If you're looking for a job you can be sure there are dozens of other people out there also looking for a similar position. So, the first thing to do is to have a clear idea of your assets!
Make sure that your CV is up to date, has ONLY relevant information on it and is in simple straightforward language.
If you would like a CV template to help get you started go to our Candidate Info Page.
It is usually unnecessary to include such information as:
• Driving licence, unless you are applying for a driving job
• All your schools from infants upwards - your highest educational level should be recorded and your highest educational qualification (e.g. degree/A levels/GCSE's) and any vocational qualifications at the highest level - so if you have passed an NVQ at levels 2 and 3 - only 3 is relevant, it assumes you have passed the standard of level 2)
• Details of all the tasks you carried out in each job. Most jobs are self explanatory, record only unusual responsibilities or projects.
You should include:
• A personal statement of aims/objectives
• Your employment record over the past 10 years (anything beyond that is probably out of date now)
• Any courses or training programmes attended in the last 5-10 years
• Your leisure activities - often a good indicator as to your character e.g. football, hockey, cricket, basketball, netball players usually work well in a team, chess players are frequently good strategists, model makers are methodical and have an eye for detail, etc.
The CV is your opportunity to get the interviewer's attention. It should never exceed 2/3 pages and should have the critical information on the front page.
If you work with an agency, you will have them to represent you. However, if you are also applying for jobs from newspaper or journal ads then make sure your covering letter does the best job of helping you to get a job.
Keep it concise and to the point. Check with the ad and make sure that all the required criteria are met by your CV. If not, or if more explanation is needed, use the letter to give a brief outline as to how you meet their criteria.
Overseas you are often asked to submit a photograph with your CV, however, this is not common practice in the UK - if you have access to a computer and can add a good head and shoulders to the front page of your CV, there is no reason why you should not do so. Just make sure it does you justice and doesn't look like Prisoner No. 1234999
So, you've been invited for an interview - you'd better start work on your preparation.
First, research the company you are going to. Look at their website, get hold of a brochure or company report and any other material. If you know someone who works there already - or a friend of a friend - ask questions about their products/services and working environment.
Secondly, think about the job itself - can you get hold of a job description or role profile? Which skills have you got in bucket loads? Where do you fall short and how might you deal with questions about this?
Think about the questions you might get asked - standard interview favourites are:
• Why do you want to work for us?
• What do you know about our company?
• What are your strengths? and weaknesses?
• Why do you think you would be good at this job?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
If you haven't prepared for this you can get into trouble, not least because nerves tend to remove all ability to think logically! Make notes and take them with you.
There is nothing wrong with having notes to help you - it just shows that you care enough to have taken the trouble to prepare.
Also take any questions you might have about the job, the company and so on. Leave salary and working conditions to a second interview or when the job offer is made.
The day before the interview make sure you know where it is - getting lost will make you late, create stress and looks unprofessional.
Choose the clothes you will wear.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression! This means business suit if at all possible - nothing outrageous or too bright. It doesn't matter if normal work wear for the company is casual, being smartly dressed demonstrates that you are professional and make an effort.
Men should opt for a 2 piece suit with a pale coloured shirt, a conservative tie and a belt with the trousers.
Women should also wear a suit, either skirt or trousers, but keep skirts at knee level or longer. As soon as you sit down the skirt will ride up and you don't want to be worrying about whether the interviewer is looking at your legs or not! Wear a co-ordinating blouse or top with a sensible neckline. Take a briefcase or bag, but make sure that your notes are easy to access - don't drag out a crumpled bit of paper.
One thing many people overlook - the shoes! They should be shining and co-ordinate with the rest of your outfit. Clean them BEFORE you get dressed - you don't need polish on your suit.
Prepare your attitude. Think 'I'm going to get this job' - even if you find you don't really want it, you can always say 'no, thank you', later. Any doubts about whether you can do it or not will quickly become apparent in your personal presentation and body language.
Be relaxed, take a few calming breaths before entering the interview room. Remember you have nothing to lose - the worst that can happen is that you don't get it, but you will have gained valuable interview experience in the process.
Think about the fact that the interview is a two way process - you are also interviewing them to see if they meet your criteria for an ideal employer! You should have your questions prepared.
When you walk into the interview room offer a firm handshake (also on departure, along with thanks for their time). Make eye contact and smile.
Make sure your handshake stands the test - not limp and clammy, not a knuckle crusher either! Get someone to give you some feedback on your handshake if in doubt.
Be ready to answer questions - a good interviewer will encourage you to talk - a poor interviewer won't stop talking! They will almost certainly give you a brief overview of the company and/or role and ask a few questions related to your CV - but be ready for the open questions that need more than a simple 'yes' or 'no'.
If you need to gather your thoughts, don't rush. It's better to pause and get your thoughts in order than to ramble on making it hard to understand.
At the end of the interview thank them for their time, smile, shakes hands and leave. Make sure you take your belongings with you.
Finally, good luck - interviews are fun!