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A CV should be 2 pages long (4 x A4 sides maximum)

Highlight your name in large font, make sure to have your contact details i.e Telephone number and email address.

Write a section for your personal statement, a maximum of 5 lines as your introduction.

Subtitle sections should be with Capital letters in bold and keep the paragraphs short. Try and use bullet points to make the CV stand out

Use powerful keywords and phrases, emphasis should be on positive words

Keep the CV relevant to experiences and skills, state qualifications with grades starting the latest first or at the top.

Your CV represents your qualities, personality, and working attitude, these should be reflected in the chosen key phrases.

Portray a positive and descriptive persona. Mention the ability to teamwork, prioritise tasks, being proactive.

Use Iconic images for twitter, insta to give a greater look.

Mention a couple of sports or hobbies.

Mention references or access to references.

Proof-read word by word. Check it, and check it again. Ask another to proof-read.

 

Do your research on the company and the industry, be specific for the field the job interview is in. You should have an insight into the company; it’s background, competitors, advantages, why you want to work for the company, what it has to offer, and what attracts you to this company.

Show you are confident, refrain from being overconfident. Know what you don’t have as skills and have a reason, show the willingness to learn and develop.

Research ‘questions asked at interviews’ have answers ready according to your individual circumstances. Have questions of your own to ask at the interview, it could be on flexibility, remote working, training, PDP timescales, and pay.

Remember to practice your interview out loud and many times before attending the interview to make it perfect. Being clear, confident, and convincing indicates to the interviewer you have come prepared to pack, bag, and tag this job.

Dress appropriately, have the right body language and come across professional regardless of the position. Be proud of who you are and what you have to offer.

Make sure to take enough enthusiasm, energy, and show appreciation for the opportunity you have been given to attend the interview. Avoid showing any negative feelings, or stating negative comments. Be assertive and take ownership of the comments you make, let the interviewer know what you have to offer them, be polite and respectful. 

Make the most of “tell me about yourself” and put emphasis on your skills, achievements, experiences, and life learnings.  

Prepare yourself for “behaviour-based” questions, think of situations you have been in or could possibly be put in and have answers to the ready. Company protocols and processes should always be referred to. 

Be aware of the questions the interviewer cannot ask and be ready to give an appropriate answer without being rude, “I’m not sure if this is relevant to my application” is better than “should you be asking me this question”. 

Send a thank-you note via email afterwards to the interviewer. 

Don’t give up! Just because an interview has been accomplished doesn’t mean it ends here! Make sure the interviewer has all the relevant certificates, qualifications, and references if any had been mentioned in the interview, email them across. If a question had not been satisfactorily answered, return to the interviewer with a concise, to the point answer. Make sure it is the one only email that is sent with all the information attached as you would want to make this your best and last shot at closing with 100% satisfaction at giving your ultimate best. 

Adapting the above strategies will allow you to be prepared as much as any other candidate an interviewer has seen! Wishing you the Best of Luck!  

With every job interview you go to, there are always others there, for the same job as you!

How do you stand out? Here are some of our top tips!