Training & Tips

Your cv is the passport to the world of careers.  Take time with this, this is the first time someone see’s anything about you  first impressions count!  

Click here for your free CV Template which includes tips and examples 

Whether your searching for your first position, or your next role – this information will help: 

For apprentices:  

• Go to gov.co.uk and search for apprenticeships  
• Contact companies you are interested in via email and telephone asking “if” they take on apprentices and “who” to send your cv to – then send your cv.  
• LinkedIn 
• Job Boards  

For experienced work:  

• LinkedIn 
• Job Boards  
  • CV Library 
  • Total Jobs  
• Recruitment Agencies focussing on your specific industry: 
  • HSB Technical Ltd: www.hsbtechnical.com  
• Companies working in your specific industry

Once you have identified a new position – send your cv for review.  
 
Generally, you will find the email address for this application on the bottom of the job description. If not, contact the company to ask who and where you send the cv to – then do this.  

Tip: It is advised to send your cv as an attachment to an email. The body of the email, it’s suggested to introduce yourself, write “why” are you applying for this role, “what” skillsets you have which could benefit this role and “express” your personal interest in the product. 

If you have not heard anything within 1 week of the application / cv submission, do call and email the company to:  

• Make sure they have actually received a copy of your cv  
• Ask if they require any further documentation such as proof of work 

The client will either call or email you (remember to check your junk email folder regularly) to book an interview with you OR to unfortunately reject your application.  

If the employer / company want to book an interview with you, fantastic – check the dates and times suggested work for you and confirmation your attendance asap. Be clear and polite with your response.  

If the employer / company reject – well, it’s going to happen to everyone – don’t take this to heart, there are many more jobs available within companies which could truly benefit from your skillset.  

1. Make a Strong First Impression 

Smile, offer a firm handshake, greet the interviewer by name, and show confident body language right from the start. 

2. Stay Engaged and Present 
Focus entirely on the conversation — avoid fidgeting, looking around the room, or checking your watch or phone. 

3. Listen Actively 
Show you are listening by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and occasionally paraphrasing or asking clarifying questions. 

4. Answer Questions Clearly and Concisely 
Stay on topic. Structure your answers logically and avoid rambling or going off on unrelated tangents. 

5. Show Your Enthusiasm for the Role 
Express genuine excitement about the opportunity, not just about needing a job. Enthusiasm can often outweigh minor skill gaps. 

6. Tailor Your Answers to the Company's Needs 
Frame your skills and experiences to match what the company is looking for, based on your research and the job description. 

7. Highlight Achievements with Real Examples 
Back up your claims (like being "a team player" or "a problem solver") with specific examples from your past roles. 

8. Watch Your Body Language 
Sit up straight, lean slightly forward to show interest, and keep your hands visible and controlled (not folded across your chest). 

9. Handle Difficult Questions Calmly 
If asked about weaknesses, gaps in employment, or tough situations, stay honest but positive — focus on what you learned or improved. 

10. Close Strongly 
End with a positive comment like "I'm really excited about this opportunity" and ask about the next steps before you leave. 

1. Find a Quiet, Comfortable Space 

Choose a location where you won’t be interrupted — no background noise, pets, or distractions. 

2. Have Your CV and Notes in Front of You 
Keep your CV, the job description, and any notes about the company handy for easy reference without sounding like you’re reading. 

3. Test Your Phone and Signal 
Make sure your phone is fully charged and you have a strong, reliable signal — or use a landline if possible. 

4. Answer the Call Professionally 
Start with a polite, energetic greeting: "Good morning, this is [Your Name] speaking." 

5. Speak Clearly and Smile While Talking 
Smiling actually affects your tone of voice, making you sound more positive, confident, and engaged. 

6. Listen Carefully and Don’t Interrupt 
Allow the interviewer to finish speaking before you answer. If you’re unsure about a question, it’s fine to ask for clarification. 

7. Use the Interviewer's Name Naturally 
This helps build rapport — just don’t overdo it. A few mentions sprinkled into the conversation are enough. 

8. Keep Your Energy High 
Without body language to help, your voice must carry your enthusiasm and interest throughout the call. 

9. Prepare Short, Strong Answers 
Since telephone interviews are often time-limited, aim for clear, concise answers — avoid long-winded stories unless specifically invited. 

10. Have Questions Ready to Ask 
Prepare two or three thoughtful questions about the company or the role to show you're seriously interested. 

1. Test Your Technology Early

Check your internet connection, webcam, microphone, and the video platform (Zoom, Teams, etc.) well before the interview. 

2. Choose a Quiet, Well-Lit Space 
Sit somewhere free from noise and distractions, with good natural light or a lamp facing you — avoid backlighting from windows. 

3. Dress Professionally (Top to Bottom) 
Dress as if you were attending an in-person interview — you never know if you’ll need to stand up or adjust the camera! 

4. Frame Yourself Well on Screen 
Position the camera at eye level so you're not looking up or down. Your head and shoulders should be fully visible in the frame. 

5. Look at the Camera, Not the Screen 
When speaking, look into the camera to simulate eye contact rather than at your own video feed. 

6. Keep Your Background Tidy and Neutral 
A clean, uncluttered background keeps the focus on you — or use a simple virtual background if necessary. 

7. Minimize Interruptions 
Close other programs and mute notifications. Tell anyone you live with that you’re unavailable during the interview. 

8. Speak Clearly and Pause Slightly After Questions 
Video can introduce slight delays, so speak at a steady pace and allow a small pause after answering to avoid talking over the interviewer. 

9. Show Energy and Enthusiasm 
Smile, sit up straight, and use natural gestures to convey interest and confidence through the screen. 

10. Have Notes, But Use Them Sparingly 
It’s fine to have quick notes nearby, but don’t read them word-for-word. Keep eye contact and stay conversational. 

Once you have interviewed and left the building, some time may pass – if you have not heard anything at the 1 week mark post interview, call and email the company requesting feedback. A delay is not always a no, this will act as a prompt for the hirer to feedback to you – they will either reject you due to the skillsets not matching what they require, request another interview (great), or offer you the position (well done you).  

We, HSB Technical Ltd are here to help – should you wish for a recruitment professional to review your cv, please feel free to email us, HSB Technical Ltd using: info@hsbtechnical.com – We will respond, we may change the cv and we will help you.