APPLICATION
Your CV
Your CV should be no more than two pages long. Write down quality not quantity. Your aim is to get the reader interested.
Give greatest emphasis on your most recent positions and summarise older jobs. Include dates and months of employment for each job.
Include your level of competence in foreign languages.
If possible, tailor your CV to each job application, to the company/ department and position whenever possible. This may be time-consuming, but it could just help you get that job!
Use bullet points to break up the CV. Employers usually want to get straight to the point, so direct them there. Important information should stand out, but avoid using just one or two words.
Give the reader a feeling for the type of work and responsibilities that you can cope with.
Review your CV before the interview and make sure you have answers to the interviewer's request for more information.
PREPARATION
Before an interview
See if you can find out as much about the company as possible. Visit their web site for more information on the company, and review their annual reports.
Read the job description carefully and make sure you meet all the criteria detailed in their job description. You must be confident that you are technically qualified for the job.
Memorise anticipated questions and have answers prepared in advance for anticipated questions. Uncertainty and disorganization show the interviewer that you are unprepared and unclear what your goals are.
THE INTERVIEW
Presentation
You must look your smartest and show your most professional side during the interview. A person who is well presented stands more chances of being selected, as he / she will best represent the company in the future.
Punctuality
It is very important to arrive on time.
If for some reason you are delayed, notify the company immediately giving the reason and your estimated time of arrival.
During the Interview
You must introduce yourself courteously and express yourself clearly
Show tact, manners, courtesy, and maturity at every opportunity.
Be confident and maintain poise.
Ask questions concerning the company, and the position for which you are being interviewed.
Show willingness to start at the bottom and work up.
Never say unfavorable things about the previous employer.
You should always be open for discussion concerning travel and relocation as the employer may be talking about future plans, not the present.
Switch off your mobile phone during the interview.
Thank the interviewer.
Your body language
Ensure a firm handshake.
Walk slowly, upon entering the room.
Maintain a high level of eye contact throughout the interview and avoid looking down.
Listen to the interviewer carefully and answer questions as asked.
Be alert and enthusiastic, smile, nod and give non-verbal feedback to the interviewer.
Avoid talking too much.
Questions
Remember that the interview is a two - way process.
You need to ask the interviewer questions to find out if the company and the position are right for you. Prepare their questions and ask them.
If you ask open questions e.g. those beginning with 'What?' How?' Where?' "Who?' or Will?', you will encourage your interviewer to talk and provide you with additional information.
Consider some of the following:
- What will my responsibilities be?
- How has the position become vacant?
- Who will I report to and are there persons reporting to me?
- Where is the specific location of the position?
- Will the position entail travelling?
- How soon will you decide on the appointment"
- What is the next step?