Job interviews and assessments
Getting an interview or to the assessment stage is a success. However, it isn’t enough; you want to be offered the job. The selection process is full of pressure and discomfort, so how do you make it easier and have a better chance of ‘winning’?
It may feel like the employer is in total control of the process, and indeed the ultimate decision is theirs. However, there are ways for you to lead and guide the process to give yourself a greater likelihood of being chosen.
How can you prepare for the unknown? Who can predict the questions and scenarios with which you may be faced?
Demonstrate professionalism and commitment from the outset
Job hunting is a professional endeavour in itself. Make the best use of your time and communications to show your professionalism and determination.
Demonstrating flexibility in your job hunting
In the same way we would never admit we don’t like change, we rarely acknowledge we are not flexible. But how do you demonstrate it and how can you convince an interviewer?
Interview checklist – the practicalities
You're been offered a job interview. Congratulations! To give you the best chance of a successful interview, let's get prepared, starting with this detailed checklist.
Research, research, research
You can never be too prepared for an interview or assessment centre. If you have a good understanding about the organisation, its culture, the role and even the interviewers, you will be able to mould your answers and the points you want to make
Handling off-the-wall interview questions
Whether your interviewer prefers obscure, off-the-wall questions or focuses on more practical, competency-based questions, here are some practical, proven ways you can prepare well in advance.
What are your strengths?
When you are asked in an interview 'what are your main strengths', do you know what exactly they are looking for? How well do you know your own strengths? Here are explanations of the key strengths that employers look for, with tips for assessing yours.
So, tell us about yourself
Many interviewers think this question is a great way to start an interview, to help you settle in. But if you haven't prepared, it can feel very unsettling and jeopardise the whole interview. So what should you say? Here are a few tips and ideas to prepare a good response.
A Muppets Guide to Interview Technique
Job interviews are serious business, so the last people you'd look to for interview technique would be wacky characters from a kids' TV series. Right?
Tips for online interviews
As many job interviews are now online, using Zoom, Skype or similar, this short video provides some practical tips for making the best of an interview in an online environment.
How do you explain why you left your last job?
Would you know how to answer, “Why are you leaving your current job?” It is important that you prepare an answer that is short, clear and with which you feel comfortable. Here's how...
Justifying your salary and understanding your value at work
Understanding the value that you add at work can be key to self-belief, as well as helping you negotiate a decent salary in your current employment or a new job. Part 1 of 5.
Justifying your salary. Part 2 – Fundamentals
It may seem clear to you, but it pays to clarify and gather supporting evidence for how well you perform in the fundamentals at work. Part 2 of 5.
Justifying your salary. Part 3 – Key Behaviours
What are the behaviours that make you a particularly valuable member of your boss's team? Consider how you are adding value above average. Part 3 of 5.
Justifying your salary. Part 4 – Your Outputs
How is your performance against your targets contributing to the overall success of the organisation? Are you over-achieving in your current role? Part 4 of 5.
Justifying your salary. Part 5 – Leadership
Not everyone is a manager, but anyone can choose to support, guide and inspire their colleagues. Let's consider how you are adding value by increasing the value of others. Part 5 of 5.
Your leadership style at interview
If you’re applying for a job which involves people management responsibility at any level, you can be expected to be asked about your leadership style. Here's how to start preparing.
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