Interview + CV Tips

Interview facts

• 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

Preparing for a Zoom interview

• Prepare the same way you would for a face to face interview - read through our top tips on the right -->
• Make sure you're somewhere quiet, where you won't be interrupted and have good lighting
• Do a test run so you know your technology - sound check!
• Check your background - you don't want an unmade bed, a messy kitchen or a bright window behind you
• Dress like you would a normal face to face interview
• Speak slowly and clearly, even with the best internet connection there can be glitches

Our top interview tips

• Do your research on both the company & your interviewer
• Be 5 minutes early – it’s good manners!
• Make a good impression with the receptionist
• Make an effort to build rapport quickly with the interviewer
• When answering questions demonstrate that you have done your research on the company and the person interviewing you
• Use a set technique to respond to questions such as SOAR – Situation/Objective/Action and Result – if you need more info on this ask your iknowho consultant
• If applicable take along a portfolio of your work to talk through –it shows a genuine passion for your work and will help you to stand out from the crowd
• Be prepared with a few questions to ask
• Send a thank you note or card

• 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 or your date of birth – 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's 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 job seekers 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.
• No need to add references yet - your recruiter will request these during the interview process. Most recruiters add your CV into a database that can accidentally pick up your referee details instead of your own.
  
• And lastly ask yourself: “Would you hire you based on your CV against the job ad/spec?"