HMForces

Wondering which questions you'll be asked during your job interview? You should expect the usual ones, such as "Where do you see yourself in five years?" and "What's your greatest weakness?" But then there are more colorful questions, such as "What animal best describes you?" and "If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want to ...

1. Why do you want to work in this industry? Bad answer: “I love to shop. Even as a kid, I spent hours flipping through catalogues.” Don’t just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story. Good answer: “I've always loved shopping, but my ...

Many people think of their list of references as an after-thought, something employers only look at after you dazzle them with your killer resume and stunning interview skills. But references can actually help you get your foot in the door, if they carry enough weight. Big names and impressive titles can grab the attention of potential employers. Most industries are ...

In today’s economy, you need to carefully present your experience to avoid being seen as unstable. Start by evaluating your situation and determining how bad it really is. If you are panicking about two months of unemployment back in 1984, your job search will probably not be affected. However, if you are dealing with recent periods of unemployment extending for months ...

When a woman we'll call Mary was offered a high-level student-services position at a prestigious University, she was thrilled to accept. But two years later, Mary was fired despite strong performance reviews and a reputation as a rising star at the college. The reason? She lied on her CV- and got caught. An HR initiative requiring employees to furnish college transcripts ...

Six months ago, you were laid off from your executive job by a company that's now six feet under. You've sent out 800 CVs, done one interview, received zero offers. You blew through the severance pay in two months, the health insurance is gone and your unemployment benefits are about to expire. You find yourself looking lower and lower, and occasionally ...

It's a catch-22: You want a job to gain experience, but you can't find a job because previous experience is required. Don't be discouraged. You can still put your best foot forward and have a shot at the job. Follow these steps to create a winning CV: h4. Select the Right Format The two most effective CV formats for entry-level workers ...

You need a job but aren't sure of your career direction right now, or maybe this tough job market has left you willing to consider just about any position. Remember that while it's great to have an open mind regarding your objective, an unclear objective can pose a problem when developing your CV. The most effective CV's are targeted to a ...

Your employer just let you go. You need to find another job, but how should you handle your termination on your CV? The days when you signed on with a company and stayed with it until retirement are gone. In today's climate, employers are much more understanding when they see a less-than-perfect work chronology. Follow these tips regarding losing your job ...

Are your fellow job seekers leaving you in the dust, nabbing the great jobs because they have educational credentials that you lack? Follow these tips to put your best foot forward on your CV and compete with others who have more impressive educational backgrounds. h4. Emphasize Your Strongest Credentials Think about why an employer should hire you out of all the ...

Individuals with criminal histories face numerous obstacles when seeking employment, so it's important they make the one document that can open doors - the CV - as effective as possible. Follow these tips to ensure your CV is ready to go: h4. Don't Reference Your Criminal Background The purpose of a CV is to help you secure a job interview. For ...

Cover Letter Etiquette People looking for jobs can often spend countless hours developing their CV’s and then treat cover letters as an afterthought. This can be a critical mistake; the cover letter can help your CV get noticed. Think of the cover letter as your CV’s top section. To make the best impression, follow these etiquette rules: Say No to the ...

Although a good CV can’t get you a job, a poor CV will keep you from getting one. A CV is a professional marketing tool, a written record of your accomplishments and professional credentials. Because it usually represents the first impression a prospective employer will have of you, your CV must be top-notch in format, content, and appearance. Follow these simple ...

Your CV is designed to do one thing and one thing only: to get you an interview. Yet the average recruiter will only spend between 20 to 30 seconds glancing at your CV which means that you need to make an impression quickly and sell yourself. Your personal statement is your first opportunity to do just that. It is perhaps the ...

Express your skills in cutting-edge civilian lingo. Make sure you translate your MOs into civilian skills. As you are developing your CV, it is crucial that you do not use military acronyms, slang, jargon or terms. Civilian employers just do not understand military terminology. Here are some additional guidelines to overcome the translation problem: • Avoid acronyms and abbreviations. Write out ...

Former military personnel have one advantage over their civilian counterparts: Personal Development Records. Use them! Each evaluation should describe your duties, the number of people you were responsible for, and will point out bulleted, performance-related results. Use these *RESULTS* to sell yourself. Employers need to see accomplishments that they can relate to with regard to the open position. The hiring manager ...

You're leaving the service and are faced with the daunting task of developing your CV. No doubt your military or naval career is studded with accomplishments, but even the most decorated veteran needs to work out how to make the transition to a civilian position. Follow these tips to draft a high-impact CV that shows how your military experience is ...

Whether you’ve been in the civilian workforce or not, HMForces.co.uk’s CV Centre has all the tips you need to write an effective CV. Translate your MoD experiences and qualifications into civilian lingo, use your Personal Development Record, and avoid the common mistakes military personnel make on CVs. Build or Upload Your CV Now So Employers Can Find You Out of Uniform: ...