TRICIA PHILLIPS

If you’re looking to land your dream job this year we’ve got just what you need. We’ve teamed up with Kirstie Mackay, head of LifeSkills – which was created by Barclays to help young people develop abilities they need for the workplace – for her top tips for jobseekers.

1. Make sure your CV includes all your skills and experience, such as Saturday jobs, volunteer roles, work experience placements and extracurricular activities. List all the skills you have learnt and your unique value to an employer. 2. Tailor your CV to ensure it is relevant to each job you apply for and shows your passion and enthusiasm for the role. 3. Keep an eye on your online profiles and presence – content, user names, associations and pictures. Bosses will check this as well as your CV when going through the application process. 4. Before an interview, research is vital. Employers want to know you are genuinely enthusiastic about their company and work, so make sure you are up to speed. 5. Interviews are not just about how qualified you are for the job. Bosses want to suss out if you will fit in. The friendlier, chattier and more open to conversation you are, the better. But don’t over-share when it comes to personal information. 6. First impressions are vital. Although different companies have different dress codes, it’s a good idea to opt for smarter clothes. Avoid looking casual and opt for tidy and well presented, rather than messy.