Useful Hints & Tips for Jobseekers
The Perfect CV:
CV (Curriculum Vitae) is:
· Personal Profile
· Your Career History
· Your Achievements
· Your Skills
· Personal Interests
A CV is a very important marketing tool: your CV should really “sell” you. Imagine that your CV is a brochure. Like a brochure it should highlight the benefits of a particular service. The service in this case is your time and skills. When writing a CV try looking at it from an Employers point of view. Would you for example stand out against the competition (the other Jobseekers) and would the Manager want to talk to you for the position you have applied for? You have to ask yourself these questions when writing your CV.
Networking and interviewing are essential for your job hunt and your CV is just the first step in the job search. However, a CV will be your first contact with potential employers and will open the door. If you are invited for an interview, you would then be in a position to explain and expand on what is in your CV.
A CV is an essential tool in your job search. When applying for a vacancy, you generally first have to send your CV to present yourself to the prospective employer.
Job Interview Tips:
· Do not smoke, chew gum, or eat garlic beforehand.
· Always wear a suit.
· Take copies of your CV with you.
· Arrive on time for your job interview (try to arrive 15 minutes early).
· Any application forms should be handed in before the interview begins, and are to be filled in as accurately as possible, make sure they match the information in your CV.
· Always greet the interviewer formally.
· Have a good firm handshake.
· Look alert and interested and keep regular eye contact.
· Wait until you are offered a chair before you sit down.
· Always conduct yourself professionally and if something beyond your control occurs, show a sense of humour.
· Be enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language.
· Answer the interview question by more than a simple yes or no but try not to go over the 60 second limit.
· Stress your achievements.
· Avoid at all cost complaining about your current or former employer in your job interview.
· Do not answer questions about politics or religion if the job is completely unrelated.
· Do not raise salary discussions on your first interview - this is usually done on the second interview. Make sure you do your wage research before hand.
Questions to ask during an interview:
Usually you will be given the opportunity to ask questions at the end of your interview. You should at least have a few prepared questions or, if you are not sure of any information give during the job interview, now is the time to ask. If you do not ask any questions the interviewer can think you are not as enthusiastic as other candidates who asked 3 or more questions.
By asking plenty of questions, you can also take this opportunity to show your awareness of the current industry situation and that you are interested in a long career. Do not ask more questions than you were asked.
Do you know which questions you can ask at the interview?
It depends on your situation, the position you are applying for, and your relationship with the Interviewer(s) and the Organisation.
Asking questions during an interview will show that you are interested, don’t be frightening to ask questions about the Company or even about the person who is interviewing you. For example how long have they worked for the Company etc.
Below are some common questions:
· Can you tell me more about the structure of your Company?
· What are the skills that you consider important for this role?
· What kind of software do you use?
· How will my performance be measured?
· What is the induction/training process?
· Do you offer continued personal development?
When you ask questions you will start forming a relationship with your employer. It will also increase interactivity and make you look interested in the Company and position you are applying for.
