CVs & job interviews

Use our beginner's guide to write the perfect CV, job application and covering letter and make the right impression at interview. A CV is the story of your life - or those parts of it that will interest potential employers. It should show your qualifications, achievements and capabilities.

Your CV plays a major role in determining whether you get an interview, so put some effort into preparing it.

Making an impression
Employers may get hundreds of CV's so you may have just seconds to attract their attention. Keep your CV brief: one page is ideal, two pages the maximum.

• Use a computer to write your CV
• Set it out in an attractive way
• Check your spelling carefully
• Keep it simple and relevant
• Make it personal and tell the truth
• Print on good-quality paper.

What to put in your CV
Refer to the job ad and tailor your CV to cover all the points mentioned. Include this information:

• Contact details. Write your name, address, home and mobile phone numbers and email address. You should also include your date of birth.
• Previous employment. List your most recent job first, including the name of your employer, job title, duties, achievements in the job, plus your start and finish dates.
• Education. List your most recent school, college or university first, including grades, qualifications, subjects and dates.
• Interests. Include those that are relevant for the job or where you showed leadership skills and responsibility.
• References. Offer two names, one from your place of study and one from work. Make sure your suggested referees will provide references. If you prefer, say references can be provided on request.

You've got it covered
Make sure your CV goes to the right person by including a covering letter. If you're not sure who they should go to, ring to find out. Your covering letter should be short, serious, polite and professional:

• First paragraph - say what job you're interested in and how you found out about it. If you're sending in a CV on spec (ie you aren't responding to a specific ad), explain what sort of work you're interested in.
• Second paragraph - the key points are why you want that particular job, why you want to work for that particular employer and why you're the ideal candidate.
• End with a positive statement, indicating that you're keen to have an interview.

On top form
When you apply for a job, your prospective employer may ask you to fill in an application form. You should send this in with your CV. Before completing the form, write out what you want to say on a photocopy of the form to avoid mistakes on the original.

Keep copies of everything you send a prospective employer so you can refer to it if you get an interview.

The interview
Hopefully, your job application will lead to a phone call or letter inviting you to an interview - your chance to show why you're the best person for the job.

Be prepared
Ask what form the interview will take (e.g. will you be interviewed by one person or a panel?) and whether you need to bring anything with you.

Research the business and find out what it does. If the interview isn't being held at its office, make sure it's in a public place and tell someone where you're going.

Re-read the job description and think about the relevant skills you have. Every interview is different but there are certain topics that usually come up:

• Your work experience (what you did, what you were good at, what skills you picked up).
• Why have you applied for this job?
• If you were out of paid employment, what did you do?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Where do you see yourself in five years' time?

An interview is a two-way process so make notes of questions you want to ask. This is your chance to find out if the company and job are right for you. Take a copy of your CV and any relevant references or certificates.

Best behavior
Check where you're going for the interview and work out your journey well in advance. Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes early; if you're late, you'll make yourself more nervous - and make a bad impression.

Whether the company's dress code is suits or jeans, try to look smart for your interview.

Switch off your mobile phone before the interview starts. Shake hands firmly with the interviewer and make eye contact with them. This shows that you're focused and confident.

Your body language says a lot so make sure you're giving out the right signals; look interested, smile and sit up straight. Take your tone from the interviewer. Some will be friendly and chatty, others more formal - respond in the same way.

Take your time answering questions and ask for clarification if necessary. Tell the truth and don't say unfavourable things about a previous employer. Try not to answer questions with a simple 'yes' or 'no'.

Answer questions fully without rambling unnecessarily.
Written tests are increasingly common in interviews so don't panic if you're asked to do one.

Sell yourself. Take this chance to show your interest and enthusiasm; explain why you think you're the right person for the job and highlight any relevant extracurricular activities and skills.

The waiting game
At the end of the interview, find out when you can expect to hear if you've been successful and ask if there will be a second round of interviews.

Afterwards, consider writing to your interviewer or emailing them - phoning can seem pushy - to confirm that you're interested in the position. You could also use the opportunity to briefly communicate anything you may have forgotten in the interview.

If you aren't successful, use the interview as a learning experience. Contact the interviewer and ask for feedback - it may help you to prepare for future interviews.

Important information
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The information given in this article was correct as at March 2006. It does not, however, take account of any changes in regulations, the law or interest rates since that time.

This article is not a substitute for obtaining professional advice from a qualified person or firm.