SELLYOURSELF& GETTHATJOB…
SELLYOURSELF& GETTHATJOB…
College and university exams
are tough. But job hunting
can be tougher. Tim Relf
asks Cirencesters careers
officer Michael Matthews for
some tips on CV writing and
interview technique
A CV is a selling document, not a confessional, says Michael Matthews of the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester. "Its selling a product – and that product is the student concerned."
It should be entirely positive, so dont mention any of your failures. But dont lie. "If you do, youre likely to get caught out at interview or you could come unstuck later if youre offered the job."
Remember, the person reading it will be trying to find the information about you thats relevant to the job, so make it easy for them. Give then your personal details, educational background, work experience and skills.
But dont forget to mention "outcomes". Dont just refer, for example, to the bar work you did. Add that during that time you learned to deal with people and with money.
As well as the basics, a CV should have one or two "tantalising" bits, says Michael. "If youre the bungy diving champion of New Zealand, refer briefly to that because an interviewer is bound to ask about that and it gives you something to talk about."
How your CV looks is also crucial. This means a good choice of typography and layout. Use indented headings and bold type. "Think of the reader and make it easy for the them." And it should be no longer than two pages. "It needs to jump off those two pages."
The covering letter, meanwhile, is vital. It should set out the ways in which you fit the vacancy. The letter must demonstrate that you understand the needs of the business. A lot of what you need to know will be in the wording of the advertisement, which should tell you about the sort of person required and the essential and desired requirements.
The covering letter should be business-like, so make sure its clearly laid out and sent to the correct person. And make sure its well typed. "Never handwrite unless its asked for," says Michael. "In the age of e-mail, were not writing in quill pen."
While it is a business letter, a little enthusiasm goes a long way. The potential employer may be reading 20-plus applications, so you have to differentiate yourself. "Try and shine out."
The letter should be one page maximum – and ideally not even a full page. "Its a tease."
Assuming youve impressed with your CV, youve then got to impress the employer at an interview. Michaels advice is: "Be knowledgeable but not a know-all. Be confident but not arrogant. Be enthusiastic."
Remember the Boy Scouts motto – Be prepared. This means knowing the organisation concerned. Get hold of a copy of the firms annual report and accounts if applicable. Try looking at web-sites or newspaper cuttings, too.
Its also important to dress "appropriately" for the interview. For a stockmans job, therefore, dont go in a pin-stripe suit.
Take your CV or the application form and, if you have them, some details of the firm along. Having them on your lap or on the desk – and refering to the relevant points – shows youve done your homework. It also has a "psychological" advantage in that it gives you something to do with your hands, says Michael. "You wont feel as if youre sitting there naked. Ive seen people white knuckled from gripping the side of a chair."
Its also useful as regards eye contact because, if theres just one person interviewing you, you can end up staring at each other. "Having papers it gives you a chance to look down quite naturally. Its a legitimate way of breaking tension."
If youre asked at the end of the interview if youve got any questions its perfectly acceptable to have some written down, says Michael. "It shows you are prepared."
You should also ask – if you havent been told – what the timetable is for hearing the outcome. "Then, if you have not heard within the time specified, you are entitled to inquire."
Another difficult issue is when – if at all – to raise the subject of salary. "Any job advert ought to give an indication of the salary range. If its not in advert, it should be offered by interviewer."
If not, Michael suggests you frame your enquiry along these lines: "We havent talked about the terms of employment yet… At what stage would you expect to provide this information."
So, good luck in finding your dream job. If you get a rejection letter, however, ring and talk to the person who interviewed you. Say: "Im really disappointed but, if any future opportunities come up, Id love to be considered."
You could also ask in what way you didnt match up. "Get feedback."
"Hey man, its cool." Be relaxed –
but not too relaxed!
Keep it brief…
A CV should
be two pages maximum.
INTERVIEWS
DO
• Be prepared
• Be confident
• Be enthusiastic
DONT
• Be a know-all
• Be uncomfortable
• Be arrogant