A CV and a Job Interview

CV (resumé)

A document that summarizes a person's career, skills, and experiences to make it easy for employers to understand their qualifications.

Purpose of a CV

To make it easy for employers to understand your career trajectory and qualifications.

Signs of a well-crafted CV

Concise, easy to read, professionally formatted, free of typos, tailored to the position.

Conciseness in a CV

A well-crafted CV should be no more than 2 pages.

ATS systems

Applicant Tracking Systems that parse and evaluate CVs, requiring simple formatting for effectiveness.

Components of a CV

Includes personal information, personal statement, education, work experience, skills, interests, and references.

Personal statement in a CV

A brief paragraph indicating who you are, your key skills, your career goals, and what you can offer.

Reverse chronological order

The format for listing past work experience, starting from the most recent position.

Using action verbs in a CV

Describes achievements and responsibilities effectively by using dynamic verbs to convey impact.

Soft skills

Core life skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and time management.

Interests section in a CV

A section where one should be specific about personal interests relevant to the job.

References in a CV

Include 1 or 2 references with their positions/contact details or state 'References available upon request'.

Job interview preparation

Research the company, rehearse common answers, and prepare to make a good first impression.

Importance of research before an interview

Understanding the company's values and culture allows for better alignment and conversation.

First impressions in an interview

Arriving early, presenting good body language, and having a firm handshake are crucial.

Personal branding

Developing an online presence across platforms like LinkedIn to showcase professional identity.

STAR method

A technique for answering interview questions by discussing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Asking thoughtful questions during an interview

Engaging the interviewer with questions about teamwork contributions or career growth opportunities.

Evaluating job fit during the interview

Using the interview to assess if the company culture aligns with your values and expectations.

Professional e-mail address

An important element of personal information on a CV that should reflect professionalism.

Quantifying achievements

Giving measurable examples of past work to demonstrate impact and capability.