"Being presented with the right candidate is very important to me, as it saves me a lot of time sorting people out. I am very happy with your service."

Allan Ramson, AMPcontrol

CV & Interview Tips

CV Tips

Some simple alterations to your CV or Resume can make all the difference when an employer is shortlisting.  Below are some key points to incorporate when you are creating your CV or looking to revise it before applying.

  • List employment history with the most recent position first and work backwards
  • Give a brief outline of responsibilities and duties for each position held
  • Only list educational information that is post high-school
  • Remove any photos
  • You do not need to disclose any specific personal information including religion, nationality etc.
  • Keep it to a 4-page maximum
  • Place a small two sentence section at the end with a brief description of leisure activities to give the employer/client an idea of personality

 

Interview Tips

The interview is a very important part of moving into a new opportunity.

Below you will find a number of tips that we feel will help improve your performance at an interview and therefore greatly increase your chance of getting the job you want!

Prepare for the Interview:

  • First impressions count! Preparation is the key to a successful interview.
  • Find out all you can about the company.
  • Thoroughly review the advertisement and position description.
  • Refresh your memory regarding details of present and past employers and your work history in their companies.
  • Bring a spare copy of your resume to the interview and other relevant documentation.
  • Find out what is expected regarding dress code.
  • Ensure that you know the exact location and time of the interview, the interviewer's full name, the correct pronunciation and the title held. Find out how long it will take you to get there.
  • Prepare the questions you will ask and remember that an interview is a 'two-way-street'.

The interviewer will try to determine through questioning if you have the qualifications necessary to do the job and that you are interested in their role and organisation. You must determine through questioning whether the company will provide the opportunity for growth and development that you seek.

Questions you may want to ask:

  • Reason the position is available?
  • Culture of the company?
  • Anticipated induction and training programme?
  • Training programmes available for those who demonstrate outstanding ability?
  • Company growth plans?
  • Challenges facing the company both currently and in the future?
  • Best-selling products or services?
  • The next step?

Interview Do-s

  • Dress appropriately, it's the small things that make a big difference, hair and teeth brushed, deodorant used, shoes polished, shirt ironed etc.
  • Be on time. Make sure that you are 10 minutes early and if you are going to be unavoidably delayed ring and let them know.
  • Greet the interviewer(s) by their name(s).
  • Sit up straight, lean forward slightly and make eye contact. Remember to talk to the interviewer(s) and not the top right hand corner of the room or at their shoes.
  • Listen carefully to the questions and answer clearly and thoughtfully.
  • Make sure you fully understand the question. Query any points that you are not sure about.
  • Express yourself and your views clearly.
  • Ask questions. Selection is a two way process. They select you, but you also select them.
  • Be confident and show enthusiasm for the organisation and the position.
  • Make sure that you always present your skills in a positive light. Even when describing your weaknesses you should always show them what you are doing to improve or overcome them.
  • If you have the impression all is not going well, don't let your discouragement show. You may be wrong, and spoil your chances.
  • Be prepared with answers and supporting examples to questions such as:
    • What are your career aspirations?
    • Why do you want to work for this company?
    • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
    • Can you re-locate if requested?
  • If you are presented with an application, fill it out neatly and honestly.
  • If you are interested in the position let the interviewer know.
  • Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration.

Interview Don't-s

  • Don’t be late.
  • Don't dress too casually or look untidy.
  • NEVER make derogatory remarks about past or present employers.
  • Don't fidget or twitch.
  • Don't sit there like a statue. However, if you like to use your hands for emphasis when you are talking, try not to be too excessive with your gestures.
  • Don't interrupt the interviewer before they have finished asking you a question and never finish their sentences for them.
  • Don't lie. If you have to lie about what you are like or your abilities in order to obtain the job, you are likely to find yourself in a position that you don't really feel happy in and may find it difficult to succeed.
  • Don't worry if you answer one question badly. Treat each question individually.
  • Don’t waffle or get distracted. Keep to the point when answering questions.
  • Don't talk about salary, holidays or bonuses unless the interviewer(s) bring them up.
  • Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no". Make sure that you explain your reasoning fully.
  • Don't wear too much perfume or aftershave.
  • Don't smoke just before or during the interview.

After the Interview

Immediately call the Consultant who organised your interview and describe how the interview went. He / she will want your views before the employer calls, and will appreciate your feedback.

If you are not interested in progressing with the position further, we need to know as well as soon as possible.