| With the UK in recession, possible well into 2010, getting | | | | send a standard application and then carry on in the |
| a good job is not as easy as it used to be. A recent | | | | same way during every interview they attend. |
| survey showed that for each job listing published, there | | | | Remember, the company is not only looking for a |
| are now 10 qualified applicants waiting to fill the position. | | | | skilled new employee but one that will fit in and |
| What this means is that you will have to compete with | | | | understand what the company ethos and goals are. |
| more talented people for the same job, so even if you | | | | 3)Have answers prepared for typical questions you |
| make it to the interview stage you will still have to be | | | | may be asked. |
| able to convince the people on the other side of the | | | | One of the most common and dreaded questions |
| table that you and not the next person is the right | | | | asked in a job interview is the "so.. tell us something |
| person for the job. | | | | about yourself". many interviews begin with this style |
| Job interviews are one of those things in life that most | | | | of question, it is your opportunity to 'sell yourself' |
| people feel stressed about, a necessary evil at best. | | | | without being too arrogant. Remember to stick to the |
| Most applicants have never been trained in how to | | | | points which are relevant to the job you are being |
| conduct themselves during job interviews. As such | | | | interviewed for. This question is often asked and the |
| they go in, try to put their best foot forward and try to | | | | answers you give compared against your |
| give answers they think the interviewer is looking for. | | | | résumé. |
| New approaches and techniques have been | | | | 4) Focus on what you have to offer. |
| introduced to interviewing people and whilst the | | | | Not on what the job can offer you. It is natural to say |
| interview panel may not be out to deliberately try and | | | | things like "I think this job is good for my career", that is |
| confuse they no longer ask straightforward questions. | | | | not really what the interviewers are looking for. They |
| Often they will ask questions that have no right or | | | | want to know how you can add value to the |
| wrong answer just to give them an insight as to how | | | | company. |
| you would cope under stress and in hypothetical | | | | 5)Avoid negative talk about past employment and |
| situations. The best thing to do though is to stay | | | | employers. |
| focused and relaxed during the meeting and be | | | | It will not make you look clever. If you can turn on your |
| prepared for the unexpected! | | | | former employers now, it will give the impression that |
| 1)Try not to get too nervous. | | | | you may will do the same again. Be honest in a |
| Remember that in many cases the people conducting | | | | diplomatic manner. |
| the interviewing are not professional interviewers. Try | | | | If you are looking for a job, why not try new and |
| to stay relaxed and friendly during the interview | | | | creative ways getting in touch with employers. Create |
| without coming across as arrogant or rude. | | | | your own personal flyer and market yourself in an |
| 2)Be prepared.- research the company. | | | | untraditional way. Cheap flyer printing is widely available |
| Get information on goals and values for the company. | | | | and one could be included with your letter of |
| This shows that you are proactive and actually care | | | | introduction or CV. |
| about getting the job. Too many times applicants just | | | | |