Top Tips
Writing your CV
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Interview Tips
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The Interview
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After the Interview
Interview Tips - Preparation
Interviews are two way meetings. Not only are they an opportunity for the interviewer to find out about you but they are also an opportunity for you to find out about the organisation and if the position will provide you with the challenge and job satisfaction you are looking for.
Think about your skills, qualifications and experience and ensure that you can talk confidently about what is written on your CV, relating your skills to the position you are going for.
Prepare some questions to ask at the interview. At the first interview it would be wise to restrict your questions to the details of the job and the organisation. Salary and benefit discussions are best left until a second interview or when a job offer is made. To help, we’ve compiled a series of FAQs that you should ask yourself before the interviewer does, plus a few questions you can ask them and a checklist of tips:
- How would you describe yourself?
- How would others describe you?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- What are your strengths? And weaknesses?
Questions to ask the interviewer
- What are the opportunities for career progression?
- What are the aims of the company? Where does the company see itself in five years?
- What will my personal targets for the first 6 months?
- When will you make a final decision?
Do your homework
Make sure you have a good understanding of the company that’s offering you an interview. If they have a website, visit it and find out whether there have been any new announcements, new products launched, new people joining them. Ask IRS if they have any extra information on them. The more you understand about your prospective employer, the more likely you are to shine.
Dress code and appearance
Ask IRS what the client’s dress code is. For office work, smart business dress is a must. Ensure you are well groomed with tidy hair, clean shoes and clothing. Do not wear too much perfume or aftershave and keep make-up, jewellery and nail polish simple.
Travel and timing
Plan your journey beforehand to ensure you arrive a few minutes early. Allow for possible travel delays. Just in case of a major hold up, make sure you have your contact’s telephone number so that you can call if you suspect you will be late.
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