In this section
 
 

Career tools

How to write a good CV

When you are applying for a job, you may be asked for a CV. The aim of a CV is to demonstrate that you have:

  • The specific skills needed for the job
  • The right sort of experience
  • The right personal qualities
  • Understanding of the specific requirements of the job

As the employer will have lots of CV's to read, it is best to keep the CV simple and concise. It should be:

  • Ideally 2 pages long
  • Good quality A4 paper, preferable white
  • Typed with section headings and information in logical order
  • Formatted with bold and underlined headings
  • Professional, smart and well presented

When writing your CV, you have to ensure that you choose your words carefully, as ultimately; this is your chance to sell yourself on paper. The better it is the more chance you have got to be called for an interview.

The basic format for a CV is:

  • Personal Details - Name, address, contact details
  • Profile - Outline of your skills, experience and immediate career goals
  • Career History - Start with your most recent employment. This should include a brief bullet point description of your responsibilities and achievements
  • Education - List qualification(s), grade, place studied and check the dates
  • Interests - Only list a few that may be relevant to role, e.g. language, computer skills
  • References - If you have space, if not "References available upon request"

Ensure that your have proof read your CV several times to ensure that the information is spelt correctly and that the dates flow with no gaps or incorrect years. Be sure to be truthful as if you are exposed in interview, then you may ruin any chance of getting the job.

If you are replying to a job advert, ensure that you customize your CV accordingly so that your skills match the demands in the advert.

If you feel you need help with finalizing your CV, please contact our Recruitment Officer, who may be able to help on 020 8831 6192.

Interview techniques

Now that you have been invited for an interview, you need to start preparing in order for the interview to be a success. The interview will show that you can do the job competently, and bring enhanced benefits to the department and company.

Positive attitude

The most important thing to take with you to the interview is a positive attitude. If you do not believe in yourself, then how can you convince the interviewer to believe in you? Remind yourself that they have short-listed you from many other applicants, so you have a good chance, although feeling nervous is fairly natural.

Preparation

Before an interview, you need to do as much preparation as you can:

  • Familiarize yourself with the job description and person specification
  • Decide how you will match the jobs requirements
  • Go over your CV or application form prior to the interview is also essential.
  • Ask yourself possible questions, and practice your answers
  • Carry out as much research as you can on the organization. Easiest way to do this is through the internet, searching for facts on the company such as turnover, what the company does and any recent news.

First impressions

Impressions are usually made in the first five minutes of meeting someone, which can often affect the outcome of the interview. They are based on body language, tone of voice, what you say and your body image. Hence, dressing appropriately is very important.

For Men: a blue or black suit, full sleeved white or blue shirt, simple tie, polished shoes, dark socks and not overpowering aftershave. Hair and beard should be trimmed and wear minimum jewellery.

For Woman: a blue or black suit, white or blue blouse, simple tights (always keep one spare), sensible shoes, minimal makeup/jewellery and near hair.

Other points to remember

  • Meet the interviewer confidently with a strong handshake
  • Smile, as this will let your enthusiasm and friendly nature come through
  • Speak clearly, slower than normal and show enthusiasm in your voice
  • Keep regular eye contact, if there is a panel of interviewers, look at them in turn
  • Be alert, sit up straight with arms uncrossed

The interview

During the interview you should be professional and have a business like manner. You should listen intently, be honest and use strong positive language to sell yourself.

However, do not be over enthusiastic, as it may suggest you're desperate for a job. Also remember to not get into discussions about your personal life, or be negative about your previous employer.

It is best to have a practice run before the interview, either on your own, or with a partner acting as the interviewer. This will enable you to practice your answers out loud, and also prepare you for what could be asked in the interview.

Typical interview questions

  • Tell me about yourself
  • Explain your responsibilities in your current position, and why you want to leave?
  • What do you know about our organization?
  • Why do you want to work with children?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses
  • How do you react under pressure? Give me an example of where you were under pressure and had to deal with a particular situation?
  • How would your family/friends/colleagues describe you?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years time?
  • Provide an example of where you had to deal with a customer who was being abusive.
  • What was your main achievement in your last/current role that you were most proud of?
  • What is your attitude to working overtime?
  • Are you trained in first aid? What would you do if a child had a nose bleed?
  • How would you discipline a child if they had behaved badly?

Concluding the interview

At the end of the interview, you may be asked if you have any questions for them. Try to think of some questions before, during and after, ensuring that they have not previously been answered. These could include:

  • What is the next stage of the recruitment process?
  • How many people are in the team?
  • How did the job become available?
  • What are the working hours?
  • Try and ask something specific to the role itself

Try not to talk about salary expectations, unless they bring the subject up.

Remember to thank them for inviting you to the interview, and how you will be looking forward to hearing from them soon.

Application forms

  • An application form is another method that companies use in their selection process.
  • The job description, application form and person specification is usually sent together. You should read these carefully before completing the application form.
  • You should complete all sections of the application form making sure that you address the criteria contained within the Person Specification.
  • If you are handwriting the application form, consider doing a rough draft first. This will help you to organize and plan your application properly and avoid mistakes.
  • Skills, abilities, knowledge and experience are the most important part of the application form; it is where you make your case for being short listed for the selection process.
  • You will need to explain how your ability, skills and knowledge match those in the person specification. Ensure the information you give is well organized, relevant and presented in a positive way.
  • Use active and positive words such as I plan/organize/develop etc. Consider numbering your examples to match those on the person specification.
  • Provide examples and evidence for each point to support your application. It may include experience gained in college, leisure, family, and does not have to be paid employment.
  • Make sure you keep a copy of your completed application form.