Tips and Advice

The job market is extremely competitive and you need to tick all the right boxes to be successful. It is amazing how many times excellent candidates simply do not get the job offers they would normally expect to get and this is usually down to poor preparation and presentation. With that in mind we hope that all our candidates will benefit from the advice given in this section.

COVER LETTER

Many candidates ask ‘why should I send a cover letter when all my details are shown on my CV’?
A cover letter can be the difference between a successful applicant and a lost opportunity.
A cover letter should compliment your CV and make it prominent from the rest.

Do’s

Keep your letter simple and well structured.
Use short and direct sentences and write no more than three paragraphs.
In the first paragraph introduce yourself and state your interest in the job on offer and the company. Include any relevant reference numbers or contacts and mention where you saw the job advertised.
The second paragraph should explain to the employer how you could benefit their business. Focus on any appropriate qualifications or experience that you have which may be advantageous to the role.
In the third and final paragraph you should thank the employer in advance for taking the time to read your CV. Here you should also include any specific contact details. Tell them the best way and time to contact you to make the next step hassle free.
Be personal but professional, unique and enthusiastic.
Proof read your letter. Most employers will send your application to the shredder if they see a spelling or grammar mistake.

Don’ts

Avoid using more than one page.
Don’t repeat details that are already shown on your CV.
Don’t hand write your letter unless you’re writing is of a high standard. A hand written letter offers a personal feel to the employer but you don’t want your application rejected because they cant read it.

CV

Your CV is the most important document you will use throughout the entire recruitment process. It will determine whether or not you get an interview so it is imperative that you are portraying the correct image.
A CV or Curriculum Vitae is designed to show your qualifications, skills and employment history. It also shows your extra-curricular activity, hobbies and interests.

Do’s

Make sure your CV is well presented. It should stand out while being easy to read. Your CV should be no longer than two pages.
You may vary the style of your CV according to the type of job and what is expected in your country and culture. A big company would normally expect a formal CV on white paper. If you were applying for a television production job or graphic designer this could be less formal, coloured paper, unusual design etc.
You should include your personal details, educational and work history, interests and hobbies, skills and references.
As an optional extra you could start your CV with a personal profile or objective statement. This is a two or three sentence overview of your skills, qualities, hopes and plans. It should encourage the employer to read the rest.
Once your CV is complete check, check and check again. Check thoroughly for correct spelling and grammar. Most employers use these mistakes as a quick and easy way to weed out weaker candidates when faced with a mountain of CV’s to read.

Don’ts

Don’t include irrelevant information. An employer doesn’t need or want to know your daily activities for the last ten years. Keep information relevant and to the point.
Don’t use elaborate fonts or colours to make your CV stand out. The more gimmicky you make your CV using different shapes and pictures, the more off-putting it will be to an employer.
Don’t include sensitive information such as your NI or passport number or bank details etc.
Don’t include a photograph. No matter how attractive you make yourself look, it will not improve your chances. This tends to be popular in other European countries but isn’t favoured by the majority of UK businesses.
Dont duplicate applications. It is most annoying for an employer to receive five CV’s from the same person and for the same job application.

INTERVIEW

A job interview typically precedes the hiring decision and is used to evaluate you the candidate. The interview usually has one candidate meeting between one and three persons representing the employer and is considered to be one of the most useful tools for evaluating potential employees.

Do’s

Be punctual and arrive ten minutes early for your interview. Make sure you know where you are going and allow adequate travelling time.
Prepare by carrying out a mock interview. Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions that you can guarantee will crop up.
Get to know your potential new employer. Most companies have websites which will give you facts and information which you can refer to in your interview.
Dress formally. A business suit is recommended with a shirt and tie. Personal grooming and cleanliness should be impeccable.
Treat other employees you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opinions might count for more than you think.
When greeted by your interviewer offer a firm handshake and make eye contact while showing a friendly expression.
Have intelligent questions ready to ask the employer at the end of the interview. This shows a good level of interest and enthusiasm.

Don’ts

Don’t arrive late. Most employers refuse to see candidates that are late for their interview.
Don’t make negative comments about your previous employers.
Don’t slouch or sit casually.
Don’t call interviewers by their first names unless instructed to do so.
Don’t chew gum or smell of smoke
Don’t allow your mobile phone to ring during the interview. If it does you should apologise and turn it off immediately. Never answer a call or read a text message.
Don’t take your parent, friend, spouse to an interview. If you are not independent enough to attend the interview alone, you are probably not independent enough for the job.