cv writing & interview techniques david molyneux careers adviser liverpool hope university
TRANSCRIPT
CV Writing& Interview Techniques
David Molyneux
Careers Adviser
Liverpool Hope University
Introduction and Aims
• Examine what makes a good CV
• Examine the steps you should take to help you prepare for job interviews
• Look at some general interview questions which you might face and how to answer them
How Career Development can support you
• One to one careers interviews – 45 minutes• E-guidance careers advice (email based)• CV advice & guidance• Review of personal statements• Advice on how to fill in application forms (paper or online)• PGCE Interview Preparation• Practice Interviews• Tips & constructive feedback on interview presentations • Provide up to date career information resources & links
Contact Details: Email [email protected]: 0151 291 3427
Group Activity
• In pairs or groups of 3 spend some time discussing what sort of information a CV should contain
Your CV should include
• A personal profile
• Your work history
• Your education history
• Your key skills
• Your hobbies and interests
• Your contact details
Top CV Tips
• As far as possible target your CV to the job you are applying for
• Don’t include mountains of irrelevant information
• Do sell yourself and your strengths
Application Forms
• Some companies prefer application forms
• The most important section of an application form is often the personal statement
Personal Statements
• These, like a CV, need to be targeted for the job you are applying for
• You should give relevant examples of things you have done previously
• Use the job description and person specification as a guide
Purpose of an Interview
• Its primary purpose is to establish candidate / role fit
• To ensure what you have said in your application is accurate
• To gauge if you would fit into the organisation and mesh with the team
Types of interview
• Panel Interview– The most common and the most dreaded– Typically consisting of a line manager, a
senior manager, an HR representative and some times an admin assistant
– Remember to make eye contact with everyone on the panel
Types of interview
• Group Interviews– Most commonly used by organisations
recruiting large numbers of staff at once– Will often feature role play and team working
tasks– These sorts of interview can really through
you if you not expecting them
Types of interview
• One to One Interviews– These interviews are often less formal – They are more typical in smaller organisations– Don’t let the more informal style lull you into
taking a more casual approach
The Importance of Preparation
• The difference between a candidate who is prepared and one who is not is extreme
• If you fail to prepare it brings your enthusiasm and commitment to the role into doubt
Things to do to prepare
• Firstly contact the organisation and let them know you will be attending
• Research the organisation and the job role• Make sure you know where the interview will be
held and how you are going to get there – do a dummy run
• Practice interview questions with friends and family or request a mock interview with careers
• Prepare suitable examples of your work and skills
What would you take with you
• In pairs spend a couple of minutes talking about the things you might want to take with you to a job interview
Things to take with you
• A portfolio including - • The letter inviting you to interview• Copies of certificates and qualifications• Some form of ID• Your bank details• Research you have done about the company• A list of questions to ask at the end• Copies of your CV / application form• Pen and paper• National insurance number
Whats the first thing to do when you arrive at an interview?
Turn off your mobile phone!!!
Some tips once you have turned off you phone
• If you are nervous and are offered a cup of tea or coffee it might be a good idea to turn it down
• If you have had to bring an umbrella or an overcoat ask if there is somewhere at reception you could leave it
• Remember to smile and give a good firm handshake
Body Language
• Try to make eye contact with the interviewers
• Sit professionally in your chair don’t slouch even if the interviewer is
• Don’t fidget – even though we are more likely to do this when we are nervous
Interview Questions
• What are your strengths and your weaknesses?– You should have a good knowledge of your
key strengths and selling points– When asked about your weaknesses try to
turn it into a positive. If you cite a weakness make sure you say what you are doing to counter it
Interview Questions
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?– Try to show some sense of ambition and give
the impression you have given thought to your future career
– Avoid rigid time scales and making it seem like the job you are applying for you just see as a stepping stone
– Never ever say “in 5 years time I want your job”
Interview Questions
• Can you give an example of a time when you have……..– You will almost certainly be asked about your
skills and experience– What you will be asked depends on the job
but when you are preparing you should think about the skills they role requires and specific instances when you have demonstrated these skills
Interview Questions
• Are there any questions the group has faced that were particularly tricky?
The end of the interview
• Remember you are on show until you leave the building – continue to act professionally even if you feel the interview was a disaster
• Thank the interviewers for their time
• If you are unsuccessful make sure you take the time to ask the organisation for feedback
Conclusions
• CV’s are a tool for selling your self think what you actually want it to achieve
• Prepare!! This is the key to giving your self an edge in a competitive market
• Treat interviews as learning experiences if you are not successful
Any Questions?
David Molyneux
Careers Advisor
Tel: 0151 2913803