A CV and a Job Interview

a CV

  • the main purpose of a CV (resumé)

    • make it easy for employers to understand your career so far

    • it's often/usually your first impression on the employer -> it must be sufficiently refined

  • signs of a well-crafted CV:

    • it's concise (2 pages at most)

    • easy to read

    • professionally formatted

      • keep it simple - ATS systems cannot parse fancy formatting (and neither can hiring managers when they just want to skim the document)

      • no typos - make sure to proofread it several times

  • it should be tailored to the position - focus only on the relevant skills and experience

  • components

    • personal information

      • full name

      • address

      • phone number

      • e-mail address (must be professional)

      • optionally: relevant socials (LinkedIn, GitHub, ...)

      • AVOID including personal information (age, photos, ...)

    • personal statement

      • a brief paragraph that tells the employer:

        • Who you are

        • Your key skills

        • What you're looking for

        • What you can offer

    • education, past work experience

      • reverse chronological order (starting from the most recent position)

      • use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible when describing your roles at past jobs

    • skills

      • often helps to have relevant certifications

      • foreign languages

      • technical skills

      • driving license

      • soft skills (/core life skills)

        • leadership, communication, problem-solving, effective time management

    • interests

      • be specific, if possible

    • references

      • either list 1 or 2 references with their positions and contact details

      • or simply state: "References available upon request"

      • always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference

a Job interview

  • research the company beforehand

    • learn about their values, what they do/specialize in, their culture, their mission, etc.

  • rehearse answers to common questions

    • mock interviews -> "practice makes perfect"

  • make sure to make good first impressions

    • arrive early enough - don't be late!

    • pay attention to your body language

      • firm handshake

      • good eye contact

    • try to come off as friendly

  • selling yourself

    • develop a personal brand online - via LinkedIn, but also across all social media platforms

    • highlight your achievements

      • prepare a handful of adaptable stories showcasing your skills and experiences

        • how you correctly dealt with a tricky situation, for example

  • during the interview - be confident

    • treat it like a conversation rather than an interrogation

    • when answering questions - star method

  • ask the interviewer a few thoughtful questions as well

    • for example:

      • "If you were to hire me, how would my skillset contribute to the team"

      • or "is there opportunity for career growth"

      • or sth like that

  • you may also use the interview to evaluate whether the job is a good fit for you

    • if the vibes company culture feels off -> maybe reconsider?