Whether you have been on maternity, paternity, or adoption leave the prospect of going back to work can be rather daunting. Having returned to work first time around after my first daughter I was surprised at how I struggled to adjust with the new routine. The second time around I decided not to return to work as such but actually …
How to swot up for your interview
I have written a lot about how to prepare yourself for an interview and questions you might be asked, what questions to ask at the end and even what to wear. More recently we had some clients ask us how to research into the organisation they are applying to: I have heard of interviewers conducting quick fire rounds like a game show to test a candidate’s knowledge …
Smart casual or just smart? What is appropriate interview attire and does it matter?
So you have submitted all your applications or handed in your CV to potential employers and you have started to receive interview invitations. I have written blogs on how to prepare yourself for an interview and what questions you could ask an employer but what should you wear for that interview and does it really matter? Unfortunately it is absolutely …
What should not be on your CV!
There is a lot of advice out there on what should be included in your CV but not much on what should NOT be in your CV. So I have put together some DON’Ts and clarified the few grey area of what should be included in your CV. Photograph: This is expected for some European countries but in the UK this …
How to complete a job application form effectively
More and more companies are now using application forms in their recruitment process as this provides a consistent platform to collate the same information for each person that applies. While a CV is still very important to have as it is still widely used, an application form gives the recruiter the opportunity to ask the specific information they require and …
Questions you can ask at the end of an interview?
No one likes the dreaded “Do you have any questions for us?” at the end of an interview. You have just been through, what feels like, an interrogation, and the last thing you are thinking about is: ‘what can I ask that won’t make me blow my chances?’ This is when you go blank and run the risk of leaving a potentially disastrous last …
Gaps in your CV?
Do you have gaps in your career history or periods of unemployment that you are worried about? Wondering what recruiters will think and how you should present or explain this to potential employers, if you get that far? Or should you just ignore them as surely everyone must have gaps in their career history at some point? MOST IMORTANTLY…..DO NOT …
How to write an effective Covering Letter
When a job application specifies the need to provide a ‘covering letter’ (or most likely covering email) it is very common for candidates to disregard its’ importance in setting first impressions with the recruiter. In an age where text and email language is informal candidates often struggle to articulate their interest in the role and how their experience relates to …
How to nail a competency based interview
We all still struggle to answer those difficult interview questions, especially when we are under pressure. After putting in the hard work to job search, you have received the email inviting you to an interview. But how do you prepare before the interview and how should you behave during the interview to make sure you nail that job? I have …
Your body language in an interview
Although preparing for an interview is very important you also need to be aware of your body language during an interview. Even if you answer all the questions perfectly if you have negative body language you could jeopardise your chances at being offered the role. But what is the right body language? When you mention “body language” to someone in …