Candidate Tips

CV Writing

The purpose of your CV is primarily to market you and your abilities to a prospective employer. Basically, employers want a CV that states what the candidate can do, how effective they will be, and why they should talk to them.

Traditionally a CV includes your educational and occupational background and explains your ability to perform the job for which you are applying. A second important use is to indicate your potential for future successes. Think of a CV as a shorthand sketch, not an autobiography. If it works, you will have the opportunity later in a personal interview to go into detail about your background.

Regardless of the structure you use, follow these rules:

Keep it simple and don't clutter it with irrelevant facts
Make it legible and free of errors
Avoid poor duplications
Keep it honest

Application letters are the first personal communication a potential employer has from you, so they should be business-like but allow some personality to emerge (shine through).

The advert response letter is the most common and straightforward letter. Because it accompanies your CV it should be short and concise. It is not necessary to run through your education and job history.

Start by saying where you saw the advert and why you want the job.

Match three or four key assets with the qualities they ask for in their advert, using their words and phrases as much as possible.

Interview Techniques

As you know, a job interview is often the first and primary link between you and your potential job. Regardless of previous work experience, those first moments with an employer are often the decisive factor in whether or not a candidate will receive the position. It is, therefore, essential that you are able to present yourself well.

The following interviewing guidelines are designed to enable you to handle yourself professionally on a job interview. By thinking through the various issues below, you can better prepare yourself for questions which may be asked of you in an interview situation, and give you greater confidence as you meet with prospective employers.

How to Prepare for the Interview:

Preparation is vital for securing a successful interview. Too many times, applicants arrive at an interview having never thought about what they want to say, or how they would like to present themselves. Because of this, consider the following as you prepare:

Know the exact location and time of the interview, as well as the interviewer’s full name (and pronunciation!) and his/her title.

Research the company you are visiting - what services are offered; who are the major competitors in their field; what the company’s record of achievement has been as well as its potential. A great source of information is the internet- always check their website.

Refresh your memory on the specifics on your present/former position, as you will be required to give considerable information about this.

Prepare questions YOU would like to ask at your interview, coming with issues you wish to discuss. This shows that you are sincerely interested in finding a position which best matches your skills and career plans.

Below are some questions you may wish to ask: