Career Advice

Writing your CV

• make it relevant to the position
• write it in the first person
• make it short – no more than 2 or 3 pages
• make it database search friendly by including job relevant terms
• highlight achievements for each position
• be able to back up claims on your CV
• briefly outline what smaller or potentially unknown companies on your CV do 
• check grammar and spelling
• include a brief cover letter tailored to the position  
• have 2 people read it and provide honest feedback 

Interview Techniques
An interview is a two way process and an opportunity for both parties to explore mutual compatibility.  Whether you are approaching an interview for your first job or you are a senior executive, the same principles apply. 

Preparation for the Interview
Do your research. Information can be found on websites, annual reports, marketing information, media packs, former and current employees, business/trade press and the national press.

Know your market value and be clear in your mind what salary package you will accept. Ensure this is a match before you agree to an interview.

Take a detailed brief from your consultant about the position.  They will be able to tell you a great deal about the company, the person/people you are meeting and the job itself.  They can also assist you with practical details - the best way to get there, parking etc.

Always make sure you are dressed neatly and professionally.

Arrive approximately 5-10 minutes early so you have time to focus and relax..

Re-acquaint yourself with your major achievements. Always be honest, at some stage your references will be checked. Put yourself in the employer's shoes. What are they going to be looking for?

During the Interview
Remember, interviewers often decide in the first few minutes and sometimes seconds whether or not they think you are right for the position. First impressions count. When you greet your interviewer do so using their name, stand up if you are sitting, offer a firm confident handshake, a smile and project a positive and energetic persona. Be interested and interesting. Quite often your interviewers are incredibly busy and you are a necessary, but all be it still an interruption to their very busy day. Ensure they walk away feeling that was the best use of their time today. Be articulate and ask relevant intelligent questions. Avoid asking questions you could have found out before the interview, it makes you look lazy. Never swear, even if the interviewer does. Questioning should be around the expectations of the position, the company direction, corporate philosophy, commitment to training and development, market conditions and challenges they are facing.

Be aware of your body language; avoid fidgeting, playing with your hair, wandering eyes (keep your focus on the interviewer/s), slouching, being too laid back in your chair, leaning over/on the desk. Sit up straight and find a comfortable and natural position.

Most importantly - be yourself, listen to the questions and answer them accurately and concisely.

If you are a smoker, avoid smoking before an interview.

Always use positive language and never pass derogatory comments about anybody or any company.

What is your interviewer looking for?
There will be a myriad of qualities applicable to specific roles and you need to do your research to ensure your background is relevant.  There are global qualities all companies will be looking for. Examples include positive attitude, being serious about your career, proven ability, confidence, drive, maturity and self motivation are a great start.
 
Closing the Interview
If you are interested, let your interviewer know. If you don't think you are, sleep on it as you can always say no tomorrow. Be sure to close the interview positively and ask if there is anything you said that needs further clarification and how do they rate your suitability for the position at this stage.  Clarify the next step and call your consultant with your feedback before the interviewer calls them so they can relay your feedback and organise the next step for you.
Relax - no doubt you did your best!
 
Redundancies
Redundancy is no longer a dirty word. With corporate re-structuring, downsizing etc, redundancies are a familiar part of today's working environment. ICUR estimate that approximately one quarter of the people we have interviewed have been made redundant at least once in their career.  Potential redundancy is a fact of life, one day it may be you and that is okay. There is no need to disguise it on your CV, however be clear that you were made redundant, as at some point a potential employer will most likely be confirming your claim.
 
Resignation
You may have avoided it so far, however, at some stage in your career, unless you work for yourself you will be handing in a resignation.

• Etiquette
  Ideally, you should resign to your direct manager, both verbally and with a letter of resignation. Your letter should state the date your resignation is effective and your notice period as you understand it. Notice periods vary; generally it is around four weeks and often longer for more senior positions. Often, your notice period will be written into your employment contract.
  
• Counter Offer
  Be prepared, your employer may counter offer.  Don't rely on it though as you may find yourself out of a job if you are resigning in the hope they will counter offer you. Research has shown most people who accept counter offers end up leaving the company shortly after as the original reasons for leaving are still apparent. 

Career Advice and support
If you are looking for a position in Sydney, the UK or New Zealand, we would be delighted to hear from you. Our consultants have numerous contacts throughout the media, advertising and digital markets and are always available for career counsel and to discuss a wide variety of job opportunities.