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How
to Write a Good CV
A poorly-written
CV, despite its content, will almost certainly have a negative influence on a
potential employer. After all, it is the first opportunity that they will have
to judge how well you present yourself. In order to create a positive impression
follow these basic guidelines.
Length
Keep it as short and relevant as possible.
Content
Keep it concise. You should split your CV into sections, such as Personal
Information, Qualifications, Employment History and Interests.
Personal Information
Include you name, full address, telephone numbers (day/evening/mobile), email
address and date of birth.
Qualifications
List both academic and non-academic qualifications in chronological order,
giving grades. Do not include irrelevant information.
Employment History
Beginning with your most recent job, include your responsibilities, duration of
employment and reasons for leaving. Do not omit any period of employment for
whatever reason, as this may prove awkward at Interview. Make your time
accountable.
Referee Details
Include these for your most recent five-year employment history, even if you
have written references. It is essential that you supply sufficient information,
allowing both your consultant and potential employers to contact your referees,
regardless of whether they are in the UK or overseas.
Personal Interests
Mentioning your interests is important, but do not generalise. For example,
instead of simply saying 'football', you could expand and say that you have
played for a local club for the last four years and are now publicity officer
for the committee.
Check
Before submitting your CV, make sure you check it thoroughly, not just for
spelling mistakes but also to make sure that it is a clear representation of
you, that it is relevant and that it will encourage the employer to contact you
to find out more. Ask a friend to check it, too. Someone who works in the
industry for which you are applying would be particularly beneficial.
CV Expert
For a professional, interview-winning CV that will sell you
effectively and get you that dream job, you need look no further than CV
Expert.com.
INTERVIEWS TIPS
What kind of interview you
will have depends very much upon which area of work you are aiming for. One thing that all interviews have in common is that they require you to make a
good first impression, and we can tell you how to do that…
Before the Interview
1) Know exactly where the interview is taking place. If you have scored the
interview through an agency, they should provide you with detailed directions
and travel advice. If not, have a look at an A-Z so you know how long it will
take you to get to the company from the tube. And remember, it’s always better
to overestimate your journey time; nothing will irritate a prospective employer
more than lateness – and it’ll put you off your stride too.
2) Find out something about the company and the services it provides. This will
give you confidence, and help you answer such killer questions as “Why do you
want to work here?” To which you answer “Because I have dreamed of being an
accountant specialising in tax consultancy since I was a small child”. It will
also help you to ask them questions at the end of the interview on the details
of your position, and the company’s plans for the future.
3) Plan your outfit (this includes not leaving it until the last minute to check
you have a pair of unladdered tights). Many companies (particularly dot.coms or
IT/Hi Tech companies)
these days now have quite laid-back dress codes, and your interviewer may be in
jeans and a T-shirt. However, it is best if you share this casual attitude after
you get the job. It is far better to be overdressed for interview. For any job
in the City (e.g. banking, accountancy, legal, consultancy) you should play it
safe with a dark suit, dark shoes and conservative accessories such as ties and
jewellery. Try to look well-groomed and neat just like your parents always
wanted you to.
If you are turning up at a building site or bar to ask for work, you will
obviously look foolish in a suit. Jeans and a clean T-shirt or shirt will be
fine. Nannies should look neat and groomed – but too smart could be
intimidating.
The Interview
1) When you meet your interviewer/s, give a big
smile, a firm handshake, and lots of eye contact. If you’re facing more than
one interrogator, then spread your eye contact around – when answering
questions, look confidently from one face to another, but finish your answer
looking at the person who asked the original question. Eye contact will make you
look friendly, confident and comfortable with people. If you can make them think
that, you’ve virtually got the job already.
2) If they ask you a detailed question (i.e. NOT “did you find us alright?”,
or “where are you living?”), make sure they understand your answer. It is
perfectly OK to ask “Does that make sense?” or “Is that the kind of answer
you were expecting?” after you’ve explained how, for example, you envisage
performing your duties. Then you can clear up any points of confusion for them.
Equally, you must ask them to clarify if you do not understand a question. Do so
confidently, but without interrupting them.
3) Make your answers as concise as possible. This does not necessarily mean you
should be brief, just that you should keep your answers ramble-free, and
relevant to the job. If they ask you what you think of flexi-time work, they
don’t want to know how convenient you think it is for working mothers. Tell
them whether you would be prepared to work flexi-time, and whether you have done
it before.
4) Listen to any explanations of the job that they give, or any answers to your
questions. Attempt to look absolutely fascinated and engaged at all times. Try
and think of questions relating to what they’ve told you – which should make
it easier to stop your eyes from glazing over.
5) Never slag off your previous employer or agency. You’ll look immature,
unprofessional and untrustworthy – what a great combination! It may also
prompt them to dig around in why you left, and you may not want your new boss
talking to your old one.
6) Employers like to kid themselves into thinking you’re not just interested
in taking a job for the money. Humour the poor deluded fools – tell them why
you’re interested in their area of work, the opportunities you see for
yourself in the industry, and what you think you can bring to the job. Try to
keep a straight face while you’re doing this.
7) At the end of the interview, they will almost certainly ask you whether you
have any questions to ask them. Try to keep them relevant, brief and intelligent
– don’t ask them for their policy on smoke breaks, or whether you can get an
advance on your first month’s salary. Ask questions that will prove you have
listened to other things they have said. Do ask something – silence will make
you look disengaged and vacant.
8) At the end of the interview, repeat the firm handshakes and cheesy grins.
Thank them for taking the time to see you.
After the Interview
You get the job, and say “Thanks Kiwi Kingdom for your excellent
advice!” If you don’t hear from the company within 10 days, it is perfectly
acceptable to call them, and check up on the status of your application. If you
don’t get the job, tell yourself they’re fools who don’t know what
they’re missing out on and sort yourself out another interview.
Some do's and don'ts whilst working
DO keep personal calls to a minimum.
DO always be punctual.
DO ask if there's anything else you can do before leaving for the day.
DO gain a reference, where possible, when finishing an assignment.
DO keep in contact with your consultant.
DON'T make international calls.
DON'T use the company's equipment for personal use.
DON'T abuse your email/internet privileges.
