Getting your next job can be challenging at the best of times and so the GAI would like to help you with a few hints, tips and templates on how to get that next job. Below you will see a list of links, downloads and resources to help you with preparing your CV, Cover Letter and interview techniques.

Not knowing how to structure their CV is one of the most common problems jobseekers face, so we’ve laid out a simple structure to help you.

CVs should be tailored to each role you apply for, but to save time first create a general CV which can be easily adapted for each employer, based on the job description.

Contact details

Always ensure you use a phone number and email address that you use most often. You will then eliminate the risk of missing that opportunity. 

Personal summary

Your personal summary is typically placed towards to the top of your CV. The summary needs to highlight your experience and includes specific applicable experience in relation to the job advert.

Skills

The skills section needs to capture the reader's attention by making it clear what you can offer. Use bullet points to list the skills and key strengths that you possess and that are relevant to the role. This could vary from particular techniques you've used to complete a job, to software packages you have worked with.

Experience

This section should include your work history and any relevant volunteer or work experience placements. Talk about business or project successes and showcase your skills and experience.

Your other considerations should be:

• Work backwards from your most recent job and don’t leave any gaps (if you travelled, say so)
• If you are a graduate without much experience, highlight the relevant skills that you gained in your course
• List your highest qualifications by institution, course name and grade achieved
• Make sure to include any training courses or professional/industry standard qualifications
• Include any memberships to chartered institutes or relevant organisations such as GAI.

Templates

Click here to download an example of an AI CV template.

Click here to download a CV template.

Your cover letter is an introduction to you and your CV and a chance to capture the attention of your reader. It should aim to demonstrate the qualities that set you apart from other applicants.

Each job application should be tailored to each job you are applying to. Highlight keywords used to describe the skills, training and experience required in the job description. Think back through your own career history for examples of how you have demonstrated that you have what the employer is looking for.

Your cover letter should simply complement your CV by highlighting the most relevant aspects that relate to the position that you are applying for. We would suggest sharing a draft version with a friend/sibling to ensure it reads well and that it is grammatically correct.

Be clear when writing your cover letter consistently focusing on what the point is of a cover letter. List your skills and experience with examples of why you are the right person for the job and company.

What you should include:

• You’ve tailored it to every specific application
• It’s on one page
• It's addressed to a specific individual
• It creates an action plan for specific future contact
• Give it to a friend or someone in your network to review

Templates

Click here for a cover letter template

You will probably want to email your cover letter and CV to the potential employer, unless they use an online form. We would advise sending them as a single document (ideally a PDF) to avoid one becoming separated from the other, unless you are specifically asked not to do so. You do not need to reproduce your cover letter in the body of the email, but a short paragraph explaining the role you are applying for, the source of the enquiry, and a little about yourself is useful.

• Interview Advice:
• Include a bullet point about Product range(s) and services
• Areas of Operation
• Size of Company

FINAL BIT...

You may be asked to interview over a web link. Be aware of your background, manage any noise as much as possible, prevent interruptions, ensure that you are dressed appropriately, and make sure the visible screen name is appropriate.

Good luck!

Preparing for your interview

If you’ve reached interview stage, you must dedicate as much time as possible to learning more about the background of your chosen company. Their website is an obvious starting point and can help you find the following:

• Company values, culture and atmosphere
• Social media pages
• Past projects or case studies
• Publications, press releases and marketing

Make sure you search social media for any news stories which may make talking points. The more information you have, the more you can engage with your interviewer. Questions about previous projects and how they performed reflect excellently on you, so look out for press releases in particular as these will highlight their recent successes.

While having a better handle on the values and history of the organisation will give you more to talk about, it will also help you to see if you would fit well within the team. The interview is as much an opportunity for you to get an impression of the culture as it is an assessment of you.

Your recruiter has developed their own rapport with your interviewers so they can give you some behind the scenes information if you ask for it.

They’ll be able to inform you of the atmosphere of the office, the types of people you’ll be meeting and the level of formal dress required. You’ll always need to be smart, but a full suit and tie may appear too stuffy for some organisations.