Interview and CV Workshop

Thursday 25th February, 2-3.30pmFlorencia Saluzzo

Introduction• Three Q Recruitment– Jobcare

• Aontas - National Adult Learning Organisation• Interview tips– Before, during and after– Common questions

• CV Writing

Interview TechniquesBefore The Interview:• Research the company and the role• Plan your route to interview location• Plan your clothing for the interview• Make sure you know your CV• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer• Practice questions and answers

Interview TechniquesDuring the interview:• Arrive on time• Smile, shake hands and hold eye contact• Professional and enthusiastic body language• Try to relax!• Stick to the questions being asked• Don’t just answer questions – ask some too

Interview TechniquesAfter the interview:• Write a thank you letter and send to interviewer• Follow-up call• Continue to job hunt• Be Patient!

Interview TechniquesPersonal Appearance:• Professional, clean business suit• Men should be clean-shaven• No excessive jewellery• Go easy on the aftershave/perfume!• Clean hands and finger nails• Fresh breath

Interview TechniquesPracticalities:• Do not ask about money until they mention it• Keep your phone off or on silent• Do not chew gum• Do not be negative about previous employers• Tell them how you meet their needs• Take a couple of seconds to think before answering

questions

Most Common Interview Questions“Tell me about yourself”

“Why should we hire you?”

“Where do you see yourself in five years time?”

“What are your salary expectations?”

“Tell me about a time you overcame a difficult situation at work”

“What do you know about this job/company?”

Most Common Interview Questions

CV WritingContent:• Think about who will be reading it• Tailor CV for each different position• Include:

• Don’t lie!

Education Skills

Work Experience Hobbies/Interests

Achievements References

CV WritingFormat/Layout:• Try to stick to 2-3 page maximum• Most important information on first page– Work experience– Education

• Referees at the end• Make it easy on the eye

CV Writing• Avoid jargon or slang• Use bullet points and bold headings• Keep sentences short and words simple• Get someone else to proof read for mistakes• No fancy borders or graphics• Microsoft Word is most commonly used• Always include a cover letter

CV WritingPower Words

Useful Adjectives

Created Managed Delivered Designed

Generated Supervised Sourced Initiated

Implemented Strengthened Co-ordinated Grew

Self-motivated Ambitious Determined Enthusiastic

Diligent Intelligent Bright Capable

Positive Creative Efficient Resourceful

CV ExamplesStrong CV:http://www.ucc.ie/careers/students/

Job_Search_from_Start_to_Finish/CV/Sample_CV's.php

Poor CV:http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/raiseyourgame/

images/poor_cv.pdf

Thank You for Listening

Q&A