CAREER DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION AND RESEARCH CENTER

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CV Preparation and Interview Techniques

CV Preparation

Your CV should be purpose-driven. You don’t need to include everything. Instead of telling your life story, focus on the information that is relevant to the position and valuable to the employer. Conducting preliminary research about the company and the position you are applying for will be advantageous. This research will help determine what information to include and what to leave out. Also, remember that you should tailor your CV for different job applications.

Key Considerations When Preparing Your CV

  • When describing your internship experiences, highlight the skills you gained, the decisions you implemented, and the progress you achieved.
  • Ensure that the skills you mention are applicable to multiple jobs and professions.
  • The format of your CV should be appropriate for the target employer.
  • If you are applying for a creative field, a more flexible and original format may be preferable.
  • For fields like finance or marketing, choose a format that demonstrates your writing and word-processing skills while also showcasing how you can add value to the employer.
  • Having multiple versions of your CV tailored for different situations is beneficial.
  • Keep your CV concise, choose a clear and readable format, and avoid unnecessary information.
  • You can include up to two important references, but you may also state, “References available upon request.” Additionally, be prepared to provide references, including contact details, during the interview.

CV Formatting Guidelines

Paper Size: A4

Font Type: Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica

Font Sizes:

  • Name: 14 pt (larger and bold)
  • Address & Phone Number: 10 pt (minimum readable size)
  • Headings: 13 pt (slightly larger and bold)
  • Body Text: 11 or 12 pt (company and institution names in bold)

Line Spacing: Single

Length: 1-2 pages (if possible)

Special Names: Do not translate proper names (e.g., Le Lycée de Tevfik Fikret, Robert College, TED, etc.). Company names should be written as officially registered, without translation.

Writing Style

  • Convey information directly, clearly, and concisely. Ensure consistency in verb tenses and sentence structure.
  • Use correct punctuation.
  • Prefer bullet points or short sentences over columns for better readability.
  • Avoid jargon, technical terms, and abbreviations (except for commonly used ones and academic degree abbreviations).

Key Considerations During the Writing Process

  • Reflect on all educational, social, and volunteer experiences from the last four years. Document each experience accurately without exaggeration or embellishment.
  • Gather comprehensive details for each experience, including title, organization and activity names, department, dates (month/year), and location.
  • Highlight skills acquired through education, experience, and activities.
  • Structure your CV by considering personal, technical, and professional skills.
  • Go beyond job descriptions by discussing:
    • Projects you have worked on,
    • Results you have achieved,
    • Contributions beyond expectations.
  • Organize all information into relevant categories such as education, work experience, internships, skills, competitions, projects, social activities, awards, and achievements.
  • Prioritize information based on its impact and relevance to the reader.
  • Arrange categories strategically to highlight the most important aspects of your background.
  • Ensure all content fits within 1-2 pages.
  • Maintain a consistent format for categories, headings, and dates, using the same font type and size.
  • Utilize Word’s formatting tools (e.g., italics, bullet points) while ensuring consistency in style.
  • Carefully proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes. Have someone else review your CV for an additional check.
  • Correct any inconsistencies in headings, spacing, and formatting.
  • Verify the accuracy of your personal details, particularly your phone number and email address.

Job Descriptions in Your CV

Writing an effective job description requires an understanding of what makes a CV strong. A compelling CV statement starts with a descriptive adjective and continues with an action verb.

  • Begin with an action verb that describes what you did.
  • Qualify your experience with an appropriate adjective.
  • Use numerical data, such as figures, percentages, and ratios, whenever possible.
  • Clearly indicate the subject of the action.
  • Highlight the results of your actions.
  • Keep sentences as concise as possible.
  • Use past tense when describing completed experiences.
  • If you have performed the same role at multiple companies, describe your experience only under the most recent employer. Simply list the job title for previous positions.

Tips for Your CV

  • Do not include titles such as “CV” or “Resume” at the top of your document.
  • Avoid signing your CV.
  • When sending your CV via fax, include a cover letter specifying whether it is for an internship or a job. If submitting via email, mention the purpose in the email body. If responding to a job posting, include the posting date and reference (REF) number if available.
  • After submitting your CV, follow up with a phone call to confirm its receipt.
  • A poorly written or visually unappealing CV may be overlooked. Remember, recruiters typically spend an average of 10 seconds on an initial review.
  • Spelling and grammar mistakes are unacceptable. Always have at least two people proofread your CV for accuracy.

Interview Techniques

If you are job hunting, you are in one of the most challenging stages—the interview. When applying for a position, you must carefully respond to the questions asked during the interview process. Your answers can either secure you the job or lead to elimination. To leave a great impression, there are several key steps you should take before and after the interview.

Keys to Interview Success

  • Do you know the key qualifications the employer is looking for? Identify what makes you stand out!
  • What factors influence the interviewer’s hiring decision? Understanding this can help you present yourself effectively.

About the Company and Position

  • The questions you ask are just as important as the ones you answer. By asking insightful questions, you can learn more about the company’s philosophy, work environment, the role you are applying for, and the expectations from employees.

Do’s and Don’ts in Interviews

  • Before, during, and after the interview, there are crucial points to consider. Make sure to review professional etiquette, as even the smallest details can have a significant impact.

Before the Interview

  • Know Your Interviewer: Learn and note the name and position of the person conducting the interview.
  • Gather Insider Insights: If you know someone within the company, try to learn more about the interviewer’s role and responsibilities.
  • Plan Your Route: Ensure you know the exact location of the company and how to get there.
  • Dress Professionally: Your appearance matters. Wear clean, coordinated attire and keep accessories, hair, and makeup simple and professional.
  • Prepare Your Questions: Keep notes on your research about the company and any questions you want to ask.
  • Bring Essentials: Carry a pen and a notebook for taking notes.
  • Be Punctual: Arriving early is always better than being late. If you expect a delay of 5 to 10 minutes, inform the interviewer in advance.

During the Interview

  • First Impressions Matter: When meeting the interviewer, shake hands confidently and offer a slight smile.
  • Maintain Professionalism: Even if offered, never smoke during the interview. (Smoking is harmful to health.)
  • Wait for Seating Instructions: Do not sit until you are shown where to sit.
  • Avoid Checking the Time: Looking at your watch during the interview may indicate disinterest.
  • Establish Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact while answering questions. If interviewed by a panel, ensure you engage with each member periodically.
  • Be Honest: If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.”
  • Prepare for Common Questions: You may be asked about your strengths and weaknesses, reasons for leaving a previous job, or to evaluate your former employer. Keep your responses concise and to the point.
  • Be Transparent About Your Career: Avoid withholding or providing misleading information about your career.
  • Ask Insightful Questions: When given the opportunity, inquire about important topics. Remember, interviews are a two-way evaluation process—you are also assessing the employer.
  • Understand the Role: You may ask why the position is available.
  • Clarify Reporting Structure & Work Environment: It is reasonable to ask whom you would report to and how the department operates.
  • Avoid Discussing Salary & Benefits Too Soon: Do not bring up compensation, leave policies, or benefits unless a job offer is extended.
  • Conclude Professionally: At the end of the interview, shake hands confidently, offer a brief smile, and thank the interviewer without overdoing it.

After the Interview

  • Evaluate the Interview: Reflect on the discussion and assess your overall performance.
  • Assess the Job Opportunity: Consider whether the company and position align with your career goals.
  • Follow Up if Necessary: If you haven’t received a response within 2-3 weeks, follow up with a phone call to check the interview outcome. This demonstrates your interest in the position and your determination.