Candidates

Your CV is the key initial door opener in the recruitment process. Here are our top tips for a great CV:

• Check your details – is your phone number and email address up to date and correct? It doesn’t matter how great your CV is, if the employer can’t contact you… there’ll be no moving to the next stage.
• Use grammar and spell check – there’s no excuse for endless spelling mistakes in a world where we have a computer to spell check for us.
• Spot the gaps – don’t assume that you’ll be given the opportunity to explain any gaps in employment at interview stage, because gaps in employment might be a barrier to your application being progressed. Instead, address these gaps head-on with a short explanation in your CV.
• Match your skills – review what the job role is looking for and highlight the skills and experience that will demonstrate the best fit. This might mean having a few different versions of your CV on file, but it is a good investment of time.
• Stand out – include a short personal statement about yourself that helps to convey why you would be better for the role than anyone else. Even better, why not capture this on video and send as a short (no longer than one minute) file alongside your standard CV?

Once you are through the initial CV screening stage, you need to make sure you’re prepared for the interview:

• Whether it’s on video – via Zoom, Google Meet or Skype – or a traditional face-to-face interview, our tips will help you do your best:
• Look sharp. Being presentable is key. Smart clothes, tidy hair and polished shoes go a long way to making an excellent first impression.
• Be on time. Being late is not the best way to showcase your timekeeping. Aim to arrive about 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
• Double check where the interview location is ahead of the date. Make sure you know how you will travel. If time allows, do a trial run so you feel comfortable with the route.
• Know your CV. This will often be the basis for an interview discussion, so practise talking around the headlines in more detail – this is especially important if there are any employment gaps you may be asked to explain.
• Do your research. Familiarise yourself with the company and the role. Showing that you’re informed about the business is a positive, but you may also be asked what you already know. Having some basic facts at the ready will help you to stand out.
• Ask questions. This is your opportunity to learn more about the role and the potential place of work. Meaningful questions about the business or future development prospects will demonstrate genuine interest.
• Turn your phone off. The last thing you want is a call mid-interview. Switch it off when you get there and don’t turn it on again until you’ve left. This will help keep you focused and demonstrate that you are not likely to be distracted by your mobile phone in work.
• Don’t be afraid. You’ve made it this far! See your nerves as excitement about being invited to interview. This is your chance to get to know the employer too. They are only human, just like you, so there’s nothing to be worried about.