember to ask the questions you have prepared for the interview.
Do not criticise your former employers or lie!
Do not be afraid to ask about the next stage in the recruitment process but do not appear pushy! Ask how many candidates they are interviewing for the job? You could also ask when the closing date is?
Leave on a high note! Thank the interviewer for their time and if you want the job make sure you tell the interviewer.
After the Interview
We need to know what you think. As soon as possible ring us and give us your feedback! We will then contact the client with your feedback and reinforce your reasons for wanting the job.