Preperation for Interviews

Is Preparation For Interviewing Necessary?

The short answer is YES !

There are several problems with preparing for an interview. Firstly it is usually difficult to find out in advance how long the interview will be, or what format will be used. It is also difficult to foresee exactly what question will be used. However close inspection of the job advertisement and the job description should help to guide you. Nevertheless it would be wrong to assume from this that preparation is impossible. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In fact, there are six main steps you should undertake when preparing for an interview. Each of these steps require careful though and planning. They are as follows:

You have to get yourself into the right frame of mind for the interview. You need to believe in your abilities and skills and that you genuinely have qualities to offer the company.

You can find out more about the areas the interviewer is likely to cover.

You can anticipate likely questions.

You can prepare your own questions.

You can prepare aspects of self-presentation such as personal appearance, dress, folio etc.

You can know the contents of your CV inside out. You must have an answer for and a reason for everything you write on your CV.

Contact us today via email info@cvexpert.ie

Job Announcements

59,252 new positions have been announced in Ireland since the start of this year, with a further 390 jobs announced last week. 

390 jobs announced this week

• Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories    Waterford    165    The laboratory services company has announced plans to create 165 new jobs over the next 5 years.
• Surmodics    Galway (Ballinasloe)    100    The medical devices company will create 100 new jobs after the acquisition Creagh Medical in 2015.
• Zeltiq Aesthetics    Galway    60    The Medtech company has announced 60 new jobs at its new European manufacturing facility in Galway.
• Sportlomo    Mayo    25    The sports software start-up has announced the creation of 25 new jobs. The new roles will be in the areas of software development, support and sales.
• Chopped    Dublin (Rathmines)    20    The healthy food retailer will create 20 new jobs at the opening of its new store in Rathmines.
• Connolly Motor Group    Sligo    20    20 new jobs are to be created at the car retailer after it has been appointed the main dealer for Mercedes-Benz cars.

- See more at: http://www.merrionstreet.ie/en/allaboutjobs/Jobs_Announcements/#sthash.ytpGV7Rz.dpuf

If you wish to apply for any of these positions and feel your CV / Resume needs to be improved or created from start contact CVExpert today @ info@cvexpert.ie

Types of Cv's

Type of CV
What Type of CV suits you best
You should use a format that best reflects your experience and skills and suits the job you are applying for. The four main types of CVs are:
1.    Combination CV, more traditionally known as Chronological CV
2.    Skills-based CV
3.    Academic CV
4.    Resume
5.    European CV

1. Chronological/Combination CV
List duties, and/or achievements and skills gained after each work experience or educational 'entry'. Be succinct in your wording (less is more in terms of impact!) and start each phrase with a verb e.g. assisting, completed, dealing with, awarded etc.
Advantages: Emphasise continuity and career growth. Highlights name of employer and position held and is easy to follow. Highlights achievements.
Disadvantages: When your work history is irregular or if you have changed employers frequently.
Best used: When your career direction is clear and the job target is directly in line with your work history/experience. (However, when the career objective and skills profile are utilised effectively, this form of CV can also be used where the job target is not directly in line with your studies/experience).

2. Skills-based CV
Here you categorise your work experience and education according to your skills and capabilities. It highlights major areas of accomplishment and strengths and organises them in a way that will best support your job.
Best used: In cases of career change or re-entry into the job market. Can be very effective when you wish to stress a particularly strong area of ability.
Advantages of using a skills-based CV
Gives you flexibility in emphasizing skills and abilities. Eliminates repetitive work experience details.
Disadvantages of using a skills-based CV
Not suitable for employers who would prefer a more traditional CV, or if you have a limited range of experience.

3. Academic CV
CVs for researchers vary depending on the target audience.
.
4. Resume
All relevant information is presented on one page. 
When to use it
When applying for jobs in the US.

5. European CV
In some instances a job advert may specify that applicants use the European or Europass CV format. This standard format CV has been developed as part of the Europass European initiative, to help people make their skills and qualifications clearly and easily understood in Europe, thus facilitating the mobility of both learners and workers.

For help with writing your Professional, Expert CV or resume, email info@cvexpert.ie 

Personal Detail's and CV Writing

When beginning to create your CV it can be confusing what personal information to include.  In many downloadable CV templates it will contain a section for your photo, your age, sex and martial status. 

Is any of this appropriate? 

Employment laws, particularly relating to equality and discrimination (age, gender, etc) have implications for interviewing and selection. 

Consequently the applicant has more freedom today to withhold certain personal information on a CV about age or date of birth, marital status, children or dependent s. It's entirely a matter of personal opinion and judgement whether to include such information. 

There is no law which compels or prevents the inclusion or withholding within your CV of personal information that is subject to equality and discrimination legislation. 

However, the reality is that while there are laws in most countries against discrimination, identifying and proving such discrimination is virtually impossible at the application stage. So the only initial defence is to withhold the information - or to make it a selling point. 

The dilemma for the applicant therefore is whether to be open and up-front about personal information that (you fear) could put off an employer - regardless of the legality of such a reaction - or to withhold the relevant personal information in the hope of being short-listed for interview and overcoming any prejudices at that stage.

However all (most) employer's now days are keenly aware of their responsibilities in relation to employment law and indeed go to length's to ensure that their entire application process is fair and just. A simple notable example of this is that you never see an advert placed for a "Barman" or "Fireman".All positions are not advertised as "Barperson" or "Member of the fire services".

If you need any assistance in creating your CV or perhaps updating your CV, Cover Letter or LinkedIn profile to ensure it makes the maximum impact contact CVExperts today - Email info@cvexpert.ie or call 087 438 7025

Salary Expecations

Salary Expectation can at times be hard to quantify especially if you are new to the workforce. Below is an extract from www.irishjobs.ie on the salary expectations for the retail sector.

The economy’s path to recovery is reflected in the retail sector and 2015 was a good year for jobs in retail sector.

Salaries in retail have, on the whole remained stable, with staff being incentivised through bonuses and commission. A significant change for retail salaries in 2016 will be in the increase in the minimum wage increase from €8.65 to €9.15.

Retail salaries are dependent on the type of business but there can be some uniformity so for example cashiers’ salaries in Dublin are between €22,000 and €26,000.

However salaries for store managers vary. The salary for a store manager for one of the big grocery multiples can be between €60,000 and €80,000, the salary for forecourt store manager is between €40,000 and €60,000 while the salary for store manager for a high street fashion store is lower, coming in at between €28,000 and €45,000.

If you are looking to change your career path or take the next step in your career, contact us today.

Cover Letter

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter can play a very important role in finding a job. A cover letter is a one page document that adds a personal touch to your job application. It can demonstrate to a potential employer that you are a serious and professional candidate.

What is the purpose of a Cover Letter?

A cover letter should not be the same as your CV. It should complement your CV. Your cover letter should add a personal touch to the data contained in your CV. A cover letter is the first written contact with potential employers and must generate a positive first impression.

How to structure a Cover Letter?

The Opening Paragraph – State the reason for writing and try and get the attention of your potential recruiter.Be specific about the role or type of work you are applying for and what attracts you to the company.

The Middle Paragraph – In this paragraph you introduce them to you the person. This is where you add a personal touch to your application. State a few relevant skills and achievements. Point out what it is that attracts you to the company and why you want to apply for the position. It is useful here to mention something in the companies recent past so that the reader knows you have researched the company.

The Closing Paragraph – Let them know that you are available for interview. Thank the reader for taking the time to review your application.

The Star Technique

During your interview you many be asked a number of competency based questions. The best way to answer these questions is with the STAR technique. This technique helps you to structure your answer properly and shows that you are capable of problem solving. 

STAR stands for the following:

• Situation
• Task
• Action
• Result

When using this method you need to describe the situation that occurred, what task you carried out, what action you took and the result or outcome. 

This is a very analytical method of answering questions and is a great opportunity for you to highlight skills and abilities you have included in your CV

Interview Tip's

For many people doing an interview can be a very stressful experience. Its important that you remember if you have been offered an interview then the organisation are already interested in your talents and abilities as described in your CV.  Here are some tips on how to best address the interview experience.

1. Make sure that you know, understand and are able to speak intelligently about the contents of your CV. Do not have something on your CV that you are unsure about as it may appear that you have made it up.

2. Research the company and the position you are applying for. Make sure when you are writing your CV cover letter that you personalize each cover letter for the individual organization.

3. Arrive early. Arriving early shows you are organized, reliable, eager and motivated. All things the interviewer will look for in a potential colleague.

4. Bring a copy of your CV. While it serves the purpose of showing your organization skills again, it also is good to have something to hold so you are not wondering what to do with your hands.

5. Dress accordingly. Generally as a rule you cannot overdress for an interview. Being smartly dressed shows that you care about making the right impression and therefore that you care about the position you are applying for.

For more helpful interview tip's on and help on how to write your CV please contact info@cvexpert.ie

The Importance of a well written CV.

Your CV is the first chance you get at making a good impression. If you do not take this chance you may never get another.

It can seem very daunting to start to write your CV and can be quite frustrating for some people as they are unsure what to include in it. 

As a standard rule your CV should be no longer than 2 or 3 pages long, depending on the position you are going for. 

It is important that you keep your CV up to date even if you are not currently planning on looking for a new career opportunity. As with most individuals your workload can be quite diverse and differ over a period of time even if you remain with the same employer. Fir this reason it is important that you continually make a list of your current job duties so you know what to include in your CV.

For more tips and advice on writing your perfect CV contact www.cvexperts.ie today for a free consultation.