Manpower: CV doís and dontís

Research has shown that, on average, managers spend less than two minutes examining each CV they receive so a well structured, clear and concise CV will encourage the employer to read on and could make all the difference between getting an interview or not.

Some key pointers to remember when compiling your CV are:

Your CV should follow a recommended structure of personal details, career history, qualifications, education and interests and shouldnít be longer than two pages

Due to changes to the Age Discrimination legislation your age should not be included in your personal details

Include a short three or four line personal profile summarising your skills, experience, knowledge and career aspirations that is tailored for the job which you are applying for. Itís the perfect way to give the employer an overview of your suitability for the job

Potential employers are always interested in what you are doing now or what you have done recently so ensure that your career history and qualifications and education details are arranged in chronological order starting with the most recent. Highlight what is most relevant and sum-up the rest

Use subheadings wherever possible, and keep it well spaced, so itís easy to read - donít squash everything onto the page by using tiny typefaces

A standard typeface, like Times New Roman, is ideal ñ fancy fonts, like Copperplate Gothic, and gimmicky design do nothing for clarity

Laser-print your CV on good quality, white A4 paper ñ cheap photocopying paper wonít make a good impression

Write in a precise, clear style and stick to the point - only include relevant information

Keep the language formal but clear, with succinct sentences. Your personality will come through at the interview stage

Use active keywords (created, devised, enjoyed, relished, helped, negotiated, managed, liaised, motivated) which have a positive impact

Avoid jargon and abbreviations

Take great care with spelling and grammar. The slightest error can result in your CV being rejected so donít just run the CV through the spellcheck on your computer as that wonít identify ítyposí, discrepancies or grammatical inconsistencies,

Once you have checked the finished document, ask a friend to check it again - a fresh pair of eyes often spots a mistake you may have missed

Believe in yourself and shine at an interview
Everyone approaches a job interview with some degree of apprehension. Nerves are perfectly natural; the trick is not to let them weigh you down. The main thing to remember is that the employer has asked to see you because they think you are capable of doing the job. Their time is precious and they will be hoping, just as fervently as you, that you are the perfect solution to the vacancy. At the interview, your main aim is to reinforce the excellent impression made by your CV. You do not want to be stuck for words, so it is important to think about what you are going to say, how you are going to say it and how you are going to act, beforehand.

Here are a few proven strategies that will help you take control of the interview and ensure that the whole process goes smoothly.

>> Do your homework
>> Making a good first impression
>> Body language
>> Sounding positive
>> Handling tough questions with confidence
>> The interview is a two-way process
>> Closing on a confident note
>> You are almost there

Do your homework
Itís always worth ígoing that extra mileí - you can never have too much information. Try logging on to the companyís website, get hold of company literature and find out about competitors. If the opportunity to use this knowledge arises, youíll be able to demonstrate an impressive level of interest in the organisation.

Making a good first impression
Look smart and professional. When it comes to dressing to impress, always err on the side of ítraditionalí rather than ítrendyí.

Take a copy of your CV with you. Even the most efficient companies can mislay or forget to bring a document

Plan your route and allow plenty of extra time to get to the interview.

Be courteous, smile and shake hands firmly.

Body language
You may be superbly qualified for a job, but you must also look motivated and interested. The way you act, your posture, gestures and facial expressions, will reveal a lot about you.

Look the interviewer in the eye and donít be afraid to smile when it is appropriate.

If you are being interviewed by more than one person, always look at and address the person who posed the question, then glance at the others when you have finished your answer.

Adopt a good posture. Donít cross your arms, fidget, tap your feet, sprawl or lean forward anxiously.

Sounding positive
You must be ready to expand on, not simply regurgitate, the information presented on your CV 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.

- Donít use tentative language. Phrases such as íI feel I couldí, íI think I caní. íPerhaps I wouldí - dilute the strength of your case.

- Donít confine your answers to monosyllabic yes and noís which make the interview more like an interrogation.

- Be enthusiastic but donít constantly interrupt.

- Practice makes perfect. Before the interview, test your fluency by talking out loud or presenting to partners and friends.

- Donít be evasive. Make a virtue of any career gaps on your CV.

Handling tough questions with confidence
Employers will ask questions deliberately designed to see how you behave and react in certain situations. Giving a positive, fluent answer isnít as difficult as it might seem. With a little advance planning, itís perfectly possible to anticipate common general enquiries and prepare a coherent, effective response. In fact, you can turn these questions into an opportunity to take the initiative and ísellí the exact message you want.

Never answer a question you donít understand with a knee-jerk response. Always seek clarification before answering and if you donít know an answer, its much better to admit this than guess.

Be prepared for the following questions
- How would you describe yourself?
- How would your manager describe you?
- What is your career path for the future?
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
- What motivates you to be successful?
- How do you react when you are left to work without supervision?
- Give me an example of when you feel you have coped extremely well under pressure at work?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This final question is particularly tricky. Obviously, you canít claim to have no weaknesses, but you donít want to stress anything too negative. The best solution is to admit to one weakness and then turn it around and show how you have constructively overcome it.

The interview is a two-way process
At the end of the interview, the employer will usually ask if you have any questions about the job or company, so always prepare a few in advance. This is a good chance to clarify any points of doubt - after all, you need to make sure that the job is exactly what you expected and what you want.

Suggested questions to ask
- What are the opportunities for career progression?
- What are the training opportunities?
- What are my precise responsibilities?
- How much travel is involved?
- What are the targets for the first 6 months?
- How long will it take you to make a final recruitment decision?

Closing on a confident note
Leave the employer with a good final impression. Smile, thank them for their time, say you enjoyed discussing the job and that you look forward to hearing from them soon. Donít add any afterthoughts as you leave the room.

You are almost there
Some people always seem to succeed at interviews. Theyíre 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 then when you go to an interview you will already have beaten most candidates, the employer wants you to succeed - that job is yours!