Your CV is Your Power - Use it to Master Interviews

Are you sure about what's currently in your CV? Are you totally sure it hits the mark for those jobs you're planning to / in the middle of applying for? Could your CV be better?

These are all questions to ask oneself when applying for roles, but what if you've already applied? Imagine then, that you are in the interview for the coveted role and they are asking you simple or detailed questions about your CV that you can't answer.

This is not optimal interview performance and it could let you down.

Why reviewing your CV prior to an interview matters

• Boosts confidence: Familiarity with your career history improves fluency in interviews, shows you know your value and that you can articulate yourself - a sought-after skill.
• It's the first thing interviewers see and forms the basis of many interview questions.
• Helps you recall key achievements and responsibilities.
• Shows preparedness and self-awareness.
• Allows you to align your experience with the job description.
• Helps you to tailor responses with relevant examples.
• Prepares you for "walk me through your CV" or "tell me about yourself."
• Spot potential red flags - be ready to explain any inconsistencies.
• Identify talking points.

Essential Tips for Reviewing Your CV Before the Interview

• Reread and rewrite it for the role, meeting job requirements where possible.
• Have a think about the results of certain actions - answer the 'so-what' factor as much as you can - as well as the 'why's, the 'whats' and the 'by how much'.
• Annotate it with notes and reminders.
• Practice answering questions based on bullet points in your CV.
• If budget allows, enlist a diligent CV writer to help.

Prepare for job interviews, receive CV preparation tips and gain interview confidence by procuring a consultative CV writer who is not only highly knowledgeable about what should go in your CV but passionate about adding value to your life.

• Avoid being caught off-guard by questions about your work history.
• Sharpen your answers with real, relevant examples.
• Show up with confidence, because you know exactly what you bring to the table.

If you are considering a CV service, choose one that entails an in-depth interview with the writer asking both pre-prepared and ad hoc questions - they should be well-versed in probing on key actions, reasons, results, company figures, before/after figures and suchlike.

The writer should expand on both existing content and your answers to ensure the 'so what?' factor is answered, i.e. what were the results, the business/client/societal benefits?

This will result in a CV that is accurate, on point, with the right amount of detail and, essentially, the detail that will 'sell' you.

You will also be thoroughly familiar and confident with your CV - and able to articulate key points due to the practice you have received in the CV consultation.

What other benefits are there?

The information gathering process as part of a CV writing service is proven to clarify core skills, traits, outstanding achievements, USPs, personal / career objectives and pathways, building confidence and direction - transforming people's careers for the better, starting with that all-important first interview!

Reviewing your CV isn't just a formality - it's a strategic move that can and does transform people's lives for the better.

For in-depth CV writing, CV reviewing and job interview preparation services from a 'best practice' CV writer (cited by recruiters), look no further than Winning CVs. Contact Becky on: 07928 525 882 or send an email to: becky@winningcvs.com