Top tips for securing your dream interview
With new found fame following his appearance on Channel 4’s The Job Interview, we wanted Low Cost Vans’ managing director Rod Lloyd to share some simple tips to set you apart from the crowd and grab yourself that dream job.
As a veteran interviewer, Lloyd has seen a fair few CVs – the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous.
Here are your fool proof top five tips to bag you that interview.
1. Proofread your CV
If you really want to impress – simply check your CV is up-to-date and has a decent personal statement.
“CV’s are full of spelling errors, grammatical errors, and false information – if there are gaps in a CV I want to know why,” says Rod. “We get CVs coming in – we’ve had two or three this year that say ‘template’ on the top!”
2. Check your Contact Details
Want to give off a professional vibe? Check your contact details. If you don’t you’ll look sloppy, or even worse, they won’t be able to get hold of you to give you the great news.
“Often at the end of an interview when we say that we will be in touch and ask if their CV has the correct details – a huge number of people say, oh no, that’s my old email address, haven’t got that number anymore,” says Rod.
3. Er, Don’t Lie
There’s no need. Most employers hire on a range of criteria, not just academic. Rather than formal qualifications, employers are often looking for work ethic, character and attitude. If you do lie, at least make it believable.
“We called someone for interview once, whose birth date was down as 07/09/1957, but when she came in she was 22! It turned out she had just sent us her mother’s CV! She didn’t get the job,” says Rod.
4. Update your CV
So you’re in a rush, and you just attach the file saying CV. But it turns out you were more dedicated a few applications ago, and tailored your CV to the previous job, doh!
“I’ve had another CV where the personal statement said: ‘I really want to work with animals’ – because recently they have applied for a job at the vets,” says Rod.
5. Avoid clichés like the plague
If you really want a job, make it show. Personalise your application form and CV to reflect and demonstrate why you’re a good fit for the role.
“Let me guess, you’re a team player, you have great communication skills, you’re a great time-keeper and you pay attention to detail,” says Rod.
But words are just that, words. Show don’t tell.
Now go get that job! Good luck!
As a veteran interviewer, Lloyd has seen a fair few CVs – the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous.
Here are your fool proof top five tips to bag you that interview.
1. Proofread your CV
If you really want to impress – simply check your CV is up-to-date and has a decent personal statement.
“CV’s are full of spelling errors, grammatical errors, and false information – if there are gaps in a CV I want to know why,” says Rod. “We get CVs coming in – we’ve had two or three this year that say ‘template’ on the top!”
2. Check your Contact Details
Want to give off a professional vibe? Check your contact details. If you don’t you’ll look sloppy, or even worse, they won’t be able to get hold of you to give you the great news.
“Often at the end of an interview when we say that we will be in touch and ask if their CV has the correct details – a huge number of people say, oh no, that’s my old email address, haven’t got that number anymore,” says Rod.
3. Er, Don’t Lie
There’s no need. Most employers hire on a range of criteria, not just academic. Rather than formal qualifications, employers are often looking for work ethic, character and attitude. If you do lie, at least make it believable.
“We called someone for interview once, whose birth date was down as 07/09/1957, but when she came in she was 22! It turned out she had just sent us her mother’s CV! She didn’t get the job,” says Rod.
4. Update your CV
So you’re in a rush, and you just attach the file saying CV. But it turns out you were more dedicated a few applications ago, and tailored your CV to the previous job, doh!
“I’ve had another CV where the personal statement said: ‘I really want to work with animals’ – because recently they have applied for a job at the vets,” says Rod.
5. Avoid clichés like the plague
If you really want a job, make it show. Personalise your application form and CV to reflect and demonstrate why you’re a good fit for the role.
“Let me guess, you’re a team player, you have great communication skills, you’re a great time-keeper and you pay attention to detail,” says Rod.
But words are just that, words. Show don’t tell.
Now go get that job! Good luck!
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