British CV And Interview Tips

Applying For A UK job: CV And Job Interview Tips

British CV and Interview Tips will assist aspirants in finding work in the UK. If you want a job in the UK, this guide explains how to write a British style CV and cover letter plus information and tips on job interviews in the UK.

British CV And Interview Tips

When you find a job in the UK, improve your chances of landing it by customizing your resume and interview technique to meet British companies’ demands. You’ll need to learn how to complete a British job application form, put together a British-style CV, and write an accompanying cover letter if you want to have the best chance possible of landing a job in the UK. To help you avoid making  errors, you’ll also need to be aware of what to expect during a job interview. Keep reading to learn more about British CV And Interview Tips

Job Application In The UK

A brief covering letter could be requested when you apply for a job in the UK. This goes along with a CV or an application form. Regardless of the path you choose, your application must always be concise, clear, and well-structured with no grammatical or spelling mistakes. If required, ask a friend who speaks English to review your application.

Avoid the temptation to send in your resume instead of an application form if the position requires one; the resume will likely be discarded and your application will be rejected. It is not customary in the UK to send references or educational certificates, so only include them if requested with your original application.

Unless the job posting specifies otherwise, you must submit your application in English.

The Job Description and Job Specification

British firms typically give potential employees a job description explaining the position’s requirements, tasks, and responsibilities. A chart illustrating the relationship between the role and the rest of the organization, including the line of management, is occasionally included. You can also receive a person specification, or “spec,” outlining the qualifications that the perfect applicant must possess.
When creating your CV or application form and covering letter, use these information. This demonstrates to the company how your qualifications, talents, and experience are in line with their needs.

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Completing Application Forms For UK Jobs

Spend some time reading through attentively, and make sure the form is filled out completely, accurately, and without any mistakes or corrections. Answers should be initially written out roughly or in pencil. If necessary, you can typically use a different sheet. You’ll be questioned about your credentials and experience, but you might also be asked to submit an essay outlining your qualifications for the position, your strengths and flaws, and your motivation for applying.

How To Prepare A CV In The UK

  1. Keep your UK CV to a maximum of two sides of A4 paper.
  2. Presentation is very important, use good quality paper and lay out the information clearly.
  3. Put ‘ your name – CV’ at the top of the first page as a heading.
  4. For some professions in marketing and the media, you might want to open your CV with a short personal statement that sums up your qualifications and goals in no more than four lines.
  5. Put the most recent information about your credentials and professional experience first, in reverse chronological order.
  6. Avoid clichés and broad generalizations when describing your experience and skills and make sure you relate them to the position.

Items To Include In A British CV

When writing your CV in the UK, you should provide the details in the following order:

Required Items In A British CV

Items Details
Your personal details: Name, date of birth, address, e-mail, and phone number. There’s no need to include your marital status or whether you do or don’t have children.
Employment History: If you’ve been working for a year or more then put your employment history next, with the employer’s name, type of company (unless it’s obvious) and address, the position held with dates, and a bullet point list of key responsibilities and/or achievements.  If it’s your first job, then put education first, followed by work experience.
Education: University name and details, dates, name of the courses taken, and qualification with grade. Don’t forget to mention any prizes or special work relevant to the job for which you’re applying. Then comes secondary education: name and address of school, dates with qualifications and grades (leave out poor grades).
Skills: Computer skills, specifying Mac or PC, and listing details of software/applications and level of knowledge, languages, with level of fluency, and whether you have a driving licence for the UK (if relevant).
Interests and achievements: Only if they are relevant to the job you’re applying for, or are of particular interest. Keep this section brief.
Referees: At the end, add the names and contact details of two referees who have agreed to support your application (don’t forget to ask them first).

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How To Write A British-Style Cover Letter

  1. British covering letters are often written digitally on single-sided paper.
  2. They are frequently formal and succinct. Make sure the right person receives the letter.
  3. You should include the position you’re applying for and the source of the advertisement (if appropriate).
  4. Give a brief explanation of your motivation for applying for the job as well as what draws you to this particular organization.
  5. Then, elaborate on what you can bring to the firm and how your qualifications and experience make you the ideal candidate for the position.
  6. “Yours sincerely,” followed by your signature and name in print, should be used to close the letter.

British Job Interviews And The Selection Procedure

Only if you have been offered an interview will the employer contact you after you have submitted your application.
Some firms receive so many applications for a single opening that they are unable to notify applicants who were unsuccessful.
It is appropriate to get in touch with the company and inquire when they will be creating their shortlist of candidates for interviews if you haven’t heard from them within a week of the application deadline.
They may call or email you an invitation to attend an interview.

Keep reading to a get a full grasps of British CV And Interview Tips.

The British Interview Process

You might go through one, two, or a number of interviews, depending on the position. They may have a one-on-one or two-on-one interview with the line manager or a member of the human resources or personnel department, or they may have a panel interview with up to six interviewers.

In some structured or competency-based interviews, you will be asked a series of questions about the personal qualities necessary to perform the job and to provide examples of situations where you have demonstrated these qualities (for example, “describe a situation where you had to overcome a difficult obstacle”).

Others are more akin to discussions centered on your resume or application form. As part of the British interview procedure, you could also be required to undergo psychometric tests or other examinations.

In general, the longer you go without hearing from the company, the less likely it is that you will be given the job. You may be contacted the following day, within a few days, or even within a few weeks.

If you don’t receive the job, you can try gently asking for feedback on your interview via email or phone.

How To Write A Cover Letter For A General Worker

Top Tips For Passing British Job Interview

  1. Prior to the interview, get informed about the company and the industry at large. Also, review your application and resume to be prepared for inquiries about them.
  2. Prepare a few thought-provoking questions for the employer (and not just about pay or holidays). If you want to take notes during the interview, bring a notepad.
  3. First impressions are important, so dress professionally; for example, if you have tattoos, you might want to consider concealing them.
  4. Be punctual.
  5. You should give the interviewer a solid handshake and wait to sit down until you are prompted.
  6. Before the interview begins, there may be some light conversation to help you feel more at ease. Be cordial, but keep in mind that it affects the impression you convey.
  7. Make eye contact and smile. If there are multiple interviewers, begin your response by addressing the interviewer who posed the question, but make sure to address the other interviewers as well.
  8. Never hesitate to seek clarification.
  9. Avoid giving simple yes/no responses or being overly succinct, but also avoid droning on.
  10. Don’t be hesitant to engage in conversation during the interview; the interviewer may purposely challenge your answers to start a dialogue. Just remember to always be polite and maintain your composure.
  11. Refrain from boasting or exaggerating about your accomplishments since you risk coming out as arrogant.
  12. Don’t be critical of former employers.
  13. Take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions that almost usually comes at the conclusion of British interviews.
  14. Thank the interviewers when the conversation is over.

Typical British Interview Questions

The common interview questions in the United Kingdom are;

  1. ‘what are your main weaknesses and strengths?’ and
  2. ‘where do you see yourself in five years’ time; therefore, prepare your responses in advance.

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