Candidates

CV Writing Tips / Templates and Interview Advice

CV Writing

The first step when considering a career move is to thoroughly and clearly assess your motivation for moving and to clearly establish where you are looking to move into and why? Once this has been established the next stage is to begin writing your CV.

Always keep your desired role and true motivations for moving in mind whilst writing your CV and structure it accordingly, tailoring it towards your new role.

Solarjobs.com has explained the three CV types below; you download the CV templates to help create your own CV. Which CV is right for you?

Post graduates, return to workers and specialist career changers

If you have recently completed a course to update your skills or learn a 'new role', or if you have just graduated from university you will need to write a qualifications based CV. This CV type suits post graduates, jobseekers that want to return to work after a long period of unemployment (12 months or more), and some career changers. A qualifications CV is only suitable for career changers that must have specific qualifications in order to be able to work in their new career. Examples might include Accountants, Doctors, IT programmers, and Social Workers. For career changers where the need is for skills or market knowledge a skills based CV is more relevant please see below.

View and download the qualifications based CV template.

Career changers, return to workers and 'new' job opportunities

If you want to change careers, return to work in the same industry after a short break (under 12 months), or work in a new industry or on a specific project (ie a new product launch); then you need a skills based CV. This CV type show cases your skills and knowledge which are transferable for your next job or career move. So unlike the qualifications based CV there is no requirement for 'specific' qualifications to fulfil a role. An example of this is New Media, about 10 years ago no one had experience in new media and typically print or other traditional media candidates moved into this new industry transferring their 'traditional' skills.

View and download the skills based CV template.

Career ladder climbers

If you want to remain in the same industry but are looking for new opportunities, perhaps promotion, better company perks or more pay you will need a chronological CV. This CV show cases your work history, plotting how you have continued to gain knowledge, skills and possibly qualifications in the same industry.

View and download the chronological CV template.

Interview Advice

It goes without saying you must present yourself neatly and professionally at any interview, always wear a suit and polish your shoes!

Be prepared - take a spare copy of your CV and spend some time investigating the company before your interview. Their website should be able to give you a good insight into the organization but your private research will make the difference. Find out about their competitors, market presence, any plans for growth, their origins and background.

Write down a list of intelligent questions and memorize them before entering the interview. This is the kind of preparation that will separate you from your competition.
Remember the interview is a two way process and it is crucial to take this opportunity to establish a firm dialogue. Avoid questions about money and annual leave, especially at an initial stage, as these appear very negative.

Most important be confidant and show you are a hard working reliable and trusted future employee!