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The do’s and don’ts…

Here is a list of things we came across in 2011 that took the gloss off some of our candidates. It is easy to let nerves get in the way of presenting yourself in the best light so have a look at our suggestions for what to do and what to avoid doing when presenting yourself in a job application and at an interview.

Your Job Application:

  • If providing a cover letter, make sure it addresses the criteria of the job you are applying for. 
  • Make sure that the agency name/contact person is correct for each particular role.
  • Describe the role you did, not just the title and include duration of the role.
  • Always submit you resume in WORD Format.
  • If you have been out of high school for more than 10 years, you do not need to include it on your resume.
  • Don’t spend too much time ‘decorating’ your resume by adding pictures and colourful graphics, we are more interested in the actual content.
  • Try to limit you resume to no more than 5 pages.
  • Don’t lie on your resume – we always find out!
  • Cover all gaps in your resume, eg. If you were traveling for a year – say that. We will just ask you later so you may as well include it to begin with.
  • Always inform your references that you have put them down on your resume and tell them to expect a call from us.
  • Re-read, or get someone else to read your resume, before you submit it.  Spell check doesn’t pick up everything!
  • List your employment history in reverse chronological order (most recent first) it’s much easier to read this way.
  • Don’t use jargon specific to current or past employers – we won’t understand!
  • Create a separate email address if your current one isn’t appropriate, eg. future employers may have a problem writing to alwayswasted@hotmail.com.

Agency Interviews:

  • Always turn your mobile off. Even if it is on silent, the vibration can be distracting.
  • Always be on time.
  • Dress appropriately.   
  • Be prepared to discuss your current salary package, and don’t exaggerate!
  • Have some questions about the role/company prepared.
  • Make eye contact with the person interviewing you.
  • No gum!
  • Don’t give yes/no answers, always try to elaborate and give examples.
  • Don’t bad-mouth your previous employer, it never looks good!
  • Don’t bring your partner along.