Go strong, or do not go at all
Q: I’m going for a job interview next week, and, to be honest, I’m not really sure I want it – I’ve heard mixed reports about the company. The job is a step-up from my current level (with a different company) and I’m attracted by the prospect of going up the ladder. The money is […]
Psychometric test bodes well
Q: I have recently completed two interviews for a position. The company told me they initially interviewed seven people from a total application of 85. Of that seven, three were called back for second interview. Today they emailed me to say they wish me to undergo a psychometric test. I was a bit taken aback […]
Company knowledge is your secret weapon in interview
This week we return to a topic we have glanced off before without ever dealing with it in great detail: to wit, the whole area of researching the organisation before you present for interview. At a recent employment conference, a business owner described it as “the biggest failing I come across in candidates.” She added: […]
Reporting history to create belief in the candidate
Q: I’ve seen CVs where people list ‘reporting to’ at the end of each job. I have never done it myself. Is it a good idea? I’m a marketing specialist and am currently working at management level, but thinking about a change. Does it bring any benefits? (DD, email) A: I certainly believe it can […]
Looking to the future for your big idea
Q: I’m going for an interview in my own company next week. I’m currently a senior salesperson in the business and the position of sales manager has come up. To be honest, I don’t think the current incumbent has done a good job. He has been slow to introduce innovations and hasn’t built good relations […]
A second chance to make a lasting impression
Q: I’ve just been called for a second interview for a job. I’ve a lot of experience in the sector, and know I’d be a good fit for the position. I felt I did very well in the first interview and am now just wondering what more I can do second time around. Any thoughts? […]
How to answer more fully: that is the question
I have often found that some of the best job-hunting guidelines come from companies who offer internships and graduate programmes to students. In the process of inviting applications, large firms (accountancy, law and others) provide some excellent pointers to candidates. Frequently, these pointers are very simple – so simple they might be overlooked. There is […]
Tips on speculating to accumulate
When sending out CVs speculatively, do the following: [checklist] Ring the organisation, and, by some means, get the name of the key person. If you are put through to the person in question, tell them briefly who you are and what you are about, and undertake to send on a follow-up letter. Don’t wait too […]
Essential attributes that power your CV
This week, in our on-going series on how you might construct a CV that truly sells you, we come to your hobbies, interests and community involvement.. “So what if I won the captain’s prize at 15 years of age,” a candidate might say, “sure it’s a job in IT I’m going for, not a place […]
Shine the light on the parts that matter
Today we push on with our step-by-step guide to building a winning CV. You may recall from the past few weeks that we have covered Personal Profile; Key Achievements, Skills & Attributes; and Referee Description (if you’d like those three columns emailed to you, simply email getthatjob@slinuacareers.com with ‘columns x 3’ in the subject line. […]