CV & Interview Preparation

CV & Interview Preparation

The purpose of this presentation is to;

Gain an understanding into job hunting in this competitive

environment.
Gain useful and practical advice on how job seekers can market
themselves successfully as the ideal candidate to potential
employers.

Upon completion of the presentation;

Know how to make an immediate impact with your CV

Know key format and content for your CV and Cover Letter

Know how to prepare for interview

Uncover essential interview tips and techniques

CV & Interview Preparation

Todays Job Market

Competitive
Added Value
Unique Selling Point
Job Searching Methods
Transferable Skills
Adaptable
Strong References
CV & Interview Preparation

Jobsearch & Job Seekers

Know Job Seeking Process;

Job Application to Job Offer Stage

Advert CV & Letter, Application Form, Online, Telephone Interview, Aptitude
or Dexterity Test, 1st Interview, 2nd Interview, Medical, Garda Clearance, Job
Offer.
(Can take minimum 2 – 10 weeks)

Job Function & Tasks; Transferable Skills.

Be able to speak about your duties in a past job. Be specific.
Demonstrate Skills/Abilities
S.T.A.R. Situation
Task
Action
Result
Use Networking Opportunities
CV & Interview Preparation

How People Find Jobs…

(From HSE WNO 2010)

CV & Interview Preparation

Job Hunters Employers

(In order of preference in job seeking) (In order of preference in
recruitment)

1. CV
1. Look inside Company
2. Advertisement
2. Colleagues
3. Agencies
3. Referrals
4. Colleagues
4. Drop Ins
5. Referrals
5. Contacts
6. Contacts
6. Agencies
7. Drop Ins
7. Adds
8. Inside the Company
8. CV
CV & Interview Preparation

Job Seeking Process

Curriculum Vitae
Generate interest in you and your skills,
which will lead to interview, allowing
opportunity to sell yourself.

Passport to a Job.
Record of all Education, Work History,

Skills.
Most Important Document a Job Seeker

can produce.
CV & Interview Preparation

CV Should be;
Personal; Marketing Tool, Sells your skills/abilities
to future employers.

Comprehensive; Present Full Potential, have

solid examples to back up each item listed.

Concise;Have a good balance of information,

may need a few drafts. Opportunity to expand
further at interview.

Attractive;Must appeal to the reader, identify

unique selling points and include them in profile
CV & Interview Preparation

CV Content
Personal Details;
Essential; Name, Contact Phone Numbers, Email Contact.
Optional: Address, DOB.

Profile
Highlight History e.g. Over 3 year experience in Retail Sales.
Transferable Skills e.g. Good Organisational, Numeracy and I.T.
Skills.
Personal Qualities e.g. Reliable, Hardworking, Friendly Individual.

Education/Training
Dates, College Name, Course Title/Qualification (Level)
List Subjects from Course.

Work History/Employment History

Dates, Employer Name, Job Title; Function/Tasks of Job.
(Work Placement)
CV & Interview Preparation

CV Content contd./
Additional Information
e.g. Holder of Driving License/Safe Pass Card.

Voluntary Work
e.g. Volunteer Youth Assistant
Assisted with Summer Camp Activities for kids aged 10-
14yrs.

Hobbies/Interests
Show a balance of group and individual activities.

References
Name, Title, Company Name, Phone, Email Contact.

Signed & Date

Shows ownership of CV & CV is up to date.
CV & Interview Preparation

Types of CV

Functional CV; Focuses on Skills

 Combination CV; Skills and Jobs

Chronological CV; Job History in

reverse order
CV & Interview Preparation

CV Layout Presentation
KISS (Keep it Short & Simple) 2 Pages.
Use Action Words

Use Phrases not sentences

Make it easy for interviewer to Find you.

Minimise Personal data

Keep it Clear and Clean

Design C.V so that it is easy on the eye.

Check Spelling and Typing.

Writing from Present to Past.

Avoid Gaps.

Tell the Truth.

Keep your C.V Up to Date.

Put your name on Every Page.

CV & Interview Preparation

Sample CV….
CV & Interview Preparation

Sample CV….
CV & Interview Preparation

Cover Letters

Why?
Provides opportunity to highlight how your specific
skills match job requirements.

The Letter….
Good Appearance

Make it Perfect

Use a Business Correspondence Format

Write to a specific person

CV & Interview Preparation

Writing Cover Letters

 Use a grabber first sentence.

 Why you are attracted to position.

 Highlight experience, skills relevant to job.

 Include information about training, personal

traits.

 State your next step.

 Thank person for time/consideration.

 CV & Interview Preparation

CV Mistakes.…..

A great lover of languages, I speak intermediate German, high-level

Russian, and fluent Spinach.
s included greeting laundrette customers, removing their clothes, and washing

I have never been backwards when it comes to coming forwards.

nt outlines my experience, skills, and qualifications, which I trust you will caref
“Career break in 1999 to renovate my
horse”

cation: Curses in liberal arts, curses in computer science, curses in accounting."

nstrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain store."

“I am anxious to use my
exiting skills.”
CV & Interview Preparation

Interview Purpose

 Business meeting with both parties

having an agenda.

 Two-way conversation when both

parties are evaluating each other.
CV & Interview Preparation

Interview Purpose…..

Suitability for Job Personality

Trustworthy Confident

Information from CV

Character Opinion Responsible

Reliable Appearance
CV & Interview Preparation

Interview Preparation

Believe in yourself & shine

Do your homework

Make a good first impression

Body Language

Sounding Positive

The Interview is a 2 way process

CV & Interview Preparation

Types of Interview

One to One Interview

Panel Interview
Telephone Interview
Group Interview
Video Interview
CV & Interview Preparation

Interview Stages

Welcome Stage

The Acquiring Information Stage

Supplying of Information Stage

Parting/Closure Stage
CV & Interview Preparation

Types of Interview Format

Competency Based Interview

(Probing for information to understand candidate)

Chronological Interview
(Takes lead from CV/Application Form)

Case Study Interview

(Present case study, what action to take,/work out solution)

Technical Interview
(Questions about technical work; final year projects/research etc)
CV & Interview Preparation

What types of questions are asked at interviews?

Introductory Questions

Tell me about yourself ? Why do you want this

job?

Why you left your last job? What is your

understanding…?

Qualifications Situation – Scenario

Previous Experience Why should we hire you?

Skills / Strengths Weaknesses

Hobbies / Interests Future plans

References Do you have any questions?

CV & Interview Preparation

Interview Questions

Categories
Self
Education/Training
Work
The Job

All emphasis your Skills (Personal, Practical)

Knowledge, Experience & Personal Traits
 CV & Interview Preparation

Group Exercise

 Think Like an Employer

 What Skills are Required?

 What interview Questions to Ask?

CV & Interview Preparation

Useful Websites

www.irishjobs.ie www.recruitireland.ie
www.monster.ie www.worky.ie
www.bestjobs.ie www.loadzajobs.ie
www.employireland.ie www.gumtree.ie
www.jobs.ie www.munsterjobs.ie
www.computerjobs.ie www.fas.ie

Networking websites;
www.linkedin.com
www.facebook.com
www.myspace.com