From the perfect CV to acing an interview – experts on 23 ways to get the job of your dreams

At this point in the year, many of us reassess our working lives, so it's essential to know how to create a CV that grabs an employer's interest and nail an interview with confidence. Here, recruitment specialists reveal the essential tips to secure a job.

Find positions that suit your skills and interests, and submit applications accordingly

“With more job seekers than openings, it's crucial you concentrate on applications tailored to your relevant skills and experiences,” he says.

Ah, a wise reminder from "some experts" in the job market, you've got to consider whether or not you truly want a job, so be careful not to waste time applying for positions with little enthusiasm for the work.

The CV is still a very important document - so make sure it makes a real impression.

"The CV is not as outdated as people make out," Reed states. Also, while online platforms such as LinkedIn or video CVs or social media accounts may be useful in certain industries, it remains essential to make your CV as well-presented as possible. "I consider it to be a potentially life-changing document," Reed says.

Keep your CV concise

“Ensure the summary is concise yet thorough, ideally confined to one page,” Reed advises. “Start with a brief, straightforward paragraph outlining why you're a strong candidate for this position. I often recommend framing the role as a problem to be solved and explaining how your skills and experience make you the ideal solution to that issue.”

Always be honest

“Adjust your CV according to the position you're applying for,” advises Reed. “If you're applying for a sales role, be sure to highlight your sales background.” However, it is essential to avoid giving false impressions. “We operate a CV screening service for our clients, where we verify the accuracy of CVs: 40% of the CVs we check are found to contain inaccuracies.”

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Writing a CV or job application, some people, "get out the job description and then cut and paste it as part of their CV", advises Mills. "That's likely the worst tactic, because job specifications usually don't closely match the actual job. Additionally, it fails to convey your personality: you need to state who you are, what skills you bring to the table, and why you're an ideal fit for this specific position."

I'd be happy to detail my qualifications and the technical skills I've developed over time.

Recruiters will say they're looking for someone who's an excellent communicator, but just stating it's not enough, Mills says." "You need to provide detailed examples of instances where you've communicated effectively, such as during a work presentation, team meeting, or when speaking to senior management.

It seems you're looking for advice on crafting a stand-out CV. The key point is that if you're mass-producing the same CV for various jobs, you're already lagging behind others in the queue. A valuable tip is to tailor your CV to the specific job you're applying for by using keywords taken directly from the job advert as section headings. For instance, if a job listing mentions 'communication skills', 'initiative', and 'teamwork', be sure to dedicate separate sections of your CV to each of these and provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated them in your work. Anything less, such as simply including these buzzwords on your CV without further explanation, does a severe disservice to your job prospects.

In an era dominated by chatbots like ChatGPT, being relatable appears to be the new standard

“Some level of robotic language is necessary,” states Mills, “since applicant tracking systems are utilising algorithms. It is the placement and frequency of key words in the CV that determines its ranking. However, it is equally essential not to appear as a soulless automated response. I have come across very polished CVs, but upon closer inspection, I sense that the individual behind them is lacking. You claim to have strong team management skills, incorporating appraisals and performance management, but you fail to provide specific details regarding the size of your team or the challenges you encountered. In particular, if you assert that you successfully turned around a struggling team, I expect a detailed explanation of how you achieved this.”

According to an ex-employee who worked as a recruiter at Lehman Brothers, "I firmly believe AI is useful for tasks such as grammar correction, keyword optimisation and formatting advice."

Consider language options with attention to detail

As quoted by Reed, using action-packed verbs such as 'delivered', 'led', and 'built' is effective. He recommends avoiding generic phrases like 'looking for a new challenge' as they often come across as insincere. Additionally, Reed advises against exaggerating one's individual achievements, as most business tasks involve working collaboratively with teams.

According to Juillet, it's essential to use strong, specific language in job descriptions, such as "spearheaded", "optimised", and "innovated", to capture the desired skills and qualities. For instance, instead of saying "team player", describe how you "cultivated collaboration" or "facilitated cross-functional working". Employers will likely respond more positively to specific examples of achievement than vague claims like "results driven".

“Leave out the adjectives, please,” Yeung advises. “We all claim to be passionate and determined, but what actually matters is backing it up with concrete evidence. Instead of adjectives, try framing your answers with actions - describe the specific steps you took to achieve real outcomes. Who exactly did you convince to see things your way? How did you overcome significant challenges along the way? What tangible results did you achieve at the end of different projects?”

Check spelling and grammar

A well-constructed CV is a showcase of meticulousness.

Don’t fake your hobbies

Reed is pleased when individuals confess to having a hobby outside of work, however he emphasizes the need for sincerity. "Be sure this is a genuine interest of yours, rather than pretending and then being revealed as inauthentic."

Don't assume the interviewer won't want a cover letter - submit one anyway.
Research the company. It shows you've taken the time to understand the business and can demonstrate that
Tailor your letter to the job. This is the perfect time to explain at length why you're the best fit for the position
Use the opportunity to tell your story. Your cover letter is a conversation starter rather than a description of your job duties
Use positive language - positive emotions are contagious
Show an understanding of the culture and values. It's an opportunity to showcase your personal values

It's a brilliant idea to write a cover letter," says Mills. "Recruiters thoroughly enjoy receiving them, and even when I explain that, most people still won't take the time to write one. If you've written a cover letter, it proves you've taken the initiative and are genuinely interested in the position. This shows that you've gone above and beyond, demonstrating your motivation and enthusiasm." Mills explains that the purpose of a cover letter is to highlight why you're an ideal candidate for the job, as well as your most relevant qualifications and experience. "It doesn't have to be excessively long, but it's an excellent chance to show that you've taken the time to consider the application.

Make LinkedIn work for you, and ensure that it’s in sync with your CV.

Regardless of whether you're a fan or not, "you must have it", Mills says. "This is where potential employers will look for individuals with the skills they require. When submitting an application or CV, they will still scrutinise your LinkedIn profile for verification, to ensure consistency, or to see if there's any additional information. Your profile is your professional representation within your professional community, so using this space effectively is crucial. Tailor your profile to showcase who you are, what you contribute, and why you're the best candidate for the role."

Juliet stresses the significance of a balanced profile picture: “It has to be approachable and professional, but not too casual, like a social media platform.” She highlights the importance of interacting with your professional network on LinkedIn by sharing summaries of events you've attended and key takeaways. While liking others' posts is acceptable, it may not appear on many feeds. “If you contribute a comment of around 12 words, your profile becomes visible on others' feeds who are also engaging with that post. If you're using LinkedIn to enhance your profile, it's crucial to participate in online discussions and strategically connect with peers, recruiters, and industry experts.” According to Fennell, asking colleagues and connections for recommendations is beneficial, as they add credibility to your profile.

Be aware that LinkedIn offers AI capabilities.

On LinkedIn, Fennell notes "LinkedIn is becoming increasingly dominated by AI-generated content, often presented as authentic career guidance." However, this type of content, while appearing insightful or motivational, can often be lacking in substance, context and, more crucially, accuracy. Job seekers should therefore be vigilant in their approach. "At its most concerning, these tools can disseminate incorrect information, which can lead job seekers to adopt suboptimal strategies that may imperil their prospects - such as utilising overly generic CV templates or following outdated interview advice." It is always advisable to seek advice from trustworthy sources.

Be authentic in interview

The clearer you are about your aims and the reasons behind them, the more confidence you'll display.

Don’t worry if you’re the type of person who tends naturally to be a bit shy.

To excel at a job interview, “you don't need to be the most sociable person you know”, states Mills. “To be frank, individuals who possess a natural charm and can talk fluently don't always secure the position, even if the interview panel finds them entertaining; more often than not, the candidate with a stronger skillset is chosen.” Mills' advice is quite clear: “Prioritise matching the requirements of the role above all else.”

Get ready for the most frequently asked interview questions.

Interviews can be boiled down to a selection of 15 typical questions. Interestingly, the most frequently asked is: 'Please tell me about yourself.' If you prepare in advance, you're likely to ace this one, but without preparation, you can easily become muddled and struggle to deliver a coherent response." Other common queries include: "What are your key skills and areas for development?" "Where do you see yourself in five years?" and "Can you describe a time when you overcame a challenge and delivered a successful outcome in your previous role?

Ensure you thoroughly research the company's objectives, corporate culture, merchandise and market standing. Leverage LinkedIn to compile background information on the interview committee.

Don't overdo it with the prep. "Overpreparation can make your responses seem rehearsed or robotic," says Fennell. "Whilst preparation is important, leave space for spontaneity and the ability to adapt during the conversation."

Manage nerves

"It's normal to be nervous before a job interview," says Juillet. "Many people are, regardless of how experienced they are. A bit of pre-interview jitters is fine, you're not alone." Trying some deep breathing exercises may help calm your nerves. Even if it means getting there early, "arrange to arrive in good time so you can compose yourself before the meeting". Try picturing the interview as a two-way conversation rather than a grilling.

As a psychologist, I'd like to point out that certain psychological techniques can sometimes lessen anxiety and build confidence, but unfortunately, they only account for a relatively small 10-20% of the outcome. In reality, the most effective way to handle nerves is to have complete faith in having diligently researched and prepared responses to potential questions," says Yeung, "whilst doing so, you will undoubtedly appear to be a more capable and compelling candidate.

Rehearse your responses aloud

People don't often enough take the time to prepare by speaking out loud," says Mills. "They may rehearse a script in their minds, but it's very different when you say it out loud. There's a gap between having thoughts and putting them into words, especially in a high-pressure situation, which you need to work on, preferably with someone who can offer you feedback. Alternatively, you could record yourself on Zoom and watch it back to see how much you're talking irrelevant nonsense.

Prepare for interviews via remote technology to save time and enhance your experience.

"People are more commonly having to conduct interviews without the presence of an interviewer," says Mills. It's a good idea to have an understanding of standard interview questions and take notes on your computer screen, notes Mills. However, do be mindful not to jerk your eyes around or look down at your notes. The same principles apply to video calls, which are often used for initial interviews and shouldn't be conducted from a cluttered or messy environment. Juillet advises standing up while on a video call as it can help your posture and make you more presentable, noting that dressing smart is also a must, even when applying from home.

Please suggest feedback at the conclusion of the interview

According to Reed, emailing for feedback after not getting the job is not very productive, as the response is often a generic "there was a stronger candidate". However, being upfront and asking "Do you have any concerns about my application that I might be able to address now?" in the interview can be helpful. Reed says it takes courage to ask this, but it might elicit a response such as "We're worried that you don't have enough sales experience" or "We're concerned you've been changing jobs too frequently", giving you the chance to address their issues.

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After a job interview, it's essential to send a thank you, advises Juillet. "We find that having a very brief note is always a good idea," he continues. "You should certainly not repeat your entire conversation but instead send a couple of lines about who you met and what you appreciated about the interview."

Don't introduce money or flexible working arrangements until you've received a formal job offer.

It is natural that early requests may appear pushy, yet when discussing the price, it is wise to come equipped with market trends and a logical explanation for your desired price tag.

If the job falls through, it's time to move forward and consider other opportunities.

Don't lose heart," says Reed. "With so many candidates for a vacancy, you may not land the first job you apply for." It’s possible the position wasn't suited to you in the first place. Looking back on jobs Reed didn't get: "I think I was unsuitable for them. Missing out on a job doesn't mean you're a substandard applicant; it simply indicates the two parties weren't a good fit. I genuinely believe there's a job out there for anyone, but it's a matter of discovering the right one.

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