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.

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

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.

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.

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/.