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Once you have met one of our recruiters

Keep in touch, don’t hesitate to give us a ring or send us an email to check in if there is anything new.

Keep an eye on our website, as you might see something that appeals to you that we may not have thought of you for.

Essentials of a CV

To download a CV template click here

• Be honest at all times.
  
  
• Keep it clear, concise and range from 2-3 pages in length.
  
  
• Emphasise your achievements and use positive and direct language where possible, (i.e. words such as achieved, managed, co-ordinate, contributed to).
  
  
• Avoid excessive use of bold text, bullet points and underlining.
  
  
• Your CV needs to be 'reader friendly', immaculately neat and fault - free. (Spelling or grammatical errors can attract negative attention, use a spell checker or dictionary and always have somebody proof read your CV before you send it).
  
  
• Don't send a standard CV to all employers; try to customise it for each individual application as it really can make all the difference.
  
  
• Finally, always submit your CV with a cover letter.

Cover Letter

A great cover letter:

• Be brief - try to stick to one page consisting of three to four paragraphs.
• Introduce yourself and state the position, which you are interested in.
• Identify areas of compatibility between yourself and the job. (Tell the employer why you would be good for the job as opposed to why the job would be good for you).

The Interview

An interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself as a valuable employee.

Preparing for an interview

Always research a company before an interview. Research on the company should generate questions about the growth of the company, its culture and systems and your possible career path within that organisation.

Check the format of the interview so as you are ready for any tests you may undergo.

Arrive early for the interview. This gives you time to compose yourself before the interview and not fall victim to unforeseen delays. Make sure of your travel arrangements in advance.

Sample Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself. What is your background?
   
   
2. What do you know about our company?
   
   
3. Why did you decide to seek a position with this company? What   interests you about our company?
   
   Work Experience/Job Performance:
   
   
4. Why should we hire you? Why do you think you're the right person for this job?
   
   
5. What unique qualities or abilities would you bring to this job? Could you give me an example of how you displayed each of these   qualities in your current job? In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
   
   
6. What aspects of your previous experience do you think will be most helpful to you in this role?
   
   Is there any unique experience that would be likely to be of benefit to you in this position. Please outline this.
   
   
7. What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
   
    
8. Tell me about a time that you failed at something, and what you did afterwards. What major problems have you encountered and how did you deal with them?
   
   
9. Are you a team player? Describe a time when you worked on a team project. What was your relative position on the team? Were you satisfied with your contribution? How could it have been better?
   
   
10. How do you work under pressure?  Give an example of how you dealt
    with it? How do you typically behave when a deadline is approaching?
    
    
11. How do you react to criticism?
    
    
12. What has been the biggest disappointment in your career to date?
    
    
13. What is your greatest achievement to date?
    
    
14. Describe your first week in the job if you are successful.
    
    
15. Why do you wish to leave your current position?
    
    
16. If you had a magic wand what one thing would you change about your present job circumstances?
    
    
17. What was the last thing/person that made you very annoyed?
    
    
18. How would your fellow workers describe you?
    
    Education/Training/Future Goals:
     
19. What would you hope to achieve in the first 12 months?
    
    
20. Where do you see yourself in five years?
    
    
21. What do you see as the next step in your career?
    
    
22. Why did you choose your college and course of study?
    
    
23. What other types of jobs or companies are you considering?
    
    Company Research:
    
    
24. Why have you applied for this particular position? Why do you want to work here?
    
    
25. What do you know about this job?
    What do you understand to be the main objectives of this position? 
    
    
26. What salary are you expecting?
    
    Personal:
    
    
27. When are you available for work? 
    
    
28. What do you do in your spare time? 
    
    
29. How would you describe yourself?
    
    Closures:
    
    
30. Have you any questions for us? The goal is to persuade the employer that you have the skills, background and ability to do the job and can comfortably fit into the organization. So, be prepared to ASK questions such as
• What would I be expected to accomplish in this position?
• What are the greatest challenges in this position?
• How do you think I fit the position?

Sample Behavioural Questions

• Describe a situation in which you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.
  
  
• Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
  
  
• Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
  
  
• Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.
  
  
• Tell me about a time when you had to use your presentation skills to influence someone's opinion.
  
  
• Give me a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.
  
  
• Please discuss an important written document you were required to complete.
  
  
• Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
  
  
• Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.
  
  
• Give me an example of a time when you had to make a split second decision.
  
  
• What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.
  
  
• Tell me about a time you were able to successfully deal with another person even when that individual may not have personally liked you (or vice versa).
  
  
• Tell me about a difficult decision you've made in the last year.
  
  
• Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.
  
  
• Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.
  Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.
  
  
• Give me an example of a time when you motivated others.
  
  
• Tell me about a time when you delegated a project effectively.
  
  
• Give me an example of a time when you used your fact-finding skills to solve a problem.
  
  
• Tell me about a time when you missed an obvious solution to a problem.
  
  
• Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures.
  
  
• Tell me about a time when you were forced to make an unpopular decision.
  
  
• Please tell me about a time you had to fire a friend.
  
  
• Describe a time when you set your sights too high (or too low).

Interview Tips

• Dress smartly. Err on the side of conservative dress.
  
  
• Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and address him / her by title and surname only, i.e. Mr. Smith / Ms. Murphy.
  
  
• Do not smoke. (Avoid smelling of smoke).
  
  
• Answer the question being asked. Keep to the point and be as positive as possible.
  
  
• Always act as if you assume you are going to be offered the job you are discussing.
  
  
• Maintain eye contact to emphasise your sincerity.
  
  
• If a panel of interviewers is interviewing you, direct your answers to all members of the panel.
  
  
• Prepare yourself for problem questions designed to determine your attitude, maturity, and motivation.

Interview Evaluation

Whether the interview leads to a job, a further interview, or to rejection, it should be considered a learning experience for any future interview. After the interview write down notes regarding the interview, i.e. areas discussed, reasons why you are / aren't suitable.

Don't be discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary discussed. The interviewer will probably want to interview more applicants before making a decision.

Consider the salary and benefit package being offered and balance this against opportunities for personal and career growth. The training offered by some companies can provide a valuable future asset.

Be realistic about your worth and the current job market opportunities.

Follow Up

After the interview a 'follow up' letter should be sent. This is of particular use if you are still in contention for the position. Express your thanks for the interview and indicate that you are still interested in the company and in any future positions that may arise. The letter can be used to volunteer further information, offer to give references and ask for clarification of any issues that you are unclear of.