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Career Tips

In order to give your self the best chance of success when applying for a job there are few things you should be thinking about before sending off that CV or application form.

We thought it would useful to give you a few handy tips to help maximise your chances of success.

Do your research

Be clear about who you are applying to. We are sure that after reading our website that you will want to work for Midas, but do your research and make sure that that we are the kind of organisation that you want to have a career with.

Understand the job that you are applying for. Make sure you have the necessary skills and qualifications as well as the enthusiasm and commitment for the role.

First Contact

Your job application, whether an application form, a speculative letter or a CV, is your first contact with a prospective employer. It is your first chance to impress, and make yourself stand out from the crowd.

Read the job details thoroughly and plan your course of action – tailor you application to the job. If your application is accurate, presentable and interesting you are more likely to get that very important interview.

Your objective is to convince us that you have the skills, and enthusiasm to do the job. First impressions are crucial. Take your time with an application and make sure it is good. You won't get a second chance to create that right first impression.

Application Forms

If you are filling in one of our application forms, make sure you read it through and make sure you understand what information is wanted before completing the form in rough. These steps may help:

  • Follow the instructions and only do what you are asked to do.
  • Write clearly and use black ink as it photocopies better.
  • Answer the questions as fully as possible, but don't waffle. Show that you can organise and express your thoughts clearly.
  • Have someone check through your completed form. If you have made a mistake, cross it out neatly and correct it.
  • Make a copy for yourself.
  • Write a short covering letter to go with the application form.

CVs

A CV is a record of your personal, education and work details. It should be typed and make sure it is up to date. Ideally it should be no more than two to three pages long with each page printed on a separate sheet. Pages should not be numbered and use headings. For example, Education, Career History. Don't use fancy layouts as these can detract from the contents of your CV.

Be confident and use positive language, as this will make a good impression. Don't make general statements about your qualities. Make sure you can support your statements with evidence. Try to link your skills and experience to the requirements of the job you are applying for.

CVs should include:

  • your full name, address and phone numbers
  • details of your education, including the name of the school/college/university, attendance dates, qualifications achieved and when
  • any professional qualifications you have
  • your career history starting with your present or most recent employer.
  • A personal summary of you as an individual, including your achievements and aspirations

Other points to consider are:

  • Be careful when writing dates for your education and career history. People have been known to state that they started a job in 2002 and left in 1999!
  • unless there is specific criteria for the advertised job, you don't have to include personal details such as your sex, nationality, marital status, age and date of birth or whether or not you have children.
  • only give details of hobbies, interests and other skills if they are relevant to the job you are applying for.
  • you can also include details of two referees at the end of your CV. Give names, positions, addresses and phone numbers. Make sure you have their permission first. If space is tight, state that references are available on request.

Covering Letters:

  • draw together all the facts and comments in your CV and make an overall 'case' for being a suitable candidate for the job
  • be typed
  • be set out clearly on good-quality paper.

Check it for mistakes before sending it out!

Keep your layout simple. Open punctuation and a blocked style are acceptable, especially if the letter is typed. Put your phone number after your address and print your full name after your signature.

Your covering letter should include:

  • An explanation of the job you are applying for.
  • Details of your education and any qualifications you have or expect to obtain.
  • Details of any other relevant skills and work experience and say why you want this job.
  • If you have any keen interests, and the space, include them here. Don't include things like 'socialising' and 'travelling', be more specific.
  • Say when you would be available for interview and when you would be available for work.
  • Give the names, positions, addresses and phone numbers of two or three people who have already agreed to give you a reference.

Always keep a copy of any job applications in case you are invited to an interview. It's nice to remember the things you wrote or didn't write!

Have someone check your application first in rough and then your final copy.

Interview Tips


When we invite you to an interview it means that we believe you may be a potentially good match for one of our positions. The interview is used to determine whether you are the right person for the position.

Importantly it is also a means by which you can be sure that Midas is the right company for you.

Here are a number of do’s and don’ts when it comes to being interviewed by us.

Do

  • Be prepared – research the company, division, market
  • Be prepared – make sure you know where you need to be and when you need to be there
  • Be prepared – find out something about who is interviewing you
  • Be prepared – arrive early
  • Greet your interviewer with a smile, a firm handshake and maintain eye contact.
  • Be positive and enthusiastic
  • Talk about your achievements, have evidence
  • Be honest
  • Have good reasons for why you have left previous jobs
  • Ask intelligent questions
  • Sell yourself
  • Listen to the questions – answer the question, not the question you want to answer
  • Thank the interviewer for their time.

Don’t

  • Be late
  • Be rude to the interviewer or the receptionist
  • Have a weak handshake/Stare at the floor
  • Be negative about previous employers
  • Talk too much
  • Come without any questions to ask
  • Ask too many questions about money/holidays/package etc at an early stage of the interview