A cover letter will enhance the selling of your skills and abilities to potential Recruiters/Employers, you need to do this in a clear and concise manner, and your aim is to persuade the reader to want to meet you.
Just like your CV, your cover letter is just as essential when looking for work. On average you have around 30 seconds to make an impression.
Do your research
You then will be able to be clear in your cover letter how your skills and abilities match up with what your employer is looking for.
Even the most experienced person is likely to experience some nerves in an interview situation. Whilst is completely normal to feel nervous, the more preparation you do, the better you will feel and you will be more confident and able to show why you are the right person for this job.
Consider the most likely questions that you are going to be asked before you even go to an interview. This way you are ready and will not get stuck for something to say
Your CV will contain the highlights of your education and career history but this is designed to be a concise document, so there may be other relevant points to discuss face to face. Before attending the interview, make a list of the less obvious but equally important skills you have acquired, whether through formal training or self-development.
Avoid using “yes” and “no” answers – use examples to answer questions showing how your experience relates to the role. Treat the interview as a conversation so that you are engaging with the interviewer(s)
Employers want to believe that you have a genuine desire to work for their organisation and will be a committed member of the team. There is nothing worse than being faced with a candidate who does not have any knowledge of the business and just wants “a job”. That is why it is essential to demonstrate your understanding of the company’s history, plans and culture. It will also help you to tailor your responses and show you are keen. SPEND TIME READING THE COMPANY WEBSITE. Look to see if there have been any recent changes, such as launch of a new product or service. Ensure the interviewer feels that you have done your homework.
In most businesses looking smart is expected so think about what you wear carefully. Even if a business does have a more relaxed dress code, when attending interviews business attire is required (unless the client has advised otherwise).
On the day of the interview, allow plenty of time to get there without rushing or being stressed by delays. Take everything you might need such as a copy of your CV, notebook & pen.
If there is ever a time to be on your best behaviour it is at an interview. This may seem an obvious point but is something all too many people forget. Be polite to everyone you meet, from the receptionist to your potential boss. Smile, say “please” and “thank you” when appropriate to show that you would be a friendly and valuable member of the team. When it comes to making a final decision between two equally qualified candidates, the one that comes across most personable could be the deciding factor.
If you remember all these points when preparing for an interview then you can feel confident you will perform to the best of your ability on the day. If you do not get the job try not to feel too disheartened, instead try to think about where you could do better next time and take steps to fill any knowledge gaps or work on your interview technique with a friend.
Even if you are taking everything in, making notes creates the impression that you are paying full attention. This is one of the best interview techniques for people who want to come across as conscientious.
If you get put off midway through an interview by a difficult question, try to regain your composure, take a moment to think or ask if you can go back to it at the end. All is not lost if something goes wrong.
The interviewer(s) should let you know when a decision will be made and how you will be notified. If they do not you should ask, this shows that you are interested in their position and proactive.
The interviewer(s) will often ask if you have any questions for them. This is your opportunity to show that you have thought about the job and the organisation and to get clarity about anything you are unclear about.
Do not ask about holiday and perks – this does not create a good impression
Do not ask about the salary unless they bring it up (this can always be discussed in more detail when an offer is made)
Do not ask if you have got the job
Sample questions to ask:
At the close of the interview, be positive! Thank them for the opportunity to meet with them and for their time and consideration. Convey the impression that you really want the job and that you look forward to hearing from them.
Shake their hand (Firmly)
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I would like to take this time to sincerely thank you guys, for firstly taking me on and helping me to find employment 10 months ago. You all have supported me so much and always been efficient and organised when dealing with me.
Thank you Tallulah as you are the first person I communicated with in Fortress and you made me feel welcome start away. Thank you Debra for always assisting me when I needed help. Thank you Lisa for always making sure my pay was sorted out every week and if it was not, making sure I did not go without.
I truly am thankful and appreciate every single one of you and what you guys have done for me. I really will miss being part of your recruitment agency as this was my first time using a recruitment agency. I would recommend you guys to anyone as you truly represent the agency in a great way.
So once again thank you so much and if I ever needed employment again I will be back!
I would also like to say thanks for everything that Fortress have done for me over the last 6 years, especially yourself Martin. Your attention and commitment has been second to none and I can honestly say that I have never been out of work throughout the entirety of our working relationship. It has been a pleasure to work with you all and I’m sure that our paths will cross in the future. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the assistance from Fortress and for that I will forever be grateful.