Applying For Jobs - Tips

tidge6

Well it was a horrible process to go through but I have had a call today to offer me the job, so it was worth it in the end. :j

princess

Brilliant news - good for you!

GrammarGirl

greenwheels007 wrote: »

Just a few pointers regarding interviews, I hope they are of use.


Appearance - I would suggest against the red scarf approach. Look smart professional and comfortable. Sit outside the place of work before the interview and see what the smartest people wear. Possibly wear something subtly assertive but nothing too distracting. A nice smart dark suit with plain shirt / blouse is perfect.

Sorry, should've pointed out with my tip - I work in the creative sector and have never worn a suit in my life! Every interview I've been to I've worn jeans, hence the brightly coloured accessory method working well for me! I agree, if you're going for a formal, professional role you should dress to reflect that. Likewise, if you're going for a more caring or creative role, I think dress codes can be relaxed slightly? Just my opinion.

LynnT_2

Hi - sorry to hear about your experience. You have not mentioned the sector nor level of job you are applying for. Certainly the use of assessment tools, role play, ability testing are more and more common as the results add objective data that can be used comparatively [not candidate against candidate but against a sector norm] and allow decision makers to make fair and equitable decisions.

Sometimes the rigour of the assessment centre/recruitment process is a natural selection in itself as you quite rightly comment, you may not want to work for an organisation that puts you through the mill in this way.

Please ask the organisation for feedback; anyone sitting and completing psychometric tests which include the MOST suite of ability exercise is entitled to formal feedback. You should also get feedback on the role play and interview.

I hope you get good news after the weekend.

skintchick

To prepare, I imagine being asked (or even get someone to ask me) why do you think you can do the job? That way I cover all the relevant things like skills and experience, I also practice on my own out loud saying why, so I phrase it well and it comes to me in the interview.

lancsgirl

Hi I would like to thank everyone really on this, it helped me alot because i had an interview on weds, took the advise on here and got a second interview which is on weds 28th jan and will take 3-4hrs eek, so i have to confirm my attendence and it involves a test which i will find out what kind of test it is so i can prepare. if i think of any tips/hint i will post it on the sticky!

MSE_Martin

As an employer... if you're getting an interview - it means you potentially have the ability to do the job. The interview is first to confirm that but also to know you keen, do you know about what we do, do you really want it, are you committed to working here?

Plus "will i get on with you" as no one wants to work with people they won't.

For my first ever main job I had six interviews, each with different people, some with more than one of the partners in. Once I was recruited and asked why so many - (Id been recommended by the company owners father who was a big CEO of a major company - sp there was never a question of capability) the answer was "all the partners need to feel they'd be comfortable if they had to sit next to you on a three hour train journey."

Martin

MrsB2100

I know it's been a while since anyone posted on this thread but ....

Having taken all the advice everyone gave, I now have a permanent job!!! I'm on week 5 now, settling in nicely and get my first pay packet at the end of the month.

So I wanted to say a big THANK

MrsB2100

... ooops! My entheusiasm is carrying me away!

Anyway, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! All your help and advice helped me to get the job and for that I shall always be grateful.

You guys really are wonderful! :beer: :beer: :beer: :money: :kisses: :kisses3:

BabyBetty

Thanks guys, some really good tips on this thread.

I have just finished (22.07.09) a temp assignment and now looking for my next role. I have taken on board the comment on SOAR and will make sure that I am using it. The advice about practicing evidence is great also - will be doing that this weekend.

I just received feedback from a job that I really wanted but did not get. The interview was not the disaster that I thought it was. Feedback was very positive (areas that I thought I had done badily in I was told that I answered well) and useful for my next interview, which I hope will be soon.

Thanks

BB