Careers Advice
Career Advice to Help You Succeed
Our expert career guidance is designed to support you at every stage of your job search. From writing a successful CV to mastering interviews—whether in person, by video, or over the phone—we provide practical, easy-to-follow tips to help you stand out. You will also find essential job-hunting advice to improve your confidence, sharpen your approach, and increase your chances of securing the right opportunity.
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Successful CV Writing
Do you know how to structure your CV effectively?
Many jobseekers struggle with organising their CV, so we’ve outlined a simple approach to help you get started. While every CV should be customised for each position you apply for, it is useful to begin with a well-prepared general version. This can then be quickly adapted to match individual job descriptions and employer requirements.
Personal Summary
Start your CV with a concise summary that highlights your key experience and directly relates to the role you are applying for. Focus on specific, relevant skills and achievements rather than broad or generic statements.
Experience
Include your full work history along with any relevant voluntary roles or work placements. Highlight key achievements, project outcomes, and responsibilities that demonstrate your skills, strengths, and professional impact.
Contact Information
Provide the phone number and email address you use most frequently. Ensuring these details are accurate and checked regularly helps you respond quickly to interview invitations and important updates.
Key Skills
Include a dedicated skills section to quickly show employers what you can offer. Use a concise bullet list highlighting your most relevant strengths, including technical abilities, software knowledge, and any key competencies required for the role.
Additional CV Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- List your work history in reverse order, starting with your most recent role, and avoid leaving unexplained gaps (mention activities such as travel if relevant).
- If you are a graduate with limited experience, emphasise the skills and achievements gained during your studies.
- Include your highest qualifications, stating the institution, course title, and grade achieved.
- Add any relevant training, certifications, or industry-recognised qualifications.
- Mention memberships with professional bodies or chartered institutions.
- Aim to keep your CV concise—ideally no longer than two A4 pages.
- Always provide honest and accurate information, as integrity is essential.
Interview Tips to Help You Succeed
Here are practical interview tips to help you perform confidently and effectively. With the right preparation, you can reduce stress, present your strengths clearly, and position yourself for a successful outcome.
Prepare Thoroughly for a Strong Interview Performance
Take time to review common interview questions and practice clear, concise responses supported by real examples from your experience. Tailor your answers to highlight the skills most relevant to the role by studying the job description and matching its requirements to your background.
However, even the best prepared answer will fall short if it does not address the question being asked. Listen carefully during the interview to ensure your responses provide the information the interviewer needs.
Additionally, be ready with thoughtful questions of your own. Interviewers almost always invite candidates to ask questions, and having one or two prepared shows genuine interest in the role and organisation. Not asking anything may signal a lack of enthusiasm, which can negatively affect the impression you make.
Research the Company and Demonstrate Your Knowledge
Take time to research the company and its industry before your interview. This preparation ensures you can confidently answer questions such as “What do you know about our organisation?” Even if the interviewer doesn’t ask directly, look for opportunities to reference your knowledge throughout the conversation.
“I saw that after implementing your new software system last year, customer satisfaction increased significantly. With my background in software development at ABC, I value working with companies that lead through innovation.”
Most organisations provide useful information on their website, including their mission, values, team, culture, and achievements. Company blogs and social media channels can also offer helpful insights to support your preparation.
Arrive Early and Be Punctual
Always arrive on time for your interview—meaning five to ten minutes early. If needed, visit the location beforehand so you are familiar with the route and travel time. Consider the time of day and adjust for traffic or delays. Arriving a few minutes early also gives you time to use the restroom, check your appearance, and compose yourself before the interview begins.
Follow Up to Leave a Strong Impression
After your interview, always follow up with a thank-you message to reinforce your interest in the role. This is also an opportunity to highlight any points you may have forgotten to mention during the conversation.
If you met with multiple interviewers, send each person an individual, personalised note. Make sure to send your thank-you email within 24 hours to maintain momentum and demonstrate professionalism.
Build Rapport with Your Interviewer
Along with demonstrating your knowledge of the company, aim to build a genuine connection with your interviewer. Learn their name in advance, use it appropriately during the conversation, and pay close attention during introductions. If you tend to forget names, make a discreet note on your notepad as a reminder.
Establishing rapport helps create a positive impression and can increase your chances of being selected. Interviewers are more likely to hire candidates they feel comfortable with and who appear to be a strong fit for the organisation’s culture.
Prepare Everything in Advance
Avoid last-minute stress by organising your interview essentials ahead of time. Choose your outfit, print extra copies of your CV, and gather your notepad and pen well before the day arrives. Keeping one interview-ready outfit on hand ensures you’re prepared even on short notice.
When an interview is scheduled, set out everything the night before—from your clothes and shoes to your travel plan and timing. This reduces morning pressure, helps you stay focused, and frees your mind for the interview itself.
Ensure your attire is neat, professional, and appropriate for the organisation you’re meeting. Bring a smart folder containing extra CV copies, along with a pen and paper for notes.
For virtual interviews, check your equipment in advance. Test your camera, microphone, internet connection, and meeting software to make sure everything runs smoothly and you feel confident using it.
Stay Calm and Present During the Interview
During your interview, try to remain relaxed and composed. Your body language can communicate just as much as your verbal responses, and preparation will help you project confidence.
Maintain steady eye contact as you respond, and listen carefully to each question before answering so you fully understand what the interviewer is asking. Avoid interrupting at any point, especially while questions are being asked. If you need a moment to gather your thoughts, take it—pausing briefly is far better than filling your answer with “ums” or “uhs.”
How to Succeed in Video Interviews
Prepare Your Environment for a Professional Video Interview
Choose your interview location carefully—whether it’s a home office, bedroom, or kitchen, the space should present a clean and professional appearance. Ensure the lighting is suitable by avoiding bright light sources or windows directly behind you, as these can cast heavy shadows and create a silhouette. Check what will be visible in the background and remove anything distracting; the focus should remain on you at all times.
Once your interview space is set, minimise interruptions by informing family members, friends, or housemates in advance. Close the door and reduce external noise to maintain a quiet, uninterrupted environment throughout the interview.
Practice Before the Interview
Although it may feel unfamiliar, recording yourself answering interview questions aloud is an excellent way to review your body language and communication style. It also gives you a chance to check your lighting, sound quality, and overall setup one last time. Addressing these details beforehand ensures you won’t be distracted by technical issues during the actual interview.
Keep Your Notes Handy but Out of Sight
Print your CV and prepare any questions you plan to ask at the end of the interview. Position your notes out of the camera’s view but within easy sight for you. This allows you to use them as prompts without breaking eye contact or appearing to read directly from your CV. Keeping your notes discreet helps you stay focused and engaged with the interviewer.
Dress Professionally for Your Video Interview
Even when interviewing from home, dress exactly as you would for a face-to-face meeting—including your lower half, just in case you need to stand up. Professional attire not only creates a strong visual impression but also helps you shift into the right mindset for a formal, focused conversation with a potential employer.
Stay Calm If Technical Issues Occur
Even with the best preparation, technical problems can still happen during a video interview. If your connection drops or your equipment malfunctions, remain calm and composed. How you handle unexpected issues demonstrates your ability to manage challenges professionally.
Keep a backup contact method—such as a phone number or alternative email—ready in case you need to continue the interview through another channel. This proactive approach shows reliability and problem-solving skills.
Test Your Setup Before the Interview
Conduct a full test run the day before your video interview. Arrange a trial call with a friend or family member to confirm that your camera, microphone, and internet connection are working properly. Use this opportunity to practise answering a few interview questions and ask for honest feedback. This preparation helps you feel more confident and prevents avoidable technical issues on the day of the interview.
Set Up Your Interview Platform Professionally
Different employers may use different platforms—such as WhatsApp, Skype, or BlueJeans—for video interviews. Since your profile photo and username are often the first things the interviewer will see, make sure both present a professional image. Preparing your platform in advance helps create a strong first impression before the interview even begins.
Join the Interview Early
Treat a video interview the same way you would a traditional face-to-face meeting—arrive early. Have everything set up and ready at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. Being prepared and waiting when the interviewer joins demonstrates professionalism and ensures you don’t keep them waiting.
Stay Engaged and Use Positive Body Language
Treat the conversation as if you were speaking face-to-face. Maintain positive body language, nod to show understanding, and respond naturally to the interviewer. Stay engaged without becoming overly animated; balanced, genuine reactions help you appear confident and attentive throughout the interview.
Follow Up After Your Video Interview
After your interview, send a brief email—ideally through your recruiter—expressing your appreciation for the conversation and your interest in the role. Highlight that you enjoyed learning more about the company and look forward to hearing back soon. This creates a positive final impression and helps set the stage for future discussions.
As video interviews continue to grow in popularity, developing your own preparation routine is essential. With the right planning and practice, you can consistently present yourself confidently and professionally in every online interview.
How to Succeed in Telephone Interviews
How to Prepare for a Telephone Interview
Preparation is just as important for a telephone interview as it is for any other format. Research the industry, the organisation, and the role in advance by reviewing the company’s website, competitor information, and relevant news or industry articles. Avoid searching for information once the interviewer has called.
Plan your responses by identifying examples that demonstrate the skills and qualities listed in the job description or person specification. Having these prepared will help you answer confidently and clearly.
To build confidence, arrange a mock telephone interview with a friend or family member. Use your research and prepared responses to answer their questions as if it were a real interview. Recording the practice session and listening back can also help you understand how you sound and where you can improve.
For more guidance, explore additional tips on interview preparation.
Choose the Right Location for Your Call
Selecting an appropriate location is essential for a successful telephone interview. Avoid noisy or public places and choose a private, quiet space—ideally your home. Inform anyone you live with that you need uninterrupted time, and reduce background noise by closing windows and switching off TVs or radios. Set all electronic devices to silent to prevent distractions during the call.
Use Positive Energy and Confident Posture
Smiling during a telephone interview helps your enthusiasm come through in your voice from the very beginning. To project confidence and energy, take the call while standing, or at minimum, sit upright at a table. Your posture directly influences how clearly and confidently you communicate.
Keep Water Within Reach
Interview nerves and continuous speaking can quickly lead to a dry mouth, making it harder to communicate clearly. Having a glass of water nearby helps you stay comfortable and maintain steady, confident speech throughout the call.
Take Helpful Notes During the Call
If you can multitask comfortably, jot down key details shared by the interviewer as well as the questions you are asked. These notes can be extremely valuable if you progress to a second interview, helping you refine your responses and recall important information.
Answering Questions in a Telephone Interview
Telephone interviews are typically conducted by a member of the HR team, and you should expect questions similar to those asked in a face-to-face interview.
Answer the call professionally and with a positive tone. If your interview time has been scheduled, be prepared when the phone rings. This is a formal conversation, so begin with a greeting such as, “Good morning/afternoon, [your name] speaking.” Avoid slang and maintain a polished, professional tone throughout.
When responding to questions, control the pace of your speech. Although time may be limited, avoid rushing or mumbling. Keep your answers clear, concise, and relevant, demonstrating both your knowledge of the role and your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
One challenge of a telephone interview is the lack of visual cues—you cannot see the interviewer’s expressions or body language. In person, you can use nods and smiles to show engagement, but over the phone you must rely on verbal signals. Use brief interjections such as “I see,” “ok,” or “I understand” to show that you are actively listening. Just be careful not to interrupt while they are speaking.
These techniques help you present yourself professionally and stay connected with the interviewer throughout the conversation.
Dress Professionally Even for a Phone Interview
Although the interviewer cannot see you, it’s still important to dress as you would for a face-to-face interview. Wearing professional clothing helps you get into the right mindset, boosts your confidence, and ensures you treat the conversation with the same seriousness as an in-person meeting.
Use Notes Wisely During the Call
Having your application documents and notes nearby is a key advantage of a telephone interview, but avoid depending on them too much. Interviewers can hear paper rustling and may notice if your answers sound overly rehearsed. Instead, keep brief bullet points as prompts—just enough to guide you without sounding like you’re reading from a script.
Ask for Clarification When Needed
If you miss or do not fully understand a question, do not guess or assume what the interviewer meant. Simply apologise and politely ask them to repeat the question. This ensures you provide an accurate and relevant response, and shows professionalism and attentiveness.
Follow Up After a Telephone Interview
At the end of a telephone interview, don’t simply thank the interviewer and disconnect. Just like in a face-to-face meeting, you are expected to ask a couple of thoughtful questions about the role or the organisation. Avoid asking about salary, holidays, or start dates at this stage.
If the interviewer hasn’t already explained the next steps, it is appropriate to ask about the recruitment process and when you can expect an update.
If you don’t hear back within a couple of weeks, follow up with a polite call or email. Reinforce your interest in the position and thank them again for the opportunity. If the outcome is not successful, use the moment to request feedback so you can improve and strengthen your future applications.
Essential Tips for Effective Job Hunting
Define Your Career Goals
Start by identifying the type of career you want to pursue. This is especially important if you are new to the workforce or considering a career change. Seek guidance from family, mentors, career coaches, or former colleagues to help shape your direction. Establish a clear and realistic goal, outline the steps required to achieve it, and understand what skills or qualifications you already have that support this path. Having well-defined goals allows you to focus your job search on roles you are truly passionate about and that will support your long-term professional growth.
Get Support with Your CV and Cover Letter
Ask a trusted friend, family member, colleague, or career advisor to review your CV and cover letter for accuracy and clarity. Their feedback can help you correct errors and strengthen your presentation. Many job seekers also choose to work with professional CV-writing services to save time and ensure their documents are polished, compelling, and tailored to the roles they are pursuing.
Tailor Your CV for Every Application
Customise your CV for each role you apply for. Review the job description carefully and identify why you are a strong match. Highlight the skills, experience, and measurable achievements that relate directly to the position. Hiring managers often review many applications, so your CV should quickly demonstrate your suitability.
To make this easier, keep a base template of your CV and cover letter. Keep essential sections—such as your contact details and education—consistent, but adjust your skills, achievements, and previous responsibilities to align with each job you target.
Apply with Confidence
Submit applications for roles that genuinely interest you, even if you do not meet every listed requirement. Many employers are open to hiring motivated candidates who learn quickly and can grow into the role with the right guidance. If you meet part of the criteria and believe you can succeed, go ahead and apply. Highlight your strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and relevant transferable skills. Show how your career goals and values align with the company to strengthen your application.
Perform Well in Your Current Role
If you are employed while exploring new opportunities, continue to approach your current role with professionalism, positivity, and commitment. Maintain strong relationships with colleagues and managers throughout your time there. A solid work ethic and respectful attitude can lead to valuable references, recommendations, or even future career opportunities.
Showcase Your Skills with Strong Examples
People remember stories far more than lists of skills. Prepare by identifying experiences and accomplishments that clearly demonstrate the abilities required for the job. Incorporate these examples into your cover letter, and use them during networking conversations or interviews. Apply the STAR method — Situation, Task, Action, and Result — to present your examples in a clear, structured, and compelling way.
Follow Up
After each job interview, send a thank-you email to the hiring manager to show your appreciation and reinforce your interest in the role. If you have not received a response after about a week, follow up with a polite email or phone call. Use this as an opportunity to restate your enthusiasm for the position.
While you wait for an outcome, continue applying for other roles that interest you so you keep your job search active and moving forward.
Plan and Organise Your Job Search
Prepare yourself and your schedule to make your job search more efficient. Decide how many hours per day—or which specific days—you will dedicate to applying for jobs and networking. Ensure your CV and cover letter are updated, and use online templates or examples if you need help improving them. Have a shortlist of two to three references ready, along with their contact information.
Update or create your profile on professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn, and keep a spreadsheet to track the jobs you have applied for, interview dates, and follow-up actions. You may also find it helpful to set up a dedicated professional email account to keep your job search communications organised.
Taking these steps in advance makes the application process smoother, faster, and more effective.
Make Use of Every Job Search Resource
Don’t rely solely on online job searches—use every available resource to expand your opportunities. Reach out directly to companies or hiring managers, attend career fairs, explore social media platforms, and consider support from career counselling services.
Use job search engines to browse openings across job boards, company websites, and professional associations. To stay updated, sign up for daily or weekly email alerts so you never miss a new opportunity.
Research Employers Before You Apply
When you find a job that interests you, take time to research the hiring company before submitting your application. Learning about their culture, benefits, salary expectations, products, services, and work environment helps you determine whether the organisation is a good fit for your goals and qualifications.
This research also provides valuable insights you can reference in your cover letter or during interviews, demonstrating genuine interest and preparation.
Arrange Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are informal conversations with professionals working in industries or organisations that interest you. They are a valuable way to learn more about a role, assess whether you are a good fit, and gain insights that are not always available online. Identify potential contacts through professional networking platforms or industry associations, and request a brief meeting to ask about their experiences and career advice.
Network Consistently
Engage with people and build professional relationships both online and in person. Start conversations at seminars, social events, or industry gatherings, and let others know you’re exploring job opportunities or aiming to work in a specific field.
Networking can lead to valuable advice, introductions, and even access to unadvertised job openings. Strong professional connections may also recommend you for future roles, helping expand your career opportunities.
Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews
Review common interview questions and practise your responses in advance so you are ready when an opportunity arises. Ask a friend, mentor, or professional contact to conduct a mock interview to help you refine your answers and communication style. Strong preparation builds confidence and allows you to feel more comfortable and focused when you attend your next interview.
Build and Expand Your Skillset
If you are new to the workforce or transitioning into a different career, you may need additional training or experience to qualify for certain roles. Consider internships or volunteer opportunities within your chosen industry to gain hands-on experience while continuing your job search. These roles can help you build valuable connections and may even lead to full-time employment.
You can also strengthen your profile by taking online courses, attending workshops, or learning new tools and technologies relevant to your field. As you grow your skills and achieve new milestones, be sure to update your resume to reflect your progress and newly gained capabilities.