Career Centre

CV Tips:

Imagine the scene. Your CV hits the desk of a potential employer or recruiter and you have exactly two minutes (if you’re lucky) to create that all-important, interview-winning impression.

That is what a CV is all about – getting your name on the interview shortlist. This is the only part of the job-seeking process that you can control, so give it your best shot. Make sure your CV is accurate, easy to read and has no spelling mistakes. Present a clear and concise document that encourages the reader to take a closer look at your skills, experience and key achievements, and paints you in the best possible light.

Guidelines not rules
There are no absolutes when it comes to writing a CV, only general guidelines. Perhaps the most important rule of all is that you are comfortable with the final document. It is YOUR document. You will be asked questions about it at interview. You must feel confident about it.

Here are a few SurveyorJobs.net guidelines to help you gain an interview:

• Use a maximum of two sides.
• Use good quality, plain paper.
• Use a minimum font size of 11 points.
• Keep the layout professional and uncluttered.
• Don’t justify the text. A justified document looks mass-produced. An un-justified document is easier to read and more visually interesting.
• Limit paragraphs to five or six lines.
• Use bullet points to add clarity.
• Avoid awkward changes in tense and use the past tense where possible. It gives the impression you have actually completed something. Goals have been achieved.
• Use short sentences. Short sentences are easy to read. Short sentences are more powerful.
• Use a spell checker. Spelling mistakes signal you are inattentive to detail.
• Be positive. This is a selling document. Use words that have impact: 'managed' is stronger than 'supervised', 'negotiated' is stronger than 'facilitated'.
• Be honest. You might be asked to explain or justify any aspect of your CV. Make sure you can. If you can’t, all credibility will be lost and you can say goodbye to that job offer.
• Employers are interested in your most recent experience, so start with it. Pay attention to the dates of your employment and education. Avoid gaps.
• Don’t include your salary. The best time to talk about this is at the end of the selection process when the employer wants you. Negotiate from a position of strength!

And remember...
Always get someone else to proofread your CV and ask for his or her comments. But although everyone will volunteer advice, it’s your career. YOU have to be confident that your CV really reflects your accomplishments and will ensure the recruiter wants to meet you.

Interview Tips:

Firstly make sure that you have all address details handy and a route planned out. Make allowances for hold-ups in your journey and plan to be there a few minutes early to compose yourself before the interview.

It is well worth finding as much out about the company as possible beforehand, people always appreciate this and like to think people are keen and organised enough to know what they are trying to become part of. Company websites have a wealth of information available and this sort of research will prepare you well to ask relevant questions about the role and the company.

Ensure you have a good understanding of the requirements of the role, who you will be reporting to and what will be expected of you.

Dress appropriately, first impressions are very important!

Make sure that you arrive on time and make an effort to be enthusiastic, shake hands firmly, be confident, smile and look them in the eye. Let them know that you want the job and you are confident of your ability to exceed their expectations.

During the interview take your time when answering questions and try to expand your answers giving examples where you can, this is also something worth preparing, especially in relation to your work history and the role itself.

However it is also the interviewer’s opportunity to describe their company and the job function so make sure that you have planned some relevant questions and don’t be shy about asking them.

At the end of the interview be polite, thank the interviewer for their time and let them know your level of interest in the role.

If you went through an agency remember to contact your consultant following your interview so that you can tell them how it all went. The consultant will then be able to discuss your interest and suitability with the client, clarify your position on the application and take things forward in the way which is most beneficial for you.

Advice on Job Offers:

If you are using an agency it is very important that you are open with your consultant about your expectations so that they can assist effectively with the negotiation of your employment offer including salary and associated benefits package. Working closely with your consultant in this way gives you the best chance of getting the offer that you want and helps things run smoothly.

Once you have received a formal offer whether verbally or in writing, it is essential that you carefully consider the details. Do not even verbally accept an offer until you are sure about it as once accepted it should be your final decision.

Advice on Resignation:

Nobody enjoys resigning, but remember to focus on the end result and once you have made your decision don’t delay as this will get you nowhere.

Resignation can be emotionally draining for many people but is a fundamental part of your career progression and once done will leave you free to appreciate the exciting prospect of your new position.

Make sure that you write your resignation letter beforehand as it can be difficult to verbally convey your reasoning otherwise. It is best if the letter is succinct, polite and remember to thank them for their support during your employment.

Agree a provisional departure date. It can always be changed, but it sets up a framework within which everyone can plan for the future. If you are hoping to leave before your official notice period ends, suggest targets for you to achieve that would allow them to release you earlier than contractually required.

Advice on Counter Offers:

You are a valuable staff member and your current employer will not wish to lose you. It is hard for them to recruit and re-train new personnel and they will lose all the knowledge, experience and expertise that you have when you leave. Counter offers are extremely common and it is likely that your current employer will try to entice you to stay with promises of higher remuneration or a change of role.

Make sure that you are prepared for this eventuality and always consider the following:

• Why were you not worth a higher salary before your resignation?
• Why did they not previously mention a change in role?
• Above all, remember your reasons for seeking new employment in the first place.

Statistics prove that 80% of people who accept a counter offer will leave the following year as their initial reasons for changing still remain.

If a complication arises in the event of a counter offer, always speak to your consultant before making any decisions as it may help to discuss your options with an independent professional.