Beyond the CV

Your CV may open the door, but it rarely secures the job.
Employers use interviews to learn what the CV can’t show: your communication skills, your problem-solving approach and the way you can fit into their team.

The CV can be looked at like an invitation. The interview is the conversation that decides whether you’ll be welcomed in.

First, bring it with you.

It sounds simple, but showing up without a copy can feel unprepared.
Having it on hand helps if an interviewer refers to a detail or asks about a specific date or role.

Second, use it as a starting point.

Your CV lists what you’ve done. In the interview, your job is to add the color and depth: the challenges you faced, the choices you made, the results you achieved. The CV gives the outline, but you provide the detail that makes it real.

Third, don’t get stuck in it.

A common mistake is to repeat your CV point by point. This makes answers sound flat and scripted.
The interviewers already have your CV.
Now they are ready to hear how you think, solve problems and work with others.

Think of your CV as a safety net. It’s there if you need it, but what really matters is how you speak beyond it. That’s what makes you memorable.

A Small Step Forward

Take a moment to save or print a copy of your CV to bring with you.
Then, look through it and highlight two points you’d feel comfortable talking about in an interview. They don’t need to be big stories, just areas you’d be ready to expand on if asked.
Don’t be afraid to make notes directly on your CV. This is for you to get comfortable with your own experience.