Interview + CV Tips

Some Top Tips

Last year iknowho interviewed just over 750 marketers in person and a further 600 by phone, so with all this interview practice these are just some interesting facts we’ve noticed over the years;

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

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

CV Tips

It’s a fact that employers and recruiters are generally time poor – so make it super simple to ascertain what your key skills are form the front page

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 – 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 is 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 jobseekers 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.
And lastly ask yourself: “Would you hire you based on your CV against the job ad/spec?