# data[].attributes.headline
UK Government - The Department for Work and Pensions - Advice for jobseekers

# data[].attributes.subject
UK Government - The Department for Work and Pensions - Advice for jobseekers

# data[].attributes.body
Jobcentre Plus is a government-funded employment agency and social security office that can be found in most cities, whose aim it is to help people of working age find employment in the UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Aberdeen JobCentre Plus and Jobs in Aberdeen

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find your local job center plus offices in and around Aberdeen

# data[].attributes.headline
Fair Start Scotland is a flexible employment support service to help you get ready for work and achieve your potential.

# data[].attributes.subject
Fair Start Scotland is a flexible employment support service to help you get ready for work and achieve your potential.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is Fair Start Scotland?

Fair Start Scotland is a flexible employment support service to help you get ready for work and achieve your potential. We believe that everyone should have the same opportunity to access a job that is right for them no matter what their circumstances.

Where do you deliver Fair Start Scotland?

We provide employability support in:

Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, West Lothian and Fife

North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

When you join Fair Start Scotland you'll have a welcome session with your personal adviser, who will:

give you more information about the service

find out more about you and your circumstances

find out about your skills and abilities and job interests

understand any challenges you may have

tell you how we'll work with you to find the right job for you to meet your needs.

You'll have an initial chat with your personal adviser to find out what:

Working with you will help us to give you the right information, advice and guidance to find a job that best suits your needs. And don't forget it's a two way discussion so it's an opportunity for you to ask questions - having a clear understanding from the start will help us to manage your expectations and vice versa.

Why is Fair Start Scotland different to other back to work-related services?

You decide whether you want to take part and your participation is completely voluntary.

You'll have the flexibility you need to help you get the right skills to help you move forward.

We'll listen and take into account your circumstances, supporting you to remove any barriers you may have to finding work.

We'll put you first, working together to tailor the service to meet your needs.

You'll have the opportunity to develop the skills and experience you already have to prepare you for work.

You'll have up to 12 months pre work support with a further period of in work support which will be tailored to suit you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is Fair Start Scotland? Fair Start Scotland is a flexible employment support service to help you get ready for work and achieve your potential. We believe that everyone should have the same opportunity to access a job that is right for them no matter what their circumstances.

# data[].attributes.headline
Aberdeen Volunteer Centre is run by ACVO and its core remit is to recruit volunteers and to promote and support volunteering

# data[].attributes.subject
Aberdeen Volunteer Centre is run by ACVO and its core remit is to recruit volunteers and to promote and support volunteering

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Aberdeen Volunteer Centre is run by ACVO and its core remit is to recruit volunteers and to promote and support volunteering. In doing this, we seek to provide a wide range of opportunities for volunteers and ensure that both volunteers and organisations as a whole are given appropriate advice and information in relation to volunteering.
About Volunteer Aberdeen

Need Volunteers? Register your volunteer opportunities with Volunteer Aberdeen for free to reach thousands of potential volunteers in the Aberdeen area.
More Information

The Volunteer Friendly Award is a simple, user-friendly quality standard to support, recognise and reward groups who are good at involving volunteers.
More Information

Aberdeen Volunteer Coordinators Forum promotes best practice in the management of volunteers through a strong network of practitioners.
More Information

As part of the shmuFM schedule, every Wednesday, 2-3pm you can join the ACVO and SHMU team live on the 'So Why Don't You ...!' It is an hour long weekly programme showcasing the wonderful world of volunteering, packed full of the latest ACVO, third sector, community news and volunteering updates brought to you by 'Mike on the Mic' and 'Lady Ghada' from ACVO and special guests in the studio each week who speak about their organisation, their work, how it makes a difference and how listeners can get involved as volunteers.
More Information

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Aberdeen Volunteer Centre is run by ACVO and its core remit is to recruit volunteers and to promote and support volunteering. In doing this, we seek to provide a wide range of opportunities for volunteers and ensure that both volunteers and organisations as a whole are given appropriate advice and information in relation to volunteering.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn My Way uses cookies to make the website easier to use.

# data[].attributes.body
My World of Work (Scotland) online career information and advice service. Free to register.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn more about yourself, explore your options and find the career that's right for you.

# data[].attributes.headline
My World of Work - Find free online courses

# data[].attributes.subject
My World of Work - Find free online courses

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our career advisers are here to support you and help you take control of your career journey. You can talk to an adviser by either calling 0800 917 8000* or you can make an appointment to speak to an adviser face-to-face by searching for your local centre.

*Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our career advisers are here to support you and help you take control of your career journey. You can talk to an adviser by either calling 0800 917 8000* or you can make an appointment to speak to an adviser face-to-face by searching for your local centre.

# data[].attributes.headline
Free courses to help you learn new skills or get a new job.

# data[].attributes.subject
Free courses to help you learn new skills or get a new job.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
One in three people have used online learning to help them get a better job. On average, online learning can boost your annual pay by £3,640 too [ 1]

94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development [ 5].

Help boost team productivity and motivation by upskilling your employees with free, high-quality digital, numeracy and soft skills courses. All courses on The Skills Toolkit are free and available online, so your teams can learn flexibly from home at a time that suits them.
Explore courses

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn a new skill at home. Find free, high quality digital courses in The Skills Toolkit.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Get inspired and learn something new today

free course icon Level level 1: introductory icon Badge icon

free course icon Level level 1: introductory icon Badge icon

free course icon Level level 2: intermediate icon Badge icon

You can use OpenLearn to

Study free courses

From 1 to 100 hours of learning - discover hundreds of free courses to inspire and inform everyone.

Free courses

Earn while you learn

Earn a free digital badge or Statement of Participation as evidence of your learning to share with employers, friends and family.

Find out more

For Study

Improve your study skills and get acquainted with student life with our expertly created courses and resources.

For Study

For Work

Boost your employability skills and find useful resources to help you with your life outside of work.

For Work

Get the most out of OpenLearn

Anyone can learn for free on OpenLearn but creating an account lets you set up a personal learning profile which tracks your course progress and gives you access to Statements of Participation and digital badges you earn along the way. Sign-up now!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get inspired and learn something new today free course icon Level level 1: introductory icon Badge icon free course icon Level level 1: introductory icon Badge icon free course icon Level level 2: intermediate icon Badge icon You can use OpenLearn to From 1 to 100 hours of learning - discover hundreds of free courses to inspire and inform everyone.

# data[].attributes.headline
Open University - redundancy your next steps

# data[].attributes.subject
Open University - redundancy your next steps

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dealing with redundancy can be a real challenge, however it can also turn into a positive opportunity to make career changes. Whether it's taking a career break or moving into a new career.

Listen to a short podcast series that talks you through coming to terms with redundancy. Giving you tips for rebuilding confidence after job loss, developing your skill set, utilising your experience and finding your next role.

We have also created a mini-series of one-off podcasts specifically created for students living in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Each podcast covers the governing bodies you need to get in touch with and who to contact when looking for new roles in your area.

Redundancy gave me the chance to take stock and think about what I wanted from a job. I was able to get jobs more locally and cut out a lot of travelling time which had been a big issue. It also forced me to make the change that I had talked about for a while.
Justin

Redundancy is an opportunity to learn, grow, discover, try something new. Yes, you need to sort out your finances and the unknown can be stressful. But the transition period, the financial insecurity - it doesn't last. You look back and it's just a short period of economising. You will get by, you will survive. And then you'll start to thrive!
David

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dealing with redundancy can be a real challenge, however it can also turn into a positive opportunity to make career changes. Whether it's taking a career break or moving into a new career. Listen to a short podcast series that talks you through coming to terms with redundancy.

# data[].attributes.headline
Free online courses, tools and resources to help improve your digital and numeracy skills.

# data[].attributes.subject
Free online courses, tools and resources to help improve your digital and numeracy skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use cookies to collect information about how you use the National Careers Service. This information is used to make the website work as well as possible and improve our services.

# data[].attributes.body
Information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
About us

The National Careers Service can help you with your career, learning and training choices. Find out more about us and the different ways we can support you.

This service is available to people who live in England.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The National Careers Service can help you with your career, learning and training choices. Find out more about us and the different ways we can support you. This service is available to people who live in England.

# data[].attributes.headline
Information about working, jobs and pensions

# data[].attributes.subject
Information about working, jobs and pensions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to main content

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies View cookies

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skip to main content We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

# data[].attributes.body
Information about paying income tax in Scotland

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to main content

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies View cookies

Help improve GOV.UK Take part in user research (opens in a new tab)

You pay Scottish Income Tax if you live in Scotland. It's paid to the Scottish Government.

Scottish Income Tax applies to your wages, pension and most other taxable income.

You'll pay the same tax as the rest of the UK on dividends and savings interest.

What you'll pay

The table shows the 2022 to 2023 Scottish Income Tax rates you pay in each band if you have a standard Personal Allowance of £12,570. You do not get a Personal Allowance if you earn over £125,140.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Skip to main content We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

# data[].attributes.body
National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates: age, apprentices, previous years.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Skip to main content

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies View cookies

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It's paid monthly - or twice a month for some people in Scotland.

You may be able to get it if you're on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.

If you live in Northern Ireland, go to Universal Credit in Northern Ireland.

Sign in

Sign in to your Universal Credit account if you already have one.

If you already get other benefits

Universal Credit is replacing the following benefits and tax credits:

Child Tax Credit

Housing Benefit

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Working Tax Credit

If you're getting any of these benefits or tax credits, you do not need to do anything unless either:

your circumstances change

you get a letter called a 'Migration Notice' telling you that you must claim Universal Credit

You'll stop getting these benefits and tax credits when you or your partner claims Universal Credit. If you or your partner gets Pension Credit, this will also stop if one of you claims Universal Credit.

This will not affect any other benefits you're getting, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Carer's Allowance.

You can read more about how tax credits and Universal Credit affect each other.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Universal Credit is replacing 6 other benefits with a single monthly payment if you're out of work or on a low income - eligibility, how to prepare.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership scheme is managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. It helps ensure people whose behaviour makes them unsuitable to work with children and protected adults cannot do 'regulated work' with these vulnerable groups.

# data[].attributes.subject
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership scheme is managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. It helps ensure people whose behaviour makes them unsuitable to work with children and protected adults cannot do 'regulated work' with these vulnerable groups.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership scheme is managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. It helps ensure people whose behaviour makes them unsuitable to work with children and protected adults cannot do ' regulated work' with these vulnerable groups.

How the scheme works

When someone applies to join the PVG Scheme Disclosure Scotland carries out criminal record checks and shares the results with individuals and organisations.

The application process involves gathering criminal record and other relevant information. This can be shared with the employer who is providing regulated work, unless the person applies to have a conviction removed from their PVG Scheme record.

If the information shows the applicant might be unsuitable for regulated work, they'll be referred for further investigation as part of the ' consideration process'.

Once someone is a PVG scheme member

Disclosure Scotland keeps checking their suitability to continue working with children or protected adults. If they find new information which means someone might have become unsuitable to work with children or protected adults, they'll tell their employer.

'Harmful behaviour' by PVG scheme members

If the courts, police, regulatory bodies or previous employers provide information to Disclosure Scotland which suggests someone may be unsuitable for regulated work, this will trigger a consideration for listing.

Barred from regulated work

If Disclosure Scotland decides that someone's unsuitable to do regulated work with vulnerable groups, they'll bar them from working with children and/or protected adults, and inform their current employers. They'll also remove them from the PVG Scheme and tell any other employers listed on their record that they have been barred.

How long does it last?

A PVG Scheme member's paper certificate shows the information available on the day it was created. Membership of the scheme lasts forever though, and scheme members are continuously checked, unless they decide to leave the scheme.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership scheme is managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. It helps ensure people whose behaviour makes them unsuitable to work with children and protected adults cannot do ' regulated work' with these vulnerable groups.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Post-furlough guide | CIPD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This guide outlines advice on options employers can consider once the furlough scheme ends

# data[].attributes.headline
S1 jobs - A quick guide to your financial options after redundancy

# data[].attributes.subject
S1 jobs - A quick guide to your financial options after redundancy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you've recently lost your job or been made redundant , the stress and worry about how you're going to pay your bills can be overwhelming. To help you out we've created a quick guide to your

If you're not sure of the redundancy pay options available from your employer, contact your line manager or the HR department and for full details on unemployment benefits, check the gov.uk website.
Looking for a new job? Check out the latest vacancies at s1jobs.com and sign up to email job alerts to keep you in the loop.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A quick guide to your financial options after redundancy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you've recently lost your job or been made redundant, the stress and worry about how you're going to pay your bills can be overwhelming. To help you out, we've created a quick guide to your financial options. If you're not sure of the redundancy pay options available from your employer, contact...

# data[].attributes.body
Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Making working life better for everyone in Britain

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Acas is the workplace expert for England, Wales and Scotland. We provide free and impartial advice for employers and employees, training and help resolve disputes.

# data[].attributes.headline
Citizen Advice - Scotland advice on employment rights and ways to solve problems at work

# data[].attributes.subject
Citizen Advice - Scotland advice on employment rights and ways to solve problems at work

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get advice on your employment rights and ways to solve problems at work.

# data[].attributes.headline
The National Agency responsible for the information, advice, data and informed opinion on qualifications from outside the UK.

# data[].attributes.subject
The National Agency responsible for the information, advice, data and informed opinion on qualifications from outside the UK.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ecctis is a gold-standard provider of solutions and services in international education, training, and skills, and in the development and recognition of globally portable qualifications. We are an internationally trusted and respected reference point for qualifications and skills standards.

# data[].attributes.body
Business English

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Improve your English for the workplace and learn about business topics to help you work more effectively and make the most of career opportunities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BBC Learning English - BBC Learning English - Homepage

# data[].attributes.headline
British Council Learning English website

# data[].attributes.subject
British Council Learning English website

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find extra listening and reading practice to help you improve your level of English and practise language you can use in everyday situations.

# data[].attributes.headline
English File. Learn more English here with interactive exercises, useful downloads, games, and weblinks. Practise your grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, and reading, and have some fun too. Select your edition and level below:

# data[].attributes.subject
English File. Learn more English here with interactive exercises, useful downloads, games, and weblinks. Practise your grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, and reading, and have some fun too. Select your edition and level below:

# data[].attributes.body
Grammar - BBC English

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pronouns are short words like ‘it’, ‘she’, ‘he‘, ‘you’, ‘we’, ‘they’, ‘us’, ‘them’, used instead of names.

# data[].attributes.body
Grammar Education Resource Guide -

A Comprehensive Learning Guide for Students and Teachers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Grammar Education Resource Guide | SuperSummary

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Looking to improve your grammar skills? If so, you've come to the right place. This guide is packed with some 40 resources for strengthening grammar skills, including links to grammar reference materials, grammar study aides, and more. Also included are grammar teaching resources that provide lesson plan ideas and classroom activities for all grades.

# data[].attributes.body
Self-study tool for learners

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Boosting Your English Listening Skills

Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab has been providing online English listening comprehension activities for ESL and EFL learners since 1998. Visit Randall's other Web sites at DailyESL.com, EZslang.com, and Trainyouraccent.com for more language practice.

General ESL Listening Quizzes

Activities focus on everyday English comprehension skills at three levels based on content, voices, vocabulary, and natural speed. A combination of adult, teenage, and children's voices are included.

Explore More English Listening Activities

Randall has created a variety of other ESL listening activities to improve your comprehension, speaking, vocabulary, and cultural awareness.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab - English Listening

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Randall's ESL Cyber Listening Lab helps ESL and EFL learners improve their English listening comprehension skills through conversations.

# data[].attributes.body
Learn English through music and the lyrics of your favourite songs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This podcast is for those people who want to improve their English and at the same time learn more about life in the U.K. It is aimed at intermediate level learners of English and is recorded, using everyday conversational English, by a group of volunteer teachers from a charity, the St Augustine's Centre, based in Halifax, Yorkshire. We work particularly with Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Migrants and we hope this podcast will help those wanting to settle here and eventually become British Citizens. Transcripts of the episodes are available on our website www.staugustinescentrehalifax.org.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Listen to English for Life in the UK on Spotify. This podcast is for those people who want to improve their English and at the same time learn more about life in the U.K.

# data[].attributes.body
BBC Learning English - Prounciation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Do you want to improve your English pronunciation? Well, you've come to the right place. Tim's Pronunciation Workshop shows you how English is really spoken. It'll help you become a better listener and a more fluent speaker.

The Sounds of English

Scroll down to the bottom of this page for The Sounds of English, our video guide to all the consonant and vowel sounds in the English language. Watch, listen and repeat. It's as simple as that!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Do you want to improve your English pronunciation? Well, you've come to the right place. Tim's Pronunciation Workshop shows you how English is really spoken. It'll help you become a better listener and a more fluent speaker.

# data[].attributes.body
Reading - practice reading current affairs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Breaking News English - Easier News Lessons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Breaking News English Lessons - 3,369 FREE Easy News English lesson plans. EFL/ESL graded news lessons, news in 7 levels, current events.

# data[].attributes.body
Verb Tenses

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Englishpage.com offers free online English lessons for advanced English learners. Lessons include hundreds of English grammar and vocabulary exercises. Everything is free and no sign-up is required.

# data[].attributes.body
Videos and listening activties.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Online listening and speaking practice for English language learners

# data[].attributes.body
Vocabulary - British Council

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn new words to improve your vocabulary to help you communicate well in English.

# data[].attributes.headline
Cambridge  English - Free online listening, grammar,  reading and vocabulary activities

# data[].attributes.subject
Cambridge  English - Free online listening, grammar,  reading and vocabulary activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn English with our free online listening, grammar, vocabulary and reading activities. Practise your English and get ready for your Cambridge English exam.

# data[].attributes.body
Cambridge English - Quiz your English - fun, free app test your English and Grammar

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
English learning apps

Practise your English and develop the skills you need for your A2 Key for Schools, B1 Preliminary for Schools and B2 First for Schools exams. Filled with a range of fun skills-based activities and exam practice, Exam Lift is a flexible way to improve your English on the go.

Exam level: A2 Key for Schools, B1 Preliminary for Schools and B2 First for Schools

CEFR: A2, B1 and B2

Skills practised: reading, writing, listening and speaking

Available on Android and iOS. Play Exam Lift
Visit our Monkey's favourite places and play 8 mini games to test your English. Unlock new games as you progress - but watch out, the games get harder as you go along!

Exam level: Young Learners (Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers, A2 Flyers)

CEFR level: A1-A2

Skills practised: Reading

Available FREE for iPad and iPhone! Play Monkey Puzzles
Cambridge English social media

Join our lively Facebook community and take part in quizzes, talk to other English language learners and learn on the go.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get helpful tips for exam preparation and lots of English language learning advice.

Be inspired, learn together, and speak to the world on our Instagram page.

Be inspired, learn together, and speak to the world on our Instagram page.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out about official Cambridge English learning resources for children and adults. Get free games, quizzes, exam preparation materials and sample papers.

# data[].attributes.headline
Learn English for free with 1043 video lessons by experienced native-speaker teachers. Classes cover English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, IELTS, TOEFL, and more.

# data[].attributes.subject
Learn English for free with 1043 video lessons by experienced native-speaker teachers. Classes cover English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, IELTS, TOEFL, and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Are you confused about whether to add an s at the end of a word? It's not just for plural nouns, but also for verb endings, and there's also a pronunciation issue in some cases. Then, there's the added question of whether to add an apostrophe-even native English speakers get mixed up about that one! This lesson on when to add the s, and how exactly to add it, is designed to clarify all of this for you. Make sure to practice with the quiz after watching.

about engVid

Learn English for free with 2002 video lessons by experienced teachers. Classes cover English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, IELTS, TOEFL, and more. Join millions of English learners worldwide who are improving every day with engVid.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn English for free with hundreds of video lessons by experienced native-speaker teachers. English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, IELTS, TOEFL, writing, and more.

# data[].attributes.body
Cambridge English - Write & Improve - learners who wish feedback on their writing - practice writing emails

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Developed by the University of Cambridge, Write & Improve is a FREE tool that helps every learner to improve their English writing.

Choose from hundreds of tasks at all levels and start writing, or create your own tasks

Submit your writing and get a result linked to the international standard, the CEFR

Get automatic feedback on where your writing may need improvement

Make changes and check again to improve your writing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Write & Improve is a free service for learners of English to practise their written English. Submit your written work and receive feedback in seconds, covering spelling, vocabulary, grammar and general style.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to learn any language in six months | Chris Lonsdale | TEDxLingnanUniversity

# data[].attributes.headline
The secrets of learning a new language - YouTube video

# data[].attributes.subject
The secrets of learning a new language - YouTube video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The secrets of learning a new language | Lýdia Machová | TED

# data[].attributes.headline
How to acquire any language not learn it!

# data[].attributes.subject
How to acquire any language not learn it!

# data[].attributes.body
YouTube video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to acquire any language NOT learn it!

# data[].attributes.headline
Want to start up your own business? Then Business Gateway is a Scottish Government resource that offers advice and guidance to startup companies and established companies across Scotland. Free and impartial advice. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Want to start up your own business? Then Business Gateway is a Scottish Government resource that offers advice and guidance to startup companies and established companies across Scotland. Free and impartial advice. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Starting a business | Business Gateway - Business Gateway

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Starting a business | Business Gateway - Business Gateway

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You may be planning to start a business or perhaps you’ve already begun. Find advice on the essentials, from writing a business plan to intellectual property.

# data[].attributes.body
Job Skills - Tips to strengthen and showcase your skills - YouTube video - by Indeed Recruitment Agency

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Job Skills - Tips to Strengthen and Showcase Your Skills

# data[].attributes.headline
CV Library - career advice includes getting started, CVs, cover letters, Interviews

# data[].attributes.subject
CV Library - career advice includes getting started, CVs, cover letters, Interviews

# data[].attributes.body
21st century skills

# data[].attributes.body
How to stay a positive job hunter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With tips on how to survive in the competitive job market, this guide taps into the advice of industry experts to explain how to develop a positive approach to looking for work.

# data[].attributes.body
CV top tips

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Want to be make your CV stand out from the rest?

Corrine Mills, co-managing director of Personal Career Management, explains how to improve your CV and tailor it to the job you are applying for.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Want to be make your CV stand out from the rest? Corrine Mills, co-managing director of Personal Career Management, explains how to improve your CV and tailor it to the job you are applying for.

# data[].attributes.headline
EPcot CV - Start Scotland - Get online help writing your CV to showcase your skills and experience

# data[].attributes.subject
EPcot CV - Start Scotland - Get online help writing your CV to showcase your skills and experience

# data[].attributes.headline
EPcot CV Builder Executive Overview - Youtube video

# data[].attributes.subject
EPcot CV Builder Executive Overview - Youtube video

# data[].attributes.headline
Future Learn - Free CV Templates for UK job market

# data[].attributes.subject
Future Learn - Free CV Templates for UK job market

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Free CV Templates | Learn how to craft a standout CV - FutureLearn

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find our selection of free CV templates for a range of industries. Not only will you learn about what to include in your CV, but we’ve also listed out some useful courses that can give your career a boost.

# data[].attributes.body
Prepare your English CV for a job in the UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
English Jade · Learn English with engVid

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Job Skills: Prepare your English CV for a job in the UK

# data[].attributes.body
CV quiz

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Job Skills: Prepare your English CV for a job in the UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Moving to or living in the UK? Looking to apply for work? You will need to prepare your British English CV. A CV is also known as a resume. Did you know that in the UK, we have our own way of making CVs that is different from what is commonly done in other European countries? A British CV is closer…

# data[].attributes.body
Language & phrases for Your CV - Learn English

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
English Jade · Learn English with engVid

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Get a job: Language & phrases for Your English CV

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to write a CV [Get noticed by employers]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to write a CV with no experience [kick start your career]

# data[].attributes.body
How to write a personal statement/career profile

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to write a CV profile [or personal statement] and get noticed

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to format and structure a CV [Get more interviews]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to write a cover letter + 6 examples [Get your CV noticed]

# data[].attributes.body
BBC - How to write a formal letter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Whichever way you begin your letter, it must be followed with a .

Your opening sentence, which needs to be on a new line, should then clearly state why you are writing the letter - get to the point straight away.

How you will depend on how you started your letter. Here are the rules you must follow:

Again, whichever way you need to end your letter, it must be followed with a .

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn how to write a formal letter and understand how to format it correctly with this BBC Bitesize English writing guide.

# data[].attributes.headline
How to highlight achievements on your CV

# data[].attributes.subject
How to highlight achievements on your CV

# data[].attributes.headline
How to write the perfect email covering letter

# data[].attributes.subject
How to write the perfect email covering letter

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Make the first move

1 Identify a new direction. "Create a list of career options you think you'd really enjoy, not just the ones you think you can do," says Catherine Roan, managing director of career change consultants careershifters.org. "Don't limit your thinking at this stage. If you really want to be a polar explorer, or start your own jewellery business, put them on the list. Then research how others changed into these careers."

2 Think about things you're good at. "Jobseekers who ask, 'What can I do with my degree/experience?' have it backwards," says Tanya de Grunwald, founder of GraduateFog.co.uk. "A good job search should start with you, not your CV. Are you an ideas person? Do you have the gift of the gab? Are you good at explaining things to others? Most of us don't think of ourselves as 'talented' - but look closer and you'll find something to guide you towards the sort of jobs you'll most enjoy."

3 ... then think about the skills you have picked up. Is there crossover between the two? If so, use these lists to help identify the types of jobs and industries you are most suited to. "Get to know yourself and focus on your strengths," says Roan. "What makes you come alive? Ask yourself what really motivates you? Understand your unique skills, abilities and interests."

4 Do your homework. "Many careers can sound exciting when you only know a little about them," says Dr Rob Yeung, executive coach at consultancy Talentspace. "Make sure you know what's boring and awful about a job, as well as what's great - only then can you decide if it's the right choice for you."

5 Dip your toe in before taking the plunge. "Research what it entails, what training you may need and talk to people doing that job," suggests Roan. "If it's possible, try it out part-time, or shadow someone in the role."

Tidy up your CV

6 Look around for inspiration. Talk to recruiters in your sector to establish what they consider to be an above-average CV. If you can afford it, consider asking a CV-writing agency to help you, "but only one that comes recommended by someone in your network," suggests Rowan Manahan, author of Ultimate CV: Trade Secrets from a Recruitment Insider. "As always, there's a bell curve of skill and you can spend a lot of money to very little effect if you hire the wrong wordsmith."

7 Create your own marketing pack. Spending a little extra on good quality materials can really make your application stand out. "Choose a high quality paper with matching envelopes," says James Innes, author of The CV Book, The Interview Book and Brilliant Cover Letters. "A co-ordinated image can really impress; it's a small investment which could pay dividends."

8 ... but don't go over the top. Applying too much bling, such as bright colours or whizzy picture effects, will just make employers fall over, as opposed to falling over themselves to hire you. "Glitz and razzamatazz won't help you be taken seriously," advises Rebecca Corfield, author of Knockout Job Presentations. "Be unforgettable for the right reasons. Impact comes from strong words, having a clear and logical layout, and detail about what makes you special."

Tidy your CV before you send it off. Photograph: Nils Jorgensen/Rex Features

9 Have some trusted friends give you feedback. "When you've been tinkering with your CV for hours it's easy to miss glaring typos, so make sure someone else has seen it," says de Grunwald. "The best people to canvass are those already working in your chosen industry. Ask, 'If you were me, what would you change?' Be prepared for a variety of responses. It's a myth that there's a perfect CV - it's surprisingly subjective."

10 Include a cover letter. "According to a recent survey, cover letters are seen by almost 50% of recruiters as being equally as important as the CV itself," says Innes. "Many people lose out not because of their CV but because of their cover letter - or lack of one."

Create a template cover letter and modify it to suit your needs. Including one allows a little more of your personality to shine through, and an extra platform on which to sell your skills.

11 Consider a video CV if you are in a technical field, but be careful - it's easy to do this very badly. Manahan recommends putting one online, using professional makeup and lighting. "Produce a 30-second, a 90-second and a five-minute piece for your channel," he says. "Make sure that channel - on YouTube or Vimeo - reflects the professional image you are seeking to cast and track viewing stats very closely to assess if your approach is working."

12 Customise your CV. "Put yourself in the shoes of each recruiter and make sure you've emphasised the bits they'll be most interested in," says de Grunwald. "Don't use jargon they won't understand and if your former employers aren't well-known, explain briefly the nature of each, before detailing what you did there."

Where and how to look

13 Go online. Search by both area and job title, and repeat your search every day. "The methods that pay most dividend are Google Alerts for the wider market and manually tracking specific companies you'd like to work for," says Manahan. "Register judiciously with reputable job sites [see step 19]."

14 Target organisations you'd like to work for. Visit their websites and look for employment information - you may find jobs that don't appear elsewhere online. "Demonstrating that you have a genuine interest and real enthusiasm for an organisation can make you really stand out," says Yeung.

15 Look under your nose. While many large firms use the internet to find employees, most small businesses do not. A local paper can still be a useful place to find jobs in your town.

16 ... but also cast the net wide. If you currently work five minutes from home, try widening your search. "Difficult times require more creative solutions and you will find more options by casting your net more widely," says Corfield. "Don't be put off by commuting. It can provide time for reading, learning or just thinking."

17 Aim high and low. Apply for jobs above and below the level you are currently (or were formerly) working at. It's hard to generalise, but particularly if switching career, you need to be realistic about the level of opportunity that may be open to you.

18 Apply to unconventional places. You may assume your local hospital, for example, doesn't have any jobs you'd be suited to if you aren't a healthcare worker - but you might be wrong. "Most large organisations have admin, IT and HR staff," says Corfield. "Scan job vacancies widely and use your contacts when job-hunting wherever they work."

19 Look out for scams. There's no shortage of unscrupulous people out there waiting to take advantage of the unwary. Scams can encompass everything from "work at home" to "pay for a list of available jobs".

"Also, some agencies trawl for good CVs, then approach companies with the claim that they have the cream of the market," says Manahan. "Employers hate being approached this way, so make sure that the ad you're responding to is a real job.

"Get some real detail on the position; if you have any doubt as to its veracity, then don't apply."

Build an online profile

20 Put your CV online. It creates a strong impression if your résumé is available to employers to download. Try it once yourself to see how it looks, and make sure it prints out the way you expect it to.

21 Use a universally accepted document format. "PDF or Word-compatible are the best," suggests Innes. "If your CV is in a different format, you're immediately reducing the chances of someone being able to access it - and thereby your chances of getting a job."

22 Use the right keywords. If you post your CV online, make sure that high up (and in the filename) it contains lots of keywords that are relevant to your ideal job. The goal is to have your CV pop up at the top of the list when a potential employer searches for those keywords. "Gather as many job description and person specification documents as possible as you proceed with your search," says Manahan. "Then start to seed your CV with the right language - and keep it honest [see step 40]."

23 Become an expert in your field. The more people who know you and your work, the more chances you have to make a new contact when you are seeking a job. "Think about articles you could write for trade journals, talks you could give, blogs and other opportunities to build credibility in your field," says Yeung.

It's hard to beat a good profile on LinkedIn

24 Build online profiles. "For findability, it's hard to beat a good profile on LinkedIn," advises Manahan. Start it privately, hone it and then go public to a wider audience."

25 Keep your profiles accurate and up to date. "It's vital that the details posted in your online profiles match the details contained within your CV and cover letters," says Innes. "Employers frequently use the internet as a quick and easy means of checking up on applicants. Don't get caught out."

26 Behave yourself online. If you use a more general social networking site, such as Facebook or MySpace, be careful to present yourself in the best light possible and make sure privacy settings prevent casual viewers from seeing your full profile.

"Would you mind if your boss, or the members of your next interview panel, read what you were saying online?" Corfield points out. "Save the risque jokes for when you are actually with your friends."

27 Be old-fashioned. Many employers are geared up to receive applications online, but sometimes simply submitting your application and following up by phone is the best approach, particularly when applying speculatively. "Different methods work for different industries - so be scientific," suggests de Grunwald. "Try everything and see what response you get. If something works, do more of it. If something doesn't, stop doing it."

Marshal your resources

28 Put your friends and family to work. "In a healthy market, 55% of jobs beyond graduate/entry-level positions, will be filled through some level of personal contact and in an unhealthy market the figure is even higher," points out Manahan. "Let people know what you are looking for. This approach regularly pops up leads you might not have otherwise found."

29 Ask for a referral. If you know someone who is leaving a job you like the look of, and it feels appropriate, ask them to put in a good word on your behalf. You may be able to apply for the position before the company readvertises the opening.

30 Make use of any resources your former employer offers. If you have been laid off, consider accepting any assistance offered by your employer with CV help, retraining or career counselling. "It could really help you get started on the next phase of your career," suggests Corfield. "It can't hurt and could help kick-start your next career phase."

31 Apply for benefits. If you are eligible, apply for unemployment benefits right away, even if you think you will land a new job. Jobcentre Plus offers free training and advice to jobseekers as well as monetary benefits.

Be professional

32 Treat your job search like a job in itself. It may sound cliched but if you're unemployed, sustaining momentum is important. Spend time perfecting your CV, finding new places to submit applications and researching potential employers.

"Do something every day," suggests Roan. "Finding a new job, especially if you are changing career is not easy, it can seem an overwhelming task at times. Keep busy, and step by step you'll get there."

33 Get a sensible email address. "Lovemachine69@emailaddress.net might have been hilarious when you were at college, but unless you are going for a job in the adult film industry, it's unlikely to do you any favours now," says Manahan. "Set up a separate address for career management and point all your social networks to that address. Set up a professional signature on your email account that shows your address, phone and key online sites (blog, linkedIn, etc) on every sent email."

34 Be easily contactable. The phone number you put on your CV should be one you can either answer immediately, or one that has voicemail. A smartphone, such as a BlackBerry or iPhone, makes it easy for you to pick up email on the go.

At the interview

35 Be prepared for common questions. Interviewers often ask the same sort of questions, like "Where do you see yourself in five years?" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Have the answers to queries like these up your sleeve.

36 Rehearse to a live audience. "Writing down what you want to get across in an interview is only part of the challenge," Yeung says. "Make sure you can express yourself in an articulate fashion by asking a friend to throw likely questions at you."

37 Create an "elevator speech" about yourself. In American parlance, this is a quick one- or two-sentence spiel about who you are and what you do. "Get ready to talk about your skills and experience," says Corfield. "How does your personality fit? What is your vision for the job? Why are you the best person to do it?"

38 Turn the tables on your interviewer. Prior to an interview, you should assume a potential employer will have searched for you online - so why not do the same to them? "Try to find out as much as you can about your interviewer," says Innes. "You will have a head start on other candidates - and you haven't even got anywhere near the interview room."

39 Free the skeletons in your closet. Be prepared to address the six-month gap in your employment history, or the reason why you suddenly had to leave your last position.

40 Be honest. Don't claim to have degrees or experience you don't. "Remember that many organisations check references," Yeung warns. "Any inconsistencies could lead to an employer rescinding a job offer."

A class apart

41 Look the business. Dress appropriately for the job you want. Presentation can make the difference in whether or not you are hired or even the salary you are offered. "Dress at least as well as you would when actually turning up to do the job - preferably better," advises Innes. "If you feel you look good, you will come across as confident and relaxed."

42 Be nice to everyone you talk to, especially when you aren't 100% certain who they are. "I once assumed the girl who greeted me and asked if I wanted a coffee was a secretary - but when she sat down and started the interview I realised she was the boss," says de Grunwald.

Phone up to confirm the time if necessary. Photograph: artpartner-images.com/Alamy

43 Be on time. Phone in advance to confirm time, place and directions if needed. It's also worth scouting out the location in advance to check parking, public transport, cafes where you can loiter and so on.

"If an act of God makes you late, phone and offer to reschedule, but don't expect to be taken as seriously as the candidate who has the same experience as you who showed up on time," says Manahan.

44 Send a thank-you note. Follow up an interview with a brief courtesy message (an email will do) a few days later. Not many applicants bother with this, and it will keep you at the front of an interviewer's mind.

"It doesn't take more than 15 minutes to knock out a well-crafted thank-you letter," says Innes.

45 ... but don't pester an interviewer. Waiting to hear back after an interview can be stressful, but resist the temptation to bombard your potential employer with emails and phone calls - they'll just think you're a nuisance. Instead, find something to take your mind off things and let the process run its natural course.

Take the long view

46 Get back in touch with your old college to see if they have an alumni job placement scheme. "If you're serious about finding work you should leave no stone unturned," says de Grunwald.

47 Take some classes. "Today's emphasis on lifelong learning means you need to show you are someone who wants to learn new things," says Corfield. "Sport or exercise can get you fit; practical skills will gain you confidence, languages can widen your world and academic subjects will boost your CV. It can give you a whole new outlook."

48 Think about the future. "Some industries, like energy and healthcare, are likely to have huge demands for jobs in future," says Roan. "Do your research to find out where these gaps will be and if it is an industry that you would be interested in."

49 Create your own job. Consider starting your own business, either consulting for your current field, or doing something entirely new. This is almost a subject in itself, but Businesslink.gov.uk, the government's small business advice service, is a good place to start looking.

50 Don't give up. It may take a while, but the perfect job for you is out there. "Remember you are not alone," says Roan. "Many people have been where you are now, and, if you talked to them, they would urge to not to stop. Be clear on what you want, believe in yourself and keep going."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
1 Identify a new direction. "Create a list of career options you think you'd really enjoy, not just the ones you think you can do," says Catherine Roan, managing director of career change consultants careershifters.org. "Don't limit your thinking at this stage.

# data[].attributes.body
Total Jobs career advice (recruitment agency)

# data[].attributes.headline
Live career UK  (recruitment agency) - CV tips

# data[].attributes.subject
Live career UK  (recruitment agency) - CV tips

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Curriculum vitae. Now, that sounds intimidating already. All it means is "course of life" in Latin. That's what makes it difficult to know what to include in your CV. The trap most people fall into is providing too little, and too much information at the same time.

They give too little about what's relevant-providing boring descriptions of past responsibilities, instead of listing stats and metrics that can really let the employer know how good they are. Then, they give too much-going too far back in their education, or listing irrelevant hobbies.

In this guide you will learn how to write a CV that gets jobs. You will also see a CV sample you can use for your own purposes.
Create an effective CV in minutes. Create your CV now Choose a professional CV template The LiveCareer online CV maker Morgan Howe lets you build a professional CV fast and download it as a PDF or DOC. and fill in every section of your CV in a flash using ready-made content and expert tips.
How to write a CV-template

PC Technician

9 Russell Rd

Shepway
Experience
ME15 3YD

07886369215

morgan@howe.com

Reacting to all on location and remote issues through Jira ServiceDesk, day in and day out for 400+ representatives.

Sustaining 400+ desktops, 750+ laptops, 40 printer/scanners, and the whole company network and intranet knowledge base.

Made FAQs on the organization's Jira to take care of basic issues quick and to diminish ticket volume by 25%.

Liable for equipment and system onboarding for recently recruited employees, 40+ individuals per annum.

Trained 1 Junior PC Technician on methodology and regular issues.

Introduced and set up 35 Cisco devices and cabling.

Updated all machines to Windows 10.

Automated updates in Citrix to spare 3hrs/week.

Systematic Computer Technician with 5+ years of experience in investigating and settling hardware and software issues across 1,000+ devices on location and remotely, 7 days a week. Responsible for 24/7 support of 400+ employees. Liable for equipment and system onboarding for recently recruited employees, approx. 40 individuals every year. CompTIA A+, CCNA, CISSP, MCSA, ACA certified.

PC Technician

BigCorp, London

Followed Apple protocols and instructions to resolve 250+ specialized issues every week.

Obtained in-depth technical knowledge of Macs and other Apple products.

Helped out the sales team with expert advice to upsell.

Education
Marcg 2015-December 2020

Apple Genius

Apple Store Bond Street
Key Skills

Jira Service Desk

Cisco Hardware Installation

Citrix

Apple Products

Windows 10, Linux

Communication Skills

Certifications

MCSA: Windows 10 - 2017

CompTIA A+ Technician - 2015

Apple Certified Associate - 2015

Cisco Certified Network Associate - 2015

Now let's see how to make an effective CV step by step:
2015

2.1 in BSc Computer Science

1. The list of schools, colleges, and universities you've attended, and all the qualifications you received.

2. The names of the companies you've worked for, together with the dates.

3. All your extracurricular and professional certifications, training, licenses, together with dates.

4. The full job ad of the position you're applying for, and the employer's website-you should craft a targeted CV for each employer.

Leeds University

2011-2014

1. Get everything ready

1. What is the most important quality / skill for this position? What's the second? The third? - Scour the job ad, try to think like the employer, and even as their potential client. Note down the keywords.

2. What problem could the company be facing, and trying to solve? - Here, the company website could prove more useful than the job ad.

3. What experience and skills do I have that clearly prove I can handle those most important aspects, and solve that problem?

To make your job easier, get these things ready before you start:

A chronological (or traditional) CV

A skills-based (or functional) CV

2. Put yourself in their shoes and choose the right CV format

The CV isn't about you. It's about just how suitable and perfect you are for the role they're trying to fill. That's a much more effective angle to take. Which is why you need to try as hard as you can to think from the employer's perspective, not yours.

Here is a list of questions that once answered, will help you know exactly how to compose the perfect CV:

Answering the last question will help you decide on your CV format. There are two main types of CV in the UK:

The first type focuses on your experience, the second one on your skills. Let's take a closer look at both of them.

A chronological CV is also known as the reverse-chronological format, because it lists your most recent position first and then moves back through your previous roles. It's perfect for both experienced and inexperienced candidates. Students and school-leavers can use it, too- in order to give prominence to their education section, they can move it above the work experience section (which can be totally omitted in their case).

A chronological CV is the CV style most liked by recruiters and hiring managers. Why? First, they're most familiar with it. Second, it's easy on the eye and lets them find the most interesting bits of information with ease. Third, it's scannable by the ATS software used to scan job applications.

The only flaw of the chronological CV format is the fact that it exposes any gaps in employment. If that is your story, you may opt for writing a skills-based CV.

Skills-based CV format, also known as a functional CV, focuses on your core set of skills rather than your work experience. It's a good choice for career changers, gig workers, and ex-military personnel. But-recruiters don't like it. It may also not be readable by ATS scanners.

First name and surname.

Physical address for jobs that have physical locations. If it's a remote, digital position, you can omit this part.

Your telephone number, and a professional email address.

LinkedIn profile-make sure it's up to scratch, and is an expansion of your CV, not a direct copy.

Website or portfolio URL, if it's relevant to the position.

How to write a CV for a job application-order of sections
Morgan Howe
As the chronological CV is the most popular type of CV in the UK, the following CV sections will be presented in this order.

3. Write a CV header

The header of any CV should contain:

How to make a good CV header

PC Technician

9 Russell Rd

Shepway

ME15 3YD

07886369215

1. A [power adjective] [job title] with [years of experience]+ years of experience, and proven expertise in [most important skill to them].

2. At [previous employer name], I [describe your experience/expertise with regards to the most important skill you just listed], which resulted in [describe achievements/improvements/gains/savings using metrics].

3. [Most Important Skill 2] is also personally important to me, and I have [describe experience/expertise], managing to [describe achievements/improvements/gains/savings using metrics].

morgan@howe.com

Graduated [University Name] with a [1st/2:1] class degree in [Degree Name].

4. Add a CV personal statement

Hoping to leverage my [most important skill 1] skills to [the problem you're going to solve/the results you're going to get for them] at [Target Employer Name].

It's actually super easy, if you do it last. We have this section here so that it doesn't confuse you in terms of order-it should definitely come after your header-it will be a breeze to write once you have completed the other sections.

Here's the formula for each sentence for a perfect personal statement:

This section should only total 6 lines of an A4 of a size 11 font, at most. The function of this statement is to entice the employer to read further. If you still have a couple lines left, or perhaps you don't have as much experience, you can opt for one, or, space permitting, both:
A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you're the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the
Create your CV now
LiveCareer CV builder.

Proving that you know, and can handle exactly what the job requires you to do.

A list of four to eight bullet points for your most recent or relevant role.

For each bullet point, don't just describe what you did. Quantify your impact by justifying each point with a statistic, metric, or achievement. Numbers will make you stand out.

Use compelling verbs and adjectives: e.g. developed, organized, directed, enabled, facilitated, etc.

For older and less relevant positions, keep it down to three bullet points, unless they are things that correspond with the employer's requirements that didn't crop up in your most recent job.

If you got a 2:2, or a 3rd, it would be wise not to list it-not because it's something to be ashamed of, but because some recruiters are prejudiced and you cannot help it. You might persuade them with other arguments, and by the time they ask about in the interview, it might not be an issue anymore.

Sentence 5 will turn your personal statement into a CV objective. It's a good way to show you know what the company is about, and what's important for them.

How to write a perfect CV personal statement

Systematic Computer Technician with 5+ years of experience in investigating and settling hardware and software issues across 1,000+ devices on location and remotely, 7 days a week. Responsible for 24/7 support of 400+ employees. Liable for equipment and system onboarding for recently recruited employees, approx. 40 individuals every year. CompTIA A+, CCNA, CISSP, MCSA, ACA certified.

Reacting to all on location and remote issues through Jira ServiceDesk, day in and day out for 400+ representatives.

Sustaining 400+ desktops, 750+ laptops, 40 printer/scanners, and the whole company network and intranet knowledge base.

Made FAQs on the organization's Jira to take care of basic issues quick and to diminish ticket volume by 25%.

Liable for equipment and system onboarding for recently recruited employees, 40+ individuals per annum.

Trained 1 Junior PC Technician on methodology and regular issues.

Introduced and set up 35 Cisco devices and cabling.

Updated all machines to Windows 10.

Automated updates in Citrix to spare 3hrs/week.

5. Create a powerful work experience section

The work history isn't about listing a list of boring responsibilities. They know what your job entails. It's about:

List your highest formal education level first. If you have a uni degree, skip your GCSE and A-Level grades. If not, mention individual subjects for your A-levels, and Maths and English for your GCSE.

List the names of the institutions and the graduation dates. If you're still studying include an expected graduation date.

Listing your degree classification may not be required-if you're more than two years out and have some experience, we would save the space. The easiest way to know whether to list it is to check the job ad if they require a specific degree class.

How to write a CV work experience section

PC Technician

BigCorp, London

March 2015-December 2020

6. List education on your CV

It's an easy section to overlook, but hiring managers still expect to see an education section on a CV. So:

How to make a CV education section

2.1 in BSc Computer Science

List between 5 and 10 skills.

Make sure they are highly relevant to the job requirements.

Leeds University

2011-2014

Awards

Foreign Languages

Relevant (!) Hobbies and Interests

Volunteering

Professional References

7. Add CV certifications, awards, skills and additional sections
Key Skills

Jira Service Desk

Cisco Hardware Installation

Citrix

Apple Products

Windows 10, Linux

Communication Skills

Certifications

MCSA: Windows 10 - 2017

CompTIA A+ Technician - 2015

Apple Certified Associate - 2015

Cisco Certified Network Associate - 2015

You will benefit from adding additional sections to your CV, as long as they are relevant and thought out. Nobody cares if you do yoga twice a week, or like photography. Even if you have relevant things, if you mix them with fluff, they might get lost.

Therefore, start with a Key Skills section. There are many schools of thought on how to list them-some list right under their work experience, but the newschool approach seems to be to add a little tab to the side, with some even adding graphical representations like sliding scales.

Whatever you do:

Font-Choose a classic, legible font such as Arial, Calibri, or Garamond in a 10-12 size.

Length-One page per decade of work experience, and a maximum of two decades of experience total. Chances are, if it's a job from that long ago, there won't be anything relevant anyway. For best chances of someone making it all the way through, try to keep it to one page.

Spacing-Use 1-inch margins on all sides, and space sections out-or use LiveCareer's CV Builder and don't worry about it.

Format-Different employers may require different formats, most likely being .pdf and .doc. It's important to obey what they require, as they may be using an applicant tracking system that only takes that format.

This will allow your CV to coast through the applicant tracking software, which is designed to pick up keywords. Secondly, if you are in an industry where a lot of the knowledge is gained and proven through certifications, list those second.

List the full certification name, institution that certified you, and the date you gained the certification. These two sections should be sufficient for most CVs, but if you have more things that you think are relevant and will convince your potential employer, you can think about the following sections:

How to write CV additional sections

Now that everything has been exhausted, jump back to our CV profile section, and complete that. It will be a breeze by now.

8. Format your CV
You don't have to be a CV writing expert. In the
Create your CV now
Thank you for reading. Writing a CV doesn't have to be hard. Do you have more questions on how to make a CV? Let us know in a comment! LiveCareer CV builder you'll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.
Formatting your CV is something that may not get you additional points if you get it right, but can definitely land your CV in the bin if it's messy. Therefore, keep this in mind:

9.What else to remember about when writing a CV?

First of all, more than half of employers say cover letters a must-have. So complement your CV with a well-formatted cover letter. It doesn't have to (and shouldn't) be long. 200-400 words will suffice.

Secondly, proofread your CV. Getting your spelling right will not win you extra points, but getting it wrong will land your CV right in the bin. You can use a grammar and spell-check tool such as Grammarly. Or ask a trusted person to read your CV to pick out any errors you may have missed.

Thirdly, follow up with the employer by email or phone about the status of your application if you haven't heard back within one week.

And that's it! You're ready to get your foot in the door!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Write a CV (Curriculum Vitae Writing Guide)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Curriculum vitae. Now, that sounds intimidating already. All it means is "course of life" in Latin. That's what makes it difficult to know what to include in your CV. The trap most people fall into is providing too little, and too much information at the same time.

# data[].attributes.body
139 Action Verbs to make your CV stand out

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
1. Career Guide

2. CVs & Cover Letters

3. 139 Action Verbs to Make Your CV Stand Out

When writing your CV, it's important to avoid weak and passive verbs, stay away from business jargon or clichés, and watch out for tired words and phrases. These faulty word choices can undermine the strength and effectiveness of your CV. Instead, make a point of using powerful action verbs and avoid overusing the same verbs (such as "assisted," "oversaw," and "utilised").

Action words are specific, clarify your contributions, and bring a confident tone to your CV and list of accomplishments. Here's an example:

Lacks strength and clarity: "Held weekly status meetings to share client updates."

Empowered and detailed: "Initiated weekly status meetings to communicate agency revenue growth."

Can you see how the second option is stronger and more detailed? The action verb at the beginning of the sentence makes your contribution clear and impactful.

Read more: 6 Universal Rules for Writing Your CV

Combine your selection of action verbs with quantifiable results to show both what you did and the effect it had. For example, "Championed use of user feedback in program improvements, resulting in 50% boost in customer satisfaction ratings."

Select from the following action verbs to give your CV an edge:

To demonstrate your strong work ethic or introduce your accomplishments, try:

Instead of "duties included," "responsible for," "served as," or "actions encompassed," try:

To illustrate your communication skills, try:

For creative positions, try:

For sales positions, try:

For management positions, try:

For financial positions, try:

For technical positions, try:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
139 Action Verbs to Make Your CV Stand Out

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Career Guide CVs & Cover Letters 139 Action Verbs to Make Your CV Stand Out When writing your CV, it's important to avoid weak and passive verbs, stay away from business jargon or clichés, and watch out for tired words and phrases. These faulty word choices can undermine the strength and effectiveness of your CV.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to: Explain a gap in your CV | reed.co.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To help make sure your career break isn’t holding you back, here are a few tips on how to explain a gap in your CV - with specific examples.

# data[].attributes.body
Recruitment agency - career tips

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Finding jobseeking tips you can actually use. That's how it feels to love Mondays.

Featured Articles

We want everyone to find a job that helps them love Mondays. That's why we've put together a wide range of tips - written by experts - in everything from CVs and interviews, through to finding the right job and career development.

So no matter what stage you're at in your career, we've got you covered.

Get clued up on your rights with our informative employment law guide, for both employees and employers alike. We've got a range of employment law advice, from information on employee rights and pensions, to money saving tips and advice on how to deal with jobseeking discrimination.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Career Advice & Guidance | Job Tips & Resources | Reed.co.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Expert career advice and guidance from Reed.co.uk. Read CV tips, cover letter advice, interview questions and more. Love Mondays and secure your dream job.

# data[].attributes.body
Recruitment agency - career tips

# data[].attributes.headline
125 Common Interview Questions and answers (with tips)

# data[].attributes.subject
125 Common Interview Questions and answers (with tips)

# data[].attributes.headline
Reed (recruitment agency) Common interview Questions and Answers

# data[].attributes.subject
Reed (recruitment agency) Common interview Questions and Answers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Common interview questions and answers | reed.co.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The inclusion of certain interview questions is inevitable. But, with a bit of practice, they needn’t be anything to worry about…

# data[].attributes.headline
Total Jobs (recruitment agency) 20 most common interview questions and how to answer them

# data[].attributes.subject
Total Jobs (recruitment agency) 20 most common interview questions and how to answer them

# data[].attributes.body
Reed (recruitment agency) - Questions you should not be asked at an interview

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
by Michael Cheary
When it comes to an interview, some topics are simply off limits...
Whilst most interview questions are used to test your ability to do the job, others could indicate discrimination. So whether an employer is asking questions about your age, or they're using your marital status as a reason not to hire you - there are a few red flags to look out for.

To make sure you know exactly what you should and shouldn't be asked, here's a list of questions recruiters should avoid, and how to answer them if they do come up:

Are you from the UK/ Is English your first language?

Although employers have a legal obligation to check that applicants are eligible to work in the UK - they have no right to ask any questions about your race, religion or native language.

Because although many jobs may require employees to speak fluently, none of them will need it to be your first language. And as long as you're able to speak and write English to the required standard and you can provide proof of legal right to work in the UK, you're well within your rights to be considered.

In fact, implying that your nationality would affect your ability to do the job could indicate discrimination.

How you could answer: 'I am fully eligible to work in the UK, and speak English fluently'

What they could ask: 'What languages do you fluently write or speak?'

Are you married?

Any questions about marital status, children and future family plans should not be asked at an interview.

Not only are these questions of a personal and potentially discriminatory nature, this particular line of questioning could also be used to determine a person's sexual orientation - something which has no bearing on a candidate's ability to do the job.

So no matter what the context, questions like these should raise an immediate red flag.

How you could answer: 'I like to keep my personal and professional life separate'.

What they could ask: 'Do you have any current commitments which may affect your ability to do this job, or which may impact your attendance?'

How old are you?

Although this seems like quite an innocent question on the surface, there are very few reasons an employer needs to ask for your age.

Aside from needing to be over 18 to sell certain products (e.g. alcohol) - your age shouldn't affect your ability to do a job effectively. This means that employers have no right to ask about your exact age, or to let it influence their decision to hire you.

Some hiring managers may attempt to ask this question subtly - by asking for a date of birth for their records, when you graduated, or your potential retirement plans, but these are similarly controversial.

An employer can only ask your date of birth on a separate equality monitoring form - and the person selecting candidates will not be allowed to see this.

How you could answer: 'Old enough...'

What they could ask: 'Are you over 18?'

How many sickness days did you take in your last period of employment?

Whether the employer asks about sickness, health, or disabilities - subjects like these should always be avoided at an interview.

The only time an employer can ask about this is if it's to establish whether an applicant needs an assessment to determine their suitability for the job, or to determine whether adjustments need to be made in order to accommodate a candidate's needs (e.g. fitting a disabled toilet).

Once a position has been offered, the employer can make enquiries into health, but only if these relate to your ability to carry out the role effectively.

For more information, you can refer to the Equality Act (2010).

How you could answer: ' Sickness was not a problem in my previous role'

What they could ask: 'Do you have any specific requirements in order to perform this job effectively?'

Do you have any previous criminal convictions?

There is no obligation for a candidate to disclose criminal convictions if the sentence has already been spent.

For this reason, an employer should not refuse employment to an individual because of a previous crime, unless it relates to the role in question (for example teacher, childminder, a senior banking or financial role).

Also, it's worth bearing in mind that criminal records checks are carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for certain roles (e.g. working with children, healthcare etc.), but this should be undertaken by employers before the interview stage. These were formerly known as CRB checks.

How you could answer: 'Can I ask how this relates to the role?'

What they could ask: 'Do you know of any reasons why you may not legally be able to take this position?'
Other questions you can't be asked: What religion are you?', 'what are your sexual preferences?' 'are you in debt?', 'do you have children?', 'do you smoke?', 'are you a trade union member?', 'Shall we discuss this further over drinks?'
Final thoughts

This is by no means a definitive list. There are a number of other questions which may arise, and the same themes could be asked in a variety of ways.

If in doubt, remember: you should only be interviewed on your ability to do the job. Any questions leading to bias in hiring (e.g. relating to your personal life, age or ethnicity) are strictly off limits.

However, for certain jobs, some of these factors may directly impact your performance - so are often classed as occupational requirements. So if they're specific to the role in question, it may not be against unusual to ask them.
Looking for more advice? Read Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now Please note, the information outlined above is intended for general guidance purposes only, and is subject to change. Need more advice on what employers can and can't ask? Visit the ACAS website for more information. more interview techniques now.
But if you are asked something you're simply not comfortable answering, don't be afraid to speak out. Most interviewers will be extremely understanding in this situation. And, if they're not? It's probably not an employer you should be working for.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Interviews: Questions you should not be asked | reed.co.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
by Michael Cheary When it comes to an interview, some topics are simply off limits... Whilst most interview questions are used to test your ability to do the job, others could indicate discrimination. So whether an employer is asking questions about your age, or they're using your marital status as a reason not to hire you - there are a few red flags to look out for.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sweat is forming on your brow, brain going into overdrive.
Don't panic; you can figure this one out.

They've started the interview with a real tough question...
"What's your name?"
You regain your composure and figure out the answer. Phew.

One down, but many more to go.

In reality, there are many difficult job interview questions. And your answers could have a significant impact on whether or not you get the job.

I've collected 12 of the most challenging and common interview questions and provided you with the answers you need to rock your next interview.

Can you tell me a little bit about your yourself?

You hear this question, and you blanch, because how could you possibly fit your entire life history into 30-60 seconds?

Fret not.

While this request might seem vague, there are specific things you should keep in mind that will help you narrow down what you're going to tell your interviewer.

First, remember that this is an opportunity to showcase yourself and tell your interviewer how you fit into the role at hand.

It's an opportunity for you to directly say, "I am this kind of person and I have these skills that will make me successful at this job."

Granted, you won't be that direct. But you get the idea.

You likely have a lot of skills and assets, but remember, you should choose the ones you think will be most useful and relevant to the position you're seeking when answering this particular job interview question.

However, you should keep in mind your interviewer does already have a copy of your resume, so it's best to not repeat information that you've already provided verbatim.

Video: Harvard career services advisor Linda Spencer explains how you should research and prepare before your interview.

Sample Answers:

In less than one minute, you will want to cover several things related to the job at hand:

What do you know about our company?

Before you set foot onsite for your interview, you need to research the company.

During your research process, consider what stands out to you about the company? What makes an impression on you? What made you say, "I want to be a part of that?"

The question provides two opportunities:

Show off what you know about the organization by reciting the company's history.

Convey that there are aspects of the company with which you identify and that you are a good fit.

You're also getting a chance to show that you've done your due diligence by looking into the company. This signals that you care about the position for which you are interviewing.

Sample Answer:

For example, you might say something like:

I understand that Mega Corporation is a market leader in producing widgets, but I also noticed the company's efforts toward eliminating diseases in third-world countries. I see spending increases in research and development with regards to low-cost, energy efficient water purifiers, and as a research scientist, this project piqued my interest and spurred my interest in your company.

When answering this question, remember the goal is quality of thought, not quantity of words.
Watching mock interviews online is a good way to practice for an interview. You can also try stopping the video after each question and providing your own answers. This mock interview, for a position at R.E.I., was produced by Katherine Johnson.
What is your biggest weakness?

This classic question is asked in almost every interview. It is hard because there is no easy answer.

Interviewers want to see if you can be honest, have a degree of self-awareness, and are compatible with the job.

To answer this, let's first go over a few bad answers:

1. Cop outs: Answers like "I care too much" or "I work too hard" sound ingenuine and aren't real weaknesses.

2. Inappropriate answers: "I tend to steal things" is never a good answer. But if the job is sales-related, you also don't want to say "I hate talking to people."

3. No plan for improvement: It's also a bad sign to say you have a weakness without also explaining how you're working on it.

In short, it's a game. You need to find a real weakness that isn't critical to the job, and explain how you are interested in self-improvement.

The best answer will vary between jobs and be dependent on the skills required for the job you are applying for.

Sample Answer:

Here's a good potential answer:

I'm not the best at multitasking. Most of my previous work consisted of focusing on single tasks for long periods. I've begun making a more detailed schedule and actively looking for additional things to take on, whether in my own life or at work.

Why do you want to work here?

There are a few variations of this question. Whatever you do, don't mention money.

Of course, you want a job to make money, but no company wants an employee motivated solely by money.

Interviewers want to know what about the company and role appeal to you, the candidate.

When it comes to the company, you could mention:

For role-related reasons, the best responses are:

Sample Answer:

I recently saw an article that Company ABC is investing in free online courses, in addition to it's paid curriculum. It resonated with me, as I have a keen interest, and background, in using technology to expand access to education, and your commitment to this cause aligns with my professional values.

What would you want to do if you didn't have to work?

There are two things an interviewer is trying to determine with this question.

First, they are trying to determine if you enjoy what you do, and aren't just in it for the money. An excellent answer to this question should include tasks at least somewhat related to your job.

Second, they are looking to learn more about your passions.

Your answer doesn't have to be all about job-related activities (work, education, etc.), but it should be a big part of it. Feel free to include other passions that the interviewer might find interesting.

You might want to build a training program for at-risk youth to learn the skills you have. (This could apply to nearly any job.)

Sample Answer:

For example, if you're a web developer, a good answer could be something like:

I'd love to spend my time building web tools or making sites for charities I care about.

Why did you leave your last job? (Or why do you want to leave it?)

The difficulty of this question will vary widely.

If your job was seasonal or part-time, this is easy to answer. But what if you were fired, or if you still have a job?

Let's look at these separately.

First, what if you are currently employed? This is a good situation to be in; it means that another employer values you enough to hire. However, you need a good reason to be looking for a new job, or your new potential employer might get scared that you won't stay in the position long.

Here are some good reasons:

Conversely, here are some bad reasons:

Notice a trend between the two types of answers. Good answers focus on why the new company would be a better opportunity, while bad answers make it sound like you're running away to any place that will take you.

The question is different, what if you're not currently employed, specifically what if you were fired?

Saying that you just needed a break, took time off for personal reasons, or were laid off (unrelated to performance) are usually fine. But if you were fired, most interviewers will be wary that you might not be a good employee, and you need to change their mind here.

There are two good ways to handle this:

1. Acknowledge a skill deficit, and explain how you fixed it, or why it's not as crucial for this job.

2. Explain how your former company changed that made you not fit in.

Sample Answers:

An example of the first may be:

It turned out I wasn't well suited to the job because I'm not amazing at being creative. But it made me realize that logic was something that I was good at and enjoyed, which is why I'm pursuing a job in quality assurance.

An example of the second may be:

A new manager was hired, who changed the direction of our department, and brought in someone from a former workplace with more experience with their goals.

How would you handle it if your boss was wrong (and action was needed)?

Unless you've never had a job before, there have been times where you've disagreed with your boss. So don't answer this question by saying it never happened.

Conversely, you don't want to say, "I have tons of examples of this happening," as that makes you seem difficult to work with. You want to emphasize that this doesn't happen often.

The specific problem rarely matters when answering this question, but the approach you took.

Here's are the most important things to keep in mind:

1. Explain the problem clearly.

2. Focus on the problem and your action, don't speak negatively about your former boss.

3. Explain how your actions were thoughtful and tactful. For example, speaking to them privately and politely explaining your viewpoint would be ideal in most cases.

Sample Answer:

An example of this might be:

In a previous role, I was a social media manager for a web building company. Our manager implemented a policy that all posts should be scheduled at specific times. I had a few accounts where I thought this would be detrimental to engagement and voiced my concerns when asked during a team meeting. She agreed to meet with me one-on-one, and I shared a few examples of accounts I was concerned for and data to back up my claim. My boss ended up amending the policy to allow for exceptions.

You'll also want to back up your claims with actual examples since what you've done in the past is of utmost importance.

STAR Method

This question doesn't follow the typical behavioral interview format (e.g., "Tell us about a time you did X, Y, and Z.") but that doesn't mean you can't convey the same information when presented with a different prompt. You might want to follow the STAR method, where you talk about the situation, the tasks you completed, the actions you took to complete the tasks, and the r esult or outcome.

Here's an explanation each of the elements of the STAR method:

1. Situation: Describe the situation

2. Task: Detail the task you needed to accomplish

3. Action: Describe the action you took to complete the task

4. Result: Finish up by explaining the results of your action

When you use the STAR method you're showing the hiring manager how you helped to solve a business challenge. It doesn't have to be limited to business, depending on the type of job, you could share experience from volunteer work or a problem you helped to resolve in class.
Video: Example STAR answers
How much do you expect to get paid?

It's a basic rule in negotiation that those who name the first price lose.

If you name an amount that's too low, most companies will gleefully accept and you'll cost yourself a lot of future income.

If you name an amount that's too high, it can prevent you from getting the job offer, although many companies will counter it if they really want you.

So there are two good approaches to this question.

Research it before you arrive. Glassdoor is your best friend.

First, look up the company you're interviewing at and click the salaries tab near the top. It will show you how much different positions are being paid.

Next, look at any close competitors, and see what they pay for the same position.

When you name your price, it should be a bit higher than the minimum that you'll take. It should also be in line with the salaries you just looked up.

Make sure you can justify your salary request with your experience and the research you just did.
Video: Get tips on handling that mid-interview question on your salary expectations.
Sample Answer:

Based on your research, you could try the following approaches.

Approach #1 - Ask them to name a price: This is one scenario where answering with your own question is okay.

Saying something like:

I'm focused on the entire compensation package more than just the salary. Benefits, insurance, and other fringe benefits are important to me. What are you able to offer?

Approach #2 - Make sure your number is correct: If you're uncomfortable with the first approach, it's crucial to research salaries before the interview.

Why should we hire you?

This question seems so simple that it can quickly catch you off-guard if you aren't prepared.

The mistake that most candidates make is merely listing the same skills and experiences that they've been talking about for most of the interview. On the off chance that it's asked early on, it's fine to sum up your experience and any unique skills at a high level.

This question is really asking for reassurance. The interviewers want to know they can rely on you.

So how do you do that?

You emphasize qualities that are important, but not necessarily related to the job, like:

1. Punctuality

2. Problem-solving skills

3. Communication ability

4. Reliability

5. Work ethic

6. Passion

7. Adaptability

Sample Answer:

Here's an example of a good answer:

I've worked in this field doing [skill 1] and [skill 2] for five years now. When I saw your job posting, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for, a place and a job that I would be excited to come to every day and be able to learn and grow. I'm qualified, and want nothing more than to give my all in this role.

Where do you see yourself in X years from now?

Here are some things you shouldn't say:

While some (or all) of these might be true, they're not answers that will get you through the door. Rather, there are things you can say without compromising your honesty.

To prepare for this question, imagine that you land the role for which you are interviewing. What does the job progression look like? How have you grown, both personally and professionally, as a result of doing this job?

Sample Answers

Once you've completed this thought exercise, you'll have a great starter for your answer. You might come up with something like:

I see myself having developed experience in an industry that complements my education in this field.

Or:

I see myself learning and growing into an Accounts Executive position so that I have increased responsibility for my clients.

Still not sure? It's okay to be honest and say that you aren't sure what the future holds.

How much you disclose depends on the position. While most hiring managers are looking for candidates that will stay on for some time, that may not always be the case. If you are interviewing for a training program, the manager may be aware that you'll be leaving in two years. It's okay, in that situation, to mention that you see yourself elsewhere.

Do you have any questions for me?

Nothing feels worse than ending an interview with this question and sheepishly answering "No, I don't think so."

It's a challenging question because you've spent most of the interview focused solely on your own experiences and the role itself. At that point, it can seem like there's nothing left to ask about.

But it's a final chance to connect with the interviewer and leave on a good note. It's also a good time to show that you care about more than just the role or the money.

Potential Questions

Here are some good questions that are suitable for most interviews:

What are the good and bad parts of working for this company?

How is the work-life balance?

Can you summarize your experience at the company?

What are the best or worst experiences you've had so far?

What is your management style?

What to do if you don't have an answer to an interview question

Everyone has been asked a question in an interview where they don't have an immediate answer.

Here's a basic template to address these questions on the fly.

1. Slow down and don't rush: It's perfectly fine to reiterate a question or say "That's a great question, I'll need to think for a second to answer it." It shows you don't panic in situations where you don't have all the answers.

2. Demonstrate your thought process: One of the objectives of an interview is to figure out how you think, so think out loud. That doesn't mean you have to say everything that flits through your mind. Instead, share the broad contours of your thought.

3. Connect with a similar question: Sometimes you can rephrase the question a bit to answer a similar problem. For example, if you were asked about a conflict with a boss but didn't have one, you could talk about a conflict with a co-worker.

4. Accept temporary defeat: If you genuinely don't know something, you'll have to admit it. But other than saying "I don't know," express your curiosity and desire to find the answer later. "That is a really interesting question, and to be honest, I am not sure of the exact numbers off hand. I would probably start by looking at <industry journal or similar>."

The most important thing to remember when you run into a question that you can't answer is not to panic.

Not knowing an answer will rarely prevent you from getting a job offer, but showing you can't handle uncertain situations under pressure could.

Wait! Before You Go Ace Your Next Interview

I encourage you to go over these questions several times until you're comfortable answering them.

Once you are, you will be much more confident going into your next interview.

But before you go, you have a chance to help others in your situation. Leave a comment below with the most interesting interview questions you've had that's not on the list.
Contributing writer: Dale Cudmore | Contributing editor: Sherrie Gossett

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Smart Answers to The Most Difficult Job Interview Questions - Digital.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sweat is forming on your brow, brain going into overdrive. Don't panic; you can figure this one out. They've started the interview with a real tough question... "What's your name?" You regain your composure and figure out the answer. Phew. One down, but many more to go.

# data[].attributes.headline
10 questions you shouldn't be asked at an interview ... but could be!

# data[].attributes.subject
10 questions you shouldn't be asked at an interview ... but could be!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Have you ever been asked an illegal interview question?

Most job seekers preparing for an interview know the basics of what an interview will entail. It's expected, for example, that you will be asked questions about your previous work experience and personal qualities. But did you know that there are some questions that you simply shouldn't be asked in an interview? Not just because they're of a personal nature, but because they are straight up illegal.

The Equality Act 2010 is in place to prevent discrimination, and it affects what an employer is allowed to ask in an interview. Still, that doesn't mean that these illegal inquiries don't happen. Joint research conducted by TopCV and CV-Library, one of the UK's largest online job sites, revealed that 73 per cent of nearly 2,000 surveyed professionals have been asked an illegal or inappropriate question in a job interview.

As a job seeker, it's important to know which questions you do and don't have to answer. If you've ever been asked about your age, nationality or religion during an interview, chances are your recruiter has ventured into 'off limits' territory. Here are the 10 most common illegal interview questions and how you can dodge them.

Are you married? Do you have/want children?

When this question comes up, it's often part of an interviewer's attempt to make conversation. While it's not ill-intentioned, it is still illegal. You do not have to disclose a pregnancy during a job interview, and if a recruiter asks if you are married, have children or plan to start a family, you do not have to answer either. This also goes for questions about child care arrangements. Instead, shut down the question by stating 'I keep my work life and personal life separate.' You can even turn the question on the recruiter by responding 'It sounds like family is important to you. Are you married?'

Do you have any disabilities?

Employers are only permitted to ask about a candidate's health or disability if the question falls under the following categories:

There are essential requirements of the job that can't be met with reasonable adjustments.

The recruiter is asking if an individual requires assistance during the selection process.

An employer is adopting a positive practice intentionally by recruiting a candidate with a disability.

If you feel a recruiter has breached these terms, you could cite previous employment to dodge the question. For example:, 'In my previous roles, I have never experienced any circumstances which affected my ability to do my job.'

How old are you?

Age is a 'protected characteristic,' which means it is illegal to discriminate against a candidate based on their age. Therefore, you do not have to disclose your age during an interview and the recruiter shouldn't ask. However, this doesn't mean it won't come up.

There are many ways a recruiter might subtly enquire about your age. For example:

What year did you graduate?

Do you have any retirement plans?

Your CV only dates back to 2005. What did you do before that?

If you do not wish to disclose your age, shift the focus to your skills. Mention the years of experience you've gained and the continuing drive you have for excelling at your job.

How many sick days did you take last year?

A recruiter may ask this question as a means to gauge your current health situation and how many sick days you are likely to take if they hire you. They may think it falls under the banner of measuring your reliability, but in reality, it's illegal to ask.

To avoid answering, simply state that you've never experienced any concerns regarding sick leave.

Are you religious?

It is not permissible for an employer to ask about your religion, as this can lead to discrimination. However, there is a small grey area in which an employer can ask about your availability to fulfill the requirements of the role, which can overlap into the question of religion. For example, if the required work hours interfere with religious holidays or prayer time, the employer may need to make reasonable adjustments. If this has to come up, do your best to address the interviewer's concerns without revealing too many specifics.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

As a candidate, y ou do not need to inform a recruiter of criminal convictions that are spent. However, this doesn't mean that you won't be asked to complete a background check as part of the selection process.

If a recruiter asks if you have ever been convicted of a crime, you can simply respond that you're happy to undertake a background check and leave it at that.

Where were you born?

Like age, your nationality is a protected characteristic. The only information you need to pass on is that you are authorised to work in the country in which you are applying. Therefore, if asked about your nationality or citizenship, keep it professional and respond with 'I am eligible to work in the UK.'

Where do you live?

A recruiter doesn't need to know where you live, just that you are able to be at work each day. If asked about your living circumstances, you can dodge the question by simply by stating that you live within commuting distance to the workplace.

What is your sexual orientation?

This topic is off limits both during an interview and in the workplace. You do not need to disclose your sexual orientation and it is illegal for a recruiter to ask.

If the question comes your way, shift the focus to your personal skills. Tell the recruiter about your best personal qualities and how they will contribute to your success in the role.

Do you smoke?

It is illegal for a recruiter to ask about your lifestyle choices. What you do outside of the workplace is your business. If a recruiter asks about your drinking or smoking habits, change the topic by asking them a question about the company culture.

Final thoughts

In some cases, a recruiter may not be aware that they are asking an illegal question. Therefore, if a question is reasonable, relevant to the job and you feel comfortable answering it, then it's your choice to answer.

However, if you feel that a question is discriminatory or know it to be illegal, then you don't need to answer. The trick is to keep it professional and avoid being hostile in your response. Shift the focus elsewhere or politely ask why the question is relevant to the job at hand. At the end of the day, you do not need to answer any questions that make you feel uncomfortable.

Click on the following link for more interview advice.
Before you can take on the interview, your CV has to get you through the door. Get a free CV critique from TopCV for objective feedback that will aid your job search.
Recommended Reading:

Related Articles:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Watch out for these 10 illegal interview questions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Interviews may feel like the employer is in charge, but did you know there are questions that can't be asked? That's right ‒ there are illegal interview questions in the UK. Read on to learn your rights, plus strategies for dodging these questions.

# data[].attributes.body
Different types of interviews

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Formal? Informal? Panel? Telephone? .... Getting ready for an interview as a designer or creative? Take a read of these different types of interviews and make sure you're ready for your next time to impress.

So you've got your foot in the door and it's time to shine at your first interview. All you have to do now is prepare. Easy! If you know how...

The more you know about the style of the interview, the better you can prepare.

The Telephone Interview

Often companies request an initial telephone interview before inviting you in for a face to face meeting in order to get a better understanding of the type of candidate you are. The one benefit of this is that you can have your notes out in front of you. You should do just as much preparation as you would for a face to face interview, and remember that your first impression is vital. Some people are better meeting in person than on the phone, so make sure that you speak confidently, with good pace and try to answer all the questions that are asked.

Similar to the phone interview, this is popular in the first instance. Whether it be on Zoom or Microsoft Teams, make sure you know how to use the platform, turn up on time, and sit somewhere with no distractions.

The Face-to-Face Interview

This can be a meeting between you and one member of staff or even two members.

These interviews involve a number of people sitting as a panel with one as chairperson. This type of interview is popular within the public sector.

Several candidates are present at this type of interview. You will be asked to interact with each other by usually a group discussion. You might even be given a task to do as a team, so make sure you speak up and give your opinion.

The Sequential Interview

These are several interviews in turn with a different interviewer each time. Usually, each interviewer asks questions to test different sets of competencies. However, if you are asked the same questions, just make sure you answer each one as fully as the previous time.

The Lunch / Dinner Interview

This type of interview gives the employer a chance to assess your communication and interpersonal skills as well as your table manners! So make sure you order wisely (no spaghetti bolognese) and make sure you don't spill your drink (non-alcoholic of course!).

All these types of interviews can take on different question formats, so once you've checked with your potential employer which type of interview you'll be attending, get preparing!

Here's a list of interview formats that you should prepare your answers for;

Competency Based Interviews

These are structured to reflect the competencies the employer is seeking for the particular job. These will usually be detailed in the job spec so make sure you read it through, and have your answers ready for questions such as "Give me an example of a time you worked as a team to achieve a common goal." For more examples of competency based questions click here.

Formal / Informal Interviews

Some interviews may be very formal, others may be very informal and seem like just a chat about your interests. However, it is important to remember that you are still being assessed, and topics should be friendly and clean!

Portfolio Based Interviews

In the design / digital or communications industry it is likely that you will be asked to take your portfolio along or show it online. Make sure all your work is up to date without too little or too much. Make sure that your images if in print are big enough for the interviewer to see properly, and always test your online portfolio on all Internet browsers before turning up.

You've passed the first interview and you've had the call to arrange the second. Congratulations! But what else is there to prepare for? You did as much as you could for the first interview! Now is the time to look back and review. You maybe asked the same questions you were asked before, so review them and brush up your answers. Review your research about the company; take a look at the 'About Us' section on their website, get to know their client base, search the latest news on the company and find out what the company is talking about.

General Interview Preparation

Here's a list of questions that you should consider your answers for when preparing...

* Why do you want this job?
* Why are you the best person for the job?
* What relevant experience do you have?
* Why are you interested in working for this company?
* What can you contribute to this company?
* What do you know about this company?
* What challenges are you looking for in a position?
* Why do you want to work for this company?
* Why should we hire you?
* What are your salary requirements?

Ever experienced an interview not listed above? Have a story to tell about an interesting interview you've been on? Let us know on Twitter!

If you've found these helpful, please take a look at our other interview related blogs!

Interview Planning by Mike Carter
Interview Questions - How to avoid that awkward silence by Fran Holden
Portfolio Presentationsby Richard Bridgwater
Top 5: What NOT to do in an interview... by Richard Bridgwater
Looking for a new creative or marketing role? Register with us today to easily apply for all of our vacancies! Looking for a permanent or freelance candidiate? Give us a call on 0161 455 0055, or fill out our online form. We have nearly 30 years of creative and marketing recruitment experience and will be happy to help you find the best candidate for your business.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Formal? Informal? Panel? Telephone? .... Getting ready for an interview as a designer or creative? Take a read of these different types of interviews and make sure you're ready for your next time to impress. So you've got your foot in the door and it's time to shine at your first interview.

# data[].attributes.body
Interviews

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You might be invited to a group interview, which might seem daunting but don't be put off by it.

You'll be introduced to the other candidates, take part in some team-based activities and will probably be followed by an individual interview.

Treat it like any other interview. Research the company you're applying for beforehand, dress smartly and be polite. You'll probably be asked an 'ice-breaker' question to introduce yourself, so think about what you might want to say to make a first impression to your employer and the other candidates. What makes you interesting?

Employers use group interviews to get a feel for how you communicate, cope under pressure and work within a team. Remember that although you're competing against these people for the job, it's important to treat them with respect.

Everyone has different skills, so make sure you showcase yours. Natural leader? Be inclusive but not bossy. If you're more of an introvert, don't be intimidated or overwhelmed.

Make sure you get noticed by using your excellent problem-solving skills or keen eye for detail. Employers will pick up on these things.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You might be invited to a group interview, which might seem daunting but don't be put off by it. You'll be introduced to the other candidates, take part in some team-based activities and will probably be followed by an individual interview. Treat it like any other interview.

# data[].attributes.body
Online interviews

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Even though many of us are stuck at home, there's no need to stop applying for academic or professional roles. Recruiters are still advertising jobs and shortlisting candidates for interview.

It may feel like the world has stopped turning during these worrying times. However, recruiters always need the right people for roles, both now and when restrictions are lifted.

If you get shortlisted for an interview it's almost certain that - in the current climate - you will be interviewed via video conferencing. This is already a popular method used by recruiters so it's smart to get up to speed now.

Don't let the prospect of an online interview freak you out - we've put together this list of tips for the camera-shy among us to help you nail the interview and land your dream job.

Once you are invited for an interview, find out which video conferencing app they will use. The most common are Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Google Hangouts.

Whichever app the recruiter is using, get to grips with it first. Don't make your interview the first time you use the technology. Try it out with family and friends well before the interview date to make sure you've got the hang of it. Remember you will need a device with a functioning camera. Being comfortable with how the apps work will give you extra confidence on the day.

Make sure your computer or device and camera are focused on a professional-looking space.

A blank wall or bookshelf as a backdrop creates a professional environment, encouraging your interviewer to focus on you rather than your ironing board or jazzy wallpaper.

Avoid the interviewer getting over-acquainted with the inside of your nose or the top of your head. Position the camera face on, creating the illusion you are sat across from them.

Don't be tempted to wear your suit jacket or smart top and your pyjamas on the bottom. Dress professionally from top to toe, including smart shoes.

There might be a chance that you have to stand up and you don't want to be caught short in a suit jacket and fluffy slippers. Don't scupper an interview because you only got half-dressed.

An online interview is just like any other interview so you should come fully prepared. Research the post and organisation in-depth and prepare a list of questions.

Have your CV and qualifications to hand and ensure you have pens and paper ready to make any notes during the interview. Once the interview has started, it would look highly unprofessional if you were to nip off for something you've forgotten.

We've all seen that BBC interview with Professor Robert Kelly, whose young kids danced into the room halfway through a serious report on South Korean politics.

The first rule of online interviewing - lock the door. If your door hasn't got a lock, ensure all children and pets are safely stowed with another adult. It's also a good idea to put your phone and any other device/apps on silent.

If you sit perfectly still, the interviewer might think the call has frozen. Sit forward, smile and nod but try not to wave your hands around too much because it could be distracting for the interviewer, especially if the connection is patchy.

There is usually a slight delay during video conferencing so make sure you give the interviewer time to finish their question before you jump in.

Always look the interviewer in the eye to show you are listening intently. Don't be lured by the image of yourself in the little corner window during the interview as this will show you are easily distracted.

Even the most prepared person can come undone on the day of an interview and if that happens to you, don't panic. Use it as an opportunity.

If you are disturbed during the interview for example or suffer a tech meltdown, remain calm and smile. Be positive, it's a perfect chance to demonstrate your ability to keep a cool head under pressure.

Good luck!

Find your next job here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Ace an Online Job Interview - career-advice.jobs.ac.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Even though many of us are stuck at home, there's no need to stop applying for academic or professional roles. Recruiters are still advertising jobs and shortlisting candidates for interview. It may feel like the world has stopped turning during these worrying times.

# data[].attributes.headline
How to set up and conduct a mock interview

# data[].attributes.subject
How to set up and conduct a mock interview

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
One of the best ways to prepare for a job interview is to do a mock. If you know someone who is experienced in interviewing people, they might be able to help you. If not, don't give up on the idea: one way around this is to run your own mock video interview.

If you have a video camera, a camera on your mobile, or a webcam on your computer, then you already have the necessary kit. You may feel slightly nervous or embarassed about seeing yourself on video (everyone does, you're in good company), but it's worth getting over this shyness as it can be a powerful way of improving your interview performance. You can be your own interviewer if necessary - read the questions out to yourself before answering them on camera. You could even pre-record your questions and play them back during your mock interview.

Here's the process you should follow:

1. Select your interview questions and their order
2. Record yourself asking these questions
3. Get the footage onto a computer to act as a virtual interviewer
4. Record yourself answering the questions
5. Play it back and review your performance

Pick your questions

Use a mixture of common interview questions with ones that are tailored to the role you are applying for, using the job description and personal specification to guide you. For example, if the person specification says the recruiter is looking for "excellent customer service skills," then the question may be: "Tell me about a time when you have delivered excellent customer service following a complaint". Questions that ask you to give examples of situations in previous work are common as they allow you to present evidence of a skill.

Start the interview with "Tell me about yourself," and finish with "Are there any questions that you would like to ask before we finish?". Six questions is a good start - though the more preparation the better.

Record your questions

This doesn't have to be too sophisticated - it's just a prompt for you to answer, but playing back recorded questions is closer to an actual interview than simply reading them out as you go. Leave a few seconds between each one so when you are playing it back you can pause it.

Record your answers

Play the questions, pausing after each one, and answer them to the camera, as if it was the interview. Try to be concise and speak for no longer than a few minutes on each one. For the "Tell me about a time when..." questions, you may want to use the STAR acronym to structure your answer Here's an example:

S - situation - describe the problem you encountered
T - task - what was required of you
A - activity - what you did to solve the problem
R - result - how brilliantly the situation turned out.

Review your performance

Don't do this immediately: take a break, return to the footage after around10 minutes and watch it twice.

The first time, pause between answers and make notes, answering the following questions:

How fully did you answer the question?
How convincing was your answer?
Is there anything you would change if you were asked it again?
How long was your answer? Could it be more concise?
How was your body language? Did it match your words? Did you fidget?
Are there any words that you repeat excessively? Most people have an "um" or an "actually" that they over use when they are nervous.
Where did your eyes go? Were you maintaining eye contact with the camera?
How was the pace of your answer?

The second time, go back and watch through from beginning to end again, without pausing. How would you rate yourself overall? If there were three things you would change, what would they be?

Then give yourself a pat on the back - and invite yourself back for the second round and repeat tomorrow.
Michael Higgins is a career coach at This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. To get more content and advice like this direct to your inbox, sign up for our weekly update and careers ebook. This Is My Path and author of Pit Stop: A Career Review for Busy People.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to set up and conduct a mock job interview

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One of the best ways to prepare for a job interview is to do a mock. If you know someone who is experienced in interviewing people, they might be able to help you. If not, don't give up on the idea: one way around this is to run your own mock video interview.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
English Jade · Learn English with engVid

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What to say at your job interview (all my BEST phrases and tips!)

# data[].attributes.body
Group Job Interview (Learn English)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
English Jade · Learn English with engVid

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
GROUP JOB INTERVIEW: What to say and do to succeed

# data[].attributes.headline
11 Ways to Nail a virtual job interview 

# data[].attributes.subject
11 Ways to Nail a virtual job interview 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you're job hunting right now, chances are any interviews won't happen face to face. Instead, most companies are turning to Skype, Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and assess potential candidates. So how do you ensure you still make a good impression? Here, three career experts share their tips.

Set the right scene...

The most important, and first decision you should make is where you are going to have your interview - is it in your home office? Your bedroom? Your kitchen? Wherever you choose, ensure the lighting is right - direct light sources or bright objects behind you can create a shadowy silhouette, and you want the interviewer to be able to see you clearly. "Think about what the interviewer will see in frame when looking behind you," agrees Thea Watson, marketing director of recruitment firm Hays' UK & Ireland division. "The interviewer's attention needs to be firmly on you. Once you have set up your 'interview room', make sure you're not risking family, friends or pets walking in when the interview is taking place. Let them know ahead of time that you have an interview, and then close the door to keep out any external noise." On certain platforms, it's even possible to set your background to neutral or make it completely blank.

Limit any distractions...

It goes without saying that the ideal place to have an interview in your home is a quiet location with few distractions. If you can, try to choose a room that is clean and professional-looking at the very least. "Try to place your computer on a table or desk instead of your lap or couch," advises the team from job-hunting site Indeed. "Tell people you are sharing space with about the area you'll be using for your interview, the time of your interview, and that you and your quiet space will be off-limits during that time. Respectfully explain that during this time, it is best that the house stays quiet with limited distractions. If possible, you might also place pets in a different room."

Test, test & test again...

The day before your video interview, have a test run. "Organise a test call with a family member or friend - this will ensure that the camera and microphone both work," advises Thea. "Run through some interview questions and answers and ask the family member or friend to provide you with any feedback." It might feel strange but recording yourself answering your interview questions out loud is a great way to check your body language, too. "It also gives you a final opportunity to test the lighting and sound quality," adds Thea. "After all, you won't want to suddenly become aware of these issues during the interview itself."

Iron out any tech issues...

These days, there are lots of different potential platforms you could use for interview; WhatsApp, Skype and Zoom are just a few. And, in most cases, the first thing that your interviewer will see is your profile photo and username, so ensure both are appropriate. "If you experience a technical glitch like a weak connection or interference, always ask the interviewer to repeat the question," advises the team from recruitment firm Robert Walters. "If the problem continues, politely mention it and reconnect to avoid missing any crucial information. Monitoring the speed and tone of your speech will also prepare you for any delays in communication, while making acknowledgement sounds like 'hmm' or 'yes' will reassure the interviewer that you can hear them. Finally, always opt to use headphones - they're typically more reliable than speakers and are far less likely to create feedback."

Dress for a face-to-face interview...

Even though you may be being interviewed from the comfort of your own home, you should still dress as you would for a face-to-face interview - even on your lower half (you never know if you'll need to stand up). "Getting fully dressed up for the interview makes you look professional, but also helps to put you in the right mindset for a formal conversation with a potential employer," says Thea. "Dark colours are typically best, and avoid stark white as well as overly busy patterns," adds the Robert Walters team. "Over-the-top make-up and glittery jewellery can also be distracting."

Keep notes & prompts out of sight...

The advantage of an at-home interview means you can have prompts or notes to hand - just be sure not to make it obvious, advise the experts. "Before the interview, print off your CV and prepare questions to ask at the end," says Thea. "Make sure your notes are out of shot but clearly visible to you to use as springboards or prompts. This will help limit the risk of being tempted to look down and simply read from your CV." If you do choose to use notes, just ensure it still sounds natural, adds the Robert Walters team. "Reading notes or sounding too rehearsed will disrupt the natural flow of conversation, making you look under-prepared," they warn.

Get there early... yes, really

In many ways, a virtual interview demands that you act as you would a conventional interview - so you should endeavour to turn up early. "Have everything in place at least 10 minutes before the interview start time," says Thea. "This will ensure you are ready and waiting when the interviewer dials in - the last thing you want to do is keep them waiting."

Engage the interviewer...

With a lack of face-to-face interaction, eye-contact and engagement is key. "Try to forget that you're talking to a screen and react to your interviewer as you would in person, by nodding and agreeing, keeping your body language positive and engaging," says Thea. "Don't overdo it, however, and be careful not to come across as unnaturally animated." Looking into the camera, rather than your image on the screen will help you look as engaged as possible, giving the impression that you are looking into the interviewer's eyes, adds the Robert Walters team. "While you'll want to keep your posture straight, leaning forward toward the camera slightly can increase eye contact and allow the interviewer better read your facial expressions."

Be authentic...

Contrary to popular opinion, a virtual interview is actually a rare opportunity to speak in a relaxing, familiar environment and show the interviewer who you really are. "Recruiters will look for how you express yourself to understand whether you are a good fit for the company," adds Thea. "Use tools such as your body language, facial expressions and interview preparations to convey your confidence and personality as it relates to the position." This way you'll be able to show the interviewer you're the right person for the job.

Stay calm throughout...

Even for all the preparation in the world, anyone can be hit by unforeseen complications. The key is not to panic. "Tech problems or issues with your internet connection may occur at any time," admits Thea. "How you react when things don't go as planned will reveal to your employer your ability to calmly and proactively tackle difficult situations. Have an alternative contact detail - a phone number or email address - on standby in case things go awry and you need to continue over a different channel."

Finally, always follow up...

It should go without saying, but just like an in-person interview, you should think about sending a quick email via your recruiter or straight to the interviewer or recruiting manager to say how much you enjoyed talking to them and learning about the role and the company. "Reinforce your interest in the role and say that you look forward to hearing from them soon," Thea says. "This sets you up nicely for the next conversation."

For more tips and information on job hunting and interview success visit Hays.co.uk, RobertWalters.co.uk or Indeed.co.uk.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you're job hunting right now, chances are any interviews won't happen face to face. Instead, most companies are turning to Skype, Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and assess potential candidates. So how do you ensure you still make a good impression? Here, three career experts share their tips.

# data[].attributes.headline
18 Tips for succeeding during your Zoom interview (Indeed)

# data[].attributes.subject
18 Tips for succeeding during your Zoom interview (Indeed)

# data[].attributes.headline
How to prepare for a video interview YouTube (Indeed recrruitment)

# data[].attributes.subject
How to prepare for a video interview YouTube (Indeed recrruitment)

# data[].attributes.headline
Zoom Video Interview Tips (YouTube video)

# data[].attributes.subject
Zoom Video Interview Tips (YouTube video)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Use this mock job interview to practice for the real thing. The more you practice the better prepared and more confident you will be for your interview.

We have developed a realistic and easy-to-use mock interview script. Select the right person to help you conduct your mock interview.

Key to a productive mock job interview is constructive feedback. The feedback guide after each section ensures the feedback you receive is relevant and helpful.

We recommend you go through each section of the mock interview role play, stop and discuss the feedback before moving on to the next section. This way the feedback is immediate and you can make good use of it to improve as you proceed through the job interview.

Mock Job Interview Guide
10 Essential Steps

1. Have on hand for your mock interview

your company research

copies of your resume and cover letter

a list of job references

notebook and pen

work samples if relevant

Know how to research the company before your interview.

Be ready with everything you might need with this interview checklist

The interviewer introduces him or herself to the candidate.

Feedback - Does the candidate respond confidently and

use a firm handshake

make direct eye contact and smile

use the interviewer's name in greeting eg. "I am pleased to meet you, Mrs Jones"

wait to be asked to sit down

puts documents on the table rather than on his or her lap

The interviewer attempts to put the candidate at ease with some small talk such as "Did you find us easily?" or a comment about the weather.

Feedback - Does the candidate

sit upright but not too stiffly in the chair

lean forward very slightly to show interest

answer these informal questions confidently

begin positively by not complaining about the journey or traffic

thank the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss the job

4. Discuss the company and position

After some small talk the interviewer begins by briefly discussing the company, the department and the position itself.

Feedback - Does the candidate

listen attentively and not interrupt

display appropriate, interested, body language

use the opportunity at the end of this description to demonstrate their research on the company with a relevant comment such as "I was interested to read that you are opening 3 new branches this year"

5. Ask common mock job interview questions

The interviewer asks standard interview questions starting with these top 6 interview questions:

"What interests you about this position?"

"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

"Where do you see yourself in five years ?"

"What has been your greatest achievement to date?"

Feedback - Does the candidate

answer fluently and confidently

provide concise and clear answers

make the answers relevant to the position

display a good understanding of the job tasks and responsibilities

display a good understanding of the company requirements

Get help with this standard part of the job interview at mock job interview questions and answers.

Best interview answers for your mock job interview

Sample best interview answers can be found at:
Tell me about yourself Why should we hire you? List of workplace strengths List of workplace weaknesses Reason for leaving your job?"How have you established your work priorities in your previous job?" "Tell me about a recent time you had to solve a difficult problem in your job" "Describe a situation where you were not satisfied with your work performance. What did you do?" "Describe a time when you contributed more than required to the team"

Feedback - Does the candidate

understand the concept of behavioral interview questions

provide a relevant and concise behavioral example quickly and clearly

outline the steps the candidate personally took to reach a positive outcome

provide a valid example that shows evidence of the required competency

You can find a complete guide to behavioral interview questions with good sample behavioral answers at the behavioral interview guide

7. Ask some difficult interview questions

These will explore red flags in your resume such as gaps in employment, lay offs and dismissals.

stay calm when answering tough interview questions

use the right tone of voice and not get defensive

give concise responses

adequately explain to the interviewer about the problem area

Feedback -Does the candidate

Get help with answering difficult interview questions at job interview answers to tricky questions.

Hard Interview Questions

8. Ask the candidate if he or she has any questions

At this point the interviewer asks if you have any questions you want to ask.

Feedback - Does the candidate

have about 5 good questions ready to ask

not ask for information that has already been provided during the interview

asks questions that show he or she has thought about the company and the job opportunity

avoid the wrong type of questions such as those about benefits and salary

This list of the right job interview questions to ask will help you prepare for this part of the mock job interview.

The interviewer thanks the candidate and indicates what the next step in the hiring process is.

make a positive closing statement like "I am excited about this opportunity and believe my experience and enthusiasm will add value to your company"

ask the interviewer if there are any issues still to be addressed

thank the interviewer for their time

Feedback - Does the candidate

Know what to say to close the job interview.

10. Provide general feedback for a mock job interview

Does the candidate

Your pre- interview checklist

Have everything ready for your job interview. Use this interview checklist to be sure you've got it covered.

Job interview guides for every position

Interview questions and answers for specific jobs can be found at job interview guides

Improve your chances of success with a mock job interview. Keep practicing till you feel ready and confident of acing the actual interview!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Use this mock job interview to practice for the real thing. The more you practice the better prepared and more confident you will be for your interview. We have developed a realistic and easy-to-use mock interview script. Select the right person to help you conduct your mock interview.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Congratulations! You have applied for a job and now you are getting ready for that important job interview. Use this page to make sure your English makes a great impression, in addition to your skills.

Opening Questions

When you walk in the room the very first impression you make on the interviewer is key. It is important that you introduce yourself, shake hands, and be friendly. To begin the interview, it's common to engage in some small talk:

How are you today?

Did you have any trouble finding us?

What do you think of the weather lately?

Take advantage of these questions to help you relax:

Human resources director: How are you today?
Interviewee: I'm fine. Thank you for asking me in today.
Human resources director: My pleasure. How's the weather outside?
Interviewee: It's raining, but I brought my umbrella.
Human resources director: Good thinking!

As this example dialog shows, it's important to keep your answers short and to the point. These type of questions are known as ice-breakers because they will help you relax.

Strengths and Weaknesses

You can expect to be asked about your strengths and weaknesses during a job interview. It's a good idea to use strong adjectives to make a good impression. Use these adjectives to describe yourself by talking about your strengths.

accurate - I'm an accurate bookkeeper.

active - I'm active in two volunteer groups.

adaptable - I'm quite adaptable and happy to work in teams or on my own.

adept - I'm adept at identifying customer service issues.

broad-minded - I'm proud of my broad-minded approach to problems.

competent - I'm a competent office suite user.

conscientious - I'm efficient and conscientious about paying attention to detail.

creative - I'm quite creative and have come up with a number of marketing campaigns.

dependable - I'd describe myself as a dependable team player.

determined - I'm a determined problem solver who won't rest until we've come up with a solution.

diplomatic - I've been called in to mediate as I'm quite diplomatic.

efficient - I always take the most efficient approach possible.

enthusiastic - I'm an enthusiastic team player.

experienced - I'm an experienced C++ programmer.

fair - I have a fair understanding of programming languages.

firm - I have a firm grasp on the complexities facing us.

innovative - I've often been complimented on my innovative approach to shipping challenges.

logical - I'm quite logical by nature.

loyal - You'll find that I'm a loyal employee.

mature - I have a mature understanding of the market.

motivated - I'm motivated by people who love to get things done.

objective - I've often been asked for my objective views.

outgoing - People say I'm an outgoing person who's very personable.

personable - My personable nature helps me get along with everyone.

positive - I take a positive approach to problem-solving.

practical - I always look for the most practical solution.

productive - I pride myself on how productive I am.

reliable - You'll find that I'm a reliable team player.

resourceful - You might be surprised by how resourceful I can be.

self-disciplined - I've often been complimented on how self-disciplined I remain in difficult situations.

sensitive - I do my best to be sensitive to others' needs.

trustworthy - I was so trustworthy that I was asked to deposit company funds.

Make sure to always have an example ready as an interviewer might like more details:

Human resources director: What do you consider your greatest strengths?
Interviewee: I'm a determined problem solver. In fact, you might call me a trouble-shooter.
Human resources director: Could you give me an example?
Interviewee: Certainly. A few years ago, we were experiencing difficulties with our customer database. Tech-support was having difficulties finding the problem, so I took it upon myself to dig into the problem. After two days of brushing up on some basic programming skills, I was able to identify the problem and resolve the issue.

When asked to describe your weaknesses, a good strategy is to select weaknesses that you can overcome by a specific action. Once you've described your weakness, state how you plan to overcome this weakness. This will demonstrate self-awareness and motivation.

Human resources director: Could you tell me about your weaknesses?
Interviewee: Well, I'm a little shy when first meeting people. Of course, as a salesperson, I've had to overcome this problem. At work, I make an effort to be the first person to greet new customers to the store despite my shyness.

Speaking About Experience, Responsibilities

Making a good impression when speaking about your past work experience is the most important part of any job interview. Use these verbs to specifically describe responsibilities at work. As with speaking about your greatest strengths, you'll need to have specific examples ready when asked for further details.

act - I've acted in a number of roles in my current position.

accomplish - It took only three months to accomplish all our goals.

adapt - I can to adapt to any circumstance.

administer - I've administered accounts for a wide range of clients.

advise - I've advised management on a wide range of issues.

allocate - I allocated resources across three branches.

analyze - I spent three months analyzing our strengths and weaknesses.

arbitrate - I've been asked to arbitrate between colleagues on a number of occasions.

arrange - I've arranged shipments to four continents.

assist - I've assisted management on a wide range of issues.

attain - I attained the highest levels of certification.

built - I built out two new branches for my company.

carry out - I was responsible for carrying out management's decision.

catalog - I helped develop a database to catalog our client's needs.

collaborate - I've collaborated with a wide range of clients.

conceive - I helped conceive of a new marketing approach.

conduct - I conducted four marketing surveys.

consult - I've consulted on a wide range of projects.

contract - I've contracted with third parties for our company.

cooperate - I'm a team player and love to cooperate.

coordinate - As project manager, I've coordinated major projects.

delegate - I delegated responsibilities as supervisor.

develop - We developed more than twenty applications.

direct - I directed our last marketing campaign.

document - I documented workflow processes.

edit - I edited the company newsletter.

encourage - I encouraged coworkers to think outside the box.

engineer - I helped engineer a wide range of products.

evaluate - I evaluated sales operations throughout the country.

facilitate - I facilitated communications between departments.

finalize - I finalized quarterly sales reports.

formulate - I helped formulate a new market approach.

handle - I handled foreign accounts in three languages.

head - I headed the R&D department for three years.

identify - I identified production issues to streamline development.

implement - I implemented a number of software rollouts.

initiate - I initiated discussions with personnel to improve communications.

inspect - I inspected new equipment as part of quality control measures.

install - I've installed more than two hundred air conditioners.

interpreted - I interpreted for our sales department when necessary.

introduce - I introduced a number of innovations.

lead - I led the regional sales team.

manage - I managed a team of ten for the past two years.

operate - I've operated heavy equipment for more than five years.

organize - I helped organize events at four locations.

presented - I presented at four conferences.

provide - I provided feedback to management on a regular basis.

recommend - I recommended changes to help improve workflow.

recruit - I recruited employees from local community colleges.

redesign - I redesigned our company database.

review - I reviewed company policies on a regular basis.

revise - I revised and improved plans for company expansion.

supervise - I've supervised project development teams on a number of occasions.

train - I've trained new employees.

Human resources director: Let's talk about your work experience. Could you describe your current responsibilities?
Interviewee: I've taken on a number of roles in my current position. I collaborate with consultants on an ongoing basis, as well as evaluate ​the job performance of my team members. I also handle foreign correspondence in French and German.
Human resources director: Could you give me some more details about job evaluation?
Interviewee: Certainly. We focus on project-based assignments. At the end of each project, I use a rubric to evaluate individual team members on key metrics for the project. My evaluation is then used as reference for future assignments.

Your Turn to Ask Questions

Towards the end of the interview, it's common for the interviewer to ask you if you have any questions about the company. Make sure to do your homework and prepare for these questions. It's important to ask questions that show your understanding of the business rather than just simple facts about the company. Questions you might ask could include:

Questions about business decisions such as why a company decided to expand into a specific market.

Questions that show off your intimate understanding of the type of business.

Questions about current projects, clients and products that go beyond information you might find on the company's website.

Make sure to avoid any question about workplace benefits. These questions should be asked only after a job offer has been made.

Choose Your Verb Tenses Well

Here are some tips on verb tense usage during the interview. Remember that your education took place in the past. When describing your education use the past simple tense:

I attended the University of Helsinki from 1987 to 1993.
I graduated with a degree in agricultural planning.

If you are currently a student, use the present continuous tense:

I am currently studying at the University of New York and will graduate with a degree in Economics in the spring.
I am studying English at the Borough Community College.

When talking about current employment be careful to use the present perfect or present perfect continuous. This signals that you are still performing these tasks at your current job:

Smith and Co. have employed me for the last three years.
I have been developing intuitive software solutions for more than ten years.

When talking about past employers use past tenses to signal that you are no longer working for that company:

I was employed by Jackson's from 1989 to 1992 as a clerk.
I worked as a receptionist at the Ritz while I was living in New York.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Congratulations! You have applied for a job and now you are getting ready for that important job interview. Use this page to make sure your English makes a great impression, in addition to your skills. When you walk in the room the very first impression you make on the interviewer is key.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Excel in job interviews. Your professional guide to preparing for and succeeding in your job search and interview. Easy-to-use and practical resources for all job seekers.

The job market is always competitive. It is essential that you have the right job search and interviewing skills to stand out from the crowd.

You will find all the help and information you need right here to succeed in your interview and get the job you want. Expert advice for every step of the way on your journey to job search success.

How To Ace Your Job Interview

Interview Guides for over 35 different jobs

The key advice and help contained in this comprehensive site prepares you for all interviews but it takes you one step further, looking at over 35 specific jobs.

Use the interview guides to prepare for a wide range of interviews and stand out as the best job candidate.

How to Succeed in Your Job Search

Job seekers will find many valuable tools to help them in their job search.

Reader's Choice for February 2021

Most Read Interview Guides February 2021

Visit our Facebook page to get the latest job search and interview news.

This complete guide equips you with the best skills and strategies to realize your full potential in your job search and the job interview.

Find the right help to get the job you want.

"I have found this site to have the most practical, easy to understand interview advice ever! Thank you."

Benefit from the knowledge and experience gained over 25 years in recruitment and human resources, interviewing and placing thousands of job candidates.

1. Mar 04, 21 09:00 AM Sample restaurant manager resume that clearly highlights your skills and strengths for a management job in the restaurant industry. Easy to adapt for your own use. Read More

2. Mar 03, 21 06:57 AM These strange interview questions may seem really weird and can put you off your game in your job interview. Find out how to respond to common off-the-wall interview questions. Read More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Job Interviews. Interview questions and answers. Job search tools.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Excel in job interviews. Your professional guide to preparing for and succeeding in your job search and interview. Easy-to-use and practical resources for all job seekers. The job market is always competitive. It is essential that you have the right job search and interviewing skills to stand out from the crowd.

# data[].attributes.headline
Sample interview questions and tips (Glasgow University) 

# data[].attributes.subject
Sample interview questions and tips (Glasgow University) 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Sample Interview Question

It's really important not to fixate on what you might be asked and think you have to have a pre-prepared answer to any question! It's impossible to predict every question exactly. Rather, good interview preparation, as we've described, should allow you to answer virtually anything you're asked effectively.

Use every question, if possible, as an opportunity to cover a piece of your prepared evidence. This is your agenda for the interview. That said, here are a few types of questions and tips on how to cope with them.

Competency

The interviewer will ask questions directly related to the essential and desirable criteria for the job. Typical competencies are:

Communication skills

Team working

Problem-solving

Leadership

Time management

Organisational skills

Customer-facing skills

Influence

Your STAR preparation should make these questions relatively simple to answer.

Can you tell me when you've been part of a team?

What was your role and what was the outcome?

Testing team-working.
Just use a STAR example - it fits perfectly.

When have you ever had to explain something to someone who didn't have your level of knowledge?

Testing communication skills.
Cover all 4 aspects of the STAR format. This will make sure you give a convincing answer.

Give me an example of something you have organised. What was your role, and were you successful?

Testing organisational skills.
Just use a STAR example - it fits perfectly.

Strengths based

Some recruiters are changing from competency interviews to strengths based because they feel that applicants are being given lots of help with competency interviews and are becoming too good at them!

The recruiter is trying to find out what skills you genuinely enjoy using, as these are likely to be your strongest. The interviewer will look for signs of genuine enthusiasm, such as how easily your answer appears to come to you, your tone of voice and body language. Don't worry! Follow our preparation advice and then think how you might answer strengths based questions and give appropriate examples of evidence.

At first glance, these can seem really tough. However most of them are just competency questions in disguise!

How do you judge if you've had a good day?

What does success mean to you?

If you are genuinely suited to the job you will have examples of experiences which demonstrate the qualities the employer is looking for.

What energises you?

What activities come naturally to you?

When are you at your happiest?

What are you most proud of in your life?What are your greatest strengths?

Again, give examples of when you've done something successfully which demonstrates one of the key skills or qualities. If you enjoyed it, then it's more likely to be a genuine strength.

If you can show why this proves you have a strength, it will make you look like you're good at reflecting on your own performance.

Motivational

Motivational
This type of question seeks to examine if you're genuinely interested in, and have the right motivations for the job.

If genuinely motivated, you will have researched into typical career paths within the organisation and have an idea of how you might progress if you were successful.

Chronological/biographical
These types of questions can seem vague or even irrelevant, don't assume they have memorised your CV and consider the skills and evidence your achievements.

What have you learned from your degree course?

If you've prepared well, you'll have examples of things you've done as part of your course that demonstrate relevant key skills and qualities. For example, talking about a field trip overseas could show teamwork, communication skills and time management.

Don't talk much about course content unless it's directly relevant (like going for a scientific or engineering job with a science or engineering degree).

What was the last book you read?

What kind of music do you like?

These might seem irrelevant, but the employer is trying to gain an insight into your true interests.

Commercial

These questions are designed to test whether you're commercially aware. They also show whether you're genuinely motivated to work in the sector or for the organisation.

Why have you decided to apply to our company?

What do you know about our business?

What are the key issues facing us?

How should we respond?

Commercial awareness is a vital quality for a lot of employers in many sectors. They want employees who understand business ideas and how their function contributes to the growth and development of the organisation. It's important to research these areas carefully, and have informed opinions.

Hypothetical
These questions are hard to prepare for. You can ask for a few seconds to think about your answer. The employer is not looking for a "perfect" answer, but you need to show that you can think on your feet and justify your opinions or suggested actions.

You're monitoring the customer service area of the supermarket, when a customer arrives complaining of finding a fingernail in his pre-packaged pizza. What do you do?

You're working for an Environmental Consultancy. It's Friday afternoon and you have a report to finish by 5:00pm for the Director. Your line manager calls and asks that you join her on site to look at an urgent problem with a client company's effluent, which is toxic and leaking into farmland. What do you do?

Challenging

The questions are to see how you react under pressure. There probably aren't any perfect answers, but it's vital that you say something.

What would you say is a development point for you?

Do you have a weakness?

Show that you have recognised a weakness and have improved. This shows you can reflect on your performance positively and take steps to improve.

For example, "The first time I gave a presentation, I was nervous and didn't enjoy it. However, the feedback from my audience was better than I expected. I took confidence from this, and made sure I was even better prepared in future presentations and my grades have improved."

If you were a biscuit, what would you be?

If you were an animal, what would you be?

Give me two things you could do with a paperclip apart from hold paper together?

Sell me this pencil.

Thankfully these are not very common. Don't panic! Try to think of something - it could be witty.

Don't choose badly though, such as "I'd be a Rottweiler as I always get my way in the end!"

These questions tend to concentrate on 3 main areas:

research skills

academic performance

teaching ability

It's important to prepare any examples relevant to these criteria.

Here are a few examples of questions, but there are lots more on the vitae site and other resources.

What were the key achievements of your research project?

Outline the project you would undertake if you were awarded research funding.

How have you managed your research project?

If you were starting your project again today, what would you do differently?

Describe a research problem you have faced. What did you learn?

What experience do you have of teaching and what areas of teaching do you want to work in?

Tell us about your research.

How would you describe your research project to a layperson?

These are more usual for engineering and scientific jobs. You'll be asked questions to see if you're able to apply your technical knowledge and academic theory to solve practical problems. These could be real or hypothetical.

Interviewers will be interested in your final year project, including the techniques and skills you used and how you coped with any problems.

Some hints and tips

Try to stay calm and listen carefully to the interviewer.

If you're given any resources, use them to make notes or calculations to help you form your answer.

Don't rush - don't miss anything important.

If you're not clear about something - ask!

Make sure you know the basics of your subject. Employers love common sense!

It's great if you can back up technical knowledge with experience.

You might be asked some competency questions too - prepare for this!

There are some more helpful tips at TargetJobs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's really important not to fixate on what you might be asked and think you have to have a pre-prepared answer to any question! It's impossible to predict every question exactly. Rather, good interview preparation, as we've described, should allow you to answer virtually anything you're asked effectively.

# data[].attributes.headline
TED Talk - Expected the unexpected in an interview 

# data[].attributes.subject
TED Talk - Expected the unexpected in an interview 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Expect the Unexpected in an Interview | Itziar de Ros | TEDxIESEBarcelona

# data[].attributes.headline
TED Talks to watch beore a job interview 

# data[].attributes.subject
TED Talks to watch beore a job interview 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Interviews can be intimidating. These talks are full of useful tips, tricks and advice that can help you land the job you're after.

# data[].attributes.headline
5 Reasons you didn't get invited for the interview

# data[].attributes.subject
5 Reasons you didn't get invited for the interview

# data[].attributes.body
How to learn from your past interviews

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When job hunting, if at first, you don't succeed, you haven't failed. You've been given the chance to learn from your interview and then use this information to go on and land another dream role.

The first step in the learning process is to identify the primary reasons you weren't chosen. The important ones will be business-related and will explain why you didn't fit the bill for the company's bottom line. This is why you should never take rejection personally: it really is just business.

The best way to figure out these reasons is to ask both yourself and your interviewer.

Let's start with the interviewer because the best time to ask for feedback is as soon as possible.

Email or call them back to thank them for their time and interest in you and ask if they have a few moments to provide you with feedback. Let them know you're looking for ways to improve yourself and your career opportunities and so their observations will be much appreciated.

Assess all of the information they provide and make a written note of the bits that will help you move forward.

Now to your self-assessment. Immediately after your interview, try to recall and write down the questions you were asked and your replies.

This will help you see which areas you struggled with and how would you answer differently next time.

Did you come out of the interview kicking yourself for forgetting questions you'd planned to ask but forgotten about or simply froze on? Record these and go over them many times before your next interview.

Did you sell yourself short without even realising it? Honesty is important and a lack of knowledge should be transparent and put across as a willingness to learn and upskill to grow stronger both personally and for the business.

However, being too eager to identify all of your shortcomings before you're even asked about your weaknesses could have set a negative tone that was impossible to row back from.

Now think back and remind yourself of the basic rules. Did you turn up on time, wear the appropriate clothing and come prepared by having researched the company and the role? If not, mark these as red alerts for the future.

Finally, don't beat yourself up. There may have been many candidates with the same qualifications, know-how and experience all going for the same role. Only one of you was going to be offered the position.

So make a list of the positive things you remember that went well during the interview and constantly remind yourself that the fact you got to this stage means you already have what it takes.

Now . . . let's get back on that unicorn and chase those top roles with the help of s1jobs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When job hunting, if at first, you don't succeed, you haven't failed. You've been given the chance to learn from your interview and then use this information to go on and land another dream role. The first step in the learning process is to identify the primary reasons you weren't...

# data[].attributes.headline
Career Test - free career test to which matches your personality type to a list of suitable careers. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Career Test - free career test to which matches your personality type to a list of suitable careers. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Career Test

While everyone in this world is unique and different we do all process information in various ways that can be measured. What we can measure gives quite an amazing insight to how we perceive and process information, relate to others, how much emotions play out in our personality, if we are live more in the present or are more focused on our future, etc.

Let me give you an example. think and we all feel, however some of us think more than they feel, or feel more than they think. Lets say a work colleague arrives at the office wearing a coat which you perceive is clearly inappropriate. Are you the sort of person that will do them a favour and tell them immediately "don't wear that coat anymore" or, are you someone more gentle to their feelings, and will tell a white lie for the sake of their emotions? If you would answer honestly and risk hurting their feelings, that is an indication of thinking over feeling, while second way is feeling over thinking. Thinking people are generally more comfortable in conflict situations and enjoy debate, so therefore possibly are better lawyers, business leaders or police. On the other hand, a feeling person generally dislikes conflict and prefer working with others, so they may make a better psychologist, teacher or nurse, etc.

Besides thinking or feeling, there are 3 other areas to measure; your intuition or sensing (how we process information and what it means to us), being extroverted or introverted, and if we are judging or perceiving. This gives us 16 personality combinations, and what ever one you fit into will give an interesting insight with respect to career prospects.

About Personality tests

The most common personality test in the world today is the Briggs Meyer personality test which was developed in 1962, although the various personality types where first published in 1921. Career-test.co.uk is not the official Briggs Meyer test, but was inspired by it. Our test is simple, quick and accurate with only one page of multiple choice questions. You can read more about the personalty types from this page.

TAKE THE TEST NOW

Use google now to search for more tests!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
While everyone in this world is unique and different we do all process information in various ways that can be measured. What we can measure gives quite an amazing insight to how we perceive and process information, relate to others, how much emotions play out in our personality, if we are live more in the present or are more focused on our future, etc.

# data[].attributes.headline
Take the Buzz Quiz - discover more about your strengths; likens you to an animal type!

# data[].attributes.subject
Take the Buzz Quiz - discover more about your strengths; likens you to an animal type!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We've said goodbye to the Buzz Quiz as the digital rights to the quiz have ended.

Take a look at our other features instead:

Real-life career videos

Personal insights into jobs and career paths by job type, theme or subject.

Practical guides

Tips on making choices from GCSEs to university, plus revision, exams and finding work.

Free downloadable resources

Easy ways to use icould in the classroom to start thinking about careers.

Job data

Job descriptions, salary details and more labour market information (LMI), below each video.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Real-life career videos, advice and information to inspire your career