Be Assertive at the end of a telephone interview. How? At the end of a telephone interview say: “I really like what I hear about this opportunity. I would love to come and see you about it. I have next week in which I think I can get away. Could you see me on Friday? Is that a possibility?"
Note – The hiring official will tend to invite more people in who invite themselves.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
"THANK YOU"
...always thank the client at the end of an interview for the time that they took to see you ....AND tell them you are interested in the job. 90% of interviewing candidates never do this.
If I have two recruiters wanting to go to work for me and one is saying, "I really want to work for your firm", all things being equal, that person will get the job every time. So make sure you shake the hiring officals hand and say you are very interested in going to work for them. Leave the client with as positive a feeling as possible.
By doing the above you will significantly increase your chances of a 2nd interview or an offer. ...Then you can choose whether to take the job or not.
If I have two recruiters wanting to go to work for me and one is saying, "I really want to work for your firm", all things being equal, that person will get the job every time. So make sure you shake the hiring officals hand and say you are very interested in going to work for them. Leave the client with as positive a feeling as possible.
By doing the above you will significantly increase your chances of a 2nd interview or an offer. ...Then you can choose whether to take the job or not.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Consider Sharpening YOUR Skills
One of MANY options available to you (If you live in London) is Birkbeck University. They recently had an Open Day and offer hundreds of part time course to sharpen your skills during the downturn. Courses are quite reasonable ranging from £150 - £300 per module contributing towards a Certificate of Higher Education, Diploma or a Degree.
No previous qualifications needed to get on these courses. Campuses situated all around London.
You can check out the university on the following link: www.bbk.ac.uk
No previous qualifications needed to get on these courses. Campuses situated all around London.
You can check out the university on the following link: www.bbk.ac.uk
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Popular Interview Questions
1. With what sort of personalities do you work well?
2. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced at work recently?
3. What are your strengths / weaknesses?
4. What projects at work have you taken on that you didn’t have to?
5. What would you do differently in your career if you started over?
6. How do you handle the pressure of having too much to do?
7. What sort of challenges do you like?
8. What kinds of decisions are most difficult for you?
9. Why are you interested in leaving your current job?
2. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced at work recently?
3. What are your strengths / weaknesses?
4. What projects at work have you taken on that you didn’t have to?
5. What would you do differently in your career if you started over?
6. How do you handle the pressure of having too much to do?
7. What sort of challenges do you like?
8. What kinds of decisions are most difficult for you?
9. Why are you interested in leaving your current job?
Monday, November 10, 2008
Jobhunting during a reccession - Embrace social networking sites such as Linkedin, Facebook, Myspace - It can provide an unobtrusive informal way to stay in touch with ex colleagues, friends and employers. Make people aware that you are looking and see what you can do to help others - do something helpful, a useful introduction perhaps may be reciprocated. Follow up - after meeting a new contact send them a quick email with some additional information about something you discussed + Always have a stack of personal or bussiness cards available.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Question Time
During the interview, you will be asked to demonstrate your suitability for the job. Why have they asked you this particular question? What are they trying to find out?
Below are some of the more commonly asked questions, and some simple suggested responses.
Q: Tell me about yourself?
A: They want you to open up to them. Tell them about your qualifications, career history and range of skills. You may even want to tell them a little about your hobbies and interests - it shows what motivates you.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement so far?
A: This doesn't have to be work related. The interviewer is trying to find out if you are an achiever. Demonstrate how you achieved and how it has benefited you. Do you still use those skills?
Q: What are your strengths?
A: We all have them, it's just acknowledging them in a proficient manner. Try to look at personal attributes such as 'I'm a team player', or 'I have great attention to detail', then demonstrate how they could be a benefit to an employer.
Q: What are your weaknesses?
A: The interviewer wants to see how self-aware you are. Don't use personal weaknesses such as 'I find it hard to get out of bed in the morning'. A weakness can also be considered a strength. Use a professional weakness such as lack of experience (training can always overcome that) or one that can be turned around into a strength such as 'I'm very focused at work, so sometimes people think I'm ignoring them'.
Q: How would your family/friends/spouse describe you?
A: Another way of asking how you perceive yourself. Choose three or four adjectives that show the positive side of your personality, such as 'they would say I'm outgoing, reliable and loyal'.
Q: Why do you think you're suitable for this role?
A: If you haven't done your research, you'll not be able to give an answer with substance. Use your prepared list and match your skills and personal attributes. By this stage, the interviewer should have told you about the role. If they haven't, ask them to explain it fully, then give them your answer. You cannot tell them you're the perfect candidate if you don't know what the job is.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years time?
A: Do not be tempted to respond in an arrogant manner - i.e. 'in your chair'. The interviewer wants to know your motivation and career aspirations. Whilst wanting to progress is a natural desire, don't let this overshadow the job you are being interviewed for. Try not to give a specific job title, but more what you will be gaining from a role and environment. Such as 'I see myself in a role that allows me to be autonomous, and one that is both challenging and rewarding.
The interview is a two way process. You will have a chance to ask questions, but make sure they are relevant to the role and company.
Do not get involved in discussing money at this stage - unless the interviewer asks you. Remember that the questions you ask tell the interviewer more about you than some of the answers you give.
Below are some of the more commonly asked questions, and some simple suggested responses.
Q: Tell me about yourself?
A: They want you to open up to them. Tell them about your qualifications, career history and range of skills. You may even want to tell them a little about your hobbies and interests - it shows what motivates you.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement so far?
A: This doesn't have to be work related. The interviewer is trying to find out if you are an achiever. Demonstrate how you achieved and how it has benefited you. Do you still use those skills?
Q: What are your strengths?
A: We all have them, it's just acknowledging them in a proficient manner. Try to look at personal attributes such as 'I'm a team player', or 'I have great attention to detail', then demonstrate how they could be a benefit to an employer.
Q: What are your weaknesses?
A: The interviewer wants to see how self-aware you are. Don't use personal weaknesses such as 'I find it hard to get out of bed in the morning'. A weakness can also be considered a strength. Use a professional weakness such as lack of experience (training can always overcome that) or one that can be turned around into a strength such as 'I'm very focused at work, so sometimes people think I'm ignoring them'.
Q: How would your family/friends/spouse describe you?
A: Another way of asking how you perceive yourself. Choose three or four adjectives that show the positive side of your personality, such as 'they would say I'm outgoing, reliable and loyal'.
Q: Why do you think you're suitable for this role?
A: If you haven't done your research, you'll not be able to give an answer with substance. Use your prepared list and match your skills and personal attributes. By this stage, the interviewer should have told you about the role. If they haven't, ask them to explain it fully, then give them your answer. You cannot tell them you're the perfect candidate if you don't know what the job is.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years time?
A: Do not be tempted to respond in an arrogant manner - i.e. 'in your chair'. The interviewer wants to know your motivation and career aspirations. Whilst wanting to progress is a natural desire, don't let this overshadow the job you are being interviewed for. Try not to give a specific job title, but more what you will be gaining from a role and environment. Such as 'I see myself in a role that allows me to be autonomous, and one that is both challenging and rewarding.
The interview is a two way process. You will have a chance to ask questions, but make sure they are relevant to the role and company.
Do not get involved in discussing money at this stage - unless the interviewer asks you. Remember that the questions you ask tell the interviewer more about you than some of the answers you give.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Personal Profile
Although not essential, a personal profile can give your CV a more personal touch and in many instances can be targeted towards a specific job.
Below is an example of a generic personal profile (this should go at the top of your CV underneath your name).
PROFILE EXAMPLE
Below is an example of a generic personal profile (this should go at the top of your CV underneath your name).
PROFILE EXAMPLE
I am a commercially focused individual with a proven track record of achievements, capable of making a significant contribution to the profitability of any employer. Having worked well under pressure and to tight deadlines, I take great pride in seeing a task through to completion with a well-developed capacity to work within a team, seeking, willing and able to play a key role in company development. I am good at building client relationships. I have excellent verbal and written communication skills. I have strong negotiation and interpersonal skills. I am equally at ease dealing with customers as I am with internal colleagues and departments. I thrive on having a full and varied workload. I have a strong ability to quickly understand and familiarize myself with the key systems used in a new organization.
Monday, April 30, 2007
UK & International Job Web Sites
Listed below are links to a whole host of UK and international job web sites as well as other resources which will help you in finding the perfect role for you. A lot of these sites listed below have the facility to upload your cv and register with them. This process usually only takes about five minutes and is well worth doing.
http://www.jobserve.com/
http://www.jobcentreplus.com/
http://www.reed.co.uk/
http://www.1job.co.uk/
http://www.jobsearch.co.uk/
http://www.jobsite.co.uk/
http://www.fish4.co.uk/
http://www.times.co.uk/
http://www.tiptopjobs.com/
http://www.opencollege.info/
http://access-sciencejobs.co.uk/
http://www.cvhighway.co.uk/
http://www.euro-resource.co.uk/
http://www.jobscareers24.co.uk/
http://www.job4leeds.co.uk/
http://www.greatbritishlinks.co.uk/
http://www.ukjobsnet.co.ukm/
Monday, March 12, 2007
Interviews - The Psychological Association of Suits
According to John T Molloy author of “Dress For Success” the suit is the central power garment in any business combination, it is the garment that will most influence any viewers stereotyped judgement of the wearer. It immediately establishes authority, credibility and likability – those qualities most important in any business interaction.
The darker the suit, the more authority it transmits. A black suit is more authoritative than a dark blue, although it is much too powerful for most men and should be rarely worn anyway because of its funeral overtones. The most authoritative pattern is the pinstripe, followed in descending order by the solid, the chalk stripe and the plaid.
Solid Navy: If you’re a weak authority figure its excellent, if your strong authority figure it’s bad.
Solid Dark Grey: If you’re a weak authority figure use it. If you are strong authority figure, it is neutral.
Dark Blue Pin Stripe: If you have authority problems, it’s the best.
Medium Blue Solid: It is good for people with authority problems and with strong authority figures.
Medium Grey Solid: If you have trouble giving orders it’s neutral. If you are a strong authority figure it’s positive and takes the edge off aggressiveness.
Medium Blue Pinstripe: It is a good authority-boosting suit and also, surprisingly positive if you come on too strong.
Light Blue Solid: If you have trouble giving orders wear it. If your too strong its good.
Light Grey Solid: It is negative for those who have trouble giving orders, positive if you come on too strong.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Preparing for a Telephone Interview
1. Do Your Research - Look at the company website, it's one of the best sources of information. Research company history, size, structure, its products and its markets.
2. Communication - When you answer the phone, do so in an enthusiastic style, sound interested, alert, be assertive and avoid waffling and the overuse of jargon.
3. Your CV - Have your CV to hand and prepare mentally, or better still in writing to answer the inevitable 'Tell me about yourself' question. Also have a pen and paper ready to take any notes.
4. Avoid making any derogatory comments about your past employers and try not to answer questions with Yes or No.
5. Prepare A List of Questions - Ask about the role, training, opportunities for you within the company and future growth of the company.
6. Closing the interview - As soon as it seems appropriate during the conversation, test the water and see if a date can be arranged for a face to face interview.
Friday, January 05, 2007
How to Write Effective Emails
The following points should be considered when writing to potential employers or recruitment agencies:
1. Choose a professional looking username for your email.
2. Sign your emails with your full name.
3. Write in twelve-point black type on white background.
4. Write an informative subject line.
5. Use short paragraphs separated by blank lines.
6. Edit and proof read your message before sending.
7. Write in your best standard English.
8. Plan your emails.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Learn Direct Training Helpline
Learn Direct is the Government’s free training helpline, The learndirect advice line offers free, personalised careers advice and guidance that can help you reshape your career.
Several hundred courses are listed online, see:
www.learndirect.co.uk
Several hundred courses are listed online, see:
www.learndirect.co.uk
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Take The Advantage
A key advantage to using recruitment agencies is that there are hundreds of good jobs out there that never get advertised. Recruitment agencies often have these vacancies on their books and it's their job to match you with the right one. This will save you time and make your job hunt more effective.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
Your CV
Your CV is your single most important asset. It is vital that you invest the time in producing a document that at best probably has 1 minute to initially sell your skills. It should be easy to read, and concise but relevant.
Your essential personal and contact details should include the obvious, but it is surprising how many cvs do not contain an address. Always include your postcode as this is often used by agency search engines in producing shortlists.
Follow this with a bullet pointed summary of your marketable skills.
Next, describe your career history in reverse order, clearly showing employer, dates employed, and job function/title. Explain any gaps in employment. A summary of your main duties and responsibilities should then follow, clearly reflecting any technical skills that you used or acquired during the course of this employment. The emphasis should be on the work you have done in the last 2/3 years.
Finally, if at all possible try to keep your CV to 2 pages, or at most 3 and finish if at all possible with the names and contact numbers of past employers who can provide a reference.
When sending your CV to an agent, ensure that you state clearly the minimum salary or contract rate that you would consider, whether you will look at both permanent and/or contract, and your flexibility on location.
Your essential personal and contact details should include the obvious, but it is surprising how many cvs do not contain an address. Always include your postcode as this is often used by agency search engines in producing shortlists.
Follow this with a bullet pointed summary of your marketable skills.
Next, describe your career history in reverse order, clearly showing employer, dates employed, and job function/title. Explain any gaps in employment. A summary of your main duties and responsibilities should then follow, clearly reflecting any technical skills that you used or acquired during the course of this employment. The emphasis should be on the work you have done in the last 2/3 years.
Finally, if at all possible try to keep your CV to 2 pages, or at most 3 and finish if at all possible with the names and contact numbers of past employers who can provide a reference.
When sending your CV to an agent, ensure that you state clearly the minimum salary or contract rate that you would consider, whether you will look at both permanent and/or contract, and your flexibility on location.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Sources of Employment
Newspapers
The web has not killed off the newspaper's role in recruiting. Printed media is more likely to catch the browsers eye as well as the serious job hunter, so do not dismiss this media, even though the internet is now probably the major force in IT job advertising.
Magazines
Check your sector's publications, some companies only advertise in their industry press as it is the most cost‑effective way of reaching the right people, and also be aware of special technical publications that are relevant to your background. The most established magazines are Computing or Computer weekly, which are available free by postal registration.
Networking
Very often the most powerful medium is the spoken word and your own contacts. Think about people you have worked with or for in the past and know what you are capable of. Try to re-establish contact and enquire if they can be of help. Think of acquaintances who may work for companies that could be of interest to you.
The following link should assist you:
http://www.linkedin.com/
The Internet
This Internet has revolutionized recruitment advertising particularly within the IT sector. The cost of advertising on the internet is generally far cheaper than advertising in the printed media, and in the IT sector candidates are clearly Internet oriented so it is the natural medium for advertising.
Some sites are good, some bad, some in the middle ground, but it will be worthwhile investing time in these sites and registering your details and job criteria.
Most sites have automail facilities that will email lists of positions according to specified criteria on a regular basis so it will often not be necessary to keep checking that particular site.
Nevertheless it is important to understand how criteria are entered and how the search engine works to ensure that you do not miss possible job opportunities that would be suitable. For instance if you register as a developer seeking Windows 2000 and VB experience, would you be notified of a job vacancy labelled as an Analyst/Programmer with W2K and Visual Basic? Try to ensure that you always understand how the site search engine works.
Below is a list of some of some sites that may prove a starting point:
http://www.jobserve.com/
http://www.cwjobs.co.uk/
http://www.jobsite.co.uk/
The following lists our current vacancies:
http://www.jobserve.com/recruiterJobListing.aspx?cid=12498
The web has not killed off the newspaper's role in recruiting. Printed media is more likely to catch the browsers eye as well as the serious job hunter, so do not dismiss this media, even though the internet is now probably the major force in IT job advertising.
Magazines
Check your sector's publications, some companies only advertise in their industry press as it is the most cost‑effective way of reaching the right people, and also be aware of special technical publications that are relevant to your background. The most established magazines are Computing or Computer weekly, which are available free by postal registration.
Networking
Very often the most powerful medium is the spoken word and your own contacts. Think about people you have worked with or for in the past and know what you are capable of. Try to re-establish contact and enquire if they can be of help. Think of acquaintances who may work for companies that could be of interest to you.
The following link should assist you:
http://www.linkedin.com/
The Internet
This Internet has revolutionized recruitment advertising particularly within the IT sector. The cost of advertising on the internet is generally far cheaper than advertising in the printed media, and in the IT sector candidates are clearly Internet oriented so it is the natural medium for advertising.
Some sites are good, some bad, some in the middle ground, but it will be worthwhile investing time in these sites and registering your details and job criteria.
Most sites have automail facilities that will email lists of positions according to specified criteria on a regular basis so it will often not be necessary to keep checking that particular site.
Nevertheless it is important to understand how criteria are entered and how the search engine works to ensure that you do not miss possible job opportunities that would be suitable. For instance if you register as a developer seeking Windows 2000 and VB experience, would you be notified of a job vacancy labelled as an Analyst/Programmer with W2K and Visual Basic? Try to ensure that you always understand how the site search engine works.
Below is a list of some of some sites that may prove a starting point:
http://www.jobserve.com/
http://www.cwjobs.co.uk/
http://www.jobsite.co.uk/
The following lists our current vacancies:
http://www.jobserve.com/recruiterJobListing.aspx?cid=12498
Monday, July 03, 2006
Approaching the Agencies
1. Phone and ask to speak to the consultant, who deals with the area you are interested in, establishing contact by phone is superior to just sending in your CV.
2. If you do not get through to a consultant, ask for the name of the relevant person, and send them your CV, mentioning in your covering letter that you have tried to speak to them and that you will phone them shortly (do remember to do this).
3. Explain to the consultant what you are looking for and ask whether you should send your CV to them. Ensure that they are an ethical company and will not send out your cv without your knowledge or without advising you which company they are submitting you to.
4. When you are told a company that you are being sent to, make sure you do not let the name slip to any other agency as they will be hotly on to the vacancy and submit competitive candidates. This is a common trick and one used very effectively by high pressure agencies.
This method does take somewhat longer than sending out a cv, but you will have immediate feedback, whereas many companies do not acknowledge CVs.
For a comprehensive list of agencies, visit the website http://www.agencycentral.co.uk/.
2. If you do not get through to a consultant, ask for the name of the relevant person, and send them your CV, mentioning in your covering letter that you have tried to speak to them and that you will phone them shortly (do remember to do this).
3. Explain to the consultant what you are looking for and ask whether you should send your CV to them. Ensure that they are an ethical company and will not send out your cv without your knowledge or without advising you which company they are submitting you to.
4. When you are told a company that you are being sent to, make sure you do not let the name slip to any other agency as they will be hotly on to the vacancy and submit competitive candidates. This is a common trick and one used very effectively by high pressure agencies.
This method does take somewhat longer than sending out a cv, but you will have immediate feedback, whereas many companies do not acknowledge CVs.
For a comprehensive list of agencies, visit the website http://www.agencycentral.co.uk/.
INTERVIEW TIPS
It is vital to make a good first impression when attending an interview. The first few minutes of an interview are vital.
Ensure you arrive at the office at least 15 minutes early. If you are running late, ensure you either contact the client direct or call your agent. Arriving early gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the company environment and go through any notes you may have prepared.
1. What do I wear to an interview?
Dress in a smart business suit. Many companies have a casual dress policy, however it is imperative you dress in business suit.
2. What should I take to an interview?
Take a couple of copies of your CV in case the one you sent to the company has gone astray. If possible take a portfolio of relevant work which you have done. A pen and paper to make notes with after the interview, perhaps you need to take a tube map or A-Z so that you can find the offices in the first place.
3. What sort of questions can I expect?
The interviewer wants to assess your suitability for the job, so you will be asked about what your previous responsibilities entailed, your qualifications, why you want the job, what you can bring to the company and perhaps some questions about what you enjoy doing out of work.
4. How should I prepare for an interview?
Carry out research into the company, find out exactly what they do, and how many people they employ. What is their history and what is their future business strategy.
Make sure you know exactly where your interview is so you arrive punctually on the day.
You may like to practice by answering some commonly posed interview questions.
5. What qualities are interviewers looking for?
Generally employers are looking for:
Motivation, Confidence, Sociability, Initiative, Honesty, Intellect, Ability, Enthusiasm
Ensure you arrive at the office at least 15 minutes early. If you are running late, ensure you either contact the client direct or call your agent. Arriving early gives you the opportunity to get a feel for the company environment and go through any notes you may have prepared.
1. What do I wear to an interview?
Dress in a smart business suit. Many companies have a casual dress policy, however it is imperative you dress in business suit.
2. What should I take to an interview?
Take a couple of copies of your CV in case the one you sent to the company has gone astray. If possible take a portfolio of relevant work which you have done. A pen and paper to make notes with after the interview, perhaps you need to take a tube map or A-Z so that you can find the offices in the first place.
3. What sort of questions can I expect?
The interviewer wants to assess your suitability for the job, so you will be asked about what your previous responsibilities entailed, your qualifications, why you want the job, what you can bring to the company and perhaps some questions about what you enjoy doing out of work.
4. How should I prepare for an interview?
Carry out research into the company, find out exactly what they do, and how many people they employ. What is their history and what is their future business strategy.
Make sure you know exactly where your interview is so you arrive punctually on the day.
You may like to practice by answering some commonly posed interview questions.
5. What qualities are interviewers looking for?
Generally employers are looking for:
Motivation, Confidence, Sociability, Initiative, Honesty, Intellect, Ability, Enthusiasm
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