Telling ‘a little about yourself’ to score some big points
Q: You know the scenario yourself – you’re just in the door of the interview, a few pleasantries and handshakes, and then, before you’ve got your breath, they ask you to ‘tell us a little bit about yourself’. I always find it a tough one to start with – where do you stop with a […]
Talking your way into the job, not out of it
A: It’s a common problem for people. In some ways, it is understandable, as an interview is an un-natural environment, and thus you can behave differently to how you would normally behave. The first point I would make is that you are entitled to what I call ‘thinking time.’ When they ask you a question, […]
A little legacy that leaves a lasting impression
Q: I am a recently-qualified teacher, but I’m finding it hard to get on the career ladder. I prepare a full class plan for all my classes, and I have also compiled a number of PowerPoint slides for use in my classes. Should I bring these with me to interview? (Tony, email) A: In a […]
To email or not to email, that is the question
Q: When applying for jobs advertised in newspapers, where it says ‘email or post your CV and details to…’, does it make any difference which way you apply? Email is handier obviously, but I sometimes feel an email can very easily be discarded, whereas a hard copy is harder to ignore or overlook. What are […]
Research hours can pay off
Q: In a job interview last week, I was pushed quite hard by the employers on the question of what I knew about the company. The business in question is a reasonably large supplier of products to the business sector. I was surprised that they seemed to think I should know all about their product […]
Taking steps to give yourself an edge on jobs front
Q: I have just qualified as a teacher, and, like so many others, I am trying to get on the employment ladder. I realise it is a very difficult task right now, given the economic circumstances. What advice would you give me? (Teresa, email) It is very easy to get pessimistic about your chances […]
Using current failure for future success
Q: I went for two interviews for a senior position recently. I was down to the last three, and the second interview was very gruelling. Unfortunately, I got word today that I didn’t get the job. Any lessons I should take from the experience? (Louise, email) A: It’s an excellent question, and perhaps never more […]
Wisdom of years will aid trip back to the future
Q: Next week, I’m going to my first job interview in about 20 years. I have been working full-time all of that time, but recently the company closed down. I am nervous about the interview, because I really don’t know what has changed since I was last in this position. I’m 41. Any tips? (Tony, […]
Being true to yourself is key to personal profile
Q: I have been trying to ‘bump up’ my personal profile section at the start of my CV, but everything I say seems to be cheesy. How can I write it without sounding like I’m blowing my own trumpet? I work in sales and am applying for a job in a different sector where opportunities […]
Motivated by success
Q: In a job interview last week, I was asked ‘what motivates you?’ It really threw me. What might I have said? (John, email) A: Always think about what the interviewer is trying to achieve. There is a reason he/she asked that question, and I would venture they were trying to get a greater understanding […]