By Aneela Aziz

How to sell yourself on a CV and during a Job interview
You always have to sell yourself, whilst looking for a job or if you are going for a job interview, as it encourages employers to hire you.

Sell yourself on a CV
Employers consider your CV, and make a decision as to whether they should offer an interview, based on whether they are impressed by what they have read. To be successful, you need to make your CV stand out. Presentation is key to a CV don’t make it too cluttered and keep the layout simple. Make it easy to read and follow keeping it at 2 sides maximum, so use bullet points, as they are great way to simplify points making them clear and concise.

In the personal profile section, make sure the information caters to  the job you’ve applied for. Your potential employer wants to know that you would fit well within the firm and what you hope to achieve in this role. This is why you mention skills that are relevant, specifically to the line of work, or skills that are relevant for your job, for example, time management, organisation and planning skills. This section of your CV is to really sell yourself and provide examples of skills so document what you have gained in every work experience role, position of responsibility, extra- curricular activity/role to make you more employable.  In a CV,  talk yourself up, as you are trying to show them that you are a ‘must have’ candidate, so flaunt your talent and remember your CV will be the first impression with a potential employer!

Sell yourself on an interview
Impression on the day important make sure your appearance is fit for the job title so formal code of dress. Posture, a strong handshake and good eye contact all make up a first impression so make it a good one! 

When you have applied for a job and the employer really thought you stood out on your CV, the next stage is selling yourself at an interview. It is the chance for the employer to find out about you and whether you can fit into the company and are a chance to show off and expand on all the skills you have, so make sure you know your CV. Before going into an interview, research the company and job see if the company has been in the news recently or has any awards to its name, and really sell yourself as employers really like it when you have a insight on the firm itself. Also, be prepared before the interview and prepare answers to the questions most likely to be asked. Then practice the questions, using a family member or friend if you find that will be easier for you.

Prepare questions to ask the interviewer to show you have a real interest in being part of the company, and want to work for the business.  On the day,  re-read your CV beforehand, so you know it and make sure you are 15 minutes early as you don’t want to be late and present a negative impression! Sound enthusiastic to keep the employer entertained, and use unique experiences, for example, if you have done something unusual, it will help make you stand out and keep the interviewers attention. If you don’t understand a question just be honest. Thank them at the end of the interview and shake their hand, maintaining confidence and a good posture until out of sight.