CV Tips
CV writing is a form of marketing, the product is you.
It's a fact that employers and recruiters are generally time poor – so make it super simple to ascertain what your key skills are from the front page.
A CV should be short and sweet – and act as an intro to you and your skills. Here are some of our favourite CV tips from the team at iknowho;
- Think of a CV as the shop front window to you! With this in mind ensure that you have your best product on show…and not hidden on the second page.
- It's OK to have two versions - one that you send to apply and a second more detailed version that you may wish to send out once you have locked in an interview.
- Avoid using graphics or design (unless you are a designer!) and cover pages, as these distract the viewer from your key skills.
- There is no need to include a picture of yourself - why give the employer the opportunity to make a judgment on you prior to an interview?
- When adding personal hobbies ask is it relevant to your job search? Does it give the prospective employer a reason to meet or not meet you?
- There's also no need to state that it is a CV – that's obvious.
- No matter how many years experience you have it should easily fit within two pages…any more and you start to lose your audience.
- One of the biggest mistakes we see jobseekers make is the loooooooooong CV, which has often been edited along the way using the same format they had 10 years ago. Don't be lazy! As your CV is often the first impression you give, take the time to draft a new CV after each job.
- And lastly ask yourself: "Would you hire you based on your CV against the job ad/spec?"
Interview Tips
Last year iknowho interviewed just over 540 marketers in person and a further 450 by phone, so with all this interview practice these are just some interesting facts we've noticed over the years;
- A decision is usually made within the first 10 mins and then the rest of the time is spent justifying the decision
- Interviewers use the "I like you, if you're like me" approach irrespective of the role
- The more the interviewer talks, the more favourably the candidates are evaluated
- Research shows that interviewers are more influenced by negatives than positives
- The most successful interviews are structured
- Interviews are a great PR tool – use them wisely!
Our top tips for the interviewer
- Be prepared (read their CV) - and be on time!
- Welcome (greeting, introduce yourself and your role)
- Set an agenda and timeframe
- The candidate should 'feel' superior
- Listen with your ears
- Keep the interview flowing - ask open/delving questions
- Consider the competencies required and prepare open ended questions
- Use an interview sheet to ensure structure and reliability
- Remember your self-presentation too - this counts!
- Follow up - EVEN if they are not right, manners are important!