Interviews can be nerve-wracking. But here’s the truth, a little preparation goes a long way. Whether it’s your first interview or your fiftieth, being properly prepared can seriously boost your confidence and your chances of landing the job. We have supported hundreds of candidates through the interview process. So, we’ve put together this quick guide to help you stand out for all the right reasons. Do Your Homework on the Company Before you head into your interview, take some time to research the company. Visit their website, check out their social media, and get a feel for their services, and culture. Understanding who they are and what they stand for shows genuine interest and makes it much easier to explain why you want to work there. Understand the Role (And How You Fit) Print out the job description and go through it line by line. Highlight the key responsibilities and think about how your experience lines up. Be ready with real examples of times you’ve handled similar tasks or achieved results in those areas. Prepare Questions Come prepared with 3–5 questions to ask at the end. This shows initiative, curiosity, and that you’ve thought seriously about the role. You could ask about: What success looks like in the role What have others found difficult in this position Team dynamics Opportunities for progression Upcoming projects or company goals And our favourite closing question to leave a strong final impression: “Do you have any concerns about my application or is there anything I can clarify from our conversation?” This shows confidence and gives you the chance to address any hesitations the interviewer might have. First Impressions Matter Dress appropriately for the company and industry, when in doubt, aim for smart and professional. Smile, maintain eye contact, and don’t forget a firm handshake (if in person). If it’s a video interview, check your tech, lighting, and background ahead of time so you can focus on the conversation. Bring the Basics (and Then Some) For in-person interviews, always bring: A printed copy of your CV A pen and notepad Any documents or ID requested in advance For video interviews: Test your audio and camera Make sure you’ve got a quiet, tidy space Log in early to avoid last minute stress Practice Makes You Polished Even if you know your experience inside-out, saying your answers out loud a few times can help things flow better on the day. Ask a friend to do a mock interview with you, or practice in front of the mirror to build confidence. Final Thoughts Interviews don’t have to be scary, they’re a conversation and a chance to show what you bring to the table. With a little prep, the right attitude, and support from your recruiter, you’re already halfway there. If you’ve got an upcoming interview and want tailored advice or support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your consultant at Harvey Recruitment Solutions.

We know that your CV is often your first opportunity to impress a potential employer, and we’re here to help you make that impression count. Whether you’re applying for your first job or looking to make a career change, these simple, actionable tips will help you create a CV that catches the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. Keep It Simple and Structured When recruiters review your CV, they’re often skimming for key details, so make sure your layout is clear and easy to follow. At Harvey, we recommend starting with your contact information, followed by a short, punchy profile that showcases who you are and what you can bring to the table. Then, highlight your key skills, work experience, education, and any relevant certifications or training. Tailor It to the Job One thing we always tell our candidates: no two jobs are the same, and neither should your CVs be. Tailoring your CV to the job you’re applying for shows employers that you’ve taken the time to really understand the role. Match your skills and experience to the specific job description, and don’t be afraid to emphasize the parts of your background that align with the position. We’ve seen it time and again—the best CVs are the ones that speak directly to the employer’s needs. Use Bullet Points and Strong Action Verbs Bullet points break up large chunks of text and make your CV easier to digest—especially when a recruiter has dozens (or more) CVs to review. Start each bullet point with a strong action verb like led, improved, developed, or achieved. We love to see measurable achievements, so if you can, include specifics, such as increased sales by 20% or managed a team of 10. It’s the small details that can really set you apart! Keep the Design Professional When it comes to CV design, less is more. We always recommend keeping the layout clean and simple, with easy-to-read fonts and plenty of white space. Avoid going overboard with graphics or fancy templates. You want your experience and skills to be the star of the show, not the design. A no-fuss, professional CV is often the best way to go. Submit in Word Format This is a small but important detail: always send your CV in Word format (.doc or .docx). While PDFs can look great, they can sometimes cause formatting issues, especially when viewed on different systems. By sending your CV in Word format, you make sure that it’s easily readable and accessible to recruiters and hiring managers alike. We’ve seen first-hand how a well-crafted CV can make all the difference in landing a great opportunity. If you ever need advice or want to make sure your CV is in top shape, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help you take the next step in your career!