Looking for a
Permanent Role
- Simply call one of our friendly staff on 020 7355 2772 to tell us about yourself or email your CV to us at consultants@valwade-recruitment.co.uk
- If we think we can help you in your job search we will arrange a convenient time for you to come in and register and meet with one of our consultants.
- If you have applied to us for a specific job via a jobsite you will receive an automatic email response from us. Your details will be passed onto one of our consultants who will then call you to discuss your requirements and the specific role. If your CV matches the job specification, then we will arrange for you to come in and meet with us.
- If Val Wade Recruitment has been recomended to you, please let us know who by.
What to bring when you come to register
When you come to our offices to register please bring along your passport together with any relevant visas. This enables us to confirm your eligibility to work in the UK.
If you are looking for temporary work you will need to give us details of two recent referees who we can contact and your national insurance number.
What to expect
When you arrive we will ask you to fill out our brief registration form, together with a grammar and numeracy test. You will then meet your consultant and have an informal interview. We will talk about your work experience, skills and the type of role you are seeking. You should allow an hour if possible.
We will ask you to take any appropriate software tests (eg Word, Excel and Powerpoint).
After that, we will talk to you about any suitable positions we are recruiting for, matching your skills and aspirations.
Keeping in touch
We will keep you updated regularly by telephone and email. We will also ask you to keep us informed of any change in your circumstances.
We look forward to meeting you.
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Interview questions and tips
Preparation
- Research the company – look at the website, read the company brochure and keep up to date with the news.
- Find out as much as possible about the role so that you know the questions you want to ask when you get there. Your consultant will be able to give you a job specification if available.
- Focus on the relevant skills and abilities you have to offer the company and the role.
- Look objectively at your CV and work out what questions the interviewer may ask and prepare answers to these.
- Work out your route to the interview in advance and have a London A–Z with you or use http://maps.google.co.uk/.
- Dress smartly and ensure your appearance is clean and tidy.
- Make sure you are on time. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early and remember the name of the person who is interviewing you.
- Once in the interview, remember to smile, give a firm handshake and maintain good eye contact throughout.
- Talk slowly and clearly and be enthusiastic.
- Ensure that your mobile phone is turned off.
Frequently asked interviewer’s questions
An interviewer will always be able to tell if you have prepared and this shows that you are interested in the role and the company. Remember, the interviewer isn’t trying to catch you out – they’re just trying to get to know you and whether you’ll be right for the position.
- Tell me about yourself. (Prepare 3 or 4 positive sentences).
- What are your strengths? (Think of 2 or 3 work related strengths).
- What are your weaknesses? (Ensure that any weaknesses are things which could also be viewed as positive).
- Why should we employ you?
- Why do you want this job?
- Why do you want to work for this company?
- What could you bring to this role? (Demonstrate your skills and abilities possibly drawing on past experience or similarities between this role and your current role).
- How do you think we make our money?
- Where do you see yourself in 2 years’ time?
- What do you like/dislike about your current role?
- Describe your key duties and responsibilities.
- Why do you want to leave your current role? (Be careful not to be derogatory about your company, boss or colleagues).
- How do you deal with deadlines? Give me an example.
- How many people do you work for?
- What have been the key challenges in your current role?
- What have you learned from your time with your current company?
- Give me an example of when you…? (This is likely to be specific to the job, but for example, it might be when you showed initiative, leadership skills, dealt with a difficult situation or coped under pressure).
- How would you deal with an irate customer/client?
- What do you think makes a good PA/secretary/receptionist?
- What is your current salary and what are your salary expectations for your next role?
- Have you had any other interviews or offers?
- Do you have any holidays planned?
Questions to ask your interviewer
It is good to have a few questions prepared to ask your interviewer.
- Ask the interviewer how long they have been with the firm and about their background.
- Why does the job exist?
- Does the company offer any training and development?
- How soon are they looking for someone to start?
- What are the company’s plans for the future?
- If you are feeling confident that the interview has gone well and are interested in the position, do let the interviewer know – genuine enthusiasm is a great selling point.
- It’s always nice to thank the interviewer for his/her time at the end of the interview.
What happens next?
- After your interview it is important to telephone your consultant at Val Wade Recruitment immediately with your feedback.
- If your first interview goes well, it is likely you will have a second and maybe even a third so make sure you stay in regular contact with your consultant.
- If you are offered the position, your consultant will liaise between you and the client to arrange an offer letter/contract.
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Here are some general tips:
Before you start
Think about the impression you want your CV to make on a prospective employer. You want to optimise your experience without exaggerating it. How do you do this? Take some time to think about the following:
- Your core strengths and experience. (This doesn’t have to be just in the work place).
- The job you are applying for and the skills the employer is likely to be looking for.
- Your past jobs, main responsibilities, skills you have developed and what you have achieved.
The layout
- Keep it short – two pages are ideal, use bullet points wherever possible.
- Make sure it is well presented, typed in Word format.
- Read it to make sure there are no spelling or typing errors – do not rely on spell checkers as they mostly use US spelling and they do not always check for grammatical errors.
- Be consistent – with heading, full stops etc.
- Do not lie or exaggerate – ever!
Headings
Personal Details
- Your name, address, contact numbers and email address.
- Nationality – include the length of your working visa if appropriate.
- Languages spoken – if you speak any languages other than English, list them together with you level of proficiency (eg conversational or fluent).
- Skills eg Computer Literacy – list the packages with which you are familiar and give an indication of your level of proficiency (eg basic, intermediate, advanced). We can help with this when you do the tests at our office.
Employment History
- Always start with your current or most recently held position and work backwards.
- Include all the positions you have held with full dates (month and year).
- Account for any gaps in your CV, such as travelling, bringing up children or any unemployed periods.
- For each position, state clearly the company name, location and the nature of the business (if not immediately obvious) and your job title. You then need to give a short description of your responsibilities and achievements.
Education
- List the universities, colleges and schools you attended, including their location and the dates you were there. Include details of degrees, professional qualifications and A level/GCSEs achieved with grades.
- List recognised training courses (eg Health & Safety), including date and length of course.
Interests
- Keep this section brief and only include genuine interests you are happy to discuss.
References
- You may prefer to write “Available on Request” to both save space and tailor your referees to the role.
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