Dress code depends on the job, but make an effort. I've been lucky to have interviews that has no dress code as they're more interested in your skills - I think it's a bit presumptuous making a decision in one day, but that's the requirement of some jobs. Get there ten minutes before the interview, and if they ask if you want a drink, ask for water everytime! Take the water in with you (if you're allowed).
Keep your CV relevant to the job.
Put your name and address on one line at the top of the page.
The first paragraph should be your experience relevant to the position you are applying for. Don't go straight into the 'work experience' list. Keep it to two pages on one piece of A4 - I saw a CV that was done on coloured paper with crazy fonts, with each title to a section (eg work experience) on a separate page.
The best thing I learnt with CV is to make it look bespoke for the job - like an application inside a CV. That first paragraph is really important. Also to make it readable, and not like a statistics manual.
!Set it out like this:
NAME
Address, phone number, email address
Personal ProfileI am an enthusiastic and hard working XXPOSITIONXX, with excellent XXSKILL #1XX and XXSKILL #2XX skills using XXWHATEVER TOOLS/SKILLSET YOU HAVE DEVELOPED OR USED/LEARNTXX. I have gained experience through positions in the XXXX industry as a XXPOSITIONXX. I have been working for the past two years as a XXXXX. My single ambition is to XX INSERT AMBITIOUS SPEWING HERE XX
Summary of Key Skills* 14 years experience in different aspects of XXFIRST SKILLXX, including XXSECOND SKILLXX.
* Successfully worked to deadlines and constant design brief changes, managing my own work to the specifications of the client and to design briefs,
* Experience in senior and directorate roles, including managing projects and staff of different disciplines,
* Excellent interpersonal skills, eager to work with colleagues on problem solving and developing new techniques and workarounds,
* Actively working for the cause and completion of the project I am working on, committing all my effort that is required including working extra hours whenever it is required, constantly improving my skills through learning and using new software, and continuing to work at this in my spare time outside of work.
Professional ExperienceXXX Put relevant experience here - if you leave anything out, you can bring it up in the interview if they ask. Make this in list format like this:
TITLE - COMPANY
MONTH YEAR STARTED - PRESENT
I am currently employed by XXXX as a XXXX. My main duty here is XXXX. The position has allowed me to develop my skills as a XXXXX ... I have learnt XXXX ... I like working in the XXXX environment, etc etc.
TITLE - COMPANY
MONTH YEAR STARTED - MONTH YEAR FINISHED
Blah blah,
I left this role as I was made redundant/ etc
XXX
About MePut your interests here to reassure your interviewer you are a human being.
I found writing down things to say in the lead up to the interview a massive help. Make sure you know what to say when you are asked 'Tell me/us about yourself'. Research the company (their website and google)!
I've always found that when they ask a question, it's easy to turn it round by following up with a question for them (Tell us about our company - tell them what you know about the company - but then query something you read about the company!)
^ Probably of no help, but it's always got me a second interview!
