Be prepared and know your CV
Do some company research
Dress smartly
Arrive on time
Have some questions prepared

Before the interview

Ensure you have a full job description and are aware of the format that the interview will take.
Do some company research. The company website is a great place to start. You may well be asked what you know about the company, so impress the interviewer with your knowledge i.e.: What the company does, how long they have been established, the size, structure, turnover, competitors, their market and aims for the future.
Ensure you know where the company is and ideally do a “dummy run”. Always allow additional time for unavoidable delays. Arriving late or flustered does not create a good impression.
Check the time of the interview and who will be interviewing you.

On the day

Take a contact number with you.
Dress appropriately – a suit is usually a “must” for interviews and portrays professionalism.
Ensure you are well groomed and tidy and that you are not chewing gum.

The interview

The interview is a two-way process and also an opportunity to ensure that the job and company are right for you.

Here are some top tips:

SMILE! Ensure you come across as friendly, approachable and enthusiastic.
Be polite to all staff you meet – you never know, they could well influence the recruitment process
Listen carefully to questions and allow the interviewer to finish speaking before responding
Don’t worry about pausing before you answer a question as this shows you are considering it seriously.
Where possible, give practical evidence of any statements you make
Never criticise former employers
Maintain eye contact, relax and show interest in what the interviewer says

Be prepared for questions such as:

What do you know about our company?
What interests you most about the role?
Why should we appoint you?
What is important to you in a role?
What was your greatest success in your last position?
How would your Manager or colleagues describe you?

You will usually have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview – think about what is important to you, but some questions might be:

What training can I expect on joining your company?
Are there any drawbacks to my application?
How many candidates are you interviewing for this role?
When will you be making a decision?

Finally…

Make sure you have confirmed your interest in the job.
Conclude the interview with a handshake, remembering to thank the interviewer for their time.

After the interview contact your consultant and let them know how the interview went.

It is therefore vital that you make sure these documents portray you accurately and in the best light so you can make a great impression.

• CV writing tips :
• The following points should be found on your CV:

PERSONAL DETAILS:

• Full Name
• Id Number
• Address
• Telephone Numbers
• E-Mail Address
• You can also add information such as your birth date, your marital status, if you have a drivers licence and the languages you speak

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATION DETAILS:

• Details of your education (course completed, institution and dates)
• Start with the year you matriculated
• Highlight any achievements awarded.
• Any additional training/courses
• Any registrations/ registration numbers etc

PROFESSIONAL/WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Starting with the latest employment
• Clearly separate all your previous employment records
• Each employment must include: name of the Company, Position(s) and Dates of employment
• Add a short description of your job or responsibilities – Preferably in point form. Avoid using “ I” , “Me” etc

REFERENCES:

• It is important you have at least 2 referees on your CV, preferably your latest employers.
• When adding your references, make sure to mention the company name, contact details, their name & Surname and position
• Alternatively, you may insert: Referrers available upon request.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Highlight what computer packages you are comfortable with, skills etc

GENERAL TIPS

To have a maximum impact, your Curriculum vitae must be:

CLEAR:

• Use simple and clear fonts (use the bold, italic and underline without excess)
• Clearly separate the different parts of your CV
• Only put in what’s necessary
• Do not add too many colours, fonts etc.

EASY TO READ:

• Use simple text – do not elaborate too much

UP TO DATE:

• Always update your CV before you send it.

AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE

• Include everything but highlight the most important points

BE HONEST

Your covering letter is as important as your CV. It can help to differentiate your application from all the others and ensure that it stands out.

We can help you find temporary and permanent roles in the following sectors:

Administration & Secretarial Sales & Marketing

From receptionists and PA’s to office managers, we’ll find the right job for you. We have relationships with a range of employers who are always looking for talented staff.
more… more…

Call & Contact Centre Legal

With great opportunities available. With a thorough understanding of the legal industry we can match your skills to the right legal role.
more… more…

Accountancy & Finance Medical Support

We have a number of opportunities available in credit control, payroll and accounts with a range of employers. We have relationships with a range of NHS trusts and will be able to find the right job for you.
more… more…

So, can we help you?

We are sure that we can and we will do everything in our power to find the right job for you. However, if you are looking for a new job that is not in one of our six sectors then don’t worry – one of our sister brands may be able to help you.

At Select, we are passionate about being experts in our field and have arranged our company as such. We have dedicated teams with their own areas of expertise to provide you with the knowledgeable, informed and relevant recruitment service you deserve.