When seeking temporary employment or a permanent job through jobs agencies you will need an up to date CV.

Your CV

A well presented CV will not work miracles, but it will ensure that your attributes are given a fair chance. A few basic guidelines will stop you from making elementary errors:

• Keep your CV to a maximum of two pages
• Keep the presentation clear and smart
• Do not waffle
• Use bullet points where you can
• Do not try to use ‘wacky fonts’ or coloured paper to stand out
• Start with contact details, then include qualifications and past employment with the most recent job first.
• Emphasise achievements and strengths
• If possible, bear in mind the job you are going for and customise the CV accordingly
• Do not tell any untruths
• Ask someone to proof read it for you

Interviews

To some people the following might seem obvious, but a reminder does not do any harm.

Prepare A well prepared applicant comes over as professional and interested, so:

• Find out about the company, look at the website
• When the interview is booked, ask for some information
• Keep an eye on the press, not only looking for news about the organisation that is going to interview you, but also about their rivals
• Make use of press search engines to find out more

Once you have this information, not only will you stand a better chance of answering your interviewer’s questions like a charity or healthcare sector professional, but you can also plan a few intelligent questions to ask. In addition try and anticipate the questions your interviewer will ask, like “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Make sure your strengths are wide ranging and relevant and to avoid seeming too arrogant, have one or two minor weaknesses ready. More preparations can include ensuring that the clothes you want to wear are clean/pressed, and planning your route.

On the Day

• Arrive in plenty of time, looking smart, feeling confident.
• Be polite. Not just to your interviewers but to anyone you meet, from the receptionist onwards.
• Enter the room with confidence, shake hands firmly but avoid crushing bone!
• Good interviewers will try and put you at your ease with an informal chat before starting in earnest. Respond warmly.
• Listen carefully.
• Be enthusiastic.
• Be professional and friendly.
• Don’t ramble on. Time will be limited so give full but precise answers that avoid going off at a tangent.
• Watch your body language. Fiddling shows nervousness. Folded arms create a barrier. You want to seem open and confident.
• Remember to ask your prepared questions, and don’t forget that this is an opportunity for you to assess the organisation so they are on trial too.
• When you leave the interview say what a pleasure it has been.
• If you still want the job write a letter thanking them for the opportunity and confirm your interest in the job.

Good luck!

Phone: 020 7637 3737
Fax: 020 7637 7337

122 Great Portland Street
London W1W 6LN

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