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.
Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts
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, 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.
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.
Monday, July 03, 2006
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)