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You should always arrive at an interview around 15 minutes before. Not only does it go down well with the employer, but it gives you time to catch your breath, calm yourself down, focus your mind and if you like you can have a glance over your notes as you wait to be called.

Make sure you block off enough time so that you are not in a hurry back to work, you cannot rush your potential future employer. Where possible you should take the day off to focus on getting this new job.
It’s no harm to bring a few extra copies of your CV, just in case there are extra people at the interview. Bring details of your referees including their phone numbers and email addresses. It’s important that you have asked for their permission.

Switch off you phone before you enter the building. Greet the receptionist, security and anyone else you meet in a professional and friendly manner. You’d be surprised how many times a receptionist is asked what she thought about the candidates that came in. Don’t be afraid to ask to use the bathroom on your arrival, particularly if it’s a windy or wet day, you can comb your hair and feel confident that you still look in tact!

When your meet your interviewers, give them a smile and a strong handshake. Let them lead the interview. You should listen intently throughout the interview and answer clearly when it’s your turn to respond. Don’t be afraid to give yourself time to think before speaking, it’s more important that you absorb the question and give a response that is appropriate. Be aware that if you are nervous you may speak more quickly than normal, so slow yourself down a little. Be mindful that it can look rude to interrupt interviewers.

Maintain eye contact, if there are a few interviewers in the room be sure to make make eye contact with them all from time to time. Of course if one asks a question you will automatically engage with them on your response. Looking from one person to another shows that you’re capable of engaging well with people and not fearful. Try not to fidget too much.

You need to show a genuine interest in the industry you are applying for. To do this, you could discuss topical news about factors that are affecting the industry or if you have an interest in the industry outside of work (e.g. through a blog or additional studies), make sure you bring this up in your conversation to further impress recruiters or employers.

Bring a notebook with some questions you have about the company and the role. Always make sure you ask at least two questions at the end of an interview. This also makes you look interested in the company and the specific role up for grabs.

Any questions you ask should be well considered and must show that you have a genuine interest in the role. Do not ask questions about the company or role that are already on their Website or in the Job Spec, you need to demonstrate that you have already studied these. If you know the business has just launched a new product, you can show you’ve done your research by asking them how it is going for them?

You might also ask for additional information about the role that has not already been covered in the interview for example. Size of the team you will be working with, what targets will be set for you (if appropriate). Whatever questions you ask just make sure they make sense.

Some very brave interviewees might ask straight out at the end of an interview “do you think I am what you are looking for?” Brave but if you feel it’s appropriate there’s no harm in asking. At the end thank your interviewers for taking the time to see you. Tell them that you are looking forward to hearing from them. Shake their hands and wait to be escorted out.

Nailing the Interview

Section 1:
Personal Details
Your personal and contact details must include name, address, phone numbers and email. Some people also include their LinkedIn URL on their CV. It is not necessary to include age or marital status.

Section 2:
Personal Profile / Career Objectives
This should be a brief introductory paragraph to highlight your suitability to the position you are applying for and where your previous experience matches the current requirements of the role on offer. Try to avoid common clichés such as team player, dependable, committed etc.

Section 3 &amp; 4: Education &amp; Experience
TIP: If your work history is stronger than your education &amp; professional qualifications list that first.

Education &amp; Professional Qualifications
List the most recent educational achievements first. Include graduation dates and institute names. It is also a good idea to state the level of your qualifications (e.g. Honours or Level 8). Also remember to include professional memberships or other relevant training.

Work History and Achievements
Outline in detail your work history to date, beginning with the most recent. Use a bold font to highlight the company name, the position you held and the dates of your employment. Include start and end dates. Use bullet points to describe responsibilities and achievements. Explain ‘gaps’ in employment for example, travelling, education, career break etc.

5. Achievements
List in bullet point format any additional skills or achievements that are relevant to the position you are applying for. List the most important and relevant achievements first. Examples; computer systems used or technical skills you are proficient in, fluency in other languages, significant work achievements, or soft skills (e.g. organisational skills, communication skills, problem-solving etc.)

6. Hobbies and Interests
Not compulsory but while your CV outlines your qualifications and experience, the hobbies and interests section can reveal a bit more about your personality to the potential employer. This is an area that can set you apart from other candidates and is a great place to outline any voluntary work you do.

7. References
You can say ‘available on request’. If you are listing referees make sure that you have sought their approval.

CV Guidance Notes

Landing your dream job requires proper research, preparation and determination, but thanks to modern technology and websites such as www.jobalert.ie the task of sourcing vacant positions has become a lot easier. You can sign up for job alert notifications and very soon opportunities will come looking for you.

Once you have identified a suitable position, you must then fully examine the job specification and tailor your CV and Cover Letter to highlight the qualifications, experience and competencies you have that demonstrate why you are the best person for the job. Impressing your potential future employer starts here and hopefully you can bag an interview.

If a full job specification is not available you may want to request one or research similar positions that have full job specifications outlined. This will help when you are trying to find key words and descriptions of competencies required to sell yourself appropriately.

If you need advice on CV &amp; Cover Letter preparation download our templates that are available in the sidebar menu.

Land That Dream Job

As soon as you apply for a position you should start researching the company just in case you are called for interview at short notice. You should take down notes and important details, particularly ones that directly relate to your role.

Once an interview is confirmed you can further research industry trends and if required research your interviewers on LinkedIn, this is particularly useful when applying for more senior level positions. It might also be useful to check LinkedIn to see if you already have contacts within the organisation, they may be able to help you prepare more thoroughly or at least advise you on what to expect.

It is important to check out exactly where the interview venue is located to allow enough time to get there early. Some positions require more preparation than others, for example you may be requested to prepare a presentation.

No matter what position you are applying for it will help reduce stress levels if you check everything and prepare your clothes the day before.

Jobseekers