by Lis McGuire | Jan 14, 2014 | Interview Advice, News
Following on from last week’s blog, this week we continue Giraffe CVs’ three-part blog series: smart tips for interview success. This week’s blog, part two in the series, focuses on what you can do during your interview to position yourself for success.
We consulted with a number of recruitment and employability experts; asking them for inside advice and interview tips to help you succeed during your interview. We hope you enjoy their answers.
PART 2: AT THE INTERVIEW
First impressions count. What makes a candidate tick your boxes when they enter the interview room?
“The first impression should be of someone who is smart and appropriately dressed. They walk in with confidence, have a firm handshake and make good eye contact.
All of these things go towards making a good initial impression.”
Pamela Hopkinson, Jobs in Food Manufacturing. Contact via Twitter @JobsinFoodMfr
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“Wearing a smart outfit, making eye contact, and smiling. It is important to show some enthusiasm – meaning that you want to be there and are interested in the job. I have heard about people who have turned up to the job interview, not showing interest and not presenting their best self.
Remember to be yourself, as the interviewer will want to know about the person with whom they will be interacting and find out if they will fit with the team.”
Sophia Husbands, GoGetterMe. Contact via Facebook or Twitter @GoGetterMe
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“This is so important. I can’t tell you how much it frustrates me and my clients when candidates turn up not suitably dressed. Unless you have being advised otherwise, you need to dress formally. I would always recommend wearing a matching jacket and trousers/skirt. Make sure everything is perfect: your tie is straight, your shirt is ironed and your shoes are clean. These may seem like minor details but they can tell an employer a lot about you.
Make sure you are prepared as soon as you walk into the building or office. Know who you are there to meet and greet everyone you meet with a friendly attitude. Although you may not be interviewing with those people, your interview begins as soon as you walk in the building. Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and thank them for taking the time to see you.”
Vicky Pachner, Director, Reem Recruitment Contact via Facebook.
How can the interviewee ensure their interview is a two-way process?
“The most important thing is to have some questions of your own. Not having any questions at all makes you either seem uninterested in the process or so desperate for the job that you’re too nervous to ‘rock the boat’! An interview is an opportunity for both parties to see if the company and position will work for them.
Focus on questions that show you are interested in both your own development and the future of the company.
Avoid asking any questions that you could easily find an answer to in the job spec or company website and stay away from the usual clangers of asking about benefits or holidays.”
Leo Woodhead, Careers Advisor. Contact via Twitter @thecareersblog
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“During a job interview you will more than likely be given a number of chances to ask some questions, so it’s a great idea to have some prepared in advance. This is a great way of making an interview a two-way process. Here are some examples:
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?
What kind of work can I expect to be doing in the first year?
What are some of the skills and abilities necessary for someone to succeed in this job?
What percentage of routine, detailed work will I encounter?
How much opportunity will I have for decision making in my first assignment?
How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured?”
More questions are detailed on StudentVine/GradQuiz Contact via Twitter @GradQuiz
What are the key non-verbal actions and characteristics to be mindful of?
“Interviews can be very stressful and the trick is to come across as calm. Walk confidently into the interview room, with your head held high and make eye contact with all of the interviewers taking part and give a firm handshake.
Sit down in a position that is most likely to be comfortable for a long period of time to ensure you do not have to keep repositioning yourself, but do not slouch! Keep hands folded together in your lap and do not fidget.
If you are being interviewed by a panel, try to respond directly to the individual that asked a specific question, but intermittently also look across to the other interviewers to maintain a sense of inclusion and conversation.”
Pamela Hopkinson, Jobs in Food Manufacturing. Contact via Twitter @JobsinFoodMfr
Are there any ‘bad’ questions an interviewee can ask?
“There are guaranteed ways to annoy an interviewer, and asking silly questions is one of them! Some of the worst are asking what exactly the job you are being interviewed is. This shows a lack of initiative and that you haven’t researched the position prior to the interview – a big no-no!
Another deal-breaker question is asking how many days holiday you will get. While it’s a perfectly reasonable question, it’s not really one for an initial interview! It suggests you’re more concerned with benefits than the job itself.”
Bubble Jobs Contact via Twitter @BubbleJobs
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“Candidates need to know exactly what they are applying for and should not ask questions with answers that should be blatantly obvious to them.
Asking about money can also send out the wrong sign and should never be asked at the start of an interview!”
Pamela Hopkinson, Jobs in Food Manufacturing. Contact via Twitter @JobsinFoodMfr
How should you conduct yourself during a Skype interview?
“Being part of Skype interview can be quite daunting, but they are growing in popularity so it’s important to be prepared!
Don’t be too casual – even though you’re at home, you should make sure you’re dressed smart and act as if you were in a real-life interview room.
Also, make sure the room you’re being interviewed in is clean – no interviewer would be impressed with seeing a pile of dirty washing in the corner!
Finally, be natural, but take advantage of the set up and hide some post-it notes around your screen to give you a quick reminder when you’re struggling to answer a question.”
Bubble Jobs Contact via Twitter @BubbleJobs
What should a candidate be aware of when taking part in a telephone interview?
“Telephone interviews do not just happen, just as with a one to one interview you will know the time and date, so ensure that you are somewhere quiet where people know not to interrupt you.
Get yourself in the right mind set to take the call and stand and smile throughout the course of the conversation. This might sound strange, however human communication, according to some researchers consists of more than 50-70% non-verbal signs such as facial expressions etc. By having a phone conversation these communication tools are not available to you. Therefore standing and smiling whilst talking will help in you sounding positive.
Have a pen and piece of paper available to you and note the name of the company and interviewer together with the job title at the top, especially if you are applying for a number of vacancies.
Have a copy of your CV and the job description, if you have one, to hand that you can also refer to if required.”
Pamela Hopkinson, Jobs in Food Manufacturing. Contact via Twitter @JobsinFoodMfr
How can interviewees demonstrate they are keen and have the right skills for the position?
“If they have done their homework properly leading up to the interview, candidates will be well equipped to demonstrate their abilities. When answering questions they should give examples of work/projects that they have undertaken that have given them the relevant skill set to deal with the role they are applying for.
Using the vacancy description as a basis for responding to questions can also help the candidate include details that although not specifically mentioned in a question, are relevant to the role and desirable to the potential employer.”
Pamela Hopkinson, Jobs in Food Manufacturing. Contact via Twitter @JobsinFoodMfr
What advice could you offer a candidate on how they can close an interview?
“‘Closing’ an interview can be interpreted a number of ways.
It could literally mean, drawing it to a close; a nice, punchy finish.
It might also mean ‘closing’ in the sales-sense; your final chance to sell yourself; the elevator pitch.
Or, it could mean a clear statement of your intentions / feelings in light of everything you’ve discussed at the interview.
However you choose to interpret the concept, we have one, universally applicable piece of advice: Don’t walk out of the door scratching your head. Make sure you know exactly where you stand!
If you’re wildly enthusiastic, tell them so. If you need more information before you make a decision about whether they’re right for you or not (and remember, interviews may look like a one-way street but you’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you) –then say so. If you’re not sure what they’re thinking about you – ask. Ask if there’s any other information they need to know in order to ascertain whether you’re suitable. Or, if you’re feeling confident, ask the interviewers if there are any areas in which other candidates have demonstrated particular strength, and in which they would find a cross-candidate comparison useful. They might not be able to give much away verbally, but body language is very telling. Read between the lines.”
Tim Burns, Managing Director, GPRS Recruitment. Contact via Twitter @gprsrecruitment
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“Candidates should ensure that you have a few relevant questions of their own to ask at the end of the interview, which demonstrate an interest in the organisation or industry sector. However, these should be kept relatively succinct as often interviewers will be conducting more than one interview after another.
Thank the interviewer for their time and confirm your interest in the position and give a firm handshake.”
Pamela Hopkinson, Jobs in Food Manufacturing. Contact via Twitter @JobsinFoodMfr
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“I would say that they should thank the interviewer and also before the close, ask the interviewer if there was any area(s) where they needed further clarification. Often, if you are asked a question more than once, it is because the interviewer may not have found the insight they were looking for.”
Sophia Husbands, GoGetterMe. Contact via Facebook or Twitter @GoGetterMe
by Lis McGuire | Jan 6, 2014 | Interview Advice, News
Once your professional and compelling CV has worked its magic, and the recruiter has called you up, the next stage is the much anticipated and often dreaded interview process.
Preparing for, participating in and reflecting on the interview process raises a number of common questions and concerns. To address these much deliberated issues Giraffe CVs are proud to launch a three-part blog series: Smart tips for interview success.
PART 1: BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
This week’s blog, part one in the series, focuses on what you can do before the interview to position yourself for success. Giraffe CVs consulted with a number of recruitment and employability experts; asking them for inside advice and interview tips to help you proactively and properly prepare for your interview. I hope you enjoy their answers.
Are there any ways an interviewee can position themself in a positive way before the interview date?
“If done carefully the subtle use of social media to interact with a company’s social media executive can help to position you in a positive light. The important thing here is that whichever social media platform you’re using, it must sing from the same hymn sheet as your CV.
If it doesn’t keep your settings to private and step away from the keyboard as you will do more damage than good. However, if you have developed an online brand that shows you in a positive light, keep a look out for opportunities to add to a company’s conversation with useful insights or ideas, just be sure to remember that less is often more!”
Leo Woodhead, Careers Advisor. Contact via Twitter @thecareersblog
How can a candidate best prepare for an interview?
“Prepare three or four stories from your experience to illustrate why you can do the job. Know them inside out and draw on different aspects depending on the questions asked. The key is being relevant, so check carefully against the job requirements. Practice, practice, practice (find a friend to help). Learn some relaxation techniques if nerves are a problem. Do your research on the employer – and that means more than repeating back what is on their website. Find an excuse to ring up the employer before the interview so they remember you.”
David Shindler, Learning to Leap. Contact via Twitter @David_Shindler
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“Once you have been accepted for an interview, you know that the interviewer knows your skill set and is aware of any “gaps” you may have. Now is the time to go the extra mile to stand out from the other candidates.
Research the company, find out exactly what they do, how many offices they have etc. Basically, any information that you can use in an interview to demonstrate that you have taken an interest in and time to find out about your potential new employer.
Find out exactly where the interview is taking place and, depending on the location, it may be even worth trying out the route prior to the date. There is nothing worse than getting lost and arriving late and rushed to an interview.
Go back over your CV, especially if you have a couple of different versions depending on which type of vacancy you are applying for.”
Pamela Hopkinson, Jobs in Food Manufacturing. Contact via Twitter @JobsinFoodMfr
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“Do research. If you don’t, you may as well kiss goodbye to that job. You would be amazed at the number of people who do this. Be up to speed with the latest facts and figures about the business, but also about the industry and wider trends that affect the business. Be confident that if you were given a copy of the Financial Times, you could easily choose two or three articles that relate to the organisation/industry you are interviewing for and explain what impact it might have on the organisation.
Form your own opinions. This conveys a sense of self-awareness. Someone who can think on their own. Make sure the opinions you form aren’t too radical for the business you are interviewing with. Especially if it is a conservative business. But if it’s a creative job, then let your imagination fly.”
Answer from Charlie Reeve, Head of Graduate Recruitment and Development at Arriva via StudentVine’s Inside Track Series. Contact via Twitter @GradQuiz
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“It is always a good start to find out about the company. Know what industry it is in.
Check out the latest media reports on the company, as this gives the impression that you are interested in the company.”
Sophia Husbands, GoGetterMe. Contact via Facebook or Twitter @GoGetterMe
How much should a candidate try to find out about their target employer?
“It’s not enough anymore to simply regurgitate what you can remember of the employer’s website when the opportunity arises at interview. It’s boring to the interviewer (they’ve already heard it 10 times that day) and it shows little initiative or originality.
Whilst to some extent, the appropriate depth of research is dependent on the level of position (i.e. research for an interview for an entry-level or transactional role, e.g. a sales assistant will be much less intense than research for a senior management or leadership position) good core information includes understanding the organisation’s mission, vision, and values, as well as factual information, including age, size (both in staff numbers and annual turnover), locations, history, partnerships, and recent news.
Role-specific information is often the most neglected area of employer research, but it’s one of the easiest ways to demonstrate capability, interest and passion. An accountant, for example, should seek out financial information that is relative to their role. A marketer should seek out information on target markets and product range, as well as making themselves familiar with social channels. In general, a good ratio of ‘generic’ and ‘role-specific’ information is 75%: 25% respectively.”
Tim Burns, Managing Director, GPRS Recruitment. Contact via Twitter @gprsrecruitment
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“An employer wants to know that you are interested in their company and industry. What are the employer’s strengths in their field or business area? What are they known for?
Sources include networking (online and face-to-face), online research (Google them), industry/professional forums and journals, newspapers especially business sections (printed or online), people you know who work there, have worked there or other people you know who have these connections. Speak to their customers or users and competitors.
What are their visible signs of success? What awards have they won recently? Visit their offices and look for plaques on the wall in reception, client or customer testimonies, share price and published performance indicators.”
David Shindler, Learning to Leap. Contact via Twitter @David_Shindler
How much should a candidate try to find out about their interviewer(s)?
“It is always good to try and find out as much as you can about an interviewer as again there may be something that drops into the conversation that will help you stand out from the crowd. Professional Social Media sites, such as LinkedIn, are a good tool for this.”
Pamela Hopkinson, Jobs in Food Manufacturing. Contact via Twitter @JobsinFoodMfr
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“Just as the interviewer looks at your profile, an interview is two-way street. It is a good idea to find out about the interviewer’s interviewing style, for example whether they prefer competency-based style interviews, or tend to adopt a less formal approach to find out how you would fit into their team. One method of finding out is by viewing their profile on LinkedIn.”
Sophia Husbands, GoGetterMe. Contact via Facebook or Twitter @GoGetterMe
Should a candidate try to pre-empt questions and prepare specific answers?
“It is always good to anticipate the types of questions you may be asked and for some roles it’s easy to know what the interviewer is likely to be looking for. So definitely plan some general responses. However, do not become so focused on using your pre-prepared responses that you do not really listen to the question the interviewer is actually asking.”
Pamela Hopkinson, Jobs in Food Manufacturing. Contact via Twitter @JobsinFoodMfr
Is there such a thing as over-preparing for an interview?
“Only if by doing so you become confused or overwhelmed with information. We all learn in different ways so find what works for you. Prepare so you peak at the right time. You will always face the unexpected and that means responding to unforeseen questions in the moment. Get used to thinking on your feet by seeking opportunities to be tested when unprepared. Employers want to know if you can handle uncertainty because that’s what happens in the workplace. Trust yourself and be yourself – you will know more than you think you do.”
David Shindler, Learning to Leap. Contact via Twitter @David_Shindler
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“I do not believe that you can be too prepared for an interview. What I do think can be the case, is that the candidate is so keen to show their knowledge that it detracts from the interview. Candidates need to keep in mind that an interview should be seen more as a conversation and is as much about them learning about the company and the role as it is for the interviewer to get to know the candidate.”
Pamela Hopkinson, Jobs in Food Manufacturing. Contact via Twitter @JobsinFoodMfr
Our three-part blog series, smart tips for interview success, will continue next Tuesday with part two: at the interview.
by Lis McGuire | Dec 24, 2013 | CV tips, Graduate CV tips, News
Are you wondering how on earth you can use your CV to sell yourself when the basic elements take up so much space?
When I’m writing a CV, space is at a premium. I have to be totally aware of what is important and absolutely ruthless about what is not. With only two pages to play with, careful planning is a must, and every word needs to be considered and reconsidered before it makes the grade and gets admitted to the high society of your premium two-page space.
This week’s blog names and shames the top five CV space eaters which stop people shaping a compelling, interview-winning two page document.
1. Contact details
As these are often the first thing that gets written down on a CV, people often get drawn in to making their name, address, telephone numbers and email addresses look all fancy schmancy. This is all well and good but, before you know it, you’ve eaten up a good quarter to half a page of your CV without having yet presented any information that will convince a recruiter they need to call you. Sure, they’ll know HOW to contact you, but not why they should.
2. Too much detail on older or irrelevant job roles
Unwillingness to let go of finer details relating to older roles and roles that are not directly relevant can result in another huge space eater on your CV. See my previous blog Five top tips to get rid of the CV flab for more detail on how and why you should ditch the excess in this area.
3. Replicated sections
I quite often see CVs which restate information in different sections, with the same points repeated in Key Skills, Achievements and Experience section. This is unnecessary and confusing for the reader. Say it well and you’ll only need to say it once. I advise making each section of your CV work harder for you by giving it a specific job.
Your key skills, for example, can be used to outline the transferable business skills you can bring to a new employer. I find using snappy bullets in a columned format makes it easier for the reader to skim over quickly and get a feel for your transferable business skills, before reading on. I myself don’t tend to feature Achievements as a separate section on the CVs I write. Instead, I use the Experience section to outline key accomplishments within the context of each role undertaken.
4. Irrelevant training
Over the course of your career, chances are that you will have completed a great number of internal and externally-run training courses. Of course, training is a big advantage on your CV, but I urge you to consider what the recruiter needs to know and adapt your list to suit. A lengthy list can suck up premium space on your CV and represent ‘white noise’ to the recruiter; they may not even bother to read it. Plus, listing courses that are basic or too generic could even go against you. Listing that you attended a communication skills course may not add much, and a time management course may suggest to the recruiter that you were experiencing difficulty in this area. If you state that you attended a Basic Microsoft Word course the recruiter may infer that you had very basic IT skills to start with, and your grasp of IT may not be up to scratch.
5. References
As with contact details, quoting the names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, Twitter handle and inside leg measurement of your referees can eat up valuable space on your CV. The recruiter will only need to know these details if they are convinced you are the right person for the job, and will mostly call on this information after an interview has taken place. At this stage of your application, you can simply state ‘References available on request’, though it’s questionable whether this is needed – it’s kind of a given.
by Lis McGuire | Dec 17, 2013 | CV tips, Graduate CV tips, News
At this time of year, many businesses take on additional staff to handle seasonal demand above and beyond their usual level of trade. This equates to great news for many jobseekers looking to increase their income at an expensive time of year and gain some key experience to boost their CV along the way.
This week’s blog looks at how to feature temporary work on your CV to bolster your confidence, employability and get your CV on to the recruiter’s ‘yes’ pile. By highlighting three of the issues I’ve heard my customers raise about featuring temporary work on their CV, I can show you how to turn concerns around and use your experience gained through temporary roles to your advantage.
“Temporary work will make me appear flaky and uncommitted.”
In fact, if portrayed in the right way, temporary work can demonstrate the polar opposite of these negative traits. Taking on a temporary contract requires the jobholder to show resilience, flexibility and a total willingness to be thrown in at the deep end and run with whatever needs to be done.
CV Tip: Use your CV to describe how you committed to get quickly up to speed within a busy and challenging environment, and how you became an asset to your team by carrying out assigned tasks to the required standard in line with demanding deadlines. Outline the skills you applied to make sure you were successful in the role (quick to learn, flexible, calm under pressure), as these are all valuable competencies that can strengthen your employability.
“Recruiters will wonder why I didn’t seek, or wasn’t offered, a longer contract or permanent role.”
Recruiters are more accepting than you think; after all, they know the job market better than most. Temporary and zero-hours contracts are increasingly common, giving employers the flexibility they need to take on additional staff without incurring unnecessary costs.
Your willingness to take on temporary assignments in line with businesses’ seasonal demands demonstrates versatility and a positive attitude to your own employment.
CV Tip: State clearly that you were employed on a short-term contract basis to meet seasonal business needs. Outline any ways in which you grew your role beyond the initial requirements, for example by taking on extra shifts and tasks. This will show you are willing to go the extra mile and that you have the appetite for progression.
“I was only there a short while, what can I say on my CV?”
You can learn a lot in a short time, and anyone who has undertaken a temporary contract will remember the steep learning curve that comes with the territory. Thrown in at the deep end, the pressure to survive and make a difference often gives you no option but to swim rather than sink.
Whether you worked on a temporary or permanent basis, chances are that many aspects of the role would have been the same.
CV Tip: Consider what a permanent member of the team would say on their CV and then select the aspects (I suspect there will be many!) that apply to you. In addition, the pressure and challenges of the peak period during which you were employed, will mean there are probably a number of bonus responsibilities and achievements you can include.
“Too many temporary roles will make my CV way too long.”
If you have maintained your own employment through a series of temporary contracts, this can be used as evidence of your personal determination and ability to adapt to the environment and job market. Being flexible in the face of change is an attractive trait to many employers.
The fact that a series of businesses have offered you employment earmarks you as someone who other employers have seen as worthy of employment, which can be reassuring.
CV Tip: If you do have a lot of short-term contracts on your CV, you can make the recruiter’s life easier by grouping them together, placing like-with-like roles to avoid repetition. Ordering your experiences in a sensible structure will make it easier for the recruiter to assimilate them and understand the value you can bring to the role.
What next?
If you are currently employed in a temporary seasonal role, I can imagine that you have been working hard. Make sure you use your time off from the rush, rush, rush of work to recuperate; me-time is extremely important when you are giving a role your all.
Then, once it’s over and things are calmer, take some time to collect your thoughts and update your CV. After all, how you present your experience is as important as gaining your experience.
by Lis McGuire | Nov 19, 2013 | CV tips, News
The Experience section of your CV should clearly identify the value you can bring to a new employer by highlighting tangible results rather than dull descriptions of duties. The advice is always to quantify your achievements and be specific about the work you have done. Including projects on your CV gives recruiters something to sink their teeth into, and can bring you to life as a person and potential hire. With this in mind:
How much should you really say about your work?
What kind of detail should you ideally give?
Is it ok to include this level of detail on your CV?
And what if you can’t state specifics?
What kind of details do recruiters want to see?
Key achievements or projects on your CV can make all the difference between a bland job description style experience section and a compelling, box-ticking read for the recruiter.
Recruiters want to know that you can do what you say you can do, and there’s nothing better than a tangible project example to show that you can cut the mustard.
They can provide evidence of your skills in action and, if presented to best effect, will show the value you added and your relevance for the job in question.
Whether projects are the norm for you or once in a blue moon, they are still relevant to include on your CV.
If your job doesn’t revolve around projects, then examples of out-of-the-ordinary work can really bring your CV to life. The time you helped with an office relocation, a secondment to train others within your company, or when you were asked to collaborate with a partner or supplier to improve efficiency and reduce costs – these are all examples which can boost your attractiveness to recruiters.
If you work as a consultant or in another kind of role where projects are your bread and butter, you can showcase the best examples of your work in line with your career goals. Think about the projects you are most proud of and feature them in a prominent position on your CV. Displaying a range of projects is a good way to demonstrate how you can apply your skills and knowledge in different scenarios.
Things to consider when including projects on your CV:
What is your marquee project – the one you are most proud of?
Which key projects reflect your bread-and-butter work?
Why was the project commissioned? What was the background?
For internal projects – who were you accountable to?
For external/client-facing projects – which clients did you work for and what was the contract value?
What were the main challenges?
How complex was the project?
How much autonomy did you have in your project role?
When did the project take place? What was the duration?
Where did the project take place? Was it a global or multi-site initiative, or focused around one central location?
Who did you work with? Who were the key stakeholders?
How did you make a difference?
What value did the project deliver?
Should you share this level of detail?
A common concern is how much detail you should share on your CV. After all, your CV is a document for the public domain, even if you send it out to a specific recruiter, the likelihood is that it is sent on to clients. In this day and age, what you write on your CV is so traceable, so listen to any niggling doubts and seriously consider the implications before you include juicy details.
I often hear people worry aloud about whether to include client names, project values and other details on their CV. If you are worried about how much detail to include, then consider:
Are you prohibited by your terms of employment from sharing this information? If you have signed an NDA, for example, then it is a no-brainer – don’t write it.
Will it breach your employer’s contract with their client, or put them or you, as an individual, in an embarrassing situation?
Is the information you are worried about sharing already publicly available online, in case studies, news articles etc.? If so, then you are not sharing
anything that isn’t already out there.
Is it relevant? Will it add value and boost the interest-factor of your CV?
Ultimately, make sure you are completely comfortable with the information you are sharing on your CV and online before pressing the send button.
If you can’t openly share information, what’s a good plan B?
If the information you’d like to divulge is sensitive, then there are ways to get around this.
Give just enough away to whet the recruiter’s appetite and entice them to meet you to find out more.
For example, if you are working for a well-known prestigious client, but are not sure about naming them on your CV, then consider using a generic description in place of their name – for example: major financial services organisation, UK fashion retailer, global energy supermajor, or even leading local construction contractor.
A note on LinkedIn
The same also applies of course to your LinkedIn profile, which is a more publicly available form of your CV.
However, LinkedIn now features the ability to add key projects to your profile. You can add project name and relevant webpages, name other project stakeholders (so if they accept, the project can show up on their profile too) and a project description. If the project data isn’t sensitive, I’d recommend adding details to your LinkedIn profile in this way. As a further add-on you could ask other internal and external team members to recommend you for your work on this particular initiative. That will certainly boost your credibility.
“The first impression should be of someone who is smart and appropriately dressed. They walk in with confidence, have a firm handshake and make good eye contact.
“Wearing a smart outfit, making eye contact, and smiling. It is important to show some enthusiasm – meaning that you want to be there and are interested in the job. I have heard about people who have turned up to the job interview, not showing interest and not presenting their best self.
“During a job interview you will more than likely be given a number of chances to ask some questions, so it’s a great idea to have some prepared in advance. This is a great way of making an interview a two-way process. Here are some examples:
“There are guaranteed ways to annoy an interviewer, and asking silly questions is one of them! Some of the worst are asking what exactly the job you are being interviewed is. This shows a lack of initiative and that you haven’t researched the position prior to the interview – a big no-no!
“‘Closing’ an interview can be interpreted a number of ways.
