Tag Archives: Interview

Fail to Prepare-Prepare to Fail

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Prepare to win the interview and thejob

Prepare to win the interview and the job

A maxim oft quoted in management texts and tutorials which is as succinct as it is true to life.  It is a consideration that all those attending an interview must keep at the forefront of their mind whether they are applying for a technician or senior manager’s role. The applicant must at all times be aware that the purpose of the interview is not an opportunity for a chat- it’s to get the job!

Preparation then involves at the very least consideration of your appearance followed swiftly by transport, communication and research; – all of which will boost your confidence and improve your state of mind when the big day comes.

Ensure you are dressed for the interview; another maxim well known and often forgotten is dress to impress. Today as time is short and applicants are plenty, always be aware that you will have one chance to make a good impression and you must appear to be at least as professional as your appearance.

Dressing casually will signal to the interviewer you are neither serious about the role on offer, or the interviewer who has decided to give you valuable time out of their day to meet and interview you.  A poor first impression immediately drops you down the competition ladder. Take time over your appearance and if possible have a dry run the night before, check shoes are polished, shirts, blouses and suits are clean and pressed, ready for immediate use in the morning. You’ll be grateful you did when you see the opposition sitting across from you in reception in a crumpled suit or at worse, a T- Shirt.

Getting to the interview is as important as the interview and its worth checking your car is fuelled and at reduced risk of failing on the motorway twenty minutes from your interviewer.

Phone numbers are vital; always make sure you have your recruiter and interviewer’s telephone contact numbers- main switch and mobile. In deference to the interviewee, your interviewer may have their phone switched off and may not know you are frantically trying to tell them you cant reach them.

Research should similarly not be underestimated or undervalued as part of your preparation. Read the company website, call for extra information, flyers, and magazines, and ask to speak to the press officer if they have one. The better informed you are, the keener you will appear and the more informed your questions will be. Employers want keen employees- lack of knowledge in the age of the internet can only be interpreted as lack of interest.

For further information, please visit our advice center.

The Importance of Time keeping…

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The importance of Time Keeping

The importance of Time Keeping

Time and good  time keeping is crucial! In todays employment market where being on time and meeting people who have even less time than you is a trait not to be underestimated or undervalued. Your next prospective employer  may decide on meeting you again at second interview purely on the basis of your ability to meet at the agreed interview time. If you can’t do that what else can you not do?

Stephen Hawking wrote a Brief  History of  Time; if you get your time keeping wrong in todays employment climate your career prospects could be even briefer.

Why not visit our interview tips page.

Holding hands with the jobseeker…..

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holding-handsI was talking to a Medical Sales Candidate of mine who has recently attended interviews with three Medical companies. I asked him how he got on and he told me the following:

1) the first Medical company who brought him back for second interview told him that he was too expensive and on that basis could not hire him

2) the second Medical company who also called him back for second interview told him that he was far too experienced for the job and that he would get bored

3) the third Medical company is yet to come back to him with feedback. His first interview was a week ago

I think it is very imprtant that the Employer is very frank with the jobseeker at first interview and highlights the unsuitability of a candidate after the interview is complete  A candidate shoould not be called back for second interview unless he/she is a strong contender for the posiiton

As Candidates are very vulerable in the market at the moment, I think the Employer, like the Recruitment Agency should guide the Candidate gently in the recruitment process.

By all means, the Candidate needs a helping hand to find the next suitable position, but let that hand be a warm and caring one. Let’s not fill the Candidate with false expectations at interview stage but rather with practical, frank and helpful advice.

That is what the jobseeker will be thankful for in the future.

The Recession bites the dust for some….

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congrats-new-job1A Medical Sales Candidate of ours who has recently been made redundant, had a very pleasant experience today. He got two job offers from two excellent companies!

Like anyone else who loses their job, he was in fear of his mortgage and could not predict how long it would take to get his next job. What was very apparent from the start was that he was remaining positive right through the experience. He did not get affected by all the doom and gloom out there and faced the challenge head on.

He was called for interview for most, if not all jobs that he applied for, and he prepared well for each and every one of his interviews. He did research on every company he interviewed with, and knew the job description inside out. He did his interview preparation with the relevant Recruitment Consultant and had all the necessary information in advance of his interview.

His hard work and positive outlook won out in the end with his two job offers.

There is a lesson here for all of us. Work hard, remain positive and let’s beat this Recession!