How to get the job

Before you even submit your CV for a new job, make sure that you are prepared:

• to market yourself with confidence;

• for the types of interview questions you will be asked;

• to ask questions yourself;

• to research the company;

• to look the part;

• to turn up on time.

Your CV

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) gives the interviewer a brief overview of:

• your life history;

• your job/employment history;

• your achievements; and

• your skills.

A CV is an essential tool in your search for employment. When applying for a vacancy, you will be required to submit CV which is a way of introducing yourself to your prospective employer – or, as in this case, to the recruitment specialist.

Your CV is the first step in your job search and is your first contact with your potential employers. Your CV will open the door for you.

A CV is a strategic personal marketing tool. Imagine a CV as a brochure that lists the benefits of a particular service – that service being your time and skills. When writing a CV, look at it from your employer’s point of view. Do you stand out against the competition (the other candidates)? Does it list that special skill you have that will make the interviewer want to talk you about the job?

Is it concise, clear and to the point? Do not go overboard with lengthy explanations on your CV. Once you are invited for an interview, you will then be in a position to explain and expand on what is in your CV.

Please include the following information:

• Your full name

• Nationality

• I.D. Number

• Marital Status

• All educational qualifications

• Full employment history (listing the most recent first)

• Name of company and industry sector in which the company operates

• Position held

• Duration of employment

• List of responsibilities pertinent to the position

• Names and contact numbers of people who may be contacted for references – this must be a line manager, or person to whom you reported, not colleagues or friends

The covering letter

It is essential that you send your CV with it a covering letter, as this is what will make the employer or recruiter want to read your CV. It also has far more impact if it is individually written in response to a particular advertisement.

In the case of email applications, write a brief paragraph explaining where you heard about the job and why your qualifications and experience are a perfect fit. You should ensure the tone of the text is formal as would be the case with a paper covering letter. It is a mistake to be too informal as this can be seen as unprofessional.

When making any sort of job application, either Speculative (sending your CV to an employer/recruitment agency with no specific vacancy in mind) or Specific (sending your CV in response to an advertisement for a particular job), the covering letter format is the same.

• The covering letter should consist of on page on plain white A4 paper – no heavy borders, graphics or photographs

• You should use a font that offers a clean and clear appearance, eg, Times New Roman or Arial.

• Aim for a maximum of three paragraphs. Remember simple is best.

• Use upbeat and positive language and avoid exaggerated statements.

• Ensure there are no spelling, grammar or punctuation mistakes.

• Always use black ink.

• Express yourself with confidence.

• Where possible, write to a named individual.

• Your covering letter should be tailored specifically for each application.

• Be concise and to the point. Avoid repeating what’s in your CV.

The interview

When applying for a position through a recruitment company, you will be interviewed by a professional agent who will screen your suitability for the position.  Please bring along a copy of any education qualifications that you have, as well as a copy of your current pay slip.

Please be honest and open with your agent – they have been chosen by the client to represent them, and all information will be verified and checked. 

a) Before the interview:

• Make the extra effort to know where the building is at least a day before your interview, so that if things don't go according to plan on the day, you won't arrive looking frazzled - or worse, be late.

• Do research on the company: this will give your confidence a much needed boost. Read their website, look at annual reports and any articles you may find on the company.

b) On the day:

• Do not wear overpowering perfume, smoke, chew gum or eat garlic (or any other pungent smelling foods or drinks) beforehand.

• Wear suitable clothes.

• Take copies of your CV with you.

• Be absolutely sure that you will be on time. Arrive 10 minutes before the interview.

• Turn off your cellphone as soon as you arrive. It creates a terrible impression if your phone rings during the interview.

• Any application forms that need to be filled in before the interview begins must match the information in your CV and covering letter.

• When you meet the person who is going to interview you, shake his/her hand firmly, look him/her in the eye, and greet him/her by name. Introduce yourself confidently. A faint smile and positive body language will definitely count in your favour but don't grin like a Cheshire cat, you might come across as unbalanced.

• Wait until the interviewer shows you where to sit. If he/she doesn't, sit in whichever seat is opposite the interviewer.

• If you're offered anything to drink, accept or decline graciously.

• Don't sit with your arms crossed: open body language is always more comfortable.

• Try to maintain eye contact but don't stare the interviewer down.

The question and answer session

a) An interviewer has three aims:

• To learn if you are the right person for the job;

• To assess your potential for promotion;

• To decide whether you will fit into the company environment.

Let the interviewer guide the interview, listen carefully to questions and answer each question carefully. These are aimed at assessing your knowledge, work skills and abilities as well as communication skills.

• Be enthusiastic and show it in your replies and body language.

• Answer the interview question with more than a simple “yes” or “no” but try not to go over the 60 second limit.

• Do not raise salary discussions on your first interview - this is generally done on the second interview. Make sure you have an idea of what you are worth beforehand.

• NEVER complain about something or someone: this will say more about your character than about the actual situation or problem with which you were faced.

• When an interviewer asks if you have any questions, go ahead and ask. This will show that you are interested in the position.

• Thank the interviewer for his/her time spent with you at the end of the interview.

b) Questions you may be asked:

• How would you describe yourself?

• What are your long-term goals?

• Why did you leave your last job?

• Why do you want this job?

• What are your strengths?

• What are your weaknesses?