Helping

you get on
in work
and life
How can
I get that
job?
Introduction
The more you put in to your job search the better the chance of
getting the result you want.
The job market is very competitive and other people will often
be after the opportunity you are going for, so it’s essential to give
yourself an edge.
This booklet from National Careers Service has been produced to
give you practical advice on how to present yourself in the best
possible way in your CV, application form or at interview. We also
give you some tips on where to find the vacancies and how to
write speculative letters.

Good luck!

How can I get that job?

 Contents
Page

Where to find the vacancies 1

Application forms 2

Online applications 4

Preparing a CV 5

Profiles 19

Action words 20

Covering letter 21

Speculative applications 23

Help with interviews 25

Helping you get on in work and life

Where to find the vacancies
We list below some of the resources available for your job search:-
• Jobcentre Plus
view vacancies via the Job Points at your local Job Centre
• Newspapers (local and national)
also available at your local library
• Trade Journals and Magazines
will have vacancies specific to the area in which you want
to work
• Recruitment Agencies
have your CV ready to take to the agencies in your area and
be prepared to contact them daily for the latest vacancies
• Recruitment Fairs
job fairs are held throughout the region and are usually
advertised in local newspapers. Dress smartly and take
copies of your CV with you
• Professional Bodies
vacancies may be advertised on websites and will be specific
to your profession
• Internet
if you do not have access to a computer at home, visit your
local library or Internet Cafe
• Networking
sometimes ‘who you know’ will be helpful with your job
search, so use all your contacts
Use these methods to find advertised vacancies. You can also use them to
identify potential employers in order to make a:
• Speculative Application (see page 26)
as many vacancies are not advertised we give an example of
how to apply ‘on spec’
National Careers Service can help you plan your job hunting strategy,
produce effective applications and prepare for interviews.

1 How can I get that job?

Application Forms
Some organisations prefer to use their own application forms and they will
state this on the job advertisement.
You may be able to include your CV with your application but this will be in
addition to, not instead of, completing the form.
Don’t be put off by all the boxes. When you have completed the form, keep a
copy to help you with any future applications.
Read all the questions carefully and follow all instructions. Make a copy of
the form to practise on and to take with you to the interview.
Include a cover letter, adding anything relevant that you were not able to
include on the form.
Some do’s:
3 Do use a black pen
3 Do answer all the questions
3 Do work in draft when completing an application form
3 Do keep a copy of the completed form and cover letter
3 Do send off your form before the closing date
Some don’ts:
7 Don’t write ‘see attached CV’ through any boxes unless the
instructions say you may do so
7 Don’t leave any gaps (write ‘not applicable’ if necessary)
7 Don’t rush the form – take time to write it as neatly as
possible
7 Don’t waffle – make sure your answer is relevant to the
question
Apart from personal information such as your contact details, previous
employment and any qualifications, the form may ask questions relating
to your motivation and suitability for the job. Think of these questions as a
great opportunity to show you are suitable for the job!
Look at the job description and highlight areas where you can demonstrate
experience or knowledge or particular skills. Your answers can be drawn from
situations in and out of the workplace.

Helping you get on in work and life 2

Think about possible answers to these typical questions:
• Describe any experience to date that relates to the job you are
applying for
• Describe a situation where you have had to use your
initiative. What did you do and what was the outcome?
• State what skills you bring to a team and give an example of
how these skills have helped you achieve a team objective
• Describe a situation where you have organised and planned
an activity, task or project which involved working to a strict
deadline. If you came across any obstacles, how did you deal
with them?
• Describe a time when you took the lead on a project, activity
or event
• Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a difficult
customer. What did you do and what was the outcome?
When thinking about your answer remember:-
3 Always use a positive situation or positive outcome
3 Emphasise how you did something rather that just stating
what you did
3B
 e specific and make it easy to read
3 Make sure to include details of the skills involved and how
you used them
3 Use examples from work, study, hobbies or positive life
experiences
3 Be truthful – whatever you write, you may get asked about
at interview!

3 How can I get that job?

Some examples of how a job or hobby involved a skill:
• Play in football team (teamwork, leadership,
communication)
• Chair of local neighbourhood watch (leadership,
organisation, planning, communication)
• Sales Representative (meeting targets, meeting deadlines,
flexibility, planning, customer service)
• Driver (planning, initiative, meeting deadlines)
• Childminder (position of responsibility, organisation,
flexibility)
• Sales Assistant (customer service, handling money, initiative,
working under pressure)

Online applications
Increasingly, organisations are using online methods for applications; you
will need: -
• Uninterrupted access to the internet (allow at least 45
minutes for the process)
• Some sites will require you to register before making an
application
• Most online sites will require you to have an active email
address that you check regularly
• Ensure you have all the relevant details to hand before you
start (i.e. previous employment history, qualifications)
• Some online applications systems will not allow you to go
back and amend your application, so ensure you get it right
first time!
• Save or print a copy of any online applications you make

Helping you get on in work and life 4

Preparing a CV
Many employers and employment agencies will ask you for a CV when you
apply for a job. So you need to have one ready.
There is not ‘one version’ that is the right one. However, here are some tips
and some examples, to help you prepare your own.
Remember – the CV is a great way to sell yourself!
It is an opportunity to tell prospective employers exactly what you want
them to know about you.
The CV should be no more than two sides of A4 and on single sheets. Many
people have a one page CV.
Recruiters generally have a few seconds to scan a CV so make it easy to
read. Layout is very important. Use bold font to highlight areas. Use bullet
points beginning with action words.
You can head up your CV with a profile if you wish. We give some examples
in this booklet.
If you choose to prepare a profile make sure it says something about your
experience and suitability for the position, rather than just a list of skills
which do not relate to a particular job.
The top half of the first page must include enough information to convince
the employer that it’s worth reading further down or on to another page.
When you have prepared your CV ask someone to check it and get their
opinion on content and presentation. Ask for help with typing the CV if you
do not have access to a computer.
If possible, adapt your CV for each job application by using the job
description to help identify the particular skills the employer is looking for.
You can then make sure these are mentioned within your CV using the same
key words as included in the job advert or description. This is particularly
useful if the employer or agency uses ‘parsing’ software to ‘read’ CVs, which
is increasingly the case.
You do not have to include anything you consider a negative or that you do
not want to draw attention to, but be prepared to answer any questions or
give further information, at interview.

5 How can I get that job?

Layout and content
Use a ‘friendly’ font such as Arial or Times New Roman and use bold to
highlight. Keep font size between 10 and 12 point for main text.
Heading
Do include:
3 Name
3 Address
3 Telephone numbers
3 Email
Don’t include:
7 Nationality
7 Date of Birth
7 Marital Status
7 National Insurance Number
7 Do not use a comical or unprofessional
sounding email address
Profile
3 See example profiles later in this
booklet

Helping you get on in work and life 6

Skills
This is a summary of your main skills, which should relate to the job for
which you are applying. Use only key words rather than going into lengthy
descriptions. See examples on the next page, which you may find useful.
Take stock of your current skills and where you could improve. Ask three or
four people who know you well (family, friends or work colleagues) to help
you identify your strengths. Place your skills into three categories:
Personal skills
For example, motivation; can you manage yourself and your time?
People skills
Are you a team worker and good at customer service?
Professional and specific skills
Do you have technical, IT or office skills, for example?
Additional Training & Skills
Include any relevant skills or certificates that might be useful or relevant
for the job you are applying for. For example:
• Fork Lift Driver’s Licence
• Any other languages you speak
• Computer software experience such as Microsoft Word
Write your list and review the result. Now you can start to draft your CV
based on the skills and experiences you have identified.

7 How can I get that job?

Examples of skills:
• Excellent communication skills at all levels
• Presentation skills – written and oral
• Organisation and planning skills
• Time management skills
• Able to work well under pressure
• Proven ability to work independently on own initiative
• Motivating and coaching staff
• Performance management
• Good awareness of health & safety
• Manual handling skills
• Customer service skills
• Fork lift truck driving
• Book-keeping, cash handling and reconciliation
• Arranging and co-ordinating meetings
• Research and analytical skills
• Training and staff development
• Menu planning and costing
• Stock control and purchasing supplies within budget
• Good administrative skills including appointment bookings
and data management
• Strong IT Skills with good knowledge of Microsoft Office
packages
• Processing payments and wage calculations
• Web design skills

Helping you get on in work and life 8

Employment History
Do include:
3 Dates
3 Name of employers and locations (starting with current/
last job first)
3 Job title (in bold)
3 Description of your main duties and responsibilities using
action words. This can be as bullet point list or in sentences.
3 If you have had a long career just include the last 10 to 15
years, unless there is anything relevant beyond this.
3 Any voluntary work
Don’t include:
7 Details of wages or salaries
7 Anything you consider a negative (for example, ‘Left
employment due to poor relationship with the organisation’)
Tips
• If you have had a few short term but similar jobs, try to
group them together, for example:
The Recruitment Agency, Fareham, Hants
• Various secretarial temping positions
• (list main duties here)

• If you have any major gaps, explain if you wish, for example:
1990-1995 Raising family
Education & Qualifications
Do include:
3 Dates (starting with latest date first)
3 Name of College/University and location
3 Title of course

9 How can I get that job?

 3 Main subjects of course & grades (if you want to include)
3 Secondary School (if you want to include)
3 Exams taken (and grades if you want to include)
3 Any part-time or distance learning courses
Special Achievements
Include this section if there is anything that you want to emphasise. Some
examples might be:
• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Fundraiser for charity involved with local children’s hospital
• Initiated and organised first ever careers fair on campus with
over 50 companies attending
Other Information
Include anything here that will add value to your application, such as ‘Clean
driving licence’, membership of professional bodies.
Interests & Hobbies
Include in the list any hobbies you have that show you as a team player or
show positions of responsibility or level of motivation, for example:
• University Social Committee Secretary
• Clarinet (Level 5)
• Gosport Judo Club Team Member
Do not include any subjects that may be controversial, such as politics.
References
It’s not necessary to give details of your referees on your CV. A statement
saying ‘References available on request’ is fine, but do make sure you have a
least two contacts who have agreed to be referees for you. Where possible
these should be your last two employers or last employer and college tutor.

Helping you get on in work and life 10

Example CV1

Michael Smith
1 The Close,
Bournemouth,
Dorset DO1 2AB
Tel: 01234 567890 Mobile: 07766 889900
Email: michaelsmith@net.com
Profile
A dynamic and successful Sales Manager with proven abilities,
looking for an opportunity within the electronics industry to
contribute to increasing market share and developing a winning
sales team.
Skills and Achievements
• Exceeded targets through increasing sales by 50%
• Planning and operation of strategic sales
• Management and development of sales team
• Sales Manager of the Year (2005, 2006)
• Meeting strict targets and deadlines
Employment History
1997-to date A1 Networks, Bournemouth, Dorset
Area Sales Manager
• Created profitable business opportunities within SE
Region
• Consistently met sales targets each year
• In liaison with Marketing Team, planned and
implemented successful promotional campaigns for
new products
• Managed and developed a team of eight Sales
Executives

11
1994-1997 ABC Technologies, Bournemouth, Dorset
Sales and Marketing Manager
• Responsible for strategic sales planning and
operations
• Established relationships with clients
• Exceeded targets through increasing sales by 50%
• Trained and supervised a team of six Sales Engineers
Education
1981-1984 ABC University, Dorset
BA Business Studies 2:1
Subjects included: Management Science, Accounting,
Customer Service, International Relations
Dissertation: Comparison of UK and USA
Management Styles in the 20th Century
1973-1980 Bournemouth School
A Levels: English, History, Art
O Levels: 7 subjects at grade C or above
Additional Information
• Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and
various sales and accounting software
• Full, clean driving licence
• French (very good). Currently learning Spanish
• Enjoys watching local football team, keeping fit at
the gym and DIY

References available on request

12
13
Example CV2
Kim Smith
1 High Street, Chichester, Sussex, CH1 2AB
Tel: 01234 567890 Mobile: 07766 889900
Email: kimsmith@net.com

Profile
A qualified Healthcare worker with experience of working with the elderly and disabled. Hard working, reliable,
and flexible with the ability to work well unsupervised and as part of a team. Thoroughly enjoys working with
people at all levels. Now looking for a challenging & rewarding position in the care sector.

Skills
• Works well under pressure
• Patience and diplomacy
• Excellent communication skills; works well with people of all ages
• Maintaining accurate and confidential patient notes
• Strong awareness of hygiene, health & safety
• Very good time management skills
• Positive and responsive attitude

Employment History
 2006 - date Princess Royal Hospital, Chichester, Sussex
Auxiliary Nurse
Main duties are the day to day care of patients and help to prepare their meals.

2005-2006 Midfields Nursing Home, Selsey, Sussex

Care Assistant
Responsible for caring for elderly and disabled patients. Duties included day to day personal
care of patients, preparing meals, and conducting leisure activities with patients.

Education/Qualifications
09/02-03/04 NVQ Level 1 (Health Care)
Princess Royal/Crawley College

Other Information
Driving licence: Full, clean

Achievements & Interests

Fundraising Committee Member at College, organising events in aid of local charities including
fun run and sponsored walk. Enjoy swimming and aerobics.

References available on request

14
Example CV3
Amanda Smith
1 The Lane,
Godalming,
Surrey GU1 3SY
Tel: 01234 567890 Mobile: 07766 889900
Email: amandasmith@net.com
Profile
An experienced book keeper and administrator. Enthusiastic team
player, a flexible attitude with project management experience.
During career break took opportunity to further develop computer
skills and now seeking to resume full-time employment within
accounts environment.
Skills
• Experienced in all aspects of Accounts and Financial Planning
• Excellent all-round IT skills
• Staff supervision and training
• Proficient in the use of Sage computerised Accounts software
• C
 arried out a cost analysis project resulting in 30% profit
increase.
Employment History
2009 to date Godalming Arts Centre, Surrey
Accounts and Company Secretary (part-time)
Voluntary position involving financial planning and
sponsorship, promotional work and assisting with box
office. Use of Sage software for accounts preparation.
2007-2009 Godalming Under Fives Playgroup, Surrey
Playgroup Leader
Achievements: the Playgroup became the most
subscribed in the area. Additional funds were secured
from local government to expand the premises.
2002-2007 Raising family

15
1993-2002 A1 Fashions, Basingstoke, Surrey
Accounts Manager
Supervised the office of a busy fashion wholesale warehouse
including all accounts and administration.
Responsible for team of eight.
Used computerised accounting system.
Achievements:
Joined as Accounts Clerk. Promoted 1993.
Education and Training
2009 to date Studying part-time for European Computer Driving
Licence (ECDL)
2002 Introduction to IT & Windows (City & Guilds)
1998-2000 Diploma in Management Accounts (City & Guilds)
1991-1993 The College, Guildford, Surrey
City & Guilds III Accounting Practice
1986-1991 High School, Guildford, Surrey
O Levels: Maths, English, History, Biology
Additional Information
Full, clean driving licence
Volunteering
Treasurer for local Parent Teachers Association
Coach for Guildford Netball Team
Hobbies
Arts & Crafts
Enjoy swimming and cycling with my family

References available on request

16
Example CV4
Adam Bowers
109a Bell Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S63 3AB
adam-bowers@email.co.uk 07766 889900
Profile
With 20 years experience in the construction industry as a labourer,
bricklayer and plant operator, combined with practical, hands-on experience
in carpentry and electrics. Physically fit with a good head for heights. Precise,
accurate and a flexible worker. Currently seeking construction work in the
UK or overseas.
Abilities
• Assisting various tradespersons such as carpenters, This format of CV
plasterers, electricians and plumbers with site duties allows you to choose
which abilities and
• Concreting – layering and smoothing concrete for achievements will be
appropriate for the
foundations, floors and beams job you are applying
for. This is different
• Roadworking – concreting, laying kerbs, paving and re- from a format like
Performance where
surfacing you would list all
your responsibilities.
• Groundworking – marking out and digging shallow
trenches for foundations and drains
• Dry lining – fixing internal plasterboard or wallboard partitions ready for
decorating
• Awareness of on-site health and safety, especially when working at
heights and carrying loads
• Knowledge of small build to large scale construction projects
• Confident in driving earth moving bulldozers, dumper trucks and
compactors
Achievements
• Selected to travel overseas with a previous employer to Achievements and
responsibilities are
work on the construction of a new hospital in France, different.
which at the time was behind schedule, ultimately Responsibilities
could be
helping to bring it in within budget and on time undertaken by
whoever was doing
• Achieved On-Site Safety Award for commitment to health the job;
and safety achievements are
unique to you. They
• Worked voluntarily every weekend for three months can make you stand
out from other
to help build a local community centre, taking on-site candidates.
supervisor responsibilities

17 How can I get that job?

• Regularly support local football club with groundwork The work history
section is different
duties, relaying a new pitch prior to the start of the from a standard
new football season and assisting with maintenance Performance CV as it
just includes dates,
throughout the year. job title and company
name.
Work History
2008 – 2009 General Labourer/Plant Operator Thomas Construction
2007 – 2008 Bricklayer GBH & Sons Builders
2006 – 2008 Various construction roles Smith and Weston
in Europe, USA and Africa
2004 – 2006 Bricklayer Barns Homes Ltd
1998 – 2004 Various construction roles Green’s Employment Agency
1995 – 1998 Apprentice Electrician Barnetts Electricals
1991 – 1995 Apprentice Joiner Jones and Adam started two
apprenticeships when
Haywood he left school but did
not finish them.
Qualifications and Training However, he did gain
• Construction Skills Certification Card (CSCS) – construction valuable skills that
he has continued to
site health and safety certificate after successfully use. He has therefore
listed them but has
completing the Experienced Worker Practical Assessment not included a related
(EWPA) (expires 2011) qualification.

• Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) – in-date Adam has included

licence to drive construction plant machinery (expires 2011) expiry dates of his
licences so employers
• City & Guilds (6217-08) Basic Construction Skills: will know they are in
date.
Multi-crafts
• 5 CSEs
• Fork Lift Truck Licence
• Full UK Driving
Interests These interests may
not be directly
relevant for the work
I regularly work out and I am a member of a local gym. I play he is applying
for my local football team and also enjoy outdoor activities, for but they do
highlight his physical
including fishing and diving. fitness (an important
factor in such
a physical job).

Helping you get on in work and life 18

Profiles
If you want to include a profile in your CV try and cover the following
four areas.
1. Industry - The fact that you have worked in the relevant industry “An
adaptable and hard-working Beauty Therapist”
2. Duration - How many years and possibly at what work level e.g “with
over 10 years experience at a supervisory level”
3. Qualification -“Qualified to NVQ Level 3 and ITEC standards”
4. Expertise/Tools - “Proficient in reflexology, indian head massage and reiki”
Qualified as an Electrical Engineer. Efficient and well organised, possessing
excellent communication and decision making skills. Able to arrange own
work schedules and work without supervision using initiative.
Efficient and responsible with extensive experience of driving and operating
commercial and agricultural vehicles. Excellent practical skills combined with
the ability to repair and maintain vehicles and equipment. Quick to learn
new skills, willing to undertake any further training that may be required.
Experienced in various aspects of outdoor work, from fruit picking to
gardening and site labouring. Able to learn new skills, willing to retrain if
needed. Capable of working unsupervised using own initiative, or as part of a
team.
Excellent experience in many aspects of the construction industry including
shot-blasting, concreting and kerb laying. Skilled in the use of relevant tools
and equipment, including electrical tools. Versatile and hardworking, able to
work without supervision or as part of a team.
Reliable and hard working with good practical skills gained in stores,
warehouse and factory environments. Fit, active and capable, willing to
undertake any training that may be necessary. Prepared to work shifts or
unsociable hours, unsupervised or as part of a team.
Efficient and friendly with experience of working in a care environment.
Considerate and easygoing, relating well to the elderly, assisting with all
required duties. Looking to build on experience gained as a volunteer in a
full time position and willing to undertake any further training that may be
required.

19 How can I get that job?

Action words
For use with application forms, CVs and covering letters
Acted Influenced Recommended Supplied
Adapted Initiated Recorded Supported
Advised Innovated Recruited Succeeded
Analysed Inspired Redesigned Summarised
Applied Installed Regulated Taught
Assisted Instigated Reinforced Tested
Carried out Instructed Reorganised Transformed
Clarified Integrated Repaired Trained
Communicated Introduced Reported Translated
Compiled Investigated Represented Tutored
Completed Led Requested Upgraded
Co-ordinated Liaised Researched Utilised
Created Maintained Resolved Volunteered
Defined Managed Resourced
Delegated Mediated Restored Accurately
Delivered Monitored Restructured Actively
Demonstrated Motivated Reviewed Competently
Designed Organised Revised Conscientiously
Edited Originated Scheduled Considerably
Eliminated Participated Selected Consistently
Enabled Performed Served Economically
Established Persuaded Set criteria Effectively
Evaluated Planned Set up Efficiently
Exceeded Prepared Skilled Expertly
Expanded Presented Solved Notably
Expedited Prioritised Specified Positively
Facilitated Processed Streamlined Productively
Generated Produced Specialised Profitably
Guided Programmed Strengthened Responsibly
Handled Promoted Structured Significantly
Illustrated Proposed Negotiated Skilfully
Implemented Proved Operated Substantially
Improved Provided Studied Successfully
Increased Published Supervised Willingly

20
Covering letter
A covering letter tells the employer which position you are applying for
and lets you expand on your application by showing how your skills and
suitability directly relate to the job.
You should always send a covering letter with a CV. You can also enclose a
covering letter with an application form.
The letter should be no more than one side of A4 and preferably just 3-4
short paragraphs.
Type the letter if possible.
The example shows a typical layout and content.
Some guidelines:
• Write your address and contact details at the top right hand side of
the letter. The date should also be added
• Start the letter with Dear Mr, Mrs or Ms (then last name). Close with
Yours sincerely
• If you don’t have the addressee’s name, start with Dear Sir or Madam
and then finish with Yours faithfully
• In the first paragraph explain what job you are applying for and how
you heard about it. This sets the scene and avoids confusion for the
employer if there is more than one type of position being recruited for
• The letter is an opportunity to sell yourself to the company and
emphasise how you are the right person for the job! In the second and
third paragraphs give a summary of your experience relating to the
particular job and what you can do for the company
• Always use a positive ending (see example)

21 How can I get that job?

Example covering letter

123 High Street

Fareham
Hampshire, HO5 3XY
Tel: 01234 567890
4 January 2009
Mr M Smith
Warehouse Manager
1 George Street,
Fareham,
Hampshire
PO1 3AX
Dear Mr Smith
I am very interested in the position of Warehouse Assistant, as advertised in
The Fareham Advertiser on 21 December 2009.
My previous employment working for Halfords and Debenhams has enabled
me to gain excellent experience within a large warehouse and I have worked
in both goods in and despatch areas. Both companies used automated
systems and computerised stock inventory and I can therefore offer good
knowledge of both procedures.
In my current job as Senior Fork Lift Driver I am also responsible for two
members of staff in the loading bay. The warehouse handles multiple
shipments daily and works to strict time deadlines.
Please find enclosed my CV in application and I look forward to the
opportunity to discuss the position further.
Yours sincerely,

(sign your name here)

Joe Brown

22
Speculative applications
Many jobs are not advertised and you could try writing direct to
organisations you would like to work for ‘on spec’.
Target your companies and write each letter individually.
Address it to the person you want to read your CV
(usually the Manager of the Department).
He/she will usually be the decision maker.
You can usually find the name through a
phone call to the company: ‘I need to write
to the Warehouse Manager, could you give
me his/her name please?’
Show the organisation that you have taken
some time and trouble to find out a little
about them. Use this as a basis for writing
(see example).
Websites, newspapers, company brochures
and any network contacts, will help with your
research.

23 How can I get that job?

Example speculative letter

20 The Grove
Ashford
Kent
TN24 8SL
Tel: 01234 567890
4 January 2009
Mr M Smith
Warehouse Manager
The Warehouse Company
Ashford
Kent
TN1 2DE
Dear Mr Smith
I was interested to read in The Portsmouth Echo recently that your company
is rapidly expanding.
My previous employment working for Halfords and Debenhams has enabled
me to gain excellent experience within a large warehouse and I have worked
in both goods in and despatch areas. Both companies used automated
systems and computerised stock inventory and I can therefore offer good
knowledge of both procedures.
In my current job as Fork Lift Driver I am also responsible for two members
of staff in the loading bay. The warehouse handles multiple shipments daily
and works to strict time deadlines. Unfortunately the site will relocate to
the north of England in April 2009 and I will therefore be made redundant.
I would be very interested in a position within your Warehouse and please
find enclosed my CV for consideration.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,

(sign your name here)

Joe Brown

Helping you get on in work and life 24

Help with interviews
Congratulations! Your application form or CV was obviously well written
and you now have an interview. This is where you can tell the prospective
employer why YOU are the person for the job.
We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to prepare well
beforehand. The better prepared you are, the more confident and relaxed
you will be. This will help you present yourself in the best possible way.

Before the day:

• Prepare for the journey – find out how to get there and how long it will
take you. If you are going by car – is there parking? Ask for a map if you
need one. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early
• Decide what you are going to wear. First impressions count, so it is
important to look good. You do not have to wear a suit but you should
look presentable – dark colours are good. Show you have made an effort
• Re-read all the paperwork. That includes your CV or application form and
covering letter. Research the company to find out as much about them
as you can. You can do this at the local library and on websites or from
their own brochures/leaflets. What products/services do they provide?
Who are their competitors? Have they undergone any recent changes?
How big is the company? Any information you can find out may help you
during the interview, and possibly help you answer questions
• Check if you need to bring anything with you such as references or
certificates. If you have been told there will be aptitude tests, see if you
can take any practice tests before the day
• Prepare your questions. What will you ask them? Your questions could
be based around the company and its future plans and the job itself. We
have listed a few suggestions which may give you some ideas
• Think about the questions they may ask you. Look at the job description
again and make a list of the skills they are looking for and how you
can show evidence of these. If there are any gaps in your experience or
qualifications think about how you will answer these in a positive way.
There are typical questions in this section which may help you with your
preparation

25 How can I get that job?

• If you have anything in particular you want the company to know at
interview, for example, some particular knowledge or experience you
want to emphasise, think about ways you can include this at interview

On the day:
OK so you’ve arrived in good time, you’re looking good and now you have to
face the enemy! But wait… actually they’re not!
Remember the interview is a way the company can find out about you and
your suitability for the job BUT ALSO will help you decide whether this is a
company you would like to work for, and if the job sounds like something
you could, and would, want to do. It’s a two way process.
Nerves are normal but try to relax if you can, to get the best out of the
interview. So: -
• Switch off your mobile phone!
• Smile, give a firm handshate and make good eye contact. Practise this at
home if you want to. It is really important
• Wait to be asked to sit down. Sit comfortably with your hands in your lap
• If you have a panel interview, address your answers to all the interviewers
• Never make up any answers or invent anything about yourself or your
past work experiences. Be honest, but never negative. For example, when
asked if you have experience about a particular system (which you do
not), you could say ‘well I have worked with various systems like these in
the past and I have always picked them up quickly’. This will show you are
flexible and adaptable
• Make sure you mention any particular skills or knowledge you want to
emphasise
• If you are asked a question that stumps you, don’t worry about having
not having the answer at your fingertips. For example: ‘tell us about a
time when you had to deal with a difficult situation’. If you can’t think
of one immediately you could say ‘that’s a really good question – I may
need a minute to think about that’ and then give your answer when you
are ready
• If any of your contact details have changed since you made the
application make sure they have your new phone number and/or address

Helping you get on in work and life 26

Some do’s:
3 Do be positive at all times
3 Do relax and appear confident (even if you are feeling nervous!)
3 Do listen carefully to the question without interrupting
3 Do ask for the question to be repeated if you are unclear about what they
are asking
3 Do thank the interviewer(s) and ask when you will hear about the decision
Some don’ts:
7 Don’t chew gum
7 Don’t be critical of former employers or colleagues
7 Don’t give one word answers
7 Don’t ask about the salary or holidays at the first interview
7 Don’t make jokes – even if they do!

Typical questions
Obviously you will get asked specific questions about the job itself and your
previous experience, which you should prepare for. You may also be asked
some general questions so that the interviewer(s) can find out a little more
about you:
Think about possible answers to these questions:
• Why did you apply for this job?
• What attracted you to this particular job?
• Did you have any problems in your last job?
• What are your main strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• How would your work colleagues describe you?
• Tell me about a time when you worked in a team. What was good
about it? What was not good about it?
• Can you give me an example of a problem that you’ve had at work
and how did you solve it?

27 How can I get that job?

Some questions you could ask:
• Is this a new position?
• Are there promotion prospects?
• Can you show me where I would be working?
• What are the company’s future plans?
Review the interview
Well done! You got through it! So how did you do?
Time for a review:
• What did you answer well?
• What were you unprepared for?
• How could you improve the interview?
If you have the email address of the interviewer, you could write to thank
them for their time and to confirm your interest in the position. If the
example below is too formal, just adjust to suit your needs.
Thank you for taking the time to meet me
yesterday. I found the interview very
interesting and informative. I confirm I
am very interested in the position as
outlined and look forward to hearing
from you.
If you do not receive a job offer, don’t be
put off. Ask for feedback as to why you
were unsuccessful. What you learn may
help you next time.

Helping you get on in work and life 28

About National Careers Service
National Careers Service Advisers offer free impartial information and advice
on a range of learning and work issues including:
• CV writing & covering letters
• Application forms
• Interview techniques & advice
• Confidence building
• Job searching
• Advice on courses and training
We will also offer practical help and further advice on useful contacts and
web sites for those facing redundancy.

For more information search online for:

National Careers Service

Alternatively for more information on the service available in your area

or to make an appointment to see one of our specialist advisers,
please call our freephone:
0800 1954 700

We look forward to helping you!