Interview Tips: How to Stand Out In An Interview Coupled With CV Writing

I was privileged to have been on PRYSHOLYS ARENA, an online chat show that aims at exploring the realities of life and providing in-depth information on career, work and life.

I had the opportunity to chat and share knowledge on the topics “How to stand out in an interview coupled with CV writing” Quick highlights on the topics.

First of all, let start with CV writing.

CV writing is crucial in terms of job hunting. It’s a main way of marketing yourself. There are no hard and fast rules in putting up a CV. However, there are some key tips we need to follow in order to have outstanding CV’s….These are:

Personal information; this comprises of name, telephone or mobile number, address and email of the one writing the CV. Please don’t write CV on top of the paper,rather your name can be the headline

Personal profile, statement, or career objectives; filling these section, one must be concise and punchy with words. The write up at this section should indicate your goals,strength,key skills and what you are bringing on board.

Experience and Employment history; this is usually written in chronological order, having recent jobs or roles with their dates and summary of responsibilities first ; Remember only to bullet key responsibilities.

Education and Qualification – this section is done chronologically. It usually comprises of the name of the institution, dates and degrees awarded

Other Professional qualifications…here if you belong to any professional bodies ,you can state as well as if you have attended any personal development seminars or have any other certifications.

Abilities and Skills- what skills and abilities make you stand out from the others or makes you unique….state them and also whatever significant achievements you have attained

Hobbies and Interest

References- it can be stated that you will provide upon request (it’s important to always inform your referees about using them as a reference to avoid miscommunication)

The second topic was “How to stand out in an Interview”
There are few tips to make one stand out in an interview. Some of these tips are

Take a deep Breathe before you Enter .Be well composed and walk with confidence.

Greet and wait to be offered a seat.Accept and thank the panel

• Be bold with your approach and be intentional about leaving a mark

• Be exceptionally respectful to all you interact with prior to the interview

Be well-groomed;Remember first impressions last longer (ladies be modest in your dressing especially make up should not be loud,and gentlemen have a clean shave if u keep your hair and remember corporate colors in ur shirt and tie choices;note a black belt …a black shoes not brown belt n black shoes)

Arrive early before the interview begins

Grab the attention of the interviewers when asked a question through the application of knowledge and exhibit confidence in your tone and demeanor.

Answer questions with practical examples and scenarios

Be sure to do a bit of background about the company you intend to work with

Non is perfect..but ensure you have an in-depth knowledge about the role you are applying for.

In case you are not sure about a question (in terms of clarity/ignorance) don’t be afraid to ask and probe further and if can’t answer a question,make an attempt but also be honest you are not on top of the subject area…No one expect an interviewer to be perfect…so don’t be too hard on yourself…

When given the opportunity to ask questions,ask an unusual question and display a bit of intelligence in analytical and problem solving skills

Send a thoughtful handwritten “thank you” soon after the interview to express gratitude.

Keep this in mind as you walk into an interview, you should always remember to “SMILE” and this stands for

S – Smile
M – Make an eye contact
I – introduce yourself
L- Listen attentively
E – Express thanks