CV Writing and Interview Technique

CV writing and Interview technique Balazs Fertig GE Energy Recruiting Manager

Agenda

Table of contents
CV
Application forms
Examples
Before starting anything
Before the interview
During the interview
Conclusion

The Curriculum Vitae Etymology: Latin, course of (one's) life „ a short account of one's career and qualifications prepared typically by an applicant for a position ” M erriam- W ebster

What is the CV?
The goal of your CV is to sell you!
The CV is your first introduction to the company; the first impersonal impression about you
A good CV is „ selling ” the owner, convincing the recruiter about job-seeker’s capabilities, competences for the job
The purpose of your CV is to get you to the interview short-list
Your carefully prepared CV is key

CV preparation, do’s and don'ts I
Start with phrasing your career objective , your goal to achieve
Adjust highlights to position you are applying for
As your CV is the basis of the interview, stay fact based , coherent and consistent
Avoid personal impressions and unimportant information
List your education and experience in chronological order
Do not leave gaps in the chronology
Next to the job title focus to your responsibilities, key achievements and added value
Do not list tasks only, use bullet points

CV preparation, do’s and don'ts II
Good CV shall be easy to read, avoid using
small fonts
strange font styles
CV layout has to be clear and concise, do not fill every space
Do not be lost in details , keep your CV short and simple, ideally 1, max 2 pages
Do not forget to include your availabilities , avoid to use company e-mail address
Do not forget to mention your mother tongue
Always check for spelling mistakes

Suggested CV Structure
Section 1. Personal Information
Name , Contact details
Section 4. Education
Higher Education (s), if applicable current studies, major(s) , result
Section 3. Work Experience
All kind of jobs , outlined your job title, responsibilities , achievements
Section 5. Personal skills and competences
Organisational, social, technical, computer skills and competences
Language skills – level of knowledge
Driving licence
Section 6. Additional information
List of appendices if any
References if requested
Section 2. Career Objective CV example to download http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/

Application forms

Online Applications
Print a copy of the form or take screen shots, capture all the questions asked
Take time to prepare your answers offline if necessary
Before you answer the questions, review the advertisement, look for the criteria and include as many of these as applicable
Fill out the form accurately
Check for spelling mistakes

Email Applications
Do not just paste your CV into an e-mail
Use one email per employer otherwise you will be seen not really interested
If available, address the email to the person responsible for hiring
Into the subject field indicate the position name and the reference number if any
Keep the format of the email simple and clear

CV Example

Example

Interview technique

Before starting anything

Before starting the job search
Think over what you want to do:
in short term
in long term / career
location etc .
Think over what you can do
educational background
practical experience – if you have
phisically, phsichically etc.
Only focus on your real interests !

Before the interview

Preparation
Search for company information on the Internet, newspapers, ask friends, relatives what they know about the company. (Useful information: size, history, culture, products, competitors etc.)
There are typical interview questions, prepare for these questions. If you can show evidence/examples for your answers, you will be more successful
Think over what do you want to ask. When there is a chance to ask it is almost mandatory to ask. Not only you are competing for the job but the companies are also competing for you.
Be prepared about the job, requirements, why you are the best candidate

Your appearance
Costume / suit (with tie)
Rarely trousers/skirt with jacket or neat blouse. Jeans are never allowed!
In case of skirt wear stockings too
Dark shoes
Cover piercings/tattoos
In cold weather jacket but not a sporty one
Bring with you a suitcase. Never use commercial paper bags

What to bring with you
2-3 copy of your resume
The name and potential the contact information for the interviewer
Notepad, pen,
Map how you can get to the location

During the interview

The interview I
Arrive earlier – to be punctual is critical
Shake the hand self-confident, tell your name understandable, and look in the eyes of the interviewer. Body language is very important!
Tell what you want to tell about yourself, and ask what about you are curious in the job. But be flexible toward the interviewer as he/she is leading the interview.
Try to be relaxed and enjoy the interview (THIS IS VERY HARD)
Be honest , act as you are acting in your daily life

The interview II
Be confident about your knowledge and skills. But know about your weaknesses too!
Ask during the interview if you have the opportunity it shows you are interested
At the end of the interview shake the hand self-confident, look in the eyes of the interviewer, and thank for the invitation.
At home / on the way home rate the interview. Both your own performance but also the interviewer’s performance. This will help you in case of multiple offers

Typical interview questions
CV related:
What was your duty?
For what were you responsible?
What was the biggest challenge?
What were your results?
Behavior based questions
Tell me a situation when you solved a difficult unknown problem? – CREATIVITY
What was the hardest decision you ever had to make? How did you decided? – DECISIONMAKING

Conclusion

What to remember
... You have about 45 minutes only
The first questions are often similar prepare with answer
Do not say any negative about your school, job, colleagues
Why will be this job good for you
What is your add value to the job, why to choose you
Only answer to the question, but be a bit detailed
Your attitude should be dynamic, positive, enthusiastic
Ask if you have the chance

Your questions are welcome

CV Writing and Interview Technique

by fertigbalazs

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