Friday 18 December 2015

FAQ: What sort of questions should I ask at an interview?






Often when preparing for a job interview, your main focus is on the questions you are likely to be asked. While answering questions in the best way you can is key to interview success, asking your interviewer the right questions can also show you are the perfect candidate for the job.

Why should you ask questions?
They demonstrate your:
  • Attitude
  • Maturity
  • Capability
  • Understanding of the role
  • Knowledge of the organisation

Asking well-prepared and researched questions is your chance to rise above the other candidates. It helps you to control the direction of the interview.

What sort of questions should I ask?
Aim to ask your interviewer role-relevant questions. Examples include:
  • If you were to name the three most important priorities for this role, what would they be, and how would they be measured?
  • What do you think are the main ways the successful candidate can help your organisation deal with competitors?
  • How might this role positively impact on customer relations?

Remember to make questions role-specific, and always show positivity through your questions.

What sort of questions shouldn’t I ask?
Avoid asking questions that suggest to the interviewer that you care more about the perks of the job, rather than the role itself. Examples include:
  • When’s lunchtime? 
  •  What benefits do I get?
  • When could I get promoted?

You can find out the answers to these types of questions by asking your interview something along the lines of:
‘How can I find out about the terms and conditions of this role?’
The majority of good employers will explain routine information in the interview or send documents out prior to the interview.


Use the job specification to prepare and ask yourself, ‘What useful questions are there that I can ask to show I can make a difference?’ For more tips and advice about interviews, contact us on Facebook.

Thursday 10 December 2015

FAQ: How Do I Write A Stand-Out Cover Letter?



In last week’s blog, we focussed on putting together a great CV. Whilst this is really important when applying for a job, a cover letter can be the mechanism to help you stand out. Follow our tips for putting together a cover letter that will help get you an interview.


Q: What Is A Cover Letter?

A: A cover letter can be viewed as an extension of your CV. It gives the recruiter more detail about you and why you would be ideal for the role you are applying for. A cover letter should not be standard but tailored to each job you apply for, providing specific information about why you are interested in the role and the organisation you are applying to.

Q: How Should I Plan My Letter?

A:
·      Do your research on the organisation and the job.
·      What qualities is the employer looking for in the job description? Make sure you discuss how you can demonstrate these qualities in your letter.
·      Try to get a contact name and title and apply these to the letter as appropriate. This will appreciated far more than ‘To whom it may concern’!

Q: What Should I Write In My Letter?

A:
·      State what you want right at the beginning of your letter. If you are applying for a specific vacancy, say where you saw it advertised and quote any reference given. If you are writing to ask for work, tell the employer what type of work you’re seeking and when you would be available to start.
·      Provide evidence of your suitability but do not simply repeat what is on the CV, and do not introduce completely new information. Match your key experiences to the job.
·      Show that you are genuinely interested in the particular job and organisation.
Q: How Should I Present A Cover Letter?

A:
·      One side of A4 only.
·      Use the same paper for the letter as your CV.
·      Choose a business sized envelope in a matching colour.
·      Bullet points can help to emphasise key points if necessary.
·      Give some thought to your paragraphs and spacing.


Template


Your Address
Your Area
Your City
Your Postcode
Today’s Date

Employer Contact Name
Employer Name
Employer Address
RE: Job Title You Are Applying For and Vacancy Reference Number (if applicable)

Dear (Employer Name)
Introduction Paragraph
- TOP TIP – Make sure you don’t use sub-headings for each paragraph in your cover letter!
Briefly introduce yourself and state why you are writing.

Sell Yourself Paragraph(s)
State why you are applying for the job and why this type of work appeals to you. Add details of what you can offer and outline the skills you have that match their requirements. Keep it concise and provide positive descriptions of relevant experience with skills gained and achievements. Try to focus on 2-3 key skills required by the employer.
Add why you would like to work for this particular organisation.

Closing Paragraph
Thank the reader for their time in considering your application. You may also want to indicate your availability for interview and that you look forward to hearing from the company.

Your Sincerely/Faithfully
REMEMBER: If you have greeted the employer by name then use Yours Sincerely, but if you have used Sir/Madam then close with yours Faithfully.

Your Name

Enc. (if you have enclosed your CV or any supporting documents then list them here.)

Extra Tip: Emailing A Cover Letter
Don’t simply put ‘please see attached’ in the body of an email. Remain as professional in tone as you would if sending the letter through the post.

We are always happy to help and advise. If you would like to ask us any questions, message us on facebook.



Wednesday 2 December 2015

FAQ: How Do I Write A CV?




A CV is one of the most important tools when applying for a job, so it is important to get yours right. You may be perfect for a job but if your CV does not reflect your skills, it’s unlikely you’ll get a call inviting you to an interview. In this blog, we will share our tips for putting together the basis of a great CV.

Q: What is a CV?

A: CV stands for Curriculum Vitae, which loosely translates as ‘the course of my life’. You should view your CV as a clear and focused overview of the key parts of your life; your education, experience, and skills. It should be used as a tool to attract potential employers.

Q: How Should I Format A CV?

A: Two approaches are commonly used for CVs –
A Conventional CV – a detailed list of your education and work history, describing your skills and experience throughout the document. This is the most common style and suits most situations.
A Skills-based CV – this type of CV has a more detailed skills section, which draws on your experience and shows your suitability for a specific role. This type of CV is most useful if you’re looking for a major change of career and want to demonstrate you can transfer your skills.

Q: What Do I Need To Include On My CV?

A:                                                        
Your Name
Your name should be centre at the top of the page. Make it bold, use a clear font, and make it a larger size than the rest of the document. 

Personal Details
This can be directly below your name in the centre. Include your home address, telephone number, and sensible, professional email address. For example, yourfullname@gmail.com

Profile or Personal Statement
A concise summary, no more than 5 lines, to ‘sell’ your suitability for the role and outline your short-term career objectives. This is the part of your CV that should be tailored for each job you apply for.

Skills and Attributes
You also need to make this section relevant to the job you are applying for. Outline valid skills and attributes that are suitable for the role. It’s a good idea to use bullet points for this section to make the points eye-catching and punchy.

Work History
Make sure you begin with your most recent role first and continue in that order. This section does not only have to include paid work, but can feature any voluntary work or work experience you have done. Format each entry the following way:

[Start Date] – [End Date]
[Your Job Title]
[The Name of The Employer]
[The Location of the Job]
[Brief Description of Your Duties, Responsibilities, Achievements, and Skills Developed.]

Keep your descriptions concise but make sure the value of your experience can be clearly understood by a potential employer.

Education And Training
Again, begin with the most recent and format each entry in the following way:

[Start Date] – [End Date]
[Name of School/College/University/Training Provider]
[Full Qualification/Course Title]
[End Grades(s)]

When listing courses, you may want to add some modules you have completed if they are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Interests and Hobbies
Focus on what you do and give some details of responsibilities and level of success. Use 2-3 lines to show a bit of your personality.

References
Include a statement such as ‘references are available upon request’ or include referee contact details; their name, their job title, address, telephone number, and email address.
Ensure your referees know they may be contacted and are aware of the job role you have applied for.

The correct format is the foundation for a great CV. In our next blog, we will focus on the details that will make you truly stand out. If you would like to ask us any questions, message us on Facebook.








Wednesday 4 November 2015

build up your construction skills with edudo



Recently, The Guardian reported a skills shortage in the UK construction sector. City economists had expected a 1% rise in output in August, but were surprised when it actually fell by 4.3%. Senior political figures and top names in the construction industry have called for an increase in infrastructure spending, with a large focus on skills training to place the right people in the right jobs. 

At edudo, we aim to equip people with the skills they need to get on.  With years of experience in the construction industry, we specialise in construction learning programmes. We want everyone to have the same opportunity to improve, which is why we provide our employer customers and employed individuals independent information, advice & guidance on what funding supports may be available. We are always happy to assist with securing funding for your learning programmes, where it is available, at absolutely no cost to you!

Check out our construction courses here and find out about funding availability for employers and employed individuals.

Contact the edu4work team today on 0330 20 20 20 3

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