CVs.
- Don't write your CV as if it has imaginary boxes (experience, skills, etc.). You should control how you present information. Decide on what is most relevant for the specific job and highlight that.
- Keep things relevant. Dates are important, but it could be more useful to display experience in order of relevance, rather than chronologically.
- Your CV needs to match the requirements of the job. If they ask for 'team working skills', make sure you illustrate that, not another skill which you might prefer to write about. Then you have a much better chance of landing an interview.
- Use the blank space 'tell us more about your application' to sell yourself. Treat it like a covering letter, and cover motivation and enthusiasm as well as relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
- Hiring is a big risk for any organisation, large or small. They need to believe that not only can you do the job but also that you want this specific job. Research the role and the organisation beforehand.
- Prepare for possible questions. Look at the person specification and think of questions that might be asked. Lookatyour CV and identify some possible questions they might ask about your experience. You will then feelmore ready to tackle questions in the interview.
Laura Brammar, careers consultant, writing in CILIP Update, July/August 2016
