Workjoy: Issue 7

Welcome to "Great Tips for Jobseekers!" October 04 SPECIAL EDITION

With the summer over and autumn upon us, traditionally the recruitment season picks up so this special edition focuses exclusively on interviews. Don’t forget to invite your friends to subscribe to “Great Tips….!

In this issue

* The three interview stages

* 5 top tips to calm yourself before the interview

* Killer questions

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The three interview stages

There are usually three stages to the interview:

1 Screening. Your CV or original application is evaluated against the essential requirements of the post. If you can demonstrate you have the right experience and capabilities along with a significant number of other candidates (i.e. more than the employer wants to interview) then you will be subject to a second screening, this time to see how well you meet the “nice to have” skills, knowledge and experience. When applying for a job, make sure you clearly show you have as many of the essentials and preferables as possible. If you come through screening successfully you will be invited for a first interview.

2 Selection. At the first interview stage the recruiter will typically be looking to a) confirm that you understand the role and that it is within your capability, b) check that the role would be right for you that you will be committed for the minimum acceptable amount of time, and c) assess whether you are likely to fit in with the company and team culture. Often more than one candidate will pass this stage, in which case a further question is addressed: “Who is the BEST candidate for the post?”

3 Approval. Just because you are deemed to be the best candidate, you may not necessarily be offered the post immediately. Sometimes you will need to meet a very senior person in the organisation or the owner. Don’t assume that the job is your and this meeting is a mere formality. Many a job has been lost at this stage. Make sure you take it as seriously as the earlier stages and perform to impress, even if you are told the job is yours and this is just a formality.

DVD INTERVIEW PRACTICE – a new service from Workjoy!

Are you worried about your performance in interviews? Have you ever wondered how you come across at interview? Would you like a chance to practice your answers to those tricky questions and receive feedback and coaching from a highly experienced interviewing trainer?

If so, a two-hour session in the London area can be booked. During the session you will be filmed during the interview and then review it with our consultant. Finally, you will be given a copy of the interview in the form of a DVD to review further at your convenience.

Contact nick@workjoy.co.uk for further details of this opportunity.

Five Top Tips to calm yourself before the interview

1 Prepare for the interview. The better you understand their problem and requirements, the more relaxed you’ll feel in the meeting. Know who it is you will be meeting, their position, and the details of the interview process.

2 Don’t be late! Practice the journey before the day. Don’t forget to take account of local traffic at certain times of the day (e.g. school runs) if you are driving. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before the arranged time. If you are earlier take a walk around the block to compose yourself.

3 Feeling anxious? On arrival ask for directions to the loo. Wash your hands and face in tepid water – not too hot or cold. This should help to stop you from perspiring or getting clammy hands.

4 If you are asked to wait in reception, don’t sit down in one of those low soft seats that are so often provided. They are difficult to emerge from and it might mean that you leave your greeter waiting awkwardly for several seconds while you fight your way onto your feet. Instead, put your case down and just stand around, perhaps look at any promotional materials on display, or, if they are not busy, engage the receptionist in pleasant conversation. This will help you to get a feel for how friendly and open the organisation is.

5 Try to build friendly rapport with the person that greets you. That doesn’t mean talk like there’s no tomorrow, it just means be nice and engage them with openness. Maybe mention what you like about the office décor or think of something topical to talk about as you are making the journey from reception to the interview room. Don’t make it anything political or controversial.

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Workjoy provides career advice and coaching in face to face (London, UK only) or by telephone. Contact me, Nick Gendler by emailing nick@workjoy.co.uk to arrange a free initial consultation

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Killer Questions

Be prepared for these. They are rarely used but when they are they can be very effective at identifying those who can think quickly, are creative, diplomatic or unflappable, amongst other possibilities. If you are asked an unusual question such as “Who should be Pop Idol this year?” or “If you were a fish, what kind of fish would you be?” Don’t be afraid to take a while to think about the answer. If quick thinking is what they are testing then OK you may get marked down, but if careful thinking and the ability to give a well reasoned argument is what they are interested in, you may do well. The important thing is to have a view even if the answer is “I have no idea nor do I care; I think Pop Idol is an abomination to both music and television”. Also, remember that there is a playful side to these questions and by engaging with them you are showing an appreciation of the culture of the organisation that chooses to ask them.

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