http://local.interjobs.co.uk/ InterJobs.co.uk is your complete jobs and careers resource. 120 en-gb Articles@DirectoryM.com Articles@DirectoryM.com http://local.interjobs.co.uk/ InterJobs.co.uk is your complete jobs and careers resource. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Images/Image.aspx?Site=customDarkBlueWAdSense_en-GB People are often confused about the real reason that they need a CV, and put off the dreaded task of compiling their own for as long as they possibly can. The following points explain why it's so important to have a well-written CV, and how it can make you stand out from the crowd. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/The_CV_Explained_London-r1342272-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/The_CV_Explained_London-r1342272-London_EN.html Before you start to write your CV, you need to ask yourself what you want it to say about you, and decide what specific results you want it to achieve. Many people simply rush in and start writing without any preparation or clear idea of what they want to say. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/CVs_to_Suit_Different_Circumstances_Before_you_start_to_write_your_CV_you_need_to_ask_yoursel_London-r1342271-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/CVs_to_Suit_Different_Circumstances_Before_you_start_to_write_your_CV_you_need_to_ask_yoursel_London-r1342271-London_EN.html Psychometric Test Tips Psychometric assessment often plays an important part in the recruitment process, but for applicants it can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, help is at hand. We've put together some top tips to help you prepare for ability tests along with some useful advice on how to approach personality questionnaires in the right manner so that you are able to carry out both... http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Psychometric_Test_Tips_London-r1342270-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Psychometric_Test_Tips_London-r1342270-London_EN.html From time to time you may come across an interviewer who is poorly trained or who is just having a bad day. Use these following tips to take control of the situation and turn it to your advantage. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Dealing_with_Poor_Interviewers_London-r1342269-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Dealing_with_Poor_Interviewers_London-r1342269-London_EN.html Psychometrics is the field of study concerned with psychological measurement, which includes the measurement of knowledge, abilities, attitudes and personality traits. There are two major branches of psychometrics used to assess job applicants: psychometric tests and personality questionnaires. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Psychometric_Testing_London-r1342268-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Psychometric_Testing_London-r1342268-London_EN.html Being invited to attend an interview indicates that you are a good match for the job specifications that the employer has set out. However, at this stage, that match only looks good on paper; the interview is your chance to convince the interviewer that not only would you be able to do the job, but you would also bring additional benefits to the organisation. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/What_Makes_You_Special_London-r1342267-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/What_Makes_You_Special_London-r1342267-London_EN.html Before you attend any job interview, take some time to find out as much about the company or organisation as possible. Not only will your interviewers be impressed that you cared enough to learn about their company, but it will give you a better understanding of how the organisation will suit you, and what you will be able to offer it. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Researching_the_Organisation_London-r1342266-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Researching_the_Organisation_London-r1342266-London_EN.html It is important to prepare thoroughly before attending a group exercise to maximise your chances of success. Make sure that you are up to date in current affairs by watching the news and reading newspapers as much as possible. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Group_Exercise_Tips_London-r1342265-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Group_Exercise_Tips_London-r1342265-London_EN.html This format of C.V. can be recommended if you have had a clear progressive career direction, but isn't ideal for anyone new to the job market or those whose career has not followed a conventional path. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/The_Pros_Cons_of_a_Chronological_CV_London-r1342264-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/The_Pros_Cons_of_a_Chronological_CV_London-r1342264-London_EN.html Remember - first impressions count and if your CV looks untidy, cluttered, muddled, or there's simply too much information to read, then you won't get very far with it. There are some simple guidelines when it comes to layout. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/CV_Presentation_London-r1342263-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/CV_Presentation_London-r1342263-London_EN.html A common misunderstanding of networking is that it is only for pushy social climbers or extroverts, but nothing could be further from the truth. Networking is just another way of accessing the hidden job market - using your circle of contacts as a source of suitable job opportunities. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Networking_London-r1342262-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Networking_London-r1342262-London_EN.html When you apply for a job, you are usually required to complete an application form. Most employers review your application before they choose to see you and it can also form an important first impression of you. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/How_to_Fill_Out_a_Job_Application_Form_London-r1342261-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/How_to_Fill_Out_a_Job_Application_Form_London-r1342261-London_EN.html Often, the more mature job candidate feels that they are too old to find employment - this is an attitude that is almost guaranteed to make them fail. Mature applicants need to assess themselves differently, and place the right emphasis on their skills. The problem is not one of age, it is one of identifying what the market needs, assessing skills, enhancing or adding to those skills and marketing to provide a solution to an employer's requirements. With the right skills, anyone can find employment - at any age. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Advice_for_Mature_Job_Seekers_London-r1342260-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Advice_for_Mature_Job_Seekers_London-r1342260-London_EN.html Congratulations – you sailed through the interview, signed the contract, and now you’re poised on the edge of beginning a new job. But before you launch yourself afresh into working life, take a moment to prepare a plan of action. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Top_Tips_for_Starting_a_New_Job_London-r1342259-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Top_Tips_for_Starting_a_New_Job_London-r1342259-London_EN.html There could be many reasons why you wish to review your career. Read the following article to figure out if you are in need of a job review, and learn how to go about reviewing your career. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Reviewing_Your_Career_London-r1342258-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Reviewing_Your_Career_London-r1342258-London_EN.html A CV is something that everybody needs - a summarised history of their working life. However, for many people, writing a CV is something that they never quite get around to doing, one of those jobs that just keeps getting put off. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Your_Curriculum_Vitae_CV_London-r1342257-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Your_Curriculum_Vitae_CV_London-r1342257-London_EN.html Work is an important part of our lives, and although we rely on it for income, many of us want to get more out of our careers than just money. We want our job to be interesting, to fit in with our other commitments and interests, to use our particular skill set, and to give us a sense of development and progression. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Planning_Your_Career_London-r1342256-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Planning_Your_Career_London-r1342256-London_EN.html Two seemingly simple interview questions are: What are your skills? What can you offer us? Although these questions may seem straightforward, both require a certain amount of preparation and reflection before they can be successfully answered. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Your_Skills_London-r1342255-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Your_Skills_London-r1342255-London_EN.html Both interviewer and interviewee will have a list of independent goals to achieve in an interview; however, many of these objectives may overlap. Whilst preparing for an interview, take some time to go through these lists of aims, so that you are completely clear about what the interviewer expects from you, and what you should hope to achieve. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Interview_Objectives_London-r1342254-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Interview_Objectives_London-r1342254-London_EN.html When applying for a job, there are many different aspects you need to be prepared for. This article will help you learn about some basic parts you will need to be able to fill out on the application for. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Application_Form_Details_London-r1342253-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Application_Form_Details_London-r1342253-London_EN.html Whilst words can deceive (some people don't say what they mean or mean what they say), body language is subconscious and therefore more honest and accurate than verbal communication. As it is more spontaneous and less controlled, body language shows our true feelings and attitudes. By reading through the following tips and advice, you will be able to see how body language can be used in interviews to accentuate your professionalism and performance. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Positive_Body_Language_London-r1342252-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Positive_Body_Language_London-r1342252-London_EN.html Once you have taken some time to consider your skills, achievements, strengths and limitations, you will need to bring all this information together to create an overall picture of yourself. The following articles will give you tips on how to best prepare yourself for a job interview. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Putting_it_all_Together_London-r1342251-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Putting_it_all_Together_London-r1342251-London_EN.html An increasing number of interviews now call for the applicant to make a formal presentation as part of the process. This may be delivered to any number of assessors, from just one person to a large audience, which may also include the other candidates. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Presentations_London-r1342250-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Presentations_London-r1342250-London_EN.html Although no two interviews will ever be exactly the same, many of them will follow a very similar format. They often begin with some gentle 'warm up' questions, designed to help you to settle in and become as relaxed as possible and the main portion of the interview usually consists of a range of questions intended to test your suitability for the job, and how well you would fit in with the organisation. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/In_the_Interview_London-r1342249-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/In_the_Interview_London-r1342249-London_EN.html This is where you'll include the names of your Schools, Colleges, Universities, or other educational institutes and the qualifications and training you received. The key here is to specify all the qualifications you have because it is likely to impress. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Education_London-r1342248-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Education_London-r1342248-London_EN.html Whilst your skills tell the interviewer WHAT you do, your strengths will indicate HOW you do them. Not only will they demonstrate your uniqueness, but they will also show your prospective employer just how valuable you will be. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Your_Strengths_London-r1342247-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Your_Strengths_London-r1342247-London_EN.html First impressions are critical; when two people meet for the first time, most make up their minds about each other within the first few minutes, making automatic evaluations based on the non-verbal cues they receive. You and your interviewer will also carry out this process as soon as you meet, whether on the walk from reception or in the interview room itself. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/First_Impressions_London-r1342246-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/First_Impressions_London-r1342246-London_EN.html When negotiating your new salary with your potential employer, avoid discussing your present salary. As a candidate, you want to be paid what a job is worth, rather than being pigeonholed at a former salary. Many interviewers will ask you about your previous earnings; whilst it is best not to answer, it may be impossible to refuse. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Negotiation_Strategy_London-r1342245-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Negotiation_Strategy_London-r1342245-London_EN.html Once you have found the areas where you feel you have skills, you will need to generate a more detailed list of the knowledge, skills and experience you have gained. Think of things you have done in your current job, your previous jobs, projects and assignments and outside activities, and try to answer the following questions to identify the specific skills you have used. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Looking_at_Skills_in_More_Detail_London-r1342244-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Looking_at_Skills_in_More_Detail_London-r1342244-London_EN.html The salary package comprises of the base salary PLUS additional benefits. These benefits will vary from company to company, and it is essential to find out exactly what will and won't be included in your package. Examine each of the offered benefits carefully and work out what they are worth to you. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Salary_Package_London-r1342243-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Salary_Package_London-r1342243-London_EN.html When you walk out of the interview, you may feel that all you need to do is breathe a huge sigh of relief, cross your fingers and wait for an offer. However, now's not the time to relax - there's still plenty of work to do! http://local.interjobs.co.uk/After_the_Interview_London-r1342242-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/After_the_Interview_London-r1342242-London_EN.html Following these guidelines will help you create an impressive CV. Keep it concise. and easy to read: good spacing, margins and clear text. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Guidelines_to_Creating_Your_CV_London-r1342241-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Guidelines_to_Creating_Your_CV_London-r1342241-London_EN.html When you enter the interview room, there will be a period to allow you to sit down and make yourself comfortable. If you are not directed to a particular chair when you are invited to sit down, indicate your choice and ask "Will this be OK?" http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Breaking_the_Ice_London-r1342240-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Breaking_the_Ice_London-r1342240-London_EN.html To most employers, first impressions count, and a job applicant's dress and grooming can be important - and sometimes even critical - factors in the hiring process. Inappropriate clothing or poor personal appearance are major factors leading to the rejection of candidates. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Your_Appearance_London-r1342239-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Your_Appearance_London-r1342239-London_EN.html When it comes to asking interview questions, every employer has different preferences and procedures, and so it's difficult to predict the exact questions they may ask. However, questions tend to fall into a number of different styles, and if you recognise these and the reasons they are being asked, you will be more successful in your response. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Types_of_Interview_Questions_London-r1342238-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Types_of_Interview_Questions_London-r1342238-London_EN.html The more interviews you have, the more you will discover that your success depends on saying the right things, looking the part and feeling confident. The following list shows a number of reasons given by interviewers as to why candidates may be unsuccessful during the interview process. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Interview_Blunders_to_Avoid_London-r1342237-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Interview_Blunders_to_Avoid_London-r1342237-London_EN.html Your curriculum vitae is essential to ensuring that you stand out from other candidates applying for the job you want. To see an example of a functional CV example, keep reading. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Functional_CV_Example_London-r1342236-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Functional_CV_Example_London-r1342236-London_EN.html When writing to a recruiter, always begin the letter with your mission, then state why that recruiter should be interested in you, and close with an invitation to contact you should there be a match between your skills and their client. The following letter is from a candidate to a selected list of executive recruiters. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Example_Cover_Letter_to_Recruiter_London-r1342235-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Example_Cover_Letter_to_Recruiter_London-r1342235-London_EN.html Now you are at a point where you can review what you have learned about yourself. You now need to ask yourself the following questions found in this article. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Bringing_it_all_Together_London-r1342234-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Bringing_it_all_Together_London-r1342234-London_EN.html Toward the end of most job interviews you will be offered the opportunity to ask questions. This is your chance to fill any gaps in your knowledge about the job and the organisation and clarify the next step in the interview process. It is important that you ask a least one question, otherwise it may seem that you don't really have any interest in the job or the company. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Questions_You_Should_Ask_at_a_Job_Interview_London-r1342233-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Questions_You_Should_Ask_at_a_Job_Interview_London-r1342233-London_EN.html Researching the interview can help you to prepare for that important day. Learn tips and tricks like planning a practice journey to the interview location, researching the position of the interviewer and the skill sets you'll need for the job and more. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Researching_the_Interview_London-r1342232-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Researching_the_Interview_London-r1342232-London_EN.html Your voice is crucial to the impression you make and if you use your voice skilfully, you can sound confident, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Learn some helpful hints like practise saying some of the statements that you have prepared about yourself and make a recording so that you can listen to your voice. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Speaking_Clearly_London-r1342231-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Speaking_Clearly_London-r1342231-London_EN.html If you are prepared for the interview, you will be able to promote your skills and achievements effectively as you respond to questions. With practise, you will gain confidence and become more polished in your presentation. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Tackling_the_Interview_London-r1342230-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Tackling_the_Interview_London-r1342230-London_EN.html Remember that your CV is your advert, and so you should adapt it to fit whatever job you are applying for. It is very important to know how to read and understand the job advert, so you can find out what the company is really looking for http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Adapting_Your_CV_London-r1342229-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Adapting_Your_CV_London-r1342229-London_EN.html A situation interview tests your ability to deal with a specific business problem or situation. Also known as 'analysis' or 'behavioural' tests, this style of interview allows the company to see how well you think on your feet and how you use your experience and expertise to handle essential work issues. The format of these interviews may vary. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Situation_Interviews_London-r1342228-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Situation_Interviews_London-r1342228-London_EN.html The following letter is an example of a consumer product professional's cover letter to a selected list of companies. A cover letter helps to express your interest in the company or job position. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Example_Cover_Letter_to_a_Company_London-r1342227-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Example_Cover_Letter_to_a_Company_London-r1342227-London_EN.html Ability or aptitude tests may be designed to test your general intelligence, or they may be focused to test specific skills such as abstract reasoning or your numerical, spatial or verbal abilities. The exact type that you may encounter will usually depend on the type and seniority of the post you have applied for. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Ability_Tests_London-r1342226-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Ability_Tests_London-r1342226-London_EN.html The first rule about putting down somebody as a referee is to make sure you ask them first. Keep your referees up to date on your search progress, and at the same time you can go over the elements of any new job you are going for. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Referees_London-r1342225-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Referees_London-r1342225-London_EN.html Employers are increasingly using group exercises as part of their recruitment process, and they are often an integral part of a selection day or assessment centre. They are used to assess teamwork skills, interpersonal skills, verbal communication and analytical ability, and are used to see how you operate and perform in a group setting with your peers. http://local.interjobs.co.uk/The_Role_of_Group_Testing_London-r1342224-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/The_Role_of_Group_Testing_London-r1342224-London_EN.html A personality questionnaire is designed to assess your likely behaviour in work situations rather than your ability to do the work itself, and aims to gauge how you approach tasks, solve problems and how you relate to others. Questionnaires often vary in the number of personality characteristics that they look to measure http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Personality_Questionnaires_London-r1342223-London_EN.html http://local.interjobs.co.uk/Personality_Questionnaires_London-r1342223-London_EN.html