Hints & tips


Spark New Zealand

Hints & tips

When it comes to finding a new job it's all about selling yourself - and no one knows you like you do.

We've put together a few tips on how to stand out from the crowd - from making your CV shine, to how to ace that interview.

Do some research

When you're applying for a job the company is going to want to know all about you - so you should take the time to get to know all about them. They've even got their own CV - their website (like ours at www.sparknz.co.nz) - where you can find out all about what they do, and who they are.

Get to know the company's products and services, who its leaders are, what its strategy is and who its competitors are - and use this intel to shape up how you sell yourself. Take notes if you've got questions - interviews aren't just one way, you can ask any questions you have as well.

Here are some good places to look:

  • start off with the website - and if they have multiple brands or divisions (like we do at Spark) then check out each one and what they're selling or saying, and who they're targeted at
  • the "About Us" section of their website is a goldmine (and we think ours is pretty choice BTW)
  • profiles of their senior leaders/executives - see who they are, what roles they have, and what their CVs look like
  • annual reports and (for companies that are listed on the stock exchange) investor presentations - these are filled with information (and lots of numbers and graphs)

If you know someone that work's there - or has worked there - shout them a beer and grill them!

Polish up that CV

The first thing an employer sees (assuming they don't find those pics you'd forgotten about on Facebook) is your CV. Just like that glossy brochure tempting you in a store, your CV is a advertisement - for you - so it pays to get it perfect.

Here are some things to think about:

  • sell yourself - start with an opening statement about who you are, what you believe, and what you want to achieve - show your ambition, it's your "elevator pitch"
  • start with your most recent job and experience, then work backwards - and don't worry too much about that paper run you had when you were 13, focus on what's relevant
  • highlight the things you've done in other jobs that make you the right fit for the job you're applying for (you can do this in a separate cover letter) - read the job ad over to see what they're looking for, and tailor your "pitch" to show you're the perfect candidate
  • don't write a novel - it's a balancing act of keeping your CV short and sweet, and capturing all the essential information about you and what you've got to offer
  • don't repeat stuff - and use that spell check!! (seriously, it takes 2 seconds)

Own that interview

If you've made it to an interview, then you've already impressed - all that hard work on your CV has paid off! Now's your time to really show them what you've got, so put your best foot forward. We know interviews can be daunting sometimes - so take the time to prepare, and remember: relax.

Here's a few tips to help you nail that interview:

  • be confident - you know your stuff so speak with authority, make regular eye contact and remember that it's about you, so say "I did...", "when I...", "I have..."
  • lots of interviews are "competency based" - so you'll probably get asked to "talk about a time when..." - go with the first example that comes to mind, it's probably your brain giving you a hint
  • don't stress if there's a question you don't understand or you don't have an answer for - be "straight up" - you can ask for clarification, and if you don't know or its about a situation you haven't really faced, then just say so - or talk about what you'd do, instead of what you've done
  • if you have a question, ask it - an interview should be two-way, and by asking questions not only do you get answers, but you show that you're engaged and curious
  • dress for success, but not to impress - think about the culture of the company when deciding what to wear, and dress smartly without being OTT - if you're rocking up to a top law firm, then drag out that suit and tie, but you'll find some companies have a more "smart casual" attire
  • smile, and show your personality - more often than not, the best person for the job doesn't just have all the right skills and experience, but they're the one who's going to be the best fit with the team, so let them get to know the "real you" and what your passions are

Every interview, and every company is going to be different. If you follow our tips - and you've got the CV to boot - then you've every chance of getting that call from Spark to say we want you to join our team.

Our final words: never give up! Unless you're Barney Stinson, not every job you apply for is going to be a success. Work hard and keep on trying.