This article is part of the “Interview tips” series.
Before you sit down and commit to writing your own CV it might be beneficial to look at some other CV’s that are already out there. You can check the sample CVs at professional services like CVmaker or Europass and get a good idea of what the industry standard is and how your own CV should look before submitting it to potential employers.
Once you have had a chance to pursue professionally created CV’s you can begin the arduous task of building your own and preparing for a job interview.
Below are Tips for Preparing for A Job Interview!
Dress for the job that you want, not the job that you have. Make yourself as presentable as possible. Show your potential employer who you are and how you will represent their company.
Arm yourself with answers to common interview questions. Having an immediate response not only tells a potential employer that you know how to prepare but that you also care enough to do the work in advance.
Clarify to your employer why you want to work for the company and why you would be a valuable asset.
Prepare any questions that you may have for the employer in advance and make sure that you know your own specific wants and needs before the job interview.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “practice makes perfect”. This is especially true when it comes to job interviews. Having a well-prepared answer to common questions like, “Why should we hire you?” will make sure that you are not stumbling for an answer at a critical moment in the interview.
Preparation for a job should start with mental preparation. SIt down and outline exactly what you are looking for, what your desired salary is, and what industries where you would like to work professionally.
Examples and stories can really make a difference when it comes to leaving an impression during the job interview process. Think of specific times when you have encountered problems on the job and how you’ve successfully managed to deal with them.
In this day and age, it does not hurt to prepare yourself for illegal or inappropriate questions that may come up during the interview process. “I’m not sure how that’s relevant” is a great neutral statement that lets the interviewee that you uncomfortable with that specific line of questioning.
Expect setbacks and things not to always go your way. Finding the right job can take some time and it is important not to lose faith and stay positive during your search.
Develop a strong closing statement and end strong and on a positive note. This will leave a lasting impression and keep your CV on the top of the potential hire pile!
Writing an exceptional CV is just as important as preparing for a job interview. It can show a potential employer that you are well-organized and self-aware, making you stand out in a crowd of potentially equally qualified candidates. Give yourself a leg up and follow these tips to maximize your chance of employment.
