Interview Techniques
You need to remember your CV is the first thing a prospective employer sees. Then you should work on your self-presentation skills and plan how to put yourself across in interviews.
Employers will expect you to show exactly how these meet their job requirements. That involves backing up your claims with hard evidence such as certificates, progress files, letters and examples.
Try keeping a notebook for jotting down worthwhile things you've done. Every little achievement is worth including. For example, if you and your friends organised a party for charity, put down how much you raised, how many people came and what role you played. Did you organise it or come up with the idea yourself? Was it a success?
Marketing or selling ourselves rarely comes naturally. Self-promotion is also a critical skill that needs developing over time, so use every opportunity to build these skills. You need to practise your presentation techniques and skills so get yourself into a presentation skills course - if your school / college doesn't offer one then go to Connexions or your careers office or maybe join the debating society.
Tips for going for interviews
- Be prepared before the day, know where you are going and how you are going to get there on time.
- Find out as much as you can about the course or job.
- Make sure someone knows you are going and when you should be back.
- Make sure you have everything you need for the interview, letter inviting you to the interview, progress file/record of achievement etc.
- Try to give more than Yes or No answers.
- Have some questions to ask.
- Thank the interviewer before you leave.
Other Sites
www.careers-gateway.co.ukwww.springboard.co.uk
www.cvservices.net
