PPS' Recruitment Blog

It has been a frustrating time over the last two years for candidates seeking work and actually gaining employment. It can be soul destroying and demoralising.

However companies still want the best person for the role – it is crucially important that any negative thoughts are dismissed from the very outset.

Please find below some top tips that will help in your job search.

TOP TIP!

In this whole process the application form and the job description are your greatest friend!

Preparation is the key.

Application forms/ CV tips

• This is often laborious and boring and you feel like you have filled out ‘000 of forms and sent off your CV everywhere – however DON’T rush this part of the process – take care.
• Remember this is the 1st time that this employer will have received your details.
• Make your CV / application form match the job description – print out the person and job specification, highlight the key words and ensure you use these on your application.
• Have a flexible and constantly changing CV – change your personal profile and the bullet points on your responsibilities to match to the job description.
• With organisations receiving increasing numbers of applications, employers have less time to read the CV. Make yours punchy and relevant from the first second – put your most relevant skills 1st, bullet point your responsibilities, and keep it to 2 pages. You only have 5 -10 sec to make a first impression.
• Remember that your CV is a career history and it is also your biggest sales tool!

Interview:

The key here is to think Positive!

BEFORE

• Do your preparation – it is crucial that you know about the company, the role and why you want the job.
• Think about and prepare why you are suitable for the organisation – what transferable skills do you have? Write them down and be comfortable that they will just roll off the tongue when you are asked the question!
• Practice competency based questions at home with friends and family – they can be your harshest critic – use their feedback.
• Try and guess the questions that may come up – look at the details that you have on the role and try and predict 5 questions that you might get asked.
• Don’t be late – this is something that is always stated but is so true. Make sure that you know where you are going – do a dummy run the night before. Put the interview time in your diary 30 mins earlier so give you room for delays.
• Be confident about your Strengths and Weakness – know why your strength is relevant to the Company. Know your job description. Make sure your turn your weakness into a positive e.g. “I can sometimes be stubborn however this means that when I am set a task I have the mindset that I will achieve and that it I will do an excellent job.”

DURING THE INTERVIEW

• 1st impressions are EVERYTHING and are hard to take back – make sure you are smartly dressed, well presented and think about the smaller details.
• On the way from reception to the interview room try and make brief small talk about the weather or something similar – start breaking down the barriers, building a rapport and bringing through your personality.
• Give a strong handshake – one that oozes confidence and not one that squashes the interviewer’s hand!!
• Don’t appear desperate – the employer may think that you want any job – not their job.
• Be specific as to why you are particularly interested in this role.
• Don’t ask questions about benefits i.e. salary, holidays etc. This can put off interviewers. Things like this can be discussed at a later date. Ask questions likes “where is the organisation heading in the next two years?” and “what is the culture of the company like?” – these appear to be more insightful and not all about ££.
• Stay positive throughout your interview, even if you do not feel that the interview is going well, the interviewer might! Remain positive with a friendly, professional attitude.
• During your interview avoid commenting negatively about previous employers or express negative views which may lead the interviewer to think badly of you. Be really careful on your reasons for leaving – prepare your answer well.
• Sound as though you are already working for the Company and show genuine interest in the Company and their plans. Convince them that you can do the job and want the position.
• IF and only if you feel confident at interview, ask them if they have any reservations about you, as you would really like the position. Be prepared for them to come back with negatives – handle these in a calm manner and overcome their reservations.

Good luck!!

Written by Kate Ingram, a recruiter  for recruitment process outsourcing company PPS.