In this section, we will try to provide you with what the sum total of our long experience in running interviews and assessing and choosing candidates for different positions.

The information provided is intended to be an aid in your job hunt. Through this information, you can learn how to prepare a resume that sells. You can also get insights into what it takes to really impress at interviews. And if you are looking for more structured feedback, you will find out how to develop your business and interpersonal skills through some of our specially structured training courses.

Preparing Your CV

First things first – Making the right impression

 Your CV is your best marketing tool.
It is the first hard evidence your potential employer will use to judge you. Consider it your own personal sales brochure. So why not make it as succinct and eye-catching as possible? Surprisingly enough, even in finance, style is as important as substance. No experience, skill or personality makes up for a poorly prepared CV. If you cannot produce a professional document, you invite an employer to question your overall competence.

Some pointers on writing an eloquent, persuasive CV:

-Length
Conventional wisdom says to restrict resumes to a single page. This may be a terrible mistake. It is impossible to include a summary of an accomplished executive's responsibilities, qualifications and achievements in such a limited space. If anything, it's easier for employers to evaluate specific responsibilities and achievements if they are spelled out, rather than merely glossed over. Decision makers want to learn more about you, not less. Put yourself in the employer's shoes:

- Does your CV highlight the skills necessary for the job?
- Is the information clearly presented?

 I f you are applying for a specific position, include a cover letter. This is your opportunity to further highlight the parts of your career that make you appear better suited for the position.

- Content
Bullet points break up the text on a resume. However, avoid using just one or two words. For example, instead of citing "reconciliation" as a responsibility, say you were "responsible for all multi-currency bank reconciliations" or "assisted with the reconciliations of major balance sheet items." Use bullet points to highlight examples of your initiative. Adopt a positive tone by using action-oriented words and phrases.

 - Detail
Employers like CV's that show initiative and the ability to influence others. Think about the elements that make up a particular task and whether you can break them down further. Include all of these elements on your CV separately. The more duties you list, the more an employer will know. Ideally, that employer should know what you are prepared for. List your work experience in reverse chronological order; start with your present position.

Save the greatest detail for your current position or any lengthy periods in one role/company. If you have had various positions within the same company, divide the period and responsibilities for each, instead of grouping them together at the end. Do not leave any gaps in your CV. Future employers will track your employment record fully. If you spent time traveling overseas, say so. If you are currently in public practice and looking to move into industry and commerce, highlight services you have rendered to clients other than audits.

Effective Cover Letters

 When you apply for a job. Always send your CV with a cover letter and make it relevant to the job.

Demonstrate from the beginning that you have thought about why you have applied, and what you can bring to the role, and your CV will be read. Every hour spent in preparation saves two spent scouring the situations vacant.

 The cover letter is crucial. It's your foot in the door. If your letter is good, your CV will be read. If it's brilliant, you are probably half-way to the interview already.

 First, the obvious bit. Always make sure you address the letter to the right person. It is so obvious, it is easy to forget. So make sure you do not forget it.

Next, make the letter job-specific. If you demonstrate that you have thought about the demands of the job, you will look impressive. A generic cover letter on the other hand, looks lazy and unfocused.

 Give them a reason to see you. Highlight your most appropriate skills and achievements, and how they might benefit the company. This is your first chance to stand out from the competition and showing an appreciation of the company's issues will do you no harm.
And do not be tempted to run through your entire CV, that will be read if you generate enough interest with the letter. Here, less is most definitely more.

 Finally, read, read and read again. Spelling and punctuation errors will make you look like an amateur. This is a serious business document .

Impressing at interviews:

- Be prepared !!
Your interview begins as soon as you get the call. If you do your research, you will look committed.

Always review your CV. You will be quizzed about it - have positive answers ready. And look again at the job description - you will need to show that your experience can benefit the company.

 - You might be brilliant, but…
If you don't look smart, or don't show up on time, you'll look unprofessional.

 - Arrive early. Be punctual.
Plan to arrive five or ten minutes early in case you have difficulty locating the address. If you do find yourself running behind, call the person you are meeting to let him or her know how late you'll be and why.

 - Always dress for the position you aspire to.
Not the position you have. That way, the interviewer can visualize you in the job. Avoid avant-garde clothing, or overdone make-up and accessories. And whenever unsure, err on the side of conservatism. Your choice of clothing, grooming habits and general presentation speaks volumes about you.

 - Smile.
Who isn't attracted to friendly people? Establish eye contact. It makes you come across as sincere and open, never socially challenged. Give a strong handshake and smile as you introduce yourself. Steer away from negative words, and always try your best to put a positive spin on things.

 - Prepare.
Find out as much as possible about the company. Your interviewer will see your efforts as a sign of commitment. You can also use this information to help shape your answers. After the interview It is always good to know what kind of impression you have made. So, if you do not get an offer after the interview, find out why from your recruiter. That way, you can factor it into your next interview, wherever it may be.

The Interview Meeting

At first, the questions asked may seem daunting, even out-of-bounds. Fortunately, BusinessLink Egypt has invested considerable time and money understanding this technique. As a result, we are in a position to help you with the appropriate responses.

For starters, recognize that good interviewers dig deep into your past experiences hoping to learn more about how you have already behaved in a variety of on-the-job situations. So be prepared for questions that focus on a prescribed set of key performance criteria. That is how the interviewer will assess your technical and personal skills.

To succeed in this sort of interview, know yourself well and articulate your responses honestly and concisely. And be sure to listen aggressively. If you understand and interpret the questions properly, you can draw on relevant past experiences to illustrate your answers.

Following are some examples of questions you may face. Since every situation you have faced is unique, be sure to let the interviewer know about the specific limitations you had to deal with. And remember that since these questions are supposed to be personal and enlightening, your responses should be too. Take care not to sound insincere or overly rehearsed.

Q:   Tell me about yourself
A: The interviewer is really saying "I want to hear you talk". Use this opportunity to summarize your qualifications, career history and abilities, emphasizing those skills relevant to the job in question. This is not an invitation to relate childhood memories in great detail. Spend a maximum of four minutes on your response.

Q: What have been your key achievements to date?
A: The interviewer is trying to find out if you are an achiever. Describe a fairly recent, work-related achievement. Identify the skills it demanded and its benefit to the company. For example: "My greatest achievement was to design and implement a new sales ledger computer system, bring it in ahead of time and improve our debtors position significantly, thereby saving the company $100,000 a month."

Q: Are you happy with your career to date?
A: The interviewer is really trying to gauge your self-esteem, confidence, career aspirations and whether you are a happy, positive person. Your answer must always be, "yes." If, however, you've hit a career plateau or you feel you are moving too slowly, feel free to qualify your answer.

Q:   What do you dislike about your current job?
A: The interviewer is trying to find out whether the job in question involves tasks you dislike. Answer this one with extreme caution. If you're too specific you may draw attention to weaknesses. A safe approach is to play up a characteristic of your present company that's different from the company you're talking to. For example, if your corporation is large, you might say you are frustrated with slow decision-making. Or if it's small, you could say that a lack of opportunities makes you feel unfulfilled

Q: What are your strengths?
A: There are no excuses for being unprepared for this question. The interviewer wants a straightforward answer as to what you are good at and how you can add value. Concentrate on discussing three or four of your strengths and how they could benefit the employer. Strengths to consider include technical proficiency, ability to learn quickly, determination to succeed, a positive attitude, your ability to relate to people or achieve a common goal. Be prepared to cite examples.

Q: What are your weaknesses?
A: A favorite of interviewers, this one is really about your level of self-awareness. So, don't say you do not have any. When is knowing your weaknesses your greatest strength? When is it just a weakness? Can you share your past in a way that demonstrates you have a future?

     Weaknesses: Just name one in an area that is not vital for the job. Or, describe a personal or professional weakness that could also be considered a strength, and the steps you have taken to combat it. For example, "I know my team thinks I'm too demanding at times. I tend to drive them pretty hard, but I'm getting much better at using the carrot and not the stick." Do not select a personal weakness such as "I'm not a morning person."

Q: Why do you want to leave your current job?
A: Your response to this should be straightforward. State how you are looking for more challenge, responsibility, experience and a change of environment. Never give negative reasons for leaving. Finally, it's hardly ever appropriate to cite salary as your primary motivation.

- Other Questions to consider:
These questions are designed to draw out character traits such as sensitivity, leadership, tenacity, rapport building, behavioral flexibility, independence and resilience. The interviewer also uses them simply to get to know you. If you do not have an opinion or answer, then do not give one. If you are honest, it will be apparent and you will never find yourself backed into a corner.

Where would you like to be in five years?
How would your colleagues describe you?
Why should I give this job to you?
How do you feel about working long hours/weekends?
What can you bring to this organization?
Which part of this role is least attractive to you?
Do you prefer to work alone or in a group? Why?
What are you looking for in a company?
Have you received any work-related awards for outstanding performance?
Have you taken any skills-related courses recently?
Can you give an example of when you had to delegate authority and/or responsibility?
What systems do you use to keep track of things that require your attention?
What are some responsibilities you have taken on? Why?
Have you ever had to discipline or correct a friend on the job? How did you handle it?
Give an example of when you worked the hardest and felt the greatest sense of achievement.
What are the biggest decisions you have made in the last year?
When have you delayed decisions to give yourself more time to think?

 - Some questions to avoid

If you ask about career progression, do not get carried away! If your interest in future roles outweighs your enthusiasm for the job on offer, it may look like you do not plan on sticking around too long.
Never voice any reservations about the job. Your fears may prove to be groundless and you can always turn down second interviews or offers once you have thought about it.

Finally, do not get bogged down in terms and conditions – we will fill you in at the offer stage. If you get to talk money, always indicate your salary range - it gives you room to negotiate to your advantage if they decide they want you.