The 10-Step Plan to Career Change

How does it happen? Perhaps you just begin to lose interest. Perhaps you find something that interests you more. Perhaps your company is downsizing. These are just some of the numerous reasons people find themselves on that precipitous cliff looking back on their career just as the dirt begins to crumble beneath them.
Are you facing that career change plunge? Do you wish you were? Take it slowly and make sure what you really want to do is change careers. Then use this 10-step plan, and you will be on much more sure footing -- and on a path toward career change success. Finally, remember that career change is a natural life progression; most studies show that the average job-seeker will change careers (not jobs) several times over the course of his or her lifetime.

Step 1: Assessment of Likes and Dislikes.
A lot of people change careers because they dislike their job, their boss, their company. So, identifying the dislikes is often the easier part of this step; however, you will not know what direction to change your career unless you examine your likes. What do you really like doing when you're at work, when you're at home - in your spare time. What excites you and energizes you? What's your passion? If you're really unsure, consider taking one of more of these career assessments. The key is spending some time rediscovering yourself -- and using your self-assessment to direct your new career search.
Step 2: Researching New Careers.
Once you've discovered (or rediscovered) your passion, spend some time researching the types of careers that center around your passions. Don't worry if you're feeling a bit unsure or insecure -- it's a natural part of the career change process. How much research you do also partly depends on how much of a change you're making; for example, changing from a teacher to a corporate trainer versus switching from a nurse to a Web designer.
Step 3: Transferable Skills.
Leverage some of your current skills and experiences to your new career. There are many skills (such as communications, leadership, planning, and others) that are transferable and applicable to what you want to do in your new career. You may be surprised to see that you already have a solid amount of experience for your new career
Step 4: Training and Education.
You may find it necessary to update your skills and broaden your knowledge. Take it slowly. If the skill you need to learn is one you could use in your current job, see if your current employer would be willing to pick up the tab. And start slowly. Take a course or two to ensure you really like the subject matter. If you are going for a new degree or certification, make sure you check the accreditation of the school, and get some information about placement successes
Step 5: Networking.
One of the real keys to successfully changing careers will be your networking abilities. People in your network may be able to give you job leads, offer you advice and information about a particular company or industry, and introduce you to others so that you can expand your network. Even if you don't think you already have a network, you probably do - consider colleagues, friends, and family members. You can broaden your network through joining professional organizations in your new field and contacting alumni from your college who are working in the field you want to enter. A key tool of networking is conducting informational interviews.
Step 6: Gaining Experience.
Remember that, in a sense, you are starting your career again from square one. Obtaining a part-time job or volunteering in your new career field not only can solidify your decision, but give you much needed experience in your new career. You might also want to consider temping in your new field. Work weekends, nights, whatever it takes to gain the experience.
Step 7: Find a Mentor.
Changing careers is a major life decision that can get overwhelming at times. Find a mentor who can help you through the rough patches. Your mentor may also be able to help you by taking advantage of his or her network. A mentor doesn't have to be a highly placed individual, though the more powerful the mentor, the more success you may have in using that power to your advantage.
Step 8: Changing In or Out.
Some people change careers, but never change employers. Unfortunately, only the very progressive employers recognize that once happy employees can be happy and productive again - in a different capacity. It's more than likely that you will need to switch employers to change fields, but don't overlook your current employer. Remember not to start asking about a job switch until you are completely ready to do so.
Step 9: Job-Hunting Basics.
If it's been a while since you've had to use your job-hunting tools and skills, now is the time for a refresher course. Consider spending some time with one or more of our tutorials. Key tools include:
• guide to researching companies
• resume resources
• cover letter resources
• interviewing resources
• salary negotiation resources
Step 10: Be Flexible. You'll need to be flexible about nearly everything - from your employment status to relocation and salary. Set positive goals for yourself, but expect setbacks and change - and don't let these things get you down. Besides totally new careers, you might also consider a lateral move that could serve as a springboard for a bigger career change. You might also consider starting your own business or consulting as other avenues.

Preparation for a Job Interview - Be Your Best

Your time has finally come! You've been called for an interview. Now what? Don't sweat it! Prepare yourself to win. You know you're ready for the job...now you have to convince the employer!

Getting ready is a big part of your interview. You will likely, and you should, spend more time preparing yourself than you will in the interview. Preparing includes getting to know more about the company and the job, and being able to explain how and why you're the best person to hire. To help you study, be sure you have a Statement of Qualifications, or a basic job description. If you do not have one from when you first applied for the job, be sure to ask the person who is arranging your interview for a copy.

Preparing for the Interview... Know the Job, and the Organization

When you wrote your résumé, you did some research about the company and the job. Review it now. Answer these questions in your research:

• What does the employer or company do?
• What's involved in the position you're applying for?
• What qualifications do you need for the position?
• What skills might the employer be looking for?
• Who are the customers or clients?
• What kind of reputation does the employer have?

You'll be more comfortable in the interview if you know a bit about the company and the position you're applying for.

Think Ahead - Pre-Planning is Essential

When you are called, confirm the interview time! Ask if there will be any test or written assignment you will be asked to do. Find out how many people will be there.

Plan and rehearse your answers to the questions you expect to be asked. Memorize the training, skills and experience you have, and be ready to answer questions on what you did, and how you did it.

Choose your clothes a day or two ahead, and make sure they're neat and clean.

Be on time. Find out ahead of time where you're going and how long it will take to get there. Drive or travel the route a day or two ahead, at the same time of day as you will on the day of the interview. Confirm how often the buses run. Have a back-up plan.

Set aside at least an hour for the interview.

Survive the Interview - and Win!

• What to Wear to an Interview
• What to Take to the Interview
• How to Act at the Interview
• Quick Tips for the Interview

What to Wear to an Interview

What you wear can be as important as what you say. Make sure your clothes are neat and clean (and ironed, if they are meant to be!). Don't turn up rumpled and untidy. Try to find out how people dress at the place you want to work, and dress the same or slightly better. Skip the perfume, cologne, or aftershave. You want to smell clean and nice, but not overpower the interviewer - or worse, upset someone with allergies.

What to Take to the Interview

Carry a folder or envelope containing:

• A copy of your resume for each interviewer (This is why you asked ahead how many people would be present);
• Copies of your reference list;
• Paper and a pen, so you can jot down the interviewer's name, the time of any future interview, or other information you might need later; and
• Copies of letters of recommendation, if you have any.

You're on Your Way

You're at your job interview. Stay relaxed and make a good impression. Here are some suggestions to help you make sure this step of your journey gets off on the right foot.

• Greet the interviewer or panel members. Introduce yourself, and shake hands firmly, without crushing anyone's fingers. Smile. A sincere smile will help to put you, and the interviewer, at ease. Stand until you're invited to sit down.
• Let the employer or panel members take the lead and set the tone. Make eye contact, and answer the questions in a firm, clear, confident voice. Relax and sit naturally, but don't slouch in your chair or lean on the interviewer's desk. Be prepared to tell the interviewer more about your education, training and skills, work experience, and the personality traits that make you right for the job.
• It's okay to ask for more explanation if you don't understand a question. In fact, it's better to clarify if you are unsure than answer inappropriately. Keep a positive attitude.
• At some point in the interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. This is where your research and preparation pays off. Have a couple of questions prepared that show you are interested and informed about the company, or ask for more detailed information about the position you're applying for.

Quick Tips for the Interview

• Be on time (five or 10 minutes early is about right!).
• Dress appropriately.
• Don't chew gum.
• Be neat, clean and well groomed.
• Never take a friend to an interview.
• Don't discuss personal or financial problems.
• After the interview, don't linger. Smile, shake hands, thank the interviewer(s) for their time, and make a graceful exit.

Remember: You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Emerging Trends in Human Resource Management:

Human resource management is a process of bringing people and organizations together so that the goals of each other are met. The role of HR manager is shifting from that of a protector and screener to the role of a planner and change agent. Personnel directors are the new corporate heroes. The name of the game today in business is personnel. Nowadays it is not possible to show a good financial or operating report unless your personnel relations are in order.
Over the years, highly skilled and knowledge based jobs are increasing while low skilled jobs are decreasing. This calls for future skill mapping through proper HRM initiatives.
Indian organizations are also witnessing a change in systems, management cultures and philosophy due to the global alignment of Indian organizations. There is a need for multi skill development. Role of HRM is becoming all the more important.

Some of the recent trends that are being observed are as follows:

• The recent quality management standards ISO 9001 and ISO 9004 of 2000 focus more on people centric organizations. Organizations now need to prepare themselves in order to address people centered issues with commitment from the top management, with renewed thrust on HR issues, more particularly on training.
• Charles Handy also advocated future organizational models like Shamrock, Federal and Triple I. Such organizational models also refocus on people centric issues and call for redefining the future role of HR professionals.
• To leapfrog ahead of competition in this world of uncertainty, organizations have introduced six- sigma practices. Six- sigma uses rigorous analytical tools with leadership from the top and develops a method for sustainable improvement. These practices improve organizational values and helps in creating defect free product or services at minimum cost.
• Human resource outsourcing is a new accession that makes a traditional HR department redundant in an organization. Exult, the international pioneer in HR BPO already roped in Bank of America, international players BP Amoco & over the years plan to spread their business to most of the Fortune 500 companies.
• With the increase of global job mobility, recruiting competent people is also increasingly becoming difficult, especially in India. Therefore by creating an enabling culture, organizations are also required to work out a retention strategy for the existing skilled manpower.

NEW TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL HRM
International HRM places greater emphasis on a number of responsibilities and functions such as relocation, orientation and translation services to help employees adapt to a new and different environment outside their own country.
• Selection of employees requires careful evaluation of the personal characteristics of the candidate and his/her spouse.
• Training and development extends beyond information and orientation training to include sensitivity training and field experiences that will enable the manager to understand cultural differences better. Managers need to be protected from career development risks, re-entry problems and culture shock.
• To balance the pros and cons of home country and host country evaluations, performance evaluations should combine the two sources of appraisal information.
• Compensation systems should support the overall strategic intent of the organization but should be customized for local conditions.
• In many European countries - Germany for one, law establishes representation. Organizations typically negotiate the agreement with the unions at a national level. In Europe it is more likely for salaried employees and managers to be unionized.
HR Managers should do the following things to ensure success-
• Use workforce skills and abilities in order to exploit environmental opportunities and neutralize threats.
• Employ innovative reward plans that recognize employee contributions and grant enhancements.
• Indulge in continuous quality improvement through TQM and HR contributions like training, development, counseling, etc
• Utilize people with distinctive capabilities to create unsurpassed competence in an area, e.g. Xerox in photocopiers, 3M in adhesives, Telco in trucks etc.
• Decentralize operations and rely on self-managed teams to deliver goods in difficult times e.g. Motorola is famous for short product development cycles. It has quickly commercialized ideas from its research labs.
• Lay off workers in a smooth way explaining facts to unions, workers and other affected groups e.g. IBM , Kodak, Xerox, etc.

HR Managers today are focusing attention on the following-
a) Policies- HR policies based on trust, openness, equity and consensus.
b) Motivation- Create conditions in which people are willing to work with zeal, initiative and enthusiasm; make people feel like winners.
c) Relations- Fair treatment of people and prompt redress of grievances would pave the way for healthy work-place relations.
d) Change agent- Prepare workers to accept technological changes by clarifying doubts.
e) Quality Consciousness- Commitment to quality in all aspects of personnel administration will ensure success.
Due to the new trends in HR, in a nutshell the HR manager should treat people as resources, reward them equitably, and integrate their aspirations with corporate goals through suitable HR policies.

How to prepare for a job interview

Firstly the reason for going to the interview is not only for the employer to see if you are suitable but also for you to see if the type of job, hours and location are what you wish. A little research of the company will be of major assistance. Not only will you learn of the company size but also its history and product. This helps because it will give you the information needed to form a few questions that you can pose to the interviewer. The other bonus is that when you are questioned you will portray yourself as a person that is keenly interested in the company. So in preparation:

- Research the company's history.
- Understand the position that you are applying for and a salary range that you would accept.
- Match those skills you have that will fill the role and emphasize them.
- Be prepared to answer questions such as - why do you want this job? And what strengths can you offer to the role?

Prior to the interview

First appearances are very important, in that split second a snap judgment will be made, either in your favor or against it. So before you leave home:
Select clothing that is appropriate to the occasion and the position applied for. Dress in a modest style and pay attention to personal grooming. It would be inappropriate to dress in jeans and a tee shirt if applying for a managerial role just as would dressing in a three-piece suit for a job on a building site. Surveys have shown that almost 50% of employers were influenced by appearance and that the impression persisted throughout the interview. A clean, neat, tidy and well-groomed presentation will go a long way to securing the job. Also being slightly overdressed is much better than being under dressed. Once dressed have a good critical look at yourself in the mirror, once satisfied you can proceed with confidence.

Prepare your paperwork; recent trends have shown that a one page CV with all relevant facts, skills and employment history summarized is more acceptable than a twenty page document crammed with detail. A good idea is to photocopy and bind all documentation which will enable the copy to be left behind for further perusal - a nice touch. Prepare the folder with the executive summary at the front with supporting detail at the back if needed, do not include irrelevant detail. For example if one is applying for a retail position do not include all your job details of being a dry-cleaning presser - just a summary of time employed with contact details for work references and verbally fill in the details if asked.
On the way to the interview
Nerves are a common occurrence but can be overcome. Often nerves feed on themselves and will definitely degrade your performance at the upcoming interview. Knowing why they occur will help in overcoming the fear factor.
Some of the common causes of worry are:
- Being seen as foolish
- Appearing inarticulate
- Questioned by someone far more knowledgeable than yourself and failing to adequately answer questions
- Being obviously nervous, tremulous voice etc..
- Being struck dumb
- Being overawed by the surroundings or interviewer
One thing to remember is that everyone suffers from nerves but that some will use the excess energy to their advantage. We all know that practice makes perfect, so some positive things one can do on the way to the interview to minimize your nervousness are:
- Rehearse how you will greet the interviewer.
- Go through in your mind how you will enter the office, how you will sit and your posture.
- Mentally rehearse all the questions you could be asked and your responses, often the interviewer will start with a few personal ones, be prepared to answer easily and as if you are talking to a friend of your parents.
- Run through all your paperwork - is it all in order?
- Always give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview, being early is better than stressing because you late due to not being able to find a park etc..
- As you walk to the interview breathe deeply and regularly, do not starve your brain of oxygen. The other plus is that your lungs are filling deeply which assists in modulation and continuity in speech during the interview.

At the interview

On meeting the interviewer shake hands firmly, take a deep breath and introduce yourself calmly and clearly. Maintain eye contact, try to relax and be genial, a trick some find that works is to imagine that the role is reversed and that the interviewer is coming to you for the job and you want to make him feel at ease. Allow him plenty of space to show you into the room, cross to the chair indicated seat yourself comfortably and in a relaxed manner, remember how you rehearsed the action in your mind earlier.
Allow the interviewer to start the conversation and before answering breathe deeply once more and pause before replying. Pausing allows you to compose your thoughts and also lets the interviewer adjust, ready for your reply. You should aim for confident body language for the impression you wish to portray is one of being natural and relaxed.

If you are shy by nature mention this to your interviewer, it will make you a little more comfortable and also stop the interviewer thinking that you are hiding something because of your manner.
Gestures are helpful in reinforcing what you say and in making the interview more interesting and animated, though a warning here, if the gestures are too bold and large it will detract from your credibility. Remember this is the best opportunity to impress your prospective employer with your attitude and personality, which will allow him to assess whether you will fit into the job and with other team members.
Things to take note

- Don't drink alcohol before the interview - save that till afterwards!
- Don't smoke before.
- Don't fiddle
- Have your own favorite pen on you so that any signatures, form filling etc.. can be done without fuss and comfortably
- Don't be overly familiar with the interviewer but do be relaxed and natural
- Answer questions fully, not just yes no answers but on the other hand don't natter on
- Be interested in the job and what the interviewer says - referring back to something said earlier will prove that you were listening
- Have a relevant question to ask - this can help in an awkward silence and allow the interviewer an opportunity to relax by talking of a familiar topic.
- If offered a cup of coffee or tea only 3/4 fill the cup just in case you are then given a guided tour - there is nothing more off-putting than spilling coffee on the carpet of your prospective boss.
- Do not be negative, as an example if you are asked why you left your last job do not say 'the boss was a narrow minded myopic and didn't listen to my forward thinking ideas, so I left', what you could say would be 'some of my ideas didn't fit into the current strategy of the company so I felt that I would like to move to a more dynamic environment'
- Try to project enthusiasm, about what you've achieved and what you'd like to achieve.
- Thank the interviewer for his time at the end of the interview

After the interview, review the way it went. Think of what you did well and those things that you could improve upon. Make a note of those things to change and polish your performance for the next interview. Generally it will take a while for the company to see and assess all the candidates interviewed so do not expect an instant decision. Writing a short letter or email to the interviewer once again thanking him for his time and briefly reiterating your skills that pertain to the position, now that you know more about it, is helpful in keeping you in the forefront of his mind. But continue applying for more positions and hone your interview technique. Success will come your way because of the hard work and persistence put into the job seeking process.

How to Tailor Your CV to a Specific Job Description:

Often when people talk about CV writing they discuss the layout of the CV, the content of the CV, and sometimes even the language used in the CV. It can feel as if the production of one, fantastic CV, alongside a robust Covering Letter is all you need to be shortlisted for that dream job.

Unfortunately life is never that straightforward! Employers are looking for specific qualities, attributes and experiences when they advertise a job, and in order to be shortlisted for that role you need to illustrate that you hold the qualities, attributes and experiences that they are looking for. In short, you need to demonstrate that you meet their selection criteria. This can rarely be achieved through the use and distribution of a generic CV, and so you often find that you need a slightly different CV for each position you are applying for, especially if your previous work history is in a different field, or if you are applying for a variety of roles in different sectors.

So, if you are applying for a job in a marketing, PR or design arena, how do you ensure that your CV is tailored sufficiently well to ensure that you stand out from the crowd?

Firstly, you need to decipher the selection criteria. Almost every job that is advertised nowadays will have a selection criteria statement in it somewhere - usually within the person specification. It will look something like this:

"Essential: excellent interpersonal and communication skills, creative thinking, able to make effective presentations to varying levels of senior groups of staff, strong sales background, confident and self-assured.

Desirable: a degree in Marketing, PR experience or experience in a sales and management organization, knowledge of statutory marketing and advertising law, commitment to attending relevant training, previously managed staff"

The selection criterion above contains the main parts of a standard selection criterion, particularly for jobs in the Marketing, PR and Design arena (which are creativity-driven). These parts are:

Competency: Work related attributes
Qualifier: The level of performance the job requires, e.g. 'Advanced', 'Appreciation', 'Superior', etc
Behaviour: Setting the context of where and how a competency has to be demonstrated
Importance: Essential or Desirable

Now that you know the different elements of the job's selection criteria, you can start addressing each in turn; ensuring that your CV highlights the necessary skills and attributes, at the required level, within the required setting, ranked in the correct order of importance.

Here's how:

1. Create a separate document to your CV, entitled 'Selection Criteria'
2. Use each of the Selection Criteria parts as headings
3. Under each heading, write a series of bullet points that state how you hold and demonstrate each of the words or phrases contained within the selection criteria. Don't forget to provide examples to support your claims
4. Make sure that you use draw on different evidence and examples in support of different criteria; don't keep repeating the same skill set or past experiences
5. Use positive language! Remember to incorporate your "selling words" such as 'instigated', 'accomplished', 'effectively', 'enthusiastically', 'creatively'
6. Avoid negative language including words such as, 'attempted', 'quite', 'abandoned', 'a little'

Finally, you need to merge your Selection Criteria document with your current CV, to ensure that the Competencies, Qualifiers, Behaviour and Levels of Importance that the job dictates are reflected in your CV.

On examining your CV you will probably see that a lot of the examples that you have used to address the selection criteria have already been stated in your CV. But how have they been stated? You will no doubt find that the examples in your CV need to be re-written to reflect the language that you used when describing them in your Selection Criteria document. Similarly, the 'Achievements' and 'personal Profile' sections of your CV will already depict some of the competencies listed in your Selection Criteria document. But they will need to be re-written to ensure all competencies required are listed, at the correct qualifying level, and illustrated in the required context.

The Role of Cover Letters in the Era of Online Recruitment:

The Role of Cover Letters in the Era of Online Recruitment: How to Update This Job-Search Essential for the 21st Century
It's no secret that a well-written cover letter has long been a must for serious jobseekers. These personal introductions in letter form give candidates an opportunity to frame their experience in the best possible light.
For decades, the standard format of the cover letter remained more or less unchanged. With the exception of a few changes in the prevailing standards of tone and word choice, most of the advice that was being given to jobseekers in the 1940s and 1950s could still be found in job search manuals in the late 1990s.
*The Online Recruitment Revolution*
Then, all at once, everything changed. The dot-com boom ushered in a brave new era for jobseekers and recruiters in every industry. Today, well over half of all recruitment efforts and hiring processes take place, at least in part, online.
It's impossible to overstate the impact that the shift to online recruitment has exerted upon the job search process. The emergence of this new recruitment paradigm has changed virtually every aspect of the way that most people seek work today.
*The 21st Century Cover Letter*
One important example of this shift can be seen in the changes that the cover letter has undergone over the last several years. Today's typical electronic cover letter is shorter -- and significantly more important -- than its long-form predecessor.
With recruiters now regularly plowing through dozens of emailed resumes for each position advertised online, the window of opportunity for standing out from the crowd has narrowed considerably, making the stakes for cover letter success much higher. Even if your "cover letter" is just a brief email introduction to your attached resume, it's crucial that you make every word count.
*1. Use a condensed version of the traditional cover letter format.*
The traditional cover letter follows the standard business letter form. It includes formal greeting and closing sentiments, as well as separate paragraphs summarizing your experience, describing your suitability for the advertised position, and showcasing your background knowledge of the company. By sticking to a slightly shortened version of the conventional cover letter form, you'll show that you respect the process and know how to play by the rules. You'll stand out from the majority of applicants who use a too-casual approach or, worse yet, skip the cover letter altogether, allowing you to score points for professionalism and decorum along the way.
*2. Get to the point.*
The traditional cover letter usually comprises three to four lengthy paragraphs, including several sentences that showcase and highlight the information in your resume. In an electronic cover letter, you don't have the luxury of all that space. To catch the eye of a recruiter who is working through an inbox full of applications, you have to start off with a bang. After dispensing with greetings and other formalities, describe why you're a great fit for the advertised position in the very first paragraph. Martin Yate, resume expert and author of Cover Letters that Knock 'em Dead, suggests limiting your electronic cover letter to just one "screen view," if possible.
*3. Be specific.*
In order to make sure your e-correspondence is routed to the right person, clearly state the position you're applying for in the subject line. To eliminate confusion, double-check to make sure that what you've typed in matches the title of their job posting exactly. If you are not responding to an ad, state your credentials, industry experience, and the kind of position you're looking for in your introductory paragraph. Even the most compelling cover letter won't help you land a job if it winds up in the wrong inbox.
*4. Stay professional.*
We all know that email and other forms of electronic correspondence tend to elicit a more casual conversational tone. However, what might work when you're trading emails with a close friend could be the kiss of death when you're looking for a job. If you're unsure of what tone to take, be sure always to err on the side of formality.
With just a few simple changes, it's easy to update your cover letter for the 21st century. With an e-cover letter that's brief, specific, detailed, polished, and professional; you'll be well-positioned to stand out from the crowd.

Interview Tips

Interview Tips

• Beginning the Interview
• Greet the interviewer standing up, with a strong handshake, good eye contact and a smile. Try not to turn your back to the interviewer to close the door – keep your body language open, and retain the connection. Follow the lead of the interviewer – small talk/direct approach

During the Interview:

• Listen – carefully to the introduction and to every question
• Clarify - Answer the question that is asked, not what you wish was asked! Ask for clarification if you are unsure
• Detail – do not rush through your answers, give sufficient detail
• Examples – Give concrete examples where possible
• Relax – try not to sound to rehearsed

Body Language:

• Eye contact – strong and effective, natural and interested
• Affirmation – nods, and agreement where necessary. Show that you are listening
• Seating position – avoid barriers if possible (e.g. tables)
• Comfortable – sit in a comfortable position, but not TOO relaxed, (e.g. Legs crossed)
• Positive & Open – non defensive stance: Do not cross your arms, do not wring your hands, face the interviewer, cross your legs towards the interviewer if at all, use your hands to be expressive
• Sitting forward/ Sitting back – Affirmation

Questions:

• Ask some questions at the end of the interview
• Listen to the answers

Right Impression Tips

Before the interview stage, you create the right impression by

• How you Make Contact – Telephone, Email, Walk – in
• Interaction with others – PA, Office Manager – They may have input!
• CV/ Resume – Creates an important impression, and may be the first impression.
• Arranging Interview – be flexible, but also ensure that the time does suit you. You do not want to be under additional pressures

Research:

• The company
• The industry
• The competition
• Ask the Recruitment Consultant for as much info as possible
• Internet research Into other similar positions
• Networking

The Role:

• Research the position
• Ask the Recruitment Consultant for as much info as possible – have other candidates been rejected, what questions have been asked in interview, what is the employer looking for in interview, do they know the interviewer?
• Ask the HR Manager for job description & specification
• Ask if there will be any additional assessments on the day and if you need to bring anything with you

Resume:

Review your CV - This is the only info the Recruiter has about you so far. Compare against the job spec – identify your areas of strength and weakness. Preempt questions that the employer may have about your CV – are the dates clear, info on previous companies.

Questions:

• Prepare questions for your employer about the company/ role.

Question Tips

Some Typical interview questions,

• Tell me about yourself – be prepared, not too much not too little, focus on the professionally positive always..
• Why did you leave your last position/ company – stay positive always!!
• What do you know about our company – show that you have done your homework
• Why do you want to work here – what can you offer them, what can they offer you. What are your goals?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses – honest & positive
• What has been your most significant achievement?
• How would your last boss describe you – do not go over the top!
• Why should we hire you – what can you offer them
• What are your salary requirements – be confident but not pushy