Career tips and advice - Direct Recruitment

Tips and advice How to write a CV What to do before an interview What to do on the day of the interview What to do during an interview

Your CV is important. Done right, it’ll help you get a foot in the door and a step closer to your next job.

Your CV – the only thing standing between you and that vital first interview. It’s your chance to make a first impression and we all know how important they can be. That’s why we give you all the help you need to get yours just right.

Every week, we see dozens of CVs. This means we have a pretty good idea about what works (and what doesn’t). It’s this experience that can help you create a CV that really stands out.

Together, we sit down and talk about you – your qualifications, your experience, your ambitions. We need to know everything.

After all, it’s the only way we can be sure your CV is making the very most of what you have to offer. And it’ll be worth it. An average CV won’t make it past the inbox. A great CV will put you at the top of the ‘yes’ pile.

Below you’ll find some general hints and tips on how to write your CV – this should give you a good idea about what to do next.

How to write a CV

Here’s how you can make every word count on your CV:

Presentation
- Avoid gimmicks – you want to be taken seriously.
- There’s no need to include a personal profile – you don’t have to include your age, marital status or a photograph.
- Use a clear typeface – 12 or 14 point throughout is ideal.
Length
- Long enough to be detailed without being boring or repetitive – just make sure you make the most of your experience, skills and achievements.
- Minimise personal detail and maximise your experience – give emphasis to your recent achievements.
- Don’t leave gaps in your history – your prospective employer will wonder what you’ve been up to.
Contact details
- Make yourself easy to reach – include a confidential email address, daytime phone or mobile number (make it clear if discretion is required) and a postal address.
- Put your name and preferred contact number on every page
Content
- Give details of your day-to-day duties and responsibilities – especially if you want a change in career direction (as many skills are transferable, but not all employers will know what your previous job involved).
- Highlight your achievements and quantify them for added impact – this shows employers what you could bring to their business.

Click me to email your CV

Hooray, you’ve got an interview – all the hard work you put into your CV has paid off.

But we don’t just want you to get a foot in the door; we want your feet firmly under the table.

The most important part of an interview is what happens before the big day. Yes, this means preparation (and lots of it). But it’s not all down to you. We’re with you every step of the way to ensure you make the most of yourself in the meeting.

We’ll help you get totally up to speed, as well as lay the groundwork with the company beforehand. This means, before you’ve even walked through the door, you’ll know what’s expected of you and the employer will be clear on what you can bring to their business. A good start, don’t you think?

Below you’ll find some general advice on what to do before, on the day and during your interview. Some of it is pretty straight forward, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget – especially when you’re nervous.

What to do before the interview

What you do before an interview can be as important as what you do in it. Preparation will give you the knowledge to answer questions with confidence, making you look relaxed and in control (even if you don’t feel it!).

• Find out all you can about the company – research its services, accounts, position in the marketplace and how it’s developed over the past few years.

• Visit the company’s website – this may seem obvious, but it’s important.

• Catch up on the latest company news – look in the trade press and online.

• Match your skills to the requirements – you can do this by researching the job specification (if there is one).

• Have some case studies in mind – so you can talk easily about your skills, successes and achievements.

• Prepare plenty of questions – this helps show a genuine interest in the company and the role.
What to do on the day of the interview

So the day’s arrived. You’re well prepared and ready to go. There are just one or two things you should remember beforehand:

• Dress smart but casual .

• Don’t turn up late or any earlier than five minutes – if you’re delayed, call the people you are meeting in plenty of time.

• Be polite to everyone – this means EVERYONE, whether they look important or not; after all they may be asked about you later or you could even end up working with them.

• Don’t go if you’re ill – just cancel in good time and re-arrange so you’re at your best.
What to do in the interview

This is it, the moment you get to put all your preparation into practice. It’s natural to feel nervous, but here are a few tips on how to make the most of your time:

• Be confident – you’ve made it this far because they think you may be right for the job and it’s your confidence that’ll convince them they’re right.

• Smile and make eye contact – firm handshakes are important; weak, wet or sloppy ones don’t make a good impression.

• Discuss things you know and are enthusiastic about – employers want people who are passionate about what they do (if you can, steer the conversation towards topics you’re confident talking about).

• Be aware of your body language – do engage the interviewer and look interested in what they are saying.

• Use case studies to highlight your achievements – if you have a portfolio, remember to ask if they’d like to see it (but remember, most employers are interested in the big thinking behind one or two campaigns not a little bit about lots).

• Be enthusiastic – employers want to see energy and keenness for their role, make them feel wanted.

• Remember it’s a two-way process – an interview is your opportunity to find out about the job and whether it’s right for you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

• Give concise reasons why you want to leave your current job – but be careful not to run it down or be too negative.

• Make it clear what you can bring to their business – let them know why you’d like to join.

Do you know any digital, direct, CRM or integrated marketing geniuses? Are they itching to move?

Want to help them make their next step up the career ladder? Then get in touch.

At Direct Recruitment we really value recommendations from people we trust. If we successfully place someone you recommend into a new role, not only will they be eternally grateful, we’ll also reward you handsomely. You can choose from a case of champagne or a £150 voucher for John Lewis or Amazon.

To be eligible, you have to be a current or former candidate or one of our clients. Just tell your friend to mention your name when they come to see us, so we can send you your gift. Or get them to email us their CV to CV@direct-recruitment.co.uk ensuring they mention your name.

Don’t forget we have exciting roles in planning, account handling, data, digital and on Clientside, so would love to hear from anyone working in these areas.

Click me to email your CV

Tips and advice How to write a CV What to do before an interview What to do on the day of the interview What to do during an interview

Your CV is important. Done right, it’ll help you get a foot in the door and a step closer to your next job.

How to write a CV

Here’s how you can make every word count on your CV:

Presentation

Length

Contact details

Content

Hooray, you’ve got an interview – all the hard work you put into your CV has paid off.

But we don’t just want you to get a foot in the door; we want your feet firmly under the table.

What to do before the interview

What to do on the day of the interview

What to do in the interview

Do you know any digital, direct, CRM or integrated marketing geniuses? Are they itching to move?

Want to help them make their next step up the career ladder? Then get in touch.

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