1. CV Writing & Interview Techniques
David Molyneux
Careers Adviser
Liverpool Hope University

2. Introduction and Aims Examine what makes a good CV
Examine the steps you should take to help you prepare for job interviews
Look at some general interview questions which you might face and how to answer them

3. How Career Development can support you
One to one careers interviews – 45 minutes
E-guidance careers advice ( based)
CV advice & guidance
Review of personal statements
Advice on how to fill in application forms (paper or online)
PGCE Interview Preparation
Practice Interviews
Tips & constructive feedback on interview presentations
Provide up to date career information resources & links
Contact Details:
Tel:

4. Group Activity
In pairs or groups of 3 spend some time discussing what sort of information a CV should contain

5. Your CV should include A personal profile Your work history
Your education history
Your key skills
Your hobbies and interests
Your contact details

6. Top CV Tips
As far as possible target your CV to the job you are applying for
Don’t include mountains of irrelevant information
Do sell yourself and your strengths

7. Application Forms Some companies prefer application forms
The most important section of an application form is often the personal statement
since they have more control over the information you give them

8. Personal Statements
These, like a CV, need to be targeted for the job you are applying for
You should give relevant examples of things you have done previously
Use the job description and person specification as a guide

9. Purpose of an Interview
Its primary purpose is to establish candidate / role fit
To ensure what you have said in your application is accurate
To gauge if you would fit into the organisation and mesh with the team
If you have been invited to interview chances are that you have the experience and qualifications for the job

10. Types of interview Panel Interview
The most common and the most dreaded
Typically consisting of a line manager, a senior manager, an HR representative and some times an admin assistant
Remember to make eye contact with everyone on the panel

11. Types of interview Group Interviews
Most commonly used by organisations recruiting large numbers of staff at once
Will often feature role play and team working tasks
These sorts of interview can really through you if you not expecting them

12. Types of interview One to One Interviews
These interviews are often less formal
They are more typical in smaller organisations
Don’t let the more informal style lull you into taking a more casual approach

13. The Importance of Preparation
The difference between a candidate who is prepared and one who is not is extreme
If you fail to prepare it brings your enthusiasm and commitment to the role into doubt

14. Things to do to prepare
Firstly contact the organisation and let them know you will be attending
Research the organisation and the job role
Make sure you know where the interview will be held and how you are going to get there – do a dummy run
Practice interview questions with friends and family or request a mock interview with careers
Prepare suitable examples of your work and skills

15. What would you take with you
In pairs spend a couple of minutes talking about the things you might want to take with you to a job interview

16. Things to take with you A portfolio including -
The letter inviting you to interview
Copies of certificates and qualifications
Some form of ID
Your bank details
Research you have done about the company
A list of questions to ask at the end
Copies of your CV / application form
Pen and paper
National insurance number

17. Whats the first thing to do when you arrive at an interview?
Turn off your mobile phone!!!

18. Some tips once you have turned off you phone
If you are nervous and are offered a cup of tea or coffee it might be a good idea to turn it down
If you have had to bring an umbrella or an overcoat ask if there is somewhere at reception you could leave it
Remember to smile and give a good firm handshake

19. Body Language Try to make eye contact with the interviewers
Sit professionally in your chair don’t slouch even if the interviewer is
Don’t fidget – even though we are more likely to do this when we are nervous

20. Interview Questions What are your strengths and your weaknesses?
You should have a good knowledge of your key strengths and selling points
When asked about your weaknesses try to turn it into a positive. If you cite a weakness make sure you say what you are doing to counter it

21. Interview Questions Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Try to show some sense of ambition and give the impression you have given thought to your future career
Avoid rigid time scales and making it seem like the job you are applying for you just see as a stepping stone
Never ever say “in 5 years time I want your job”

22. Interview Questions
Can you give an example of a time when you have……..
You will almost certainly be asked about your skills and experience
What you will be asked depends on the job but when you are preparing you should think about the skills they role requires and specific instances when you have demonstrated these skills

23. Interview Questions
Are there any questions the group has faced that were particularly tricky?

24. The end of the interview
Remember you are on show until you leave the building – continue to act professionally even if you feel the interview was a disaster
Thank the interviewers for their time
If you are unsuccessful make sure you take the time to ask the organisation for feedback

25. Conclusions
CV’s are a tool for selling your self think what you actually want it to achieve
Prepare!! This is the key to giving your self an edge in a competitive market
Treat interviews as learning experiences if you are not successful

26. Any Questions? David Molyneux Careers Advisor molyned@hope.ac.uk
Tel: