This section of our website is aimed to provide you with advice and support on how to create professionally written CV's and how to prepare for interviews. We hope you find it informative and useful. If you have any specific questions about your future career, we are happy to help answer them.

CV Writing

A Curriculum Vitae or CV is literally translated from Latin as 'the story on your life'. Imagine it as something that promotes yourself to potential employers; detailing your experience and skills and making you stand out from the rest. Basically your CV should cover:

  • Your Life History
  • Your Job History
  • Your Achievements
  • Your Skills

Employers will receive many CVs when advertising a job so you need to show why you are the right candidate for the job through your CV.

  • Try and Keep your CV to no longer than 2 pages of A4 paper
  • Ensure you spell check your CV and check for grammatical errors
  • Keep your CV well spaced out and make sure it is easy to read
  • Use concise and clear sentences
  • Use bullet points where appropriate for example on highlighting skills and experiences
  • Be honest
  • Detail your academic history, achievements and skills - make sure it clearly demonstrates your potential and paints a good picture of you
  • Ensure all dates are correct and make sure you state any gaps in your working history

A CV is an essential tool in your job search and you probably have about 20 seconds to get an employer's attention, so remember, first impressions do matter!

Interviews - Hints and Tips

Preparation:

  • Research the company - check out the company's website
  • Research the role
  • Think about why you want to work for them and think of some questions you want to ask. Relevant questions will show them that you are keen and enthusiastic about the job role and will show them that you have done your research
  • Learn some examples that you could use to answer common questions i.e. your achievements, your weaknesses, your skills etc
  • Ensure that you have your CV with you and that you have reviewed it - make sure you know all the information that you have written on it
  • Plan your journey to the interview - know how you are getting there and make sure you arrive early for it - check out the Multimap and RAC websites for route planners if you are driving
  • Research what parking is available near the venue

Interview:

  • Ensure that you dress appropriately - smart and presentable. First impressions do count!
  • Make eye contact with the interviewer
  • Sit appropriately - don't cross your arms as this can come across like you are defensive. Try to sit up straight and not slouch. Sit confidently and relaxed, but not too laid back.
  • Speak clearly and accurately - don't stray off the point and don't make up any answers
  • Ask for feedback
  • At the end of the interview, shake hands with the interviewer and thank them for their time and giving you the opportunity to meet with them

After the Interview:

  • Contact your consultant to give us your initial thoughts and feedback
  • Ask for feedback when the agency speaks with the employer
  • Your consultant will be in contact with you to let you know how you got on and whether you have been successful