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CV & Interview Preparation

CV PREPARATION

Preparing a Curriculum Vitae can be a difficult task as you will wish to make it as 'reader friendly' as possible but also need to ensure that potential employers understand the vast experience and training that you have which makes you the ideal candidate for their organization.

The following are some useful tips to keep in mind when preparing your CV:

• Your CV needs to be clear, concise and you must check all spellings.
• It is important to remember it must be very easy to read, use margins and plenty of space but try to keep it under four pages. You have to keep something to discuss at interview!
• Start with personal details, including name, address, telephone numbers and an e-mail address.
• List your work experience in reverse chronological order i.e. current first.
• When listing educational qualifications, list those that are most relevant first.
• Emphasise your work related achievements.
• Be honest at all times.
• Don't include any irrelevant information.
• Be sure to include referees that will only provide positive information to a future employer. Also include their contact information.
• Always submit your CV with a cover letter and be clear about what you are applying for.

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

80% of any interview is decided within the first five minutes so it is very important to create the right impression straight away. Remember that you would not be attending the interview if they were not already interested in your experience and training in the Hotel and Catering Industry.

Here are some useful tips for attending an interview:

• Dress conservatively and smartly - Be confident.
• Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and address them formally e.g. Mr Smith or Mrs Murphy.
• Do not smoke beforehand (to avoid smelling of smoke).
• Remember to smile, this helps impress on them your customer care skills.
• Answer questions as concisely as possible, don't drift 'off the point' or you will find you did not give an adequate answer.
• Maintain eye contact to emphasise your sincerity.
• Do not say anything that cannot be backed up by one of your referees.
• Never, ever say anything negative about a previous employer.
• If a panel of interviewers is interviewing you, direct your answers to all members of the panel.
• Prepare yourself for problem questions designed to determine your attitude, maturity, and motivation.