Advice For Candidates
Advice for Candidates Outlined below is some initial advice for candidates on our newly launched web site. Please keep an eye on this as it will be updated over the coming months with what we hope will be more useful advice and hints. Please let us know if you have any comments or points that you feel would be good to share with other candidates. CV’s Please keep these to no more than two pages as all hiring managers are very busy and some will simply reject any that are more than two or three pages at a maximum. We have seen some that are 12 and 15 pages and the decision on these is simple – So please make sure that your CV does not end up in the “no pile” because it is too long. Please be accurate on your CV particularly with your current status and dates even if you have been made redundant – This will have to be correct before it is submitted to the client. Based upon your understanding of the specific job for which you are applying, tailor your CV for the job highlighting your specific relevant achievements and skills in relation to the job. Your recruiter should assist you will this part of the process. Your CV is crucial in relation to your application – It plays an important part in the decision on whether to offer you an interview so be prepared to tailor it slightly for each job application. Interviews Simple Preparation, Preparation and Preparation!!! Prepare your self by having a clear understanding of the job role for which you are applying – Ideally but not essentially have a copy of the Job Description so that you can get an initial feel for the job – Essentially, work with your recruiter who should be able to give you a good briefing of the culture of the company, the people who you will meet at interview and the people who you will be working with. Make sure that you have a thorough look around the company's web site so that you can answer general questions about them if asked and equally importantly, prepare some of your own questions about the company’s history, products and services for you to ask at the interview. Prepare yourself, by thinking about how you would approach the first day and week in the new job if they offered it to you and you decide to accept it. Think about how you would do the job in relation to your experience, past achievements and skills. You can use this to demonstrate your capability. Also consider how the job fits in with you career goals and ambitions so that you can discuss these at the interview. Prepare yourself for the actual interview – The location, travel and timing – Always be early, dress code, review everything that you have prepared and be confident and calm so that you can enjoy the meeting and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Finally, remember the interview has two purposes – For the company to decide whether they wish to make you a job offer and equally importantly, for you decide if you would like to work for them if they make you an offer. General When seeking a new job whether through choice to enhance your career or necessity (redundancy etc) which is increasingly common in the present economic climate, remember that this is a really important decision. If working with a recruiter please make sure that you find one who is interested in spending time with you, to understand you, your current position and what you are trying to achieve. When you find a good one be prepared to spend time with them so that you can both achieve the same objective. Finding a good one is difficult so make sure that you dedicate the time to building up a good business working relationship. They could be your key to helping you with your career and finding you the all elusive next job which will be the platform for your ultimate career goals. Please let us have your comments – positive or negative - using the Contact Us link on the site and we will be delighted to receive your feedback.