8 tips from our HR expert: How to write a good CV and "shine" at a job interview
You are looking for an ideal job. Numerous employers advertise vacancies in which they set a series of requirements that are not always easy to answer.
- Who am I and what do I ideally want to do?
During the preparation for participation in the selection procedure, it is primarily necessary to carefully study the requirements of the position for which you are applying and to be aware of whether your profile matches the stated requirements.
Does the position require a certain previous experience of the candidate? If so, in which areas exactly? Based on the above, consider how relevant your previous experience is to the position you are applying for. What is it that you haven't encountered before?
Depending on your personality type, some jobs will suit you more, others less.
Therefore, it is often stated in job advertisements that the job requires communication skills, negotiation skills, proactivity, the ability to work in a dynamic environment, constant contact with clients or colleagues, willingness to transfer knowledge? On the other hand, in order to perform the tasks of the workplace, a person may be required to be analytical, independent in work, familiar with laws and regulations, disposal of numerous facts and information, preparation of reports and analysis.
- Briefly about me in my CV
Often, a large number of candidates apply for a job vacancy. In order to qualify for an interview, your CV should already be noticed during the first selection, which is done based on the applications received. Therefore, in the introductory part of the CV, it is advisable to write a summary about yourself in which you will emphasize your qualities through the most significant experience, knowledge and skills, and potential contribution to the employer. This should really be a summary, and should contain no more than three sentences. E.g., "I have many years of experience in direct communication with clients, through which I perfected sales techniques and concluding sales in an international environment. High work ethic and orientation to results enable me to realize goals beyond setting requirements." It is important that the summary contains relevant information that corresponds precisely to the requirements of the advertised position.
- Relevant work experience
The rule is that in the resume work experience is listed from the current or last employment according to the previous ones. For each employment, the workplace, the name of the employer, the employer's activity, e.g. sales of sports equipment, the time spent working for that employer, e.g. "January 2013 - until October 2017", and then the jobs performed within workplace.
When listing the tasks and activities within the workplace, it is not advisable to describe the work processes, but it is sufficient to briefly list each task, for example, presentation of products to clients, making offers, issuing invoices, etc.
Highlight only what is important for the job you are applying for, so that you do not burden your resume with irrelevant information and an excessive amount of text. If you are applying for more than one job, adapt your resume to each one in such a way as to emphasize the most relevant work experience.
- Find out about the organization
Informing about the organization in which you applied for employment will help you answer questions at the interview, and what could set you apart from other candidates.
On their websites, companies often provide basic information about their activity, market position, achievements, vision, mission and values they promote on the market and among employees. Based on the stated values, they guide the development of employees, and if they include those that you personally value and live by, you could also emphasize them through personal presentation as something you can identify with.
Find out about the products and services that the organization sells or provides. Read articles about the company in which development plans and future investments and other planned or implemented market activities are listed. Based on this information, you will be able to compile a list of questions that you can ask at the interview and thus leave the impression of a well-prepared and interested candidate.
- Prepare examples
In the introduction, it was stated how important it is to be aware of your own strengths and to identify the areas in which you are good and the skills that you can use to contribute to the result and be effective in the workplace. You stated all this in your CV, and the person who will interview you will probably check through specific examples how you used your negotiation skills to realize the sale, what you did to deliver the reports on time despite the short deadline, how you resolved the situation in which did you jeopardize the result with your mistake, did you manage to prevent a conflict that was initiated by a moody colleague, etc. Think about the situations you faced through your previous experience and the solutions you came up with, and how to support the skills listed in your resume with examples. At the same time, do not forget about the shortcomings. We all have them, don't we?
- What to wear?
Depending on the organization you are attending, some will require more, others less formal clothing, but there are some general rules for what to wear for a job interview.
Typical dress code it's usually simple for men, and the safest option is a dark suit or trousers, a light-colored shirt, tie and closed-toe shoes.
Women can choose between darker colors of suits, costumes, dresses, then a combination of a skirt or pants and a lighter T-shirt or shirt. The combination can be completed with a business bag, scarf or scarf.
It is extremely important to take care of the details. Make-up and jewelry should be discreet and inconspicuous, it is best to avoid perfume or use it in moderation. Shoes should be clean, and it is preferable to wear closed shoes with a moderate heel height. Hair and nails should also be clean and well-groomed. In short, the rule "Less is more" applies here too!
Before the actual interview, be sure to avoid drinking alcohol (a little for courage) and smoking cigarettes, so as not to leave an undesirable odor impression.
- What else is needed to make a good impression?
Be positive. Think positive because the worst thing that can happen to you is that you don't get this job. In many companies, porters, business secretaries or assistants greet you at the entrance. Don't forget that these are the employees who will ultimately also probably be asked about your impression. Therefore, be polite to everyone you meet on the premises of a potential employer.
In order to remain as calm as possible, try not to think about personal problems or "what if I can't answer the question?" situations. Try to relax and be who you are, because that's the only way you'll be able to show the best of yourself.
Trembling and nervousness are also visible through body language, and an experienced interviewer will not miss it. A little nervousness is positive and lets the person on the other side of the table know that you care about this meeting and the job, but too much nervousness could lead to a blockage that will prevent you from presenting yourself in the right light.
When arriving and leaving, shake hands firmly with the people who greet you (but make sure the grip is not too strong), sit upright in the chair, make sure you are not bent or leaning on the table, and during the conversation, look the interlocutor in the eyes.
Answer the questions clearly and concisely highlighting the most relevant experience, skills and achievements. If you are not sure of the answer to the question, pause to think, or ask for clarification if you did not understand the question. Do not answer questions too quickly.
Be cheerful and cheerful, listen carefully and ask questions that arise even during the interview, in order to additionally show interest in the company and the job.
- Do not despair if you are not chosen
It is understandable that you have high expectations, you have prepared well, the interview went well, but you may still get a "rejection". The reason for this is probably not that you are not good enough for this job, or that you do not have relevant experience, or that the lady who interviewed you did not like you. It's simply that one of the candidates more closely matched the requirements of the position. Therefore, do not despair, but be grateful for the experience that will help you to be even better next time.
These tips were written by a lecturer with many years of experience in human resources and the holder of the educational program "Human resource management specialist" at the Callidus Educational Institution. The mentioned program has been verified by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, it allows the entry of the title in the e-work book, and the method and dynamics of the lectures are also suitable for employed people.
After completing the program, you will know how to effectively manage the human resources department, organize the division of labor, create job descriptions, introduce a salary determination system in the company, and better recruit and select employees in the company. You will also learn how to advise authorities on ways to improve work organization through analysis and identification of missing personnel.
All information about the program can be obtained by phone at 01 4095 810, via info@ustanovacallidus.hr, as well as via online web chat (live chat on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at www.ustanovacallidus.hr