Recruitment advice for job seekers, provided by HiJobs

Interview tips

Before an interview, it is useful to compile a list of questions to ask. This will aid in accentuating your interest in the position. Below is a selection to get you started:
 Could you tell me why this position is available?
 What exactly will I be doing in this role should I be accepted?
 Could you describe the typical day for an employee in a similar position?
 If possible, can you please break the position into specific functions?
 Can you tell me more about the company structure?
 Will there be a probation period linked to my role, and if so, how long?
 Does the company encourage professional development?
 How will you measure my performance and how often?
 Could you tell me if my remuneration be tied to my performance?
 …and finally, when could we meet again?

In addition to the above, here are 10 things NOT to do at an interview
1. DO NOT turn up late. If there is a genuine reason, ring the company as soon as you know
2. DO NOT make negative comments with regards to previous jobs – this makes you look negative
3. DO NOT give the impression you’re only interested in the job for the money – don’t ask “what will my salary be?”
4. DO NOT act as if you’re desperate for a job
5. DO NOT chew gum
6. DO NOT smoke before the interview – you will bring the smell into the interview room
7. DO NOT leave your phone on during the interview – it will not look very professional if it rings!
8. DO NOT slouch in your chair – sit straight and maintain eye contact
9. DO NOT ask about salary or benefits – this comes after the job offer
10. DO NOT ramble on – just back up each answer with relevant examples

The CV Store provide professional CV writing services to job seekers of all levels. Clients from hijobs.co.uk are entitled to a free CV review by emailing enquiries@thecvstore.net

How to write a thank-you letter: One of the most common things people forget to do after an interview is send a thank-you letter. Not only does this show you are courteous but it provides you with another opportunity to show a prospective employer that you have strong written communication abilities. In addition to this:

 You have another opportunity of clarifying points you forgot to make at your interview
 Thank-you letters are extremely rare these days so by sending one you will automatically stand out from the 100s of other applicants
 Imagine you have just interviewed 50 applicants – it will be hard to remember each one individually – a thank-you letter will assist the interviewer in remembering you
 When compiling a thank-you letter, ensure you use the 1st paragraph to thank the company for their time to show your appreciation. After this, use either the 2nd or 3rd paragraph to comment on points you may have missed out in an interview or even just want to “polish” to clarify certain information

Where possible, try to keep the thank-you letter to one page of A4 paper. As with your CV – ensure there are no spelling mistakes and do not make any negative comments.

Finally, do not put off sending the letter and, if possible, post it the same day as your interview!

The CV Store provides professional CV writing services to job seekers of all levels. Clients from hijobs.co.uk are entitled to a free CV review by emailing enquiries@thecvstore.net