INTERVIEW HELP: June 2008

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Friday, June 13, 2008

How to Prepare and Face an Interview

An interview can be defined as a face to face oral communication between the interviewer and the interviewee in order to assess the views, attitudes and ideas of the interviewee. However the interview process also enables the interviewee and observers to assess the skill and ability of the interviewer. Thus, an interview is a test of both the communicants and parties engaged in the interaction.

Intelligence, knowledge, personal qualities and character are revealed and both parties are required to be well prepared. The process allows everyone involved to make some important decisions. The candidate decides whether he should accept the position and the interviewer decides whether the candidate should be appointed; this decision may affect the organizational interests.

The following suggestions are advisable when faced with an interview:

1) Dress appropriately – A well dressed and groomed appearance can do wonders for that first impression. Now is not exactly the time to make a fashion statement so a tastefully chosen professional outfit, with suitable accessories like a hand-bag or brief case should be fine.

2) Posture and Carriage - The way in which the candidate carries himself while walking and sitting tells the interviewer about your confidence. Good “carriage” and posture have to be developed over a period of time and are essential in distinguishing a shoddy and careless attitude from a sharp and alert one.

3) Be confident - Self confidence, or the lack of it, is observed through your behavior, right from the way you sit to how you speak. Good manners and proper behavior are obviously necessary. Suitable greetings for the time of the day and other formalities must be known to the interviewee; for example, sit down only after being told to; elbows must not be put on the table; the brief case or bag should be kept on the floor beside the chair and do not play with any of your accessories or clothes. Nervous movements betray show a lack of confidence and concentration.

4) Mental Preparation - The candidate should be well informed about current events, domestic and international, and topics of general interest. Regular reading of newspapers, listening to radio and TV discussions, participating in group discussions and general reading habits are helpful activities in developing the required mental status for an interview.

Information about the organization, its directors, turnover, share capital and other relevant information which are available in its annual report, is expected of candidates by public limited companies. A candidate must know as much as possible about the prospective employer company.

5) Go back to the books - The candidate should also possess adequate knowledge in the subjects studied during graduation and professional examinations. A reasonable revision of the subjects can solve the purpose. Several general questions and biographical questions are usually asked by the interviewers and candidates should be well prepared to answer them.

6) No guessing games - In situations where the candidate does not know the answer to a question it is always better to state ones inability to answer than to make a guess. No one is expected to know everything; admitting that one does not know the answer reflects honesty.

7) Be clear - A candidate must have clarity of purpose and determination enough to want to know his prospects in the organization. He/she must be able to ask questions about the nature of duties, employee benefits, future prospects and other things which he may want to know about the organization before taking any decision.

8) Know your own worth - It is advisable to talk about salary without appearing to be bargaining and without being driven or defeated. This requires careful prior thinking; if possible this topic should be discussed with the family and with experienced elders or friends. It is useful to assess ones training, experience, proved ability, as well as needs, in order to quantify ones worth. It is, of course, necessary to know the payments made for similar positions or work in other companies.

9) At the end, candidate’s are usually not sure when to leave. If the interviewers indicate that the interview is over, collect your bag, wish them and thank them for their friendly attitude and leave. Some candidates, due to nervousness, seem to be in a hurry to leave and forget to wish or thank the interviewers. Always remember that your parting movements are also closely observed so hurried and frantic movements may betray an earlier composed attitude.

In order to succeed in an interview each individual must make an honest self-assessment and find out one’s areas of strength and weakness. Knowledge of one’s deficiencies is useful in overcoming weaknesses and unconscious bad habits of posture or speech can be improved by effort. Shortcomings which cannot be overcome can be accepted and acknowledged so that they do not lead to depression and embarrassment when others notice them. Therefore, coming to terms with oneself and knowing how to deal with one’s faults, and how to make the best use of one’s knowledge and skills, is another vital element in preparing for an interview.

Job Interview Bloopers

I'm sure you've sat through movie or TV "bloopers" at the end of shows and laughed at the mistakes the actors made during the filming of the show. If I could put together a film with bloopers that people make in interviews it might seem funny as well - but not when it happens in real life - to you!

How do you avoid bloopers? First you become aware of what some of the pitfalls of interviewing are and then you prepare and practice so that it won't happen to you.

Here are 10 of those very pitfalls to watch for.

1. Poor Non-Verbal Communication - Slouching - Fidgeting - Lack of Eye Contact

It's about demonstrating confidence - standing straight, making eye contact, and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first impression can be a great beginning, or a quick ending to your interview.

2. Not Dressing for the Job or Company - "Over Casual"

Today's casual dress codes in the office do not give you permission to dress as "they" do when you interview. It is important to look professional and well groomed, above all. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call and find out what the company dress code is before the interview.

3. Not Listening - Only Worrying about What You Are Going to Say

From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not listening - turning up your intuitive - you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what they said. Observe your interviewer and match that style and pace.

4. Talking Too Much - Telling It All - Even if It's Not Relevant

Telling the interviewer more than they need to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time you may tend to ramble, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the Job Posting; matching your skills with the requirements of the position, and relating only that information.

5. Being Over-Familiar - Your New Best Friend Is NOT the Interviewer

The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. The level of familiarity should mimic the demeanor of the interviewer. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview, and to ask questions, but not to over-step your place as a candidate looking for a job.

6. Using Inappropriate Language - You "Guys" Know What I Mean

It's a given that you should use professional language during the interview. Be aware of any inappropriate slang words or references to age, race, religion, politics, or sexual preferences - these topics could get the door slammed very quickly.

7. Acting Cocky - Being Overconfident - "King of the Hill"

Attitude plays a key role in your interview success. There is a fine balance between confidence, professionalism, and modesty. Even if you're putting on a performance to demonstrate your ability, over-doing is as bad, if not worse, as being too reserved.

8. Not Answering the Question Asked - "Jumping in Without Thinking"

When an interviewer asks for an "example of a time" you did something, he is seeking a sample of your past behavior. If you fail to relate a "specific" example, you not only don't answer the question, but you miss an opportunity to prove your ability and tell about your skills.

9. Not Asking Questions - a Missed Opportunity You Will Live to Regret

When asked if they have any questions, the majority of candidates answer, "No." Wrong answer! It is extremely important to ask questions. It demonstrates an interest in what goes on in the company. It also gives you the opportunity to find out if this is the right place for you. The best questions come from listening to what is asked during the interview, and asking for additional information.

10. Appearing Desperate - "Please, Please Hire Me!"

It's a tough job market, and you need a job! But, when you interview with the "Please, please, hire me" approach, you appear desperate and less confident. Maintain the three "C's" during the interview: Cool, Calm, and Confident! You know you can do the job. Now, make sure the interviewer believes you can too.

Everybody makes mistakes - that's what makes us human. We can laugh at ourselves a great deal of the time when we get tongue-tied or forget someone's name - even our spouse's. But in the interview you want to be as prepared and polished as possible. If you do make a mistake, consider it a human error and learn from the experience. In the meantime, do your homework and get prepared.

Article excerpted from workbloom.com

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Common Interview Questions & Answers

Tell me about yourself.
Since this is often the opening question in an interview, be extracareful that you don’t run off at the mouth. Keep your answer to a minute or two at most. Cover four topics: early years, education, work history, and recent career experience. Emphasize this last subject. Remember that this is likely to be a warm-up question. Don’t waste your best points on it.

What do you know about our organization?
You should be able to discuss products or services, revenues, reputation, image, goals, problems, management style, people, history and philosophy. But don’t act as if you know everything about the place. Let your answer show that you have taken the time to do some research, but don’t overwhelm the interviewer, and make it clear that you wish to learn more.

You might start your answer in this manner: “In my job search, I’ve investigated a number of companies.

Yours is one of the few that interests me, for these reasons…”

Give your answer a positive tone. Don’t say, “Well, everyone tells me that you’re in all sorts of trouble, and that’s why I’m here”, even if that is why you’re there.

What Are Your Goals?
Sometimes it's best to talk about short-term and intermediate goals rather than locking yourself into the distant future. For example, "My immediate goal is to get a job in a growth-oriented company. My long-term goal will depend on where the company goes. I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility."

Why Did You Leave (Or Why Are You Leaving) Your Job?
If you're unemployed, state your reason for leaving in a positive context: "I managed to survive two rounds of corporate downsizing, but the third round was a 20 percent reduction in the workforce, which included me."

If Interviewer asks a question and if i dont know the answer,what i have to do? Can I tell him a wrong answer?
If you don’t know the answer fo the question asked by the interviwer , never say wrong answer.Tak atleast few seconds and say , i am sorry sir/madam , at this moment i haven’t able to answer you , i will make sure that i will update my knowledge soon. The above points makes you to present your frankness and your presentation abilities.

When Were You Most Satisfied in Your Job?
The interviewer wants to know what motivates you. If you can relate an example of a job or project when you were excited, the interviewer will get an idea of your preferences. "I was very satisfied in my last job, because I worked directly with the customers and their problems; that is an important part of the job for me."

What Can You Do for Us That Other Candidates Can't?
What makes you unique? This will take an assessment of your experiences, skills and traits. Summarize concisely: "I have a unique combination of strong technical skills, and the ability to build strong customer relationships. This allows me to use my knowledge and break down information to be more user-friendly."

What Are Three Positive Things Your Last Boss Would Say About You? It's time to pull out your old performance appraisals and boss's quotes. This is a great way to brag about yourself through someone else's words: "My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can rely on me, and he likes my sense of humor."

What to answer and what not to answer for "Tell me something about you"?
This kind of questions are best answered by focusing on 5 to 6 strong selling points of yours. when asking this question, the interview is not looking for your history of school work and employment but kind of giving you a chance to sell yourself in about 60 seconds.Why 60 seconds? Try to limit your answers to 60 seconds as far as possible because if you go on talking about your past at length then the interviewer might loose interest in you and the interview might end at that very point.

The answer should include your achievements,skills and talents that would enable you to succeed in the position that is being discussed.Make a short, organized statement of your education and professional achievements and professional goals. Then, briefly describe your qualifications for the job and the contributions you could make to the organization.

Would you be willing to relocate if required?
If I get a better learning oppurtunity & growth, then certainly yes. Otherwise, I have to think how much it is feasible from organization's point of view.

What if we don't hire you?
Well, your current position will still remain open and you have to interview atleast one more person.It may be difficult for you to find a more dedicated and knowledgable person than myself.As for me, I have to continue my search for excellent and best in class company where I can get challenging and rewarding work experiance. I thought we had win-win situation.

If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look for?
In my point of view I would recommend the following things:

Required skills for the role.
Can work in team
Pro-activeness
Loyalty to the work.

How long would you stay with us?
Say that you are interested in a career with the organization, but admit that you would have to continue to feel challenged to remain with any organization. Think in terms of, “As long as we both feel achievement-oriented.”

How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?
Be realistic. Say that, while you would expect to meet pressing demands and pull your own weight from the first day, it might take six months to a year before you could expect to know the organization and its needs well enough to make a major contribution.

Tell me about a time when u tried but failed.
Has this ever happened to you? No one expects perfection actually, employers are more interested in your ability to cope, to learn from mistakes, and to deal with others who are less than perfect. If you have an example, certainly pick one that happened a while back, was not earth shattering in the results, and one which you learned and applied this knowledge recently. This is a version of ‘damning with faint praise’ by picking an incident that was minor in scope but, since you are so wise and are always willing to learn, has taught you a valuable lesson.

Why do you want to work for us?
Throughout the interview, a good answer comes from having done your homework so that you can speak in terms of the company’s needs. You might say that your research has shown that the company is doing things you would like to be involved with, and that it’s doing them in ways that greatly interest you. For example, if the organization is known for strong management, your answer should mention that fact and show that you would like to be a part of that team. If the company places a great deal of emphasis on research and development, emphasize the fact that you want to create new things and that you know this is a place in which such activity is encouraged. If the organization stresses financial controls, your answer should mention a reverence for numbers.

If you feel that you have to concoct an answer to this question - if, for example, the company stresses research, and you feel that you should mention it even though it really doesn’t interest you- then you probably should not be taking that interview, because you probably shouldn’t be considering a job with that organization.

Your homework should include learning enough about the company to avoid approaching places where you wouldn’t be able -or wouldn’t want- to function. Since most of us are poor liars, it’s difficult to con anyone in an interview. But even if you should succeed at it, your prize is a job you don’t really want.

What do you feel this position should pay?
Salary is a delicate topic. We suggest that you defer tying yourself to a precise figure for as long as you can do so politely. You might say, “I understand that the range for this job is between $______ and $______. That seems appropriate for the job as I understand it.” You might answer the question with a question: “Perhaps you can help me on this one. Can you tell me if there is a range for similar jobs in the organization?”

If you are asked the question during an initial screening interview, you might say that you feel you need to know more about the position’s responsibilities before you could give a meaningful answer to that question. Here, too, either by asking the interviewer or search executive (if one is involved), or in research done as part of your homework, you can try to find out whether there is a salary grade attached to the job. If there is, and if you can live with it, say that the range seems right to you.

If the interviewer continues to probe, you might say, “You know that I’m making $______ now. Like everyone else, I’d like to improve on that figure, but my major interest is with the job itself.” Remember that the act of taking a new job does not, in and of itself, make you worth more money.

If a search firm is involved, your contact there may be able to help with the salary question. He or she may even be able to run interference for you. If, for instance, he tells you what the position pays, and you tell him that you are earning that amount now and would Like to do a bit better, he might go back to the employer and propose that you be offered an additional 10%.

If no price range is attached to the job, and the interviewer continues to press the subject, then you will have to restpond with a number. You cannot leave the impression that it does not really matter, that you’ll accept whatever is offered. If you’ve been making $80,000 a year, you can’t say that a $35,000 figure would be fine without sounding as if you’ve given up on yourself. (If you are making a radical career change, however, this kind of disparity may be more reasonable and understandable.)

Don’t sell yourself short, but continue to stress the fact that the job itself is the most important thing in your mind. The interviewer may be trying to determine just how much you want the job. Don’t leave the impression that money is the only thing that is important to you. Link questions of salary to the work itself.

But whenever possible, say as little as you can about salary until you reach the “final” stage of the interview process. At that point, you know that the company is genuinely interested in you and that it is likely to be flexible in salary negotiations.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Present Yourself to Advantage

When going on an interview, you want to present yourself to your best advantage. This is your chance to let the people interviewing you learn about your skills, knowledge, and strengths as you put your best foot forward. How do you do this?

First Impressions

Appearance counts, and is the basis for forming first impressions of a person. A neat, well-groomed appearance in an appropriate business suit comes across much better than casual clothes, or inappropriate makeup and jewelry. Friendly, open people are also perceived more positively. When first meeting the employer, greet them with a firm handshake, a smile, and look them in the eyes. Listen attentively and don't interrupt.

Be On Time

Being late does not impress interviewers, and creates the impression that you would arrive late to work. So try to get to the interview on time, or even a few minutes early. This will give you a chance to do a last minute check on your appearance in the restroom, and to fill out any paperwork.

How you fill out your application paperwork will also reflect on you. Take your time, and make sure that it is filled in neatly, with correct spelling. You can write "negotiable" under the salary box, since you will want an opportunity to discuss this with the manager you are interviewing with.

Do Your Homework

One thing that will positively impress not only the recruiter, but also managers who may interview you, is knowledgeable about their company. Take the time to research the company, and be familiar with terms used in the industry that you are interviewing for. Being familiar with the company products, the services that they offer, and who their major competitors are will show that you have a real interest in the company.

Sources of information can include friends who work in the industry, a company's annual report, web sites, articles, trade journals, or visiting professional meetings. This will also allow you to begin networking with people who can answer your questions and who may have helpful advice.

Bring several copies of your resume (2 or 3) in a folder or portfolio since you may meet with several people during the interview. A cover sheet with personal references should accompany it. The resumes should be on the best quality paper that you can afford, and be professionally printed. Remember, they reflect on you, and the interviewers will be looking at them later, so they should leave an impression of professionalism.
Do your homework BEFORE the interview. This will make sure that you can:

Answer Their Questions Well

During an interview, you will present yourself well if you answer the questions completely and concisely (nodding or grunting "yes" and "no" to questions, or rambling for a half hour when asked about your experience are both equally bad). Instead, well thought out answers that demonstrate your skill and strengths as they relate to the position you are interviewing for will come across much more favorably.

Be as positive as possible during the interview. Do NOT speak negatively of a former employer, even if they are the worst possible, since this will be considered a problem area with you, or a bad attitude.

Use concrete examples of problem -solving and strengths when answering questions (see article on "Know Your Strengths" for more information). Highlight these strengths in the interview.

The interviewers will be asking specific questions about your abilities, knowledge, and skills. Try to answer each question, sharing your strengths that would be useful for the position being considered. If you are unsure of the answer let the recruiter or employer know how you would go about finding the answer (this could demonstrate your problem solving skills).

Be honest, and NEVER lie or try to avoid answering. Do NOT say, "You can find that on my resume" since they are interested in YOU and how you interact with others, and your personal knowledge base. They can read the resume later. But do make sure that all information on your resume is correct, since the company will check on references, dates and job information.

Ask Intelligent Questions

After answering their questions, asking good (i.e. relevant) questions of your own will also create a good impression.
You might ask the employer to describe the job in more detail. You should also have several questions written down to refer to, based on the background research you have already done to prepare for the interview.

Ask the employer what he or she is looking for in an employee, or the three most important things they are looking for in the person they hire. Then, listen attentively to the answers. Find out why the position is open (has there been a large turnover? A new position created because of growth? A problem that needed solving? ) This is your chance to find out what the job entails, and to discover what you are getting into when you work there.

Your questions should focus on the job, the company, and what the employer wants or needs, not salary or benefits at this point. Do NOT ask the interviewer "Why should I work for you?" or "How much will you pay me?" since this puts them on the defensive, and creates the impression that you are only self-serving or mercenary.

Your questions could cover topics such as obstacles that the company has faced (and how they perceive you can help to overcome them), future changes or the direction that the company is moving towards, or what goals they have for the employee they hire. If you are filling a position that was formerly filled by someone else, you may want to ask how you can improve on what the former employee in the position did.

Practice Makes Perfect

It is a good idea to practice an interview before actually going to one. This will give you a chance to work on answering questions, listening, and getting feedback on your body language. See if a friend or co-worker can help you by asking you both standard and "surprise" interview questions that make you think and answer spontaneously. Include some hard ones as well.

Some typical questions

Why do want to work for us? - What is your education? Credentials?- What are your strengths? Your weaknesses?- How do you deal with others? With those who irritate you? - What type of an environment (or supervisor) do you work well in? Poorly?- Have you had supervisory experience? What type? - Why are you changing jobs/careers/looking for a job?- What salary range are you looking at?- What mistakes have you made? How did you handle them? Successes?

Your goal in answering questions is to let the company know that you are a motivated employee with good problem solving skills, and that by hiring you, you will bring strengths and abilities to the job that will help the company. Let them know that if you don't yet have a skill, that you are confident that you can learn the needed skills on the job (most jobs include at least some on the job training).

If possible, videotaping your practice interviews will help you to review your body language and improve. Look for signs of nervousness, such as bouncing feet or legs, clicking pens, fiddling with hair, etc.

Follow-up Is Important

After the interview, send a short thank you note on quality paper. This will bring your name to mind and confirms your continued interest in the position. Stopping by after an appropriate time, or a follow-up call can also be done as long as you don't continuously harass the recruiter or manager.

By using the above ideas, you should be able to create a good impression during your interview, and be further along the road to a good job-the one you want.

Be Prepared For Your Interview

Let's assume that you've heard of a great opening that fits both your interests and abilities. You dig out the resume, put together a cover letter, and you're ready to fax it over to Human Resources. Right? Or is there something wrong with this picture?

Launch a research campaign

If you are an aware job seeker you will first begin a research campaign designed to significantly improve your chances. Don't send out a cover letter or resume before you know anything about who's going to be reading them and what their needs are. Tailor that letter and that resume to the specific interests of the company, and you have a huge advantage before you even set foot in the door.

What kinds of things are important to learn about the company? First, you will want to find out their "corporate personality", their style. Each firm is different, and these sometimes-subtle differences can have a strong influence on their hiring practices. You might also want to get a handle on their benefit package, salary options, and promotion policies.

It's helpful to get information on your prospective position, too. How long has it been open, why did the last person leave, how much turnover has there been? If it's a new position, you might want to know why it was created, what specific need is being met or problem being solved. Was it a controversial decision to create the opening? This can really influence hiring decisions.

Discover the hiring process

Another area of interest for your research project: what is their hiring process like? You might want to know who will interview you first, how many interviews you are likely to have, and who makes the final decision. Any information you can get about these key players will be incredibly helpful.

Now, having mapped out your agenda, how do you go about getting all this helpful information? A good early step to take is to go to the corporate headquarters. Start by walking around the lobby; buy a magazine or a cup of coffee, read the directories and get a feeling for the atmosphere.See how people are dressed. Do they look stressed out and rushed? Are people relaxed; are they kidding around and greeting each other? Can you see differences in dress and behavior that might correlate to different levels of management?

Be sure to take advantage of any public opportunities such as tours, open houses, workshops, etc. With this legitimate reason to be there, be sure and watch what goes on as carefully as you can. In addition to people watching, observe the office layout; how they divide up their space tells you a lot about a company.

Casually look at bulletin boards or notices. Visit Human Resources and pick up an application, or a brochure on their benefits package. If it's a really big company, you might need to make a few trips before you've soaked up as much as you can from this kind of expedition.

Use the Internet

Next comes information gathering through the Internet and library. Check out their website, follow the links and get a feel for how they use this resource; are they comfortable with the web, do they keep their site up, how sophisticated are they in their approach?

What about the company's history? How long have they been around? Have they been through a growth spurt of rapid expansion that may have had a big impact on their functioning? Who is their primary market? What are their goals and objectives for the future? Do they have a Board of Directors? If so, who's on it? How big are they now, and how big do they want to be?

Many companies have a public information department that can give you material dealing with these issues. If not, it may be on their web site, or in the library. Look through old newspapers or magazines; you can find announcements and articles that flesh out a sketchy summary of who they are and where they came from.

What Employers Want

"Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, 'What's in it for me?'"

What are employers looking for in employees? What traits are considered valuable? And will help the job seeker appear favorably during an interview?Many surveys have been done in the past to determine what employers are looking for in employees. Certain attributes show up consistently in these surveys. The number one trait that employers stated that they wanted in employees was:

A good attitude

In this day of rush and hurry, and impoliteness, good people skills and the ability to communicate well with others is extremely valued in the workplace.

Team players are needed, and employers are looking for those with the ability to work well with others. This means being able to work well with others and being supportive of co-workers, instead of sabotaging them or trying to make others "look bad" (often at the expense of the project or task). It also means respecting the thoughts and opinions of coworkers.
Griping at others, criticizing, blaming, or being known as "difficult" is not okay in today's workplace. Smiling, communicating well, and knowing how to be gracious and flexible is.

Employers consider a positive outlook and enthusiasm for the job important, as well as taking responsibility for one's actions and personal integrity. Employers are looking for employees that they can trust, and whom they believe will do a good job.

Self-esteem and confidence are considered part of a positive outlook. Employees with a good attitude will contribute towards reaching the company's goals, and adapt well to the culture of the workplace. To discover what other traits are also valued by employers in the workplace, read on...

The ability to work hard

This probably comes as no surprise, but the hard working and productive employee is highly valued by employers (and has the best chance of being hired during interviews). This means being willing to do occasional overtime when required, or doing your best work (and not taking frequent breaks or "goofing off") when on the job.
This trait is also related to self-motivation and the desire to succeed. Employers stated in surveys that the self-driven employee who wants to achieve success at work (and takes the necessary steps to ensure it) usually does.

Product knowledge

Employers value the employee who takes an interest in their company, and understands thoroughly the product or expertise that is the basis of company profits. They also consider enthusiasm and a high opinion of the company and the position positive qualities. Learning above and beyond the "minimum", being able to help customers, and actively seeking to increase the company client base are other valued traits according to employers.

The job seeker can demonstrate this enthusiasm and interest in the company by doing "homework" before a job interview, researching the company, its products, its client base, and possibly having ideas on marketing or increasing production.

Goal Setting: The First Step to a New Career

John is being interviewed for a new job. He is asked, "Why do you want to work here?" He looks surprised, then after a thoughtful pause says, "Because I saw the ad in the paper and thought it would be fun." The interviewer later asks, "Where do you see yourself five years from now?" Again, John thinks for a minute, and then hesitantly answers, "With higher pay?"

Later that day Mary is being interviewed for the same job. When asked her goals, she leans slightly forward, and states, "I have always wanted to work in this industry, which is why I got my degree in a related field. I plan to take the following courses for certification in my field (she briefly lists courses she has taken and is planning to take to increase her credentials). Within five years, I plan to be mentoring others in my area, and to have increased job responsibility at this company because of my credentials and increased skills."

Who do you think will get the job? The above scenario is not as far-fetched as it sounds. A surprisingly large number of people never define what their personal career goals are, or even investigate what type of work is best suited for them personally.

Define Your Goals

The first step in starting any job search is defining your goals. Simply put this means looking at "What do I want to be?" and "What am I qualified to do?" The closer these two are to each other, the greater the chances of getting the job you want (and being happy at it!). This means doing the necessary research and self-evaluation to understand what type of job is a good fit for both your interests and experience. Having well defined goals will assist you in focusing your job search and not wasting time interviewing for jobs that are unsuitable for you.

Self-Assessment: A Key to Setting Career Goals

A self-assessment can help you determine the type of job that would be a good fit for your talents and personality. The following exercises will help you not only in defining personal goals, but will also help when the company interviewer asks you the standard questions, "Why do you want to work for us?" "Where do you see yourself in five years?" and "How do you plan to reach your goals?"

Skills assessment

Take a piece of paper and make out two columns. In the first, write "skills". Under this heading, you will be listing different skills that you have collected in your lifetime, whether from formal education, college courses, personal interests, or work. Summer jobs, internships, and any jobs that you have held will include skills that should be listed. This is an area to list your greatest strengths and abilities, such as mathematical ability, communication skills, computer expertise, or creative projects completed. Skills can range the gamut from technical to physical, and will vary with a person's individual experiences.

Values/interests Assessment

In the second column, write "Personal values/interests". List the values that are important to you personally, including your ideal working conditions and your "dream job". Everyone has different things that are important to him or her. Do you enjoy security, routine, and detail-oriented work? Or are you a restless, creative, independent type? Invite feedback from others who know you well, such as family, friends, and teachers, or those who have worked with you.

Are you a risk taker? Or perhaps you're a people person? How important is money to you? What about personal prestige? Do you enjoy supervising others, or following orders? Do you enjoy teaching others? Are you a team worker, or do you prefer working alone? What locations are acceptable? Is your dream to live and work in a rural setting, or in a major metropolitan center? How many hours of work per week are acceptable? The answers to these questions will help you to define what type of job you should be seeking.

Get Your Foot In The Door

You've done everything humanly possibly to get your foot in the door but nothing seems to work. You still haven't received a call back on that resume you sent to your dream job. You have all the skills necessary for the position. Your resume is pristine. What could possibly be wrong? There are many things to look at when it seems that you continually get passed over for jobs that you are qualified for. You need to also take action to ensure that next time you present your resume, you get noticed. The following steps will assist you in that process.

Keywords

You've checked your resume for errors and none exist. You are certain you have all of the qualifications for the job.

The next step to take is to make certain that your resume contains keywords that the employer may be looking for. Yes, that is right keywords. Frequently employers scan resumes for "keywords" to quickly weed out those individuals that might not have the experience they are looking for.

Keywords are often items that are included in advertisements for a certain position. They may also be items that are located in the job description for the position. Do your homework, what the employer has posted as a job description for this job, and what advertisements may have been released. Incorporate those words into your resume if you haven't already.

Try something different

An offbeat cover letter was rather funny. It was stated that she was an energetic, exuberant person with a brilliant smile like sunshine on a cloudy day. Sometimes it's nice to see something different. Try it for one or two of the positions for which you are applying. If you know the company you are interested in is looking for someone to fill a dynamic and high-energy position, then reflect high energy in your cover letter. Try a bright paper color. Of course, this can sometimes backfire. It's nice to see creativity every now and again however, and depending on the position you are applying for, it may be worth a shot to add a little creative spark.

Make contact with an insider

You might get overlooked if you send a general resume and letter of interest to the company that you are interested in. If you are serious about a company, take the time to find out who the hiring manager is for the position that your interested in. Write them a personal cover letter explaining your interest in working with the organization. If you are not certain who this is, try looking up the company on the Internet.

Nowadays, most companies post the names of their hiring managers along with any job vacancies that may exist. Take your cover letter one step further and tell the hiring manager that you will follow up with him/her by calling. Set a date and time so the hiring manager knows to expect your call.

Make friends with the receptionist. Find out who some of the key players in the organization are. Learn as much as you can about their background. The company might have a newsletter that you can read. Check their website again for this information, or simply let the receptionist know that you are interested in learning more about the organization. Arm yourself with knowledge.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Common Interview Mistakes

Most Common Interview Mistakes

All of us have made mistakes during interviews, and most of us hvae walked out of interviews thinking of all the great things we forgot to mention and all the things we shouldnt have said. But the most important thing about mistakes is learning from them-and not repeating them. Here are some common interview mistakes:Failing to express oneself clearly. Often, because of anxiety and wanting to say things perfectly, we try too hard and turn what shoul be simple sentences into convoluted nonsense. Simple language is always the most effective. Avoid trying to sound knowledgeable by using jargon or complex sentences.Not being aware of one's body language.

Many interviewees succeed in alienating the interviewer because they pay little or no attention to their body language. Body language is an extremely powerful comunicator, and failing to use it effectively will almost certainly put you at a significant disadvantage.Eye contact, sitting position and facial expressions are all very important aspects of interviewing, and need to be thought through before the interview.Failing to control those nerves. Sometimes people allow their nerves to get so out of control that they fails to establish a rapport and even forget their answers.

Feeling anxious before and during an interview is common. In fact, a touch of nerves can be good thing. But there is no need to be the victim of debilitating nerves. As you read through this, you'll gradually learn how to lessen your anxiety.Failing to give appropriate examples. Failing to give examples, or giving inappropriate examples, will speel disaster. Before the interview, it is important to think of relevant examples of what you've achieved nad how you went about realizing those achievements. Saying that you achieved something without being able to back it up with specific examples will only get you a rejection letter. Your examples need to be easy to understand, follow a logical sequence and be relevant to the needs of the employer. None of this happens without preparation.Trying to hard to please the interviewer. Whilst building rapport and trust during the interview is critical, few interviewers appreciate interviews interviewwees going overboard with their behaviour.Obsequious behaviours are generally seen as for of deceit and carry little weight-infact, they can undermine your efforts to create trust.

There's nothing wrong with you.

You've probably commited at least some of the mistakes listed above. Its very important to realise that the making such mistakes is common. In other words, there's nothing wrong with you. In the vast majority of cases, performing poorly at an interview happens because of very nature of interviews-its the interview process that is the culprit. So an awareness of the basic nature of interviews is the first strp in a step-by-step process by which you can significantly improve your performance. A great place to start is to ask: 'what does it take to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the job?'The answer to this question can be summarised in four parts:

1.Correct Preparation;

2.Knowing things that are important to interviewers;

3.Practising your answers;

4.Perseverance;

Correct Preparation:

How well you perform at an interview will largely depend on how well you have prepared for it. Failure to correctly prepare almost certainly means you will not perform at your best. In some cases, it will mean performing quite badly, which may contribute to the erosion of your confidence.Even if you're lucky enough to be the favoured candidate, and are almost certain to win the position by just turning up, you should still take the time to prepare because the better you perform, the greater the likelihood that you will negotiate a better salary-and often the difference in money can be substantial.We've all heard people boast that they've never prepared for an interviewer in their lives and have done all right.

Whilst this boast may not be an idle one, closer inspection will usually reveal that these people were:Lucky-that is, in the right place at the right time;well connected; working in favourable labour market where there was a huge demand for employyes coupled with low supply;applying for jobs well within their comfort zone- that is, not stretching themselves to improve their position; orapplying for jobs internally and competing mainly against external candidates.

The argument for interview preparation becomes compelling when you give some thought to basic nature of interviews. Not only are you expected to sell yourself in a competetive environment, but you're also expected to compress large and often complex pieces of information into neat and highly articulate answers that avoid any negative connotations and contain the information the interviewer wants to hear. Its no wonder people's stress levels increase.

But it does not end there. There are three additional reasons that make the case for interview preparation even more compelling:Interviews are rare events, thus making them unfamiliar and awkward.Many people find it very difficult to sell themselves at interviews they have been conditioned by family and society not to blow their own trumpet. Making simple statements such as I'm very good at selling xyz' can be quite an obstacle to overcome.In most interviews, coming second isnt good enough. Its not just the matter of performing well; its also a matter of beating everyone else.It is unimaginable that you would fails to prepare for an event that is frequent, competetive and requires behaviours not normally used. yet that is what exactly what people do when they walk into an interview without preparation.

What is incorrect preparatiopn ?Incorrect preparatipn is any preparation that will not optimise your performance at an interview. Rote-learning generic answers that someone else has prepared has limited value. At best, they can give you an insight into what may constitute a good answer; at worst, they simply lead you astray. It is important to understand that, in the vast majority of cases, there's no such thing as a single answer to a question. What may constitute a great answer for one employer may be viewed as quite ordinary by another. One of the worst things you can do is learn other peoples responses off by heart and repeat them at an interview. Repeating other peoples so called great answers can make you sound disingenious and make you look a bit ridiculous when asked a probing follow up question. It makes a lot more sense to prepare your own answers.

Advantages of preparation: Taking the time to correctly prepare for an interview will:improve your confidence levels;assist you in answering questions succinctly, as opposed to taking forever to make a simple point;help you know what to say and how to say it; assist you in handling difficult questions;help you avoid saying things that will make a negative impression;improve your rapport-building skills.

Knowing the things that are important to interviewers:

One of the keys to knowing what to prepare lies in inderstanding the needs of the interviewer. Once you know the things that are important to interviewers, interview preparation suddenly becomes a lot clear and a lot more manageable.The vast majority of interviewers- whether or not they realise it-want to hear three things from you.Can you do the job? In other words, do you have the skills, knowledge, experience or potential to perform well in job?Most interviews will spend the majority of interview probing you on this question. They will want to know what you've done, how you did it and what the outcomes were.

Practising your answers:

Mock Interviews: If you cant get yourself to as many interviews as you would like, its a good idea to set up mock interviews with someone you can work with. The more closely you can simulate a real-life situation, more benefit you will derive. An effective way to conduct mock interviews is to get into role an stay in it for the entire interview. No distractions, no small talk and especially no starting again. If possible, avoid providing the questions to your helpers- let them come up with their own. If your helpers are not in a position to do this, give them lots of questions and ask them to choose thye ones they want.

The important thing for you is to get yourself used to answering unexpected questions. Furthermore, if you feel your helper can provide you with honest feedback on your performance, do not shy away from asking. You never know what you may learn. Often its the small things that make a big difference, But be on you guard for overly positive feedback.

Perseverance:

The worst thing you can do when setting out to improve your interview performance is give up because it all seems too hard. Quitters invariably get nowhere. They certainly dont land great jobs and build great careers. On the other hand, people who persevere very often gain valuable insights simply because they have the stamina to stick it out.The people we admire most are often those who face seemingly insurmountable obstacles yet instead of quitting, quietly resolve to overcome them. On the other side of the coin, the people we generally least respect are forever starting things without finishing them.They tend to be same people who make grandiose claims but end up delivering little or nothing.

One common characterstic that chronic quitters tend to have is low self esteem- they dont really have believe in themselves. And if you dont believe in yourself, others usually dont believe in you either- not a great place to be when you are trying to convince interviewers to believe in you either-not a great place to be when you are trying to convince interviewers to believe in you either-not a great place to be when you are trying to convince interviewers to believe in your abilities. These are people who are often heard saying things such as: 'Thats too hard', 'I cant learn that', 'What will others think', etc. they also tend to be the people who are always complaining about things but never seem to take any action to correct them because there is always an excuse.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Guide to successful Job Interviews

Handling job interviews is probably the most critical part of the whole job searching process.

The job interview is a time for them to get to know you better. They have already decided that you have the experience and knowledge that they require, that is why they want to meet you in person. What they really want to see at the interview is who you are. Your attitude and personality are going to be the most important factors in the decision making process.

Preparing for job interviews :

Preparing for job interviews is probably the most important aspect. Do this right and you will breeze through it, go unprepared and you will fail miserably. Preparing for a job interview means getting your mind right and feeling confident. Remember you are the best person for the job, you just have to show them that.

Firstly do some research on the company and its products, know who their customers are and what the company's objective is. Once you have this information, then make a list of what skills or knowledge you have that would be valuable to them. You cannot sell yourself to them if you don't know what it is you are selling.

Next thing to prepare is your physical appearance. You have to dress right for job interviews, don't wear anything too flashy, neat and clean are more important than the latest fashion. The aim is to look professional without overdoing it. If you are not comfortable with a shirt and tie, it might be best not to wear one, unless the job will require you to dress this way. It is important that you feel comfortable, the last thing you want is to be worried about your appearance during the interview. It will only make you nervous and you will quickly lose confidence.

Work out what you need to take with you. A copy of your CV, originals (and copies) of your qualification papers, copies of references, samples of your work (if applicable) and anything else that they may want to see. Again make sure everything is well organised and neatly presented. Don't take a pile of paperwork that you have to sift through for ten minutes to find something, that will give them the impression that your are disorganised.

Interviewing Methods:

As the job market becomes more competitive, so do screening methods. Employing a new person is an expensive exercise and companies want to ensure they do it right. When the job market becomes more competitive, new interviewing methods are introduced. It is not uncommon these days to be put through a series of tests and interviews before a company makes the final decision.

Some of the processes that you might experience include:

Aptitude tests: These tests are designed to find your personality traits. They would be looking for a particular type of person and this test will show them if you fit their profile. You can't cheat in these tests, if you attempt to "formulate" your answers, the results of the test will show. Be honest here, you can't hide who you are.

IQ/Thinking tests: These have been prepared to work out your analytical and logical thinking patterns. To some extent general knowledge would be useful, however they are really geared towards finding out how you analyse data and find solutions to problems. Again it is impossible to cheat on these tests, but a little preparation would go a long way. Prepare for this test by doing some logical thinking puzzles. There are lots out there in the bookshops.

General knowledge : Tests in this section include mathematical, grammar, spelling and general knowledge. Preparing to take some of these will include doing a revision of you school work. Forget the calculator and go back to pencil and paper. If you are a wiz at maths, then you should have no problem, but if you are like the rest of us that reaches out for the calculator, then get some practice prior to attending.

Panel Job Interviews : These can be nerve wracking types of interviews, however, most job interviews these days include a panel. The panel might just 2 people or it can be as many as 10. To handle this interview well, you must appear to be confident, don't hesitate too long before you give an answer. Watch your posture and try not to fidget too much. When answering a question make eye contact with one or two of the people. Find a friendly face and use that person for most of your eye contact, it will help in making you feel more relaxed.

One on one job interviews : These type of interviews are easier to handle, they are generally more informal. The best way to handle these type of interviews is to relate to them as a form of conversation. You should ask questions and exchange information as you would during a normal conversation. Offer your own information as needed without waiting to be asked.

Handling job interview questions:

There are various types of questions asked at a job interview. Most job interviews start with chit-chat type of questions, these are designed to break the ice and get the conversation flowing. Questions like "did it take you long to get here", "did you find the place alright", "were you able to find parking". Most of these just require a "yes, no problem" type of response, you can elaborate more if you wish, however ensure that you don't provide information that will give them a bad impression. Saying something like "It took me ages to get here, traffic was so bad, I hate travelling to this side of town.." would not make a good impression. If this is the place where you would be working, they would automatically be worried that you will be late to work everyday.

Most questions will be geared towards finding out a bit more about you. They might be historical questions regarding your previous employment or education, or they may be hypothetical questions "what if...". These are geared to finding out how you would handle a situation or to find out your personal views to certain areas.

Whenever answering a job interview question, give as much information as you can. Tell them why, where, when and how. In other words use samples to prove what you are saying. Make a statement, then qualify it by giving a sample of a situation and how you handled it.

There are times that you will be asked a hard question during a job interview. Don't panic, there is a reason why these questions are asked and that is to see how you handle a difficult situation. Being prepared is always the best policy.

Following are some samples of questions and some advice on how to handle them efficiently.

How would you handle a difficult customer?: Be careful here, don't say that you have never had a difficult customer as anyone who has dealt with customers knows that is impossible. Use a sample to demonstrate how you handle a difficult customer. Talk about an incident at a previous job (where, when), explain the situation, how you handled it, and what the outcome was.

Why should we choose you? : Ask yourself why you applied, what makes you prefect for this position, what can the company gain from hiring you, what have you got to offer, how would you handle this job. This is what they want to know, so go ahead and tell them.

Tell me about yourself: Split your answer into two, the professional and the personal level. Both are just as important, how you move from one to the other depends on what you have to say. The best way to answer this job interview question is to give a brief summary of your life, professional and personal, less emphasis on the early past, more emphasis on the present and the future.

What are your weaknesses?: Don't say 'I don't have any". Everyone has weaknesses and it takes strength to recognise them. Say something relevant but not hugely important to the specific position, and always add a positive. Something like "I haven't had a lot of exposure to on-site maintenance, however I am looking forward to being more involved in dealing with customers directly and learning their needs".

What are your strengths?: Customise your answer to meet the position requirements, remember the things they asked for in the advertisement? Tell them your strengths but also demonstrate them and show them how they would apply to this job. Use samples of how your strengths were valuable, use the "why, where, when, how" demonstrate and prove your strengths.

Job interviews are not that bad, so long as you are prepared. Maintain good eye contact and ensure that you have some questions to ask. job interviews are a two way process, a conversation where they want to get to know you better and you want to find out more about the position.

Above all, try and keep calm, smile and show professionalism.

Overview - Ten-Minute Guide

Your aim is to convince the interviewer that:

You would be able to do the job
You can bring benefits to the company
You are the best candidate on both counts

Preparation:

You need to do a mini self-assessment of your profile, for example your work experience so far, the qualifications you have gained, and where you want your career to go. Consider your strengths and weaknesses, so that you have an idea of what to say in the interview. Some points to consider are:

Leadership
Self-confidence
Commitment and determination
Enthusiasm and Stamina
Competitiveness
Good judgement and decision making
Responsibility
Initiative and creativity
Organisation

Ask yourself:

Which areas could I improve
What are the tasks and situations that I have had the most problems with
In which instances did my colleagues react negatively towards me

Questions:

Why do you want this job? Talk about the positive aspects of the job, not that it's the only one you have had an interview for.

What qualities do you think will be required for this job? Talk about points that were in the job description but also other qualities such as: communications, interpersonal skills etc

What can you contribute? Your chance to shine. Tell them about your achievements in previous positions or at University etc

Why do you want to work for this company? Talk about why you like the company, mission statement, ethics, international etc

What do you know about this company? Give a run down of their products/services, sales figures, accomplishments etc

What interest you about our product/service? This can link to the previous question

How would you describe yourself? Pick your best attributes

What has been your greatest success? How did you achieve it? Pick an achievement related to the companies/jobs needs

What has been your biggest failure? Pick something that you were able to correct or that wasn't that important

How could you improve yourself? Pick on positive aspects of your personality or a strength/weakness scenario where you are improving

How do you handle criticism? Say that you take on board criticism and that it is part of your development so that you can improve certain areas.

Do you work well with others? Give examples of a good working relationship

Are you self motivated? Give an example of where you have been pro-active

Can you act on your own initiative? This can link into the previous question

What motivates you? Opportunities to learn new skills

Do you work well under pressure? Answer positively

What are your career goals?

COVERING LETTER

The covering letter is your chance to expand on the CV, your time to show the prospective employer what skills you have gained, how and where you gained them. Also showing how these skills will be of benefit within the sector that you are applying to. However, when writing a covering letter many people have the tendency to waffle. You need to be clear and concise and match your skills to the job requirements. This is your chance to shine and show the employer exactly what you are capable of. It is very unlikely that you have done the exact same job before as what you will go into, and even if you have each company has there own way of doing things. It is therefore important to show the skills that you have ascertained and they show proof of how you have adapted such attributes to various aspects of work.

5 Points:
Should be one side of A4
Do not just repeat information from your CV, but tie the two together, for example: as you will see from my CV, I have extensive experience in...
Be positive
Handwritten or typed covering letters are acceptable
Never photocopy a covering letter for another employer/job.

First paragraph

This is a general introduction to who you are, what you are doing, and what you want. For example: you are a student, studying for a degree in your chosen subject, and you are looking for a work placement. You should also write what postion you are applying for and a brief description of why you are applying for work within that chosen company.

Bulk of the letter

These couple of paragraphs should highlight experiences and skills you have gained that are relevant to the employment you are seeking. Topics of interest could include, previous employment, voluntary activities, and University coursework/presentations. For example, during a University presentation you may use the following skills: teamwork, communication, negotiation, time management, research using various research tools such as the internet, media, library resources; plus the presentation may have involved using computer programmes such as power point.

Final paragraph

This is a closing paragraph to thank them for their time and that you shall look forward to hearing from them shortly.Yours sincerely/faithfully and then your name.

First Impressions

Most people make an initial opinion of a stranger within the first five minutes of meeting them. According to research employers' impressions are made up of the following:

Body Language and image (70%)
Tone of voice (20%)
What you say (10%)

As soon as you enter the building you need to be polite to everyone you meet. You need to remain calm and confident, give a firm handshake, and remember to make eye contact. You need to put both yourself and the interviewer at ease by being down-to-earth whilst remaining business-like, it is often quite a good idea to have a few conversation openers, especially if the interviewer takes you to the interview room, it helps break the silence.

The Interview Preparation

You need to prepare well for the interview, finding out about the history of the company, its structure, market position and management style, along with details such as: how big the company is, how long have they been operating, what are their key income revenues and core areas of business, who are their major competitors, and have they had any major upheavals or successes. The easiest place to start the research is the website, or calling the marketing department and asking for a company profile or press kit. This will not only help you show your enthusiasm to the company but also enable you to be more relaxed about the questions asked. If you are preparing for a specific job interview, you will need to familiarise yourself with the job description, so matching your attributes to their requested skills.

You will also need to prepare information about yourself by building up a personal profile to enable you to answer questions both quickly and accurately. The profile will comprise of both personal and business information. For example:

Personal: 'I am an ambitious, organised and highly-motivated individual who is goal driven and excels at building long-term customer relationships.'

Business: 'I am an experienced sales professional with five years specific experience in the automotive industry'... go into further details.

Be positive, if you are negative the employers will not believe in you. You need to remember that you have been short-listed, and therefore must stand a good chance. It is good to feel a bit nervous before the interview as it shows that you want the job.

Interview Techniques

The interview is not only a chance for the interviewer to assess if you are the right person for the job, but it is also an opportunity for you to see if the job and the company are suitable for you.
During the interview you need to look for opportunities to be proactive and ask your own questions or try to lead the discussion where appropriate. Questions should reflect your keenness to work for the company. Generally you should limit yourself to just a couple of significant questions such as:

What are the key tasks and responsibilities of the job
What support and guidance is available
What training will be available

Other aspects to talk about are:

Structure of the organisation
Success of the organisation, it's profitability and product portfolio
Future strategies and development

Keep your concentration levels up during the interview and make sure you listen to the responses the interviewer gives you. The worst mistakes happen when people end up asking questions about topics that have already been covered, or don't hear or understand what the interviewer has said.

Key points:
Make sure you give the interviewer your full attention
Wait for them to finish speaking, before you answer the question
Make sure you ask open questions, to ensure you get full answers
Check you understand everything that has been said

At the end of the interview find out what will happen next:
When will I hear from you
How will I be informed
Do you need any more information from me

Candidates can easily find themselves on the defensive, trying to justify themselves, rather than sell their attributes. A good interviewer will often throw all sorts of challenging questions at you, in order to see if you are suitable for the job.

To help you cope with these it is best to know the possible questions that you might get asked, these can be divided up into sections:

Selling yourself (mention your strengths)
What experience do you have to benefit this job?
Can you work well under pressure?
What is your greatest strength?
What interests you most about this job?
Why should I hire you?
Do you have any questions?

Questions could include: what your first assignment would be, what type of training is required or given, requesting to see a job description, and who the company's major competitors are.

Information giving (information on your experience and skills set)
Do you consider yourself to be a natural leader? The interviewer will be interested in your ability to lead when necessary .

Tell me about yourself. This is an open question, and is a good opportunity for you to reveal the strengths that you mentioned in your personal profile. This is also your chance to reveal your personality, so just be yourself.

What are your biggest accomplishments? This should be job related, and is a chance to show your competency
Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Dealing with objections

How do you handle criticism? Try to portray the attitude that all criticism has a benefit, providing an opportunity for improvement. Also elaborate by giving an example of a poor idea that has been criticised rather than a substandard piece of work.

How will you cope with a change in environment? Talk about how you can adapt and learn quickly.

Turning negatives into positives (change your weaknesses into strengths)
What can you do for us that someone else can't? If you have understood the details of the job then try to answer this with a combination of your skills/experience which others are unlikely to have.
Describe a difficult problem you've had to deal with. Clearly explain how you have approached a problem, the result and how the difficult outcome was averted. This will show that you have a positive attitude to all challenges, and you were not discouraged or intimidated by the situation.

What is your greatest weakness? This is your chance to show that you have identified and are working on reducing your weaknesses. Turn your weakness into strength.

How do you handle tension/stress? Explain how you avoid stressful situations, and if not how you deal with it, for example: exercising and going to the gym.

How do you take direction? Show by giving examples of how you can be briefed and finish the task without unnecessary disagreements/complications

Do you prefer working with others or alone? Explain how you can work well in both situations.

How do you handle rejection? Much of today's business is commercially orientated, therefore a good answer would tend to be that you move on but take on board what has happened and use it to benefit you in the future.

Always speak clearly in a controlled range of tones. Do not speak in monotone and always pause before speaking, this avoids instinctively reacting and saying the wrong thing.

Help with your Interview/CV

Help with your Interview

Below are some notes that you should find useful, when preparing for an interview.

Research the company, its group, and subsidiaries. Make full use of the web, financial rating companies, and retail news.

Always be positive regarding your current employer and prior companies and the people to whom you reported. These are positive building blocks that helped to prepare you for the current opportunity.

Get the interviewer to describe the position and responsibilities early in the conversation so you can relate your skills and background to the position throughout the interview.

Prepare a list of probing questions pertaining to the job responsibilities of the position, division and company goals, company culture, etc.

Energy, Drive, Initiative. The key to personal success is to do more than you have to. Give the interviewer several examples of your initiative and personal successes and extra efforts.

Management and Organisation. Let the interviewer know that you have the ability to persuade and motivate others. Team leadership is a component of both management and personality. Share management ability and style, and organisational skills.

Character: Values, Commitment and Goals - Summarise your integrity, honesty, responsibility, openness and fairness in dealing with others.

Watch your body language. Maintain good posture, leaning slightly forward indicates interest. Maintain eye contact.

Prepare a list of your strengths and why you are perfect for the position. One of the toughest interview questions that you can be asked is "Tell me about yourself". Rather than guess where the interviewer wants you to begin, use this very simple response: "I'd be happy to. Where would you like me to begin?"

Do you bring value beyond the technical job description? Demonstrate your ownership of the company's strategic goals. Provide everyday examples of your commitment to delivering peak performance and team building. Communicate your success in solving problems, seeking out new products and services that will benefit clients. Demonstrate your abilities to help foster collaborative decision-making.

Make sure you answer the following two questions: "Why are you interested in the company?" and "What can you offer?".

If you are interested in the position - tell the client! At the conclusion of the interview, state that you are very interested in pursuing this position, and then ask, "Where do we go from here?" or "What is the next step?"

Do not discuss salary on the first interview. Complete the application and answer all of the questions, including current base salary and OTE, if applicable. If the application or interviewer asks you for salary expectations, leave the application blank. Responding to a direct question, tell the interviewer that you are relatively open and negotiable. Explain that money is not driving your decision to interview for a new job. The reason for interviewing is to explore the company's culture, career path, training, opportunities to advance, exposure to decision.

Help with your C.V.

Make sure you set the CV out in a easy to read format, clearly indicating the dates of your employment, the name of the employer, and the position you held
You should make it clear the actual full dates (month and year) that you worked in a job, rather than simply writing the years.

Examples
2003 –2007 : (incorrect)
July 2003 – October 2007 : (correct)
You should separate your duties and responsibilities in each of your roles, and aim to have a comprehensive list of these in each of your most recent roles
The further back your CV goes, the less information you need. Try to have fairly comprehensive details in your two most recent roles, then gradually make the information shorter and more concise as you go back

A CV should be typed on more than two pages, and in an easy to read font and size
You don’t need to include personal details like your date of birth on a CV. Try to keep the information as based around skills and experience as you possibly can
Don’t assume anything on your CV! Assume the person reading it knows nothing about the job you’ve done before, making sure you include all the key details
Try to avoid writing in long sentences. Use short, concise sentences in bullet point form .

A word about Equal Opportunities

Discrimination on the basis of race, marital status, colour, sex, religion, national origin or disability is not legal. Although very rare, it is possible that you may be faced with a question which is discriminatory particularly from inexperienced interviewers. In these situations the best thing to do is to address the bias behind the question without confronting the interviewer, for example:

Are you planning to start a family?

Are you asking if I am able to work overtime? Are you asking if I would have commitment to this position?

How old are you?

Are you asking how many years of experience I have?

Are you married?

Are you asking if I am able to work overtime?
If you are concerned that the interview you attended was discriminatory, please do not hesitate to contact your consultant and be prepared to discuss your thoughts and experiences.