So I’ve done a tonne of hiring over the years, all in tech (although I’ve helped interview for non-tech roles), and all UK (London specifically) based. My other half also does the odd bit of hiring in a totally different sector and it’s very different between the two industries.
My bar for CV’s is quite low, I’ll even take typo’s as long as you don’t have something along the lines of good attention to detail listed 
But I will go and check things (twitter, linked in etc). I want to see what you have been doing and why you think you’ve got the skills for the role I’m hiring for.
In tech this is generally easy(ish) as we generally have a list of skills on the job ad. Even if you don’t have all of them it’s worth applying - I’m generally looking for smart people that can do the job, not that you’ve got x years in a particular language (although that’s generally a bonus).
In tech we don’t generally get cover letters (but it does happen sometimes) - my other half always expects one.
Try and keep things concise - I’ve had 9 page CV’s before and they are a pain to read. I’ve had people summarise at the top, then go into detail below, which sort of helps, but if i like it then I’m going to have to read the whole thing for due diligence.
I try and think of a CV as a way of getting in the door to get to the interview. If you are switching careers then a cover letter would probably help explaining your reasons, and why you think you would be good in the role you have applied for.
That probably doesn’t help a huge amount - what I’m trying to get across is sometimes it’s very industry dependant what a CV / Resume should contain.
With regard to interview - this is very easy to say, and hard to do, but relax and try and treat it as a conversation. You can’t prep for every question they might ask, but there’s a bunch of standard questions that might come up - a lot of this will be industry specific.
make sure you have researched the company, and it’s the right company. I used to work at one place that had the same name as another tech firm and people would often describe what the other firm did ! Checkout the people interviewing you on Linked in as well as the wider company - see if you have any connections that can give you insight.
Have some questions that you want answered ready for them - one trick I use when I’m being interviewed is have them written down, if they answer the questions you had you can tick them off and it shows you have thought about it. I take quite a few notes during interview so I can remember things afterwards.
Remember that an interview is a two way street - it’s as much about you looking at the company as it is the company looking at you. Also best to think you are on interview slightly before you get there, and slightly after (incase you bump into anyone in the street on the way in or out !).
What triggered me writing this was seeing this on twitter - seemed like it might help
That turned out longer than I was expecting ! Hope it helps If you are wanting tech advice DM me - am more than happy to try and help.
Linsey
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