When applying for a new role, in any sector, presenting yourself in the right way can be difficult. When it comes to any application process, “you are your own shop window”; how you present your yourself – both on paper and in person – is key.

On some level your qualifications and experience will speak for itself, especially when applying for roles with specific pre-requisites, or a particular level of training; of course, being adequately qualified is essential, especially within the NHS. However, no matter your training and skill level, it is important that your application accurately reflects just how strong a candidate you are, supporting you to stand out in the right way.

Integral to this is creating and maintaining a stand-out CV; more than simply a compilation of your relevant training and qualifications, to employers your CV is a direct reflection of you. Even the most highly-trained candidate with outstanding qualifications can be let down by a resume that is forgettable, generic, underwhelming or visibly lacks effort.

Further to this is your interview technique; while you may suit the role you’re applying for ‘to a tee’ on paper, the interview process is your chance to ‘sell yourself’ and prove to the employer that you are more than just a list of achievements. Inevitably the first impression is what counts, so it pays to prepare in order to present your best self in person and cement your standing as a viable candidate. It is also your chance to determine if the role is the correct fit for you – so it’s worth putting some time into research and effort in.

The video below from our Skills Show & Job Fair in Basildon on 6th March shows Calley Page (Employment Engagement Manager from South Essex College) presenting a workshop on improving your CV, how to avoid common CV and application pitfalls, and simple ways to excel within an interview.