Job Interview Tips

This blog has now moved

2006-05-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

Please note having note this blog has now moved to http://www.recruitment-views.com

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Caterer Global for Jobs in Hotels and the leisure industry

2006-04-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

Strangely today I came across a new job advert board for the Hotel industry, which got me thinking how good a career this could actually be. I think you can get rapped up within your industry sometimes and often miss other exciting markets and opportuies.

Obviously working in the Hotel and leisure industry can be hard work, particularly as they are open 24 hrs every day of the week, but as a career goes you can end up working for some very prestigious organisations in particular jobs in the Hilton and jobs in the Marriott hotel group.

Having taking a look at some of the benefits you get with working with the Hilton you will find that it is all encompassing, with a huge emphasis on family. Although pay may not be very high with some companies but opportunities can happen so quickly for the right people. In fact that reminds me of the film Kane and Able.

One thing there seem to be emphasis on is their pride in the diversity of workforce. In fact, over half of the Hilton Family of hotels workforce is minorities and women. Close to half of their management positions are filled by minorities and women as well.

Also while I think about I had actually worked in the hotel trade for a couple of years but in sales, so it just shows you.

Blow is a link to a client that I have used over the years who are now specialising in hotel jobs worldwide so take a look you never know what you may find!

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Phone Interview Tips

2006-03-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

I have noticed recently a lot of people asking for help with telephone interviews, so on that basis I have put some phone interview tips together to help you get through what I would assume is the first stage of an interview.

I must admit I didn’t realise how important this is until now, but having given this topic some thought I realise that I and other employers will pre screen using the phone.

To me the phone is my tool and I rarely get to see candidates face to face, but having interviewed candidates over the phone all these years I am sure I can get a good feel of a candidate from a telephone conversation.

A phone interview will be very similar to a face-to-face interview and in many ways you are interviewed purely based on skills than how you look. So what do I look for when I interview someone on the phone, the same as face to face I will be asking probing questions and listening to the way those questions are answered and if those answers are what I want. Exactly the same when face-to-face.

So based on this you should do the same preparation you would have done if you were face to face i.e. research the company and the role and then put together the reasons why you would be suitable for the position.

Next you need to get your personality across on the phone, which isn’t as difficult as you may think.All you need to do is be calm and comfortable and professional. What may also surprise you is the effect you will have by the way you address the phone. If you stand while talking, you adopt a superior and confident position, if you sit you are not in control and if you are laid back they will know!

In my office my fellow consultants could always tell who I was talking to, dependant on the posture I assumed, if I was chatting up the secretary I was almost horizontal. When I am trying to close I would stand, if I was trying to get my point across I would pace, and to take it to the extreme, if I was being aggressive and dominant I would stand on the table.

So rule number one prepare for the phone interview (research the company, have a copy of your cv with you)
Secondly stand when you make the call to show confidence and it helps you focus.
Thirdly smile because it will come across on the phone.

To finish a telephone interview is a screening interview and will often be short and brief and the consultant will have a specific point they will want to check before they invite you in, hence if you have the cv in front of you will be ready for the question because obviously it will be related to the cv.

Interview Tips Video

2006-03-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

THE INTERVIEW WITH GOD

2006-03-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

Just a slight deviation from the norm when it comes to interviews, I came across this poem and as I am specialising in recruitment I thought it was quite apt and appropriate. Wether I would get the job if I was interviewed by God I do not know but some thoughts to consider.

THE INTERVIEW WITH GOD

I dreamed I had an interview with God.

“So you would like to interview me?” God asked.

“If you have the time” I said.

God smiled. “My time is eternity.”
“What questions do you have in mind for me?”

“What surprises you most about humankind?”

God answered...
“That they get bored with childhood,
they rush to grow up, and then
long to be children again.”

“That they lose their health to make money...
and then lose their money to restore their health.”

“That by thinking anxiously about the future,
they forget the present,
such that they live in neither
the present nor the future.”

"That they live as if they will never die,
and die as though they had never lived.”

God's hand took mine
and we were silent for a while.

And then I asked...
“As a parent, what are some of life's lessons
you want your children to learn?”

“To learn they cannot make anyone
love them. All they can do
is let themselves be loved.”

“To learn that it is not good
to compare themselves to others.”

“To learn to forgive
by practicing forgiveness.”

“To learn that it only takes a few seconds
to open profound wounds in those they love,
and it can take many years to heal them.”

“To learn that a rich person
is not one who has the most,
but is one who needs the least.”

“To learn that there are people
who love them dearly,
but simply have not yet learned
how to express or show their feelings.”

“To learn that two people can
look at the same thing
and see it differently.”

“To learn that it is not enough that they
forgive one another, but they must also forgive themselves.”

"Thank you for your time," I said humbly.

"Is there anything else
you would like your children to know?"

God smiled and said,
“Just know that I am here... always.”

-author unknown

You can also visit the web page at http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com

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How to get an Interview? (Recruitment Ads)

2006-03-05T13:49:00.000-08:00

To get an interview the easiest route is to find a company, which is actually recruiting at present, so you need to scour the press and the Internet.

The Internet to recruiting is the perfect marriage when it comes to finding a job; the skill is to know where to look. Now a big tip for you is that not all companies advertise all their jobs and not all agencies deal with every company.

When it comes to the UK most agencies advertise on the web and for the UK they will use either Monster or TotalJobs There are countless others but my next choice would be a recruitment site that is dedicated to your industry. Companies haven’t quite taken to the Internet yet so they tend to use adverts in publications such as Newspapers or Magazines and some companies will only use recruitment consultancies, which can be from one to all. So if you are registered with one agency you could be missing out on some positions.

I also recommend that when it comes to searching the Internet it is important to understand how to use the search function, to really find the role you are looking for. Lets take for example if the position you want is a National Sales Manager you need to put the phrase in speech marks i.e. "National Sales Manager" and if it is a particular market you want such as fmcg or computer's then the use of AND is important and of course maybe location so as to bring the choice of possibilities down from thousands to a more manageable number, so the search will look like this:

"National Sales Manager" AND "fmcg" AND "Cheshire"

With this search criteria you get 431 with Google, which is down from 18,000, without the speech marks and the use of AND. Also a useful tip is to also use the term NOT particularly if you get a large return for a particular area that is of no interest. The other great thing about Job Boards is you can load your cv onto them and wait for the agencies to contact you and have Job adverts emailed to you each time they are loaded onto the site that fit a certain criteria.

Interestingly I put my cv onto a job board last week and was contacted the same day!!

Job Interview Tips for a Brain Surgeon!!!

2006-03-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

When you send your cv to the company there is of course no Guarantee that you will even get an interview, particularly if you do not have that much experience as previously outlined. Hopefully though you have been getting some work experience while you have looking for your ideal job, because I can guarantee it is always easier to get a job if you are in one.

It is really a process to get the ideal job you are after and the interview is only part of it, if you want to be a Brain Surgeon then a degree in Mathematics isn’t going to get you far. So no matter how well the interview goes you will not get the job as a Brain Surgeon.

I know that is obvious put people still apply for jobs that they are not suited for and OK it is good to be positive, but in time the countless rejections will get you down.

It is really important to look at where you are now, where you want to be, and then work a plan. Lets say you want to be a Brain Surgeon, then you need to find out what qualifications you need, what experience and most importantly have you got the skills.

I have no idea what experience you need to become a Brain Surgeon but I do know it takes many years and starts from when you are at school, which sums up the dedication you need.

It is the same for any job you go for experience is key and without no matter what Job Interview Tips I give you it will make no difference at all.

Some Last Tips for your Interview

2006-02-27T15:00:00.000-08:00

I have seen quite a few interview e-books and the entire interview question and answers e-books and although they can help, fundamentally it really is down to whether the company like you or not. Personality will get you a long way I have seen people get the job on this alone, even when they are not suitable. Also when I screen candidates I know they are right for the job just on gut feeling. I suppose the question is why is that? Not an easy answer but there is this quality that stands out when the interviewer just knows the candidate is the idea fit. It is when all the other points come together, the way you dress, the research you have done and then the way you present yourself. The final key is to be confident, smile and get on with the interviewer, as I said "if you have enjoyed the interview then so have they". You also need to remember this point you wouldn’t have the interview if the company didn’t think you were suitable in the first place so don’t disappoint them by turning up late, not doing your research, and make sure you are dressed smartly and finally believe in yourself!

Do You Need Unbiased Help for your Interview?

2006-02-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

When it comes to these Job Interview Tips, I was thinking that it you are about to change your job or you have an interview and wanted some advice and help, then it may just be that much easier to ask me. That is if you do not find anything in my previous posts of course.

You can email me via this link Stephen Fowler or by adding a comment on this Blog. Don't worry about which the role you have applied for or the industry, as I have a large knowledge base to pull on from thousands of interviews over the last 20 years. So I am sure I can give you some Interview tips so that you get that new career you want.

Interviews for a new job can be daunting and therefore a little help and support can go a long way, in fact I am sure that I can give you the edge when it comes to getting that job or passing that interview.

To finish on support and advice on interviews, I really believe that it is worth getting help from fiends, family or the Recruitment Consultant because they know you personally and they can often give you some good advice. It may only be your partner or even mother checking that you look smart and you tie is straight before you leave the house.

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The Day of the Interview

2006-02-20T09:02:00.000-08:00

Finally it is the Day of the Interview and The important thing here is not to panic and not to worry because by now you should be completely prepared and at you're very best.

The key is to arrive early, as there is nothing worse than turning up late apart from it looking unprofessional it sets a kind of negative from the beginning.I suggest you arrive 5 minutes before your allotted timeWhen your are introduced to the interviewer you need to be confident i.e. go straight up to him or her and say "Hi Mr Smith I am very pleased to meet you" and then a good firm and DRY handshake (This is more important than you think as it is a sign of confidence).

Oh while I remember the ONLY thing you should take into the interview is a pen, note pad and your presentation or curriculum vitae. There is nothing more embarrassing when you open your brief case and your sandwich falls out and umpteen reams of paper.

When it comes to sitting in front of the interviewer it is better to sit slightly sideways on approach, as again this shows confidence and is unthreatening.

Pay full attention and relax, enjoy the interview if you can, because if you have enjoyed the interview then more than likely so has the interviewer. When the interviewer asks you about your background this is a good time to refer to your presentation i.e. he may ask about specific roles or your time at University, this is when it helps to have some picture evidence in your folder, as it confirms your ability.

When the interviewer is asking questions there is generally a hidden question, sometimes it is plain what they are trying to ask. It is amazing how candidates still can miss it at the interview you just have to be aware of everything they say. To help with this if you have done your research correctly then you will have a clue it makes sense to read the advert one more time before you go as sometime there are clues there. The ad may say the company are dynamic and aggressive and team orientated so you need to project this in the interview so when the Interviewer says “do you belong to any clubs or do any sport?” Then what he is hoping is you play football for the local team or Hockey.

If you get asked a difficult question or you do not know the answer I have found it is best to say you will get back to them on it, if you lie it will cause more problems later on and generally they will see through you, because you may find the person who asked is an expert. Another trap they have likely to have set.

At the end of the interview the interviewer will want you to ask him for the job so DON'T FORGET TO ASK FOR THE JOB i.e. when he asks "have you any questions?" refer to the presentation to check all is covered and then say "no that is all thank you and thank you for giving me the opportunity to present myself to you the only other question I have now you have met me do you feel I am suitable for this position?"

At this point he or she will either say yes or no or some other excuse, you MUST get some decision from him (This shows you can overcome objections and it is another opportunity to re sell your ability).

But the key is to say to yourself at this point, "I am not leaving here until I have a decision a second interview or an offer of the job," what may surprise you is that it will all full into place.

So at this point I wish you good luck and these interview tips give you a helping hand.

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A call Prior to the Interview Works Magic!

2006-02-18T02:02:00.000-08:00

You have done your Research, Preparation and you have a new interview outfit now you are ready for the interview or are you?

A very good tip prior to your interview would be to call the company the day before and to check that all is ok and if there is anything they would like you to bring.

Interestingly this has just reminded me what I used to say to candidates before an interview, and that was to get the candidate to call the company and ask them if they could send you some company information. These days this isn't necessary with most companies having a brochure on the web, but the effect off calling the client before the interview will have a very positive effect.

Just to cover the logic on this, by calling the Manager or the HR person prior to the interview will create an early relationship with that person, and as a result the company will remember this on the day. The effect will be when the interviewer finally gets to meet you; you will get a more positive welcome, compared to the other candidates because a relationship has already been made. So again you will have an edge.

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How to Dress For The Interview

2006-02-17T11:08:00.000-08:00

I was trying to think what is the most important thing you should do when you go for an interview and I came to the conclusion is preparation which I have covered in the previous post. But also part of the preparation is the way you appear.

So what next, what else is going to give you the edge over your competition again some thing quite simple and that is dress code. I must admit I have interviewed all manner of people over the years and still people turn up for interview without giving any thought to there appearance. I am convinced some people have no idea so I will run through some pointers to ensure you do not make the same mistakes.

First I want you to realise that no matter what level of job you go for the interviewer will expect you to be smart even if the job you are applying for is on a building site or collecting the trash.

The obvious first point is to wear a suite a simple task but again candidates turn up in suits that look as though they have slept in them the night before so GET IT DRY CLEANED AND PRESSED. If you haven’t a suit buy one, if you cannot afford one then either borrow but again clean and press, or go to your local charity shop you will be surprised what you will find. If you cannot afford anything then I assume you are on the poverty line then there is plenty of help out there you just need to ask and you will get help.

Also in regards to the suit it needs to be dark ideally navy blue, loud party suits here are also a no no unless you are applying for a job as a clown or entertainer.

So now I assume you have a suit for interviews cleaned and pressed and looks like new.

Next the shoes often over looked at all levels and is used as a gauge by the interviewer because dirty shoes tell a lot about you it is a sign of being unorganised untidy and having a lack of attention to detail, so get them polished and re healed. A trick here is to get a black marker to redo the heels.

Socks must be black nothing more to be said on this

Shirt should be plain ideally white, NOT FRAYED AT THE EDGES

The Tie again says a lot about your personality so no Mickey Mouse Motifs, it really detracts form the interview and it shows lack of personality would you believe.

That covers the clothes for the interview, next can be a little controversial and I understand that the piercing and the green hair is part of your personality but I am assuming that you are reading this so you can get a job, so you can spend money on yourself, so please try to consider that I am not after making you a clone but you get the job you want and succeed in the interview. So take out the studs, the earrings all the body jewellery get you hair washed and trimmed, you can always turn it green another day. Shave or trim your beard an small note on this a beard is seen as though you are trying to cover up something so if it is long and bushy and you do not want to cut it then a good trim and clean will help also eyebrows are often missed. Next ensure your nails are trimmed and even and clean and make sure you have washed and used cologne etc because body odour will bring the interview to a close quickly. Also just as an aside so that you do not think this is all one way, on one occasion we had a client interviewing in our offices all afternoon he had B.O. it was a hot day and boy did the interview room smell, I felt sorry for the lads and lasses who went in for the interview.

In regards to the women similar points apply but generally I find they tend not to make the same mistakes although they can often go to the other extreme i.e. too much makeup, skirts too short, blouses too loud or cut too low, earrings to big. It is important to ensure that the interviewer isn’t distracted.

So again go for a plain dark business suit white blouse and plain clean shoes.

As I said before, I do not want to produce clones or take away your individuality but the above can make the difference between getting the job or not.

Finally there are some jobs when a little flair works i.e. in the advertising/design industry but again you still need to be smart and the shoes are clean.

But before you leave the house get your partner or mother checks you before you leave go I am sure they will help with an honest opinion.

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More Interview tips (Research)

2006-02-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

It is very important to do your research before your interview with the company before you attend. By visiting their website, looking at their merchandise or even visiting their shop, so that you get a feel of the company and the role. The reason is that more often than not, you are up against more than one applicant, so you need to shine.

Maybe the role may seem menial ie sweeping the floor of the local McDonald's, OK maybe it is not the most inspiring of jobs and I bet most of your competition will think the same. What you do need to be aware of is your attitude to the role if you percieve the role as menial then you will treat the interview with a poor attitude and as a result you will not get the job. You will then shrug it off and say "well it was just a cleaning job" and move onto the next failed interview

If you look at the position from a different perspective, in that you see the possition as a cleaner for its true value, in that the companies reputation and licence depends on you. Then you will have more respect for the role, and the company will see this and you will stand out from the other 50 candidates who just turned up.

Just to take this one step further, in my village the cleaner did more than just the cleaning, he chatted to all the customers, entertained the children, his jacket was covered in colorful pins and he made a difference in the store. As a result he was treated with respect to the point where he became a celebrity and the local newspaper interviewed him and published the article, he became more than just a cleaner!

So to recap you really need to think about the role to treat the interview with the correct attitude, it isnt just about the company it is about what you can do for the company. When the company interview you they will be looking for the one candiate who shines. So dont just turn up, do your research on the company and the role because the company will see the difference in you.

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recruitment tips

Interview Tip No.2

2006-02-14T04:44:00.000-08:00

I think my previous post although have some value I cant help feel I have drifted from the purpose of this Blog.

When it comes to going for an Interview I know that if I have introduced you to the company, I can ensure you will succeed. I can make the difference between you getting that job or not.

I know this is a big statement but I have proved it time and time again. The most recent was a quote from one of my clients when they finally decided to recruit the candidate I had introduced. "I apologised for the delay as it has been a tough decision between the two candidates, but I am pleased to say we have decided to go with your candidate. But just to let you know that the other candidate was from our competition." Also on a smaller point to take on my guy it cost them Â£7,000 and the other chap was free with accounts.

Although my candidate was an excellent what made the difference was he really wanted and desired the job and al I did was give him the tools and the tricks to get the job.

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First Intervew Preperation

2006-02-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

Assuming that you now have an interview with your ideal recruitment consultancy, you will need to prepare no matter how informal they tell you the interview is. It is always better to be over prepared than under because it will give you confidence and focus.

Based on this I suggest that you prepare a presentation as there is something psychological in the process, which will ensure the interview goes well, not only that it will give you an edge.

Preparing for an interview these days is so simple because virtually all companies now have a web presence, so there are no excuses for not knowing about the company you have the interview with.

It still surprises me that people still do not check out the company website before they arrive. In fact companies will mark this against you so No Excuses!

When you prepare for the interview I believe it is worth putting together a small presentation folder specific for the role and the company, it always looks better than just turning up. Generally I buy a A folder with clear plastics sheets inside, where I can drop the cv in etc.

Below I have outlined the things that I would generally put in the folder:

A Front page (Name, Location, Time of interview and Name of interviewer)
The CV (only 3 pages here please!)
Show proof of success such as pay slips, awards, letters of commendation etc (Proves your ability)
Information on the company you have the interview with (Print out from web etc) NB this shows you have done your research. Also it is often worth printing out details of the company you worked for, I am sure you have heard "a picture paints a thousand words."
List of 5 questions for the company (Saves that embarrassment when they ask have you any questions)
List of 5 reasons why you can do a job for them (This they do not need to see but will help you sell yourself)
Print 3 copies so that when you can leave you can leave them one, which will go down well.

Spend some time on getting this and right and ensure you have some one read over it and dont forget to check the Grammer and Spelling is up to sratch.

Although this may seem a lot of work putting a presentation together for the company, even-though it may not be necessary, it is worth the effort. There are many reasons for this, one because once done it will only take short time to prepare for another if you are unsuccessful with the first. Secondly I can promise you will have an edge over the competition not just because you have one but because the process of writing one focus you on getting the job rather than just turning up.

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Recruitment Tip number 1

2006-02-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

Decide what you want to do and what possition you want. I was going to say that it needs to be realistic but in truth anything is possible. But to be honest it will be dependant on your ability and timescale as the limiting factors.

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Job Interview Tips begin here!

2006-02-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

From here on in I am going to give you the job interview tips that will actually enable you to get that dream job you have always wanted.

Having been in recruitment now for over 20 years I am confident that over the next few months the knowledge that I shall pass on will give you the edge in any interview.

I know this may sound a little cocky but many times I have managed to get my candidate a job over more qualified candidates.

I you find this site before I have put all my job interview tips on this blog and you have a specific question then please contact me via this blog and I will be more than happy to help.

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