Writing an Effective CV

A well-written CV that clearly outlines your experience will play a vital part in helping you to interview stage.

Basic Information

• Personal details – full name, address, contact numbers and email address
• Education and qualifications
• Key skills / strengths
• Employment History
• Referees

Content

• Customise your CV for every job. The core of your details shouldn’t change, but tailoring and highlighting areas of expertise as necessary to the job is a great marketing tool.
• Your CV should be an accurate representation of your work history. If your skills don’t match those in the job ad, don’t apply.
• When listing your employment history, start with the most recent employer and work backwards. Make sure you include months as well as years (ie January 2003 – September 2006) to detail you length of time at an employer. Also make sure you highlight specific achievements in each role.
• Don’t leave unexplained gaps in your CV. If you were travelling for 12 months, make sure this is included in your resume.
• Use easy to understand language.
• Ensure that you spell check and proof read your CV thoroughly.

Top

Interview Advice

Research the Company
Before you go to an interview you should research the company that you are applying for. The fastest and easiest way to research a company is online. Spend some time understanding the company’s products and services, locations, divisions, major clients, vision and mission. For information relating to the specific team you’re applying for, ask your recruitment consultant. And if they don’t know, get them to ask.
Understanding the company before your interview makes you better prepared to understand the context of your role. It also makes a great impression as it shows initiative and enthusiasm.

Prepare Yourself
Ensure that you are fully prepared to talk about yourself and your work experience when you are in the interview.
Read through your resume a couple of times to familiarise yourself with your experience.

• Think about the kinds of questions you may be asked – relating to the specific job, your experience, your motivations and goals.
• Think about some questions you want to ask the interviewer.
• Make sure you know exactly where the interview will be held and when you need arrive.
• Dress appropriately and professionally – first impressions count.

In the Interview
Give yourself plenty of time to get to your appointment, but only present yourself 5 minutes before your interview time.

• Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile and show enthusiasm for the role.
• Speak positively about past employers and highlight what you’ve learnt from these experiences.
• Give yourself credit for your achievements, be sincere and ensure that you are communicating your skills and experiences clearly. Where possible provide the interviewer with examples of what you’ve achieved and where appropriate provide evidence that when things have not gone to plan you have learnt from your mistakes.
• Speak clearly and with confidence. Close the interview with a handshake and a thank you.

After the Interview
Once an interview is over, it can be easy to lapse in to a state of not knowing what will happen next. To remedy this, call your Pegasus Global consultant immediately. Provide him or her with feedback about the interview including your impressions and what you liked and didn’t like. Ask for a structure around what to expect next – this will allow you to follow up at appropriate times and ensure that the recruitment process is a positive and energising experience.

Top