3 Tips for Surviving The interview process

*This is a collaborative post*

Whatever your reasons for looking, job hunting can be a deeply unpleasant experience. And though hopefully the reward at the end is worth it, securing your dream job comes with a number of hurdles and challenges along the way.

There’s no way to turn it into a totally painless process – all of us will face rejection in the recruitment process at some point in our lives. But these are just a few tips to survive the interview process from start to finish that will hopefully help you secure the perfect position.

1. Presentation is key – from day one

When submitting your CV, everyone knows that your spelling and grammar should be up to scratch.  Additionally, put a little thought into the visual presentation – it should be clear, readable and appropriately sectioned so the relevant information is easy to find. However, don’t go over the top with the visuals – unless you’re a graphic designer, a CV that tries too hard to be eye-catching and colourful screams ‘style over substance’ and can be an instant turn off for potential employers.

If in doubt, take a look at templates from CV Maker to find a no-fuss, no-frills format that shows what you’re about.

2. Know the system

When throwing your hat in the ring, it’s good to familiarise yourself with the hurdles a potential employer may throw your way.  For instance, the use of hiring software’s such as Oleeo to filter out unsuitable candidates is becoming increasingly common. To ensure your application doesn’t get caught out by one of these systems, make sure you fill out any provided forms properly and list your most relevant skills.

If you are particularly drawn to a certain role, it may also be an idea to tailor your CV slightly to highlight the suitability of your abilities and experience to the position. Additionally, you should always include a covering letter to show that you’re really invested in the role.

3. Prepare your answers

You can’t predict exactly what you’ll be asked. But there are many questions you can expect to encounter in an interview scenario, and it’s good to be prepared.For instance, it’s common for employers to ask candidates what they know about the company they’re interviewing with, so don’t get caught out – conduct a little research beforehand.

You’ll be asked why you want the job – have an answer in mind that is specific to the company you’re interviewing with to really impress your hiring manager.

And when it comes to delivering your answers, don’t feel the need to speak too quickly. Be calm and collected, and if offered a glass of water, accept – if you need a moment to think about your answer, you can take a sip as a pretext to think it over.

Want to ace the hiring process from start to finish? These are just a few pointers to navigate the murky waters of recruitment and snag your dream job.

Thanks for reading xxx