Get the skills

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. A resume is your entry into the job race. It is your chance to sing your own praises and make an employer sit up and take notice. So, it’s worth taking some time to perfect it.

Content
Your aim is to convince the employer that you have the necessary experience, knowledge and drive to do the job. Many resume’s do nothing more than provide a stark list of job titles and duties. All companies are results-orientated, you must emphasise what you have achieved within a role, how you added value or made a difference to a company.

Structure
Personal Details
start with your personal details (name, address, phone number). List a brief summary of your personal profile such as skills, experience, knowledge and career aspirations. It’s the perfect way to give the employer an overview of your suitability for the job.

Career History
if you have been in employment, focus on your career history first and them move on to your academic qualifications. If you are a school-leaver or still in education, start with details of your education and academic achievements. For each role, list your job title, company name and length of employment. Follow this with a description of your role, key responsibilities and remember to highlight your achievements. For previous jobs keep the details brief, unless they are significant in terms of the role that you are applying for.

Qualifications & Education
when it comes to qualifications and professional training, take the same approach as with your employment history. Begin with your most recent qualifications. If you have a degree or higher qualification, there’s no need to include an extensive list of your results.

Interests
you should aim to relate your interests to the job selection criteria, for example, demonstrate you are a team player by sharing your involvement in team sports. If you are entering the job market for the first time, give evidence to demonstrate initiative or practical skills such as voluntary work, elected office in a society or contributor to a college magazine.

A covering letter provides a great opportunity to highlight key attributes and your experience directly relevant to the position you are applying for. You should try to keep the letter to one page and your introduction brief.

Your resume should have a formal tone, while your letter allows you to let your personality and enthusiasm shine through.

Maintain a standard formal business letter format but consider the position that you are applying for. If it is in a sector such as financial services a straightforward formal style will be expected. However, as an example, if it’s for the advertising industry, a more creative approach may be appropriate.

Mention the job you’re applying for and explain why you are right for it. Use the following paragraphs as an opportunity to develop these points and expand on your experience and aptitude for the job. You should finish your letter positively and confidently by giving your contact details or stating when you intend to contact them.

An interview is the one chance to make an impression stick! You have done well to get the interview and have a real opportunity to stand out. Be prepared, do your homework, practice the tricky questions and remember to ask questions to help you make an informed decision. Interviews are a two way street and the more interest you show, the more you will be remembered. Plan some pointers to make your interview a success!

Before the Interview

Look Sharp
Presentation is always a key factor in making a statement about who you are. If the corporate world is new to you, take the time to read some business magazines. Invest in a good quality suit as your professional attire will speak volumes.

Do Your homework
Take the time to research the company. Browse their website and familiarise yourself with whether they are a public or private company, what culture they promote, type of industry, clients they work with and what attracted you to their advertisement? Remember these points and think about what makes you the most unique and compelling candidate.

During the Interview:
Be prepared for the following questions:

How would you describe yourself?
What motivates you to be successful?
What are your strengths and competencies?
Tell me about a time you have demonstrated teamwork, leadership, crisis management etc.
What would you bring to the role?

Do’s

Body Talk
Position yourself in a positive approachable way. What you don’t say can communicate more than your words. Think about the body language that spells confidence – a firm handshake, composure, sitting forward, pausing, considering your answers and not rushing in nervously, maintaining eye contact and minimum movement.

Play Your Role
What is the company really looking for? If you know a little about the role you will know how to match it. Seek out the pointers that complement your experience and skills. If the role asks for sales ability, think about how you can draw on your experience, it might be different, but can be tailored.

Point of Sale
If you have examples of your work, achievements or other interesting additions that can help make you stand out, bring them along with you. These examples will demonstrate your experience and show your level of interest in the role.

Sound Positive
You must be ready to expand on the information presented on your resume and anticipate the route the interviewer might take. No one fits a job perfectly so emphasise your most relevant skills and slant answers to reassure the interviewer that any shortfall is not a problem.

Practice
Practice makes perfect. In preparation of your interview, test your fluency by role playing or presenting to a friend or partner.

Dont’s
Don’t use tentative language. Phrases such as ‘I feel I could’, ‘I think I can’. ‘Perhaps I would’ – dilutes the strength of your case.
Don’t confine your answers to monosyllabic ‘yes’ and ‘no’s’ as it makes the interview seem like an interrogation. Be enthusiastic but don’t constantly interrupt.
Don’t be evasive. Make a virtue of any career gaps on your resume.

After the Interview
Follow up with the consultant or interviewer.
Thank-you notes leave a warm and lasting impression.
Ask for feedback on your interview performance.

Some people always seem to succeed at interviews. They're not lucky, their secret is careful preparation. The better prepared you are, the more confident you will be and the more success you will have. Remember, if you have prepared properly, when you go to an interview you will already have beaten most candidates.

Good Luck!