Here are some handy tips and advice to help you secure that dream job

1. Make sure your C.V and cover letter is presented in the best possible light. Remember your C.V is your first chance to make a good impression and if its not up to scratch, your chance of proceeding to interview will be drastically reduced.

Application Checklist

1. Check your spelling and grammar.
2. Try and keep your C.V brief, as a guide an experienced person should aim to keep their C.V to no more than 4 sides. Remember your C.V is intended to give your prospective employer key information which will be explored further at interview.
3. Include, Personal details, Education, Employment History (in Chronological order), hobbies and interests and finally 2 References
4. Generally speaking it is preferable to you write your C.V in first person tense
5. Employment history should contain the following
   Dates of employment Company Job Title
   Duties and responsibilities Specific project info (if applicable)
   Key achievements
6. Ensure there are no gaps in your C.V; any periods of non employment, travel, casual work should be explained
7. Sell Yourself! Taylor your C.V and cover letter to the role, use any adverts or job descriptions to select your appropriate work experience

Interview Checklist

1. Make sure you have thoroughly researched the company, websites are a great way of getting general information, also look to see if there are articles on the company using search engines such as Google. Make sure you have some questions to ask the company and take the time to consider what information the company requires from you.
2. Ensure you get there on time; plan your journey and aim to arrive 20-30 mins early. Compose yourself, relax and make your way to the reception 5 minutes before you are required.
3. Dress appropriately – First impressions count. Avoid consumption of alcohol and cigarettes prior to the meeting. A Firm handshake, smiling and looking your interviewer in the eye will all help your interviewer connect with you.
4. Make sure you listen carefully to the question and ensure you answer it. Give succinct answers and elaborate as necessary but avoid rambling.
5. At the end of the interview thank the interviewer for sparing the time to meet with you and express your interest in the position.

Job offer

1. It’s important to have a thorough debrief with your agent whilst the interview is still fresh within your mind. Determine your level of interest in the position and reaffirm any commercial details discussed previously. Make sure you raise any issues that would require further clarification.

Should an offer be made, consider it carefully and decide on merit either to take the position or decline. Should you take the position its important that your verbal acceptance is your final decision.

Resignation

This is generally a difficult process. Above all you should be 100 percent focussed on informing your employer of your decision to leave. By far the easiest way is to pre prepare a letter of resignation which articulates your reason for moving on. Always remain polite but be aware that the company may well try and get you to stay and don’t under any circumstances get drawn into the process; this is known as a counter offer.

Accepting a counter offer is generally not a wise thing to so.

Remember that you started looking for a new position for a variety of reasons and that accepting a counter offer is nearly always a ‘band aid’ solution to more deep rooted problems. Over 80 percent of people that take counter offers leave the company within 12 months. Its wise to remember the reason you are looking for a new job and remaining true to your goals.