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Most candidates know how important the presentation and structure of their CV is in getting to the interview stage in the job search, especially at times when there is intense competition.

What is more difficult, perhaps, is finding ways of giving a CV extra impact and perhaps the most vital thing to remember in this context is that you have just seven seconds to convince the selectors not to put it on the reject pile.

The CV is your initial sales pitch and most obvious things are to make sure spelling and grammar are checked and rechecked, particularly but not exclusively if the position you are applying for is in secretarial administrative, PA or EA roles, where the work you would carry out has to make a good impression on potential clients and customers outside the organisation.

It is also well known that answers to questions should be direct and to the point, giving short illustrations or examples, but there is more that can be done.

Some suggestions include perhaps having an eye-catching personal logo and using good quality paper. Typed information is easier to read than handwriting but it is also important to choose an easy to read typeface and avoid some of the more exotic fonts available on the computer.

Recently, there has been some evidence emerging that a few employers are also asking for a sample of handwriting that they can then have analysed for the personality and character traits it can reveal, although this is less common in the UK than in the USA.

Using some of the more unusual options for presenting yourself to a prospective employer will depend on the type of industry involved. For example, more creative industries might be receptive to a short video, but if choosing this route, make sure you prepare well, speak clearly and with a smile and look smart. It may not be wise to rely on a video alone, but a link to a video on You Tube could be added to the CV. It must, however, be pitched correctly to your audience.

Once you have been invited for interview, a crucial thing to remember is that the interviewer is hoping you will be the one they will choose, because it will save them more time spent on the selection process.

Preparation and a smart appearance are basics but here too there is a limited amount of time to make an impression, which is usually estimated at about 10 seconds. The point is to build a connection or a relationship with the interviewer as quickly as possible. They want to know not only about your competence but also about whether they can work with you.

One example of a way to do this may be to comment positively on how helpful and welcoming your reception on arrival was and on anything positive that particularly struck you, perhaps about the information on display at reception and what it says about the company.

If all this sound daunting in what is admittedly a stressful situation it is worth rehearsing either with someone in a similar role or with the help of a specialist recruitment agency.

Finally, it is always a good idea to send a short thank you note after the interview, especially if something has been said in the interview that has provoked some thought about which you can make a positive comment.

Preparation, innovation and style can help you stand out in the search for a PA or EA role. By Ali Withers.

By Ali Withers
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