Job Application Tips
Your CV and online candidate profile are the most important parts of your application. However, certain information will support your application if it is available on your online profile.
Remember to:
- Attach or upload your most recent CV.
- Complete all relevant personal profile information in the Profile Information section, for example, your date of birth, nationality and contact details.
- Clearly indicate your relevant skills and number of years’ experience within each area in the Skills section.
- List your relevant previous employment.
- Include all your relevant qualifications as these help determine if you meet the minimum requirements of the position.
- Indicate which languages you are proficient in in the Language Skills section.
- Indicate your willingness to relocate and your preferences in terms of geographical area in the Geographic Mobility section.
It is important to critically review positions that you are applying for. To ensure your CV stands out, tailor it to each job application according to the required skills and experience.
Visit our Opportunities page regularly and sign up for Job Alert to be notified of advertised vacancies that match your requirements.
Application Tips
CV
- Your CV is the most important part of your application. You can design your CV more or less how you want. There is no universally accepted format. However it is worth taking note of the following points:
- Your CV should not be more than two pages long, maximum three pages (if it is unavoidable).
- Organise your CV into sections. If you already have a lot of professional experience, list this first in its own section. If, however, you have just completed your training, list your education and qualifications first.
- You should always list the most recent items at the top of each section (reverse chronological order).
- Do not forget to add your personal details at the top of the first page (if necessary, in the header): Name, address, telephone number, email address, date of birth and (if applicable) your visa status.
Before the interview
Have you been invited to attend an interview? Congratulations! Here are some tips to help make the interview a success for everyone involved:
- Gather information about the company
Always find out about the company you have applied to before you attend the interview. Visit the company’s website and write down the most important facts and figures. The more information about the company you can mention during the interview, the more interested you will appear (but this does not mean you have to learn everything by heart). If you have carefully perused the website, you should be able to determine whether you identify with the company’s vision and strategy. If you have reviewed the company's website comprehensively, you should be able to recognise if you can identify with the vision and values.
- Connect with us on social media!
Many modern companies can also be found on social media platforms and maintain their own accounts for job seekers. This online presence provides exciting insights into the company and often includes comments and posts from current employees. Hirslanden maintains social media accounts in German and French. The Swiss German clinics have a Xing company profile, a LinkedIn company profile, a Twitter account for job seekers (@HirslandenJobs), a Facebook page, as well as a YouTube channel with its own 'Jobs & Careers' playlist. In the French-speaking regions of Switzerland, Hirslanden Romandie has a Twitter account (@hirslandenRmde), a Facebook page and a YouTube playlist.
- Know your own strengths and weaknesses
Think about what you are good at and what areas you still need to improve upon. In virtually every job interview, you will be asked to talk about your strengths and weaknesses. The better you know yourself, the more convincing and authentic you will appear.
- Consult third parties
Find out what kind of impression you make on others. It never hurts to confirm whether your view of yourself corresponds with how others see you. Ask acquaintances, friends or family members how they experience you as a person, what they like about your personality and where they think your weaknesses lie. You will be surprised by the honesty of the feedback you receive and how this can help you grow and develop.
- Neat appearance
A neat appearance always has a positive effect. There is no definitive dress code when it comes to job interviews. Depending on the role and the company, men and women could appear overdressed if they wear a suit. But you should always avoid light-coloured jeans, t-shirts, flip-flops, too much make-up and low-cut tops. Be sensible about your choice of clothing, but dress comfortably. As a general rule, wear something slightly more formal than your everyday clothes that is still appropriate for your industry.
During the interview
- Bring a pen and paper
Place a neutral, blank notepad and a pen in front of you. Writing down questions regarding the position beforehand will ensure that you do not forget to discuss anything that is unclear and will also demonstrate to the interviewer(s) that you have spent time thinking about the job.
- Bring any relevant documents
If you have documents relevant to the position that you might want to present to the interviewers(s), such as a Bachelor's/Master's thesis or an example of your writing or work, be sure to take copies with you.
- Ask questions
Ask questions if something is unclear, or if you feel that you have not received all the necessary information. The more interactive the interview, the more enjoyable it is for the interviewer(s) and also for you. Never forget that the company and your potential supervisor are also being interviewed – by you.
- Always be honest
You cannot hope to accomplish anything by being dishonest. Sooner or later, the truth will be revealed. Avoid such needless stress by thinking about how you are going to address negative events of the past, or gaps in your CV. No one is perfect; in fact, our imperfections are what make us interesting.
After the interview
- Think about your decision
Give yourself sometime after the interview to think about your decision. It is always a good idea to ponder the next step, even if you felt great during the interview and would like to start work straight away.
- Request feedback about the company’s decision
If your application is declined, ask about what factors led to the decision. Every job interview is good practice and will make you more confident in future interviews. These experiences also present an opportunity to learn about how you respond to new and unusual situations. Even if you are disappointed, try to stay positive and think about the fact that your dream job is still out there somewhere.
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