Interviewing tips

For the benefit of those graduates who are looking for advice on interviewing and also want examples of questioning techniques please visit our Blog archives August/ July 2007

I have copied a few of the tips here. There may be some valuable advice, especially if you have not been successful in interview but not had any feedback either. Here goes:

Many clients told us that they are increasingly using competency-based questions. These are questions that are designed to find out about certain skills and abilities (for example, team-work, ability to work under pressure, and customer service skills), and examples of times that you have displayed these skills. They are also called skills-based or behavioural questions.


Clients gave us examples of the most common competency-based questions. To answer these questions effectively, you must use an example from your experience. Don't be too scared though, it can be an example from any job, or your studies, or sometimes even from an outside activity.


The best way to answer these questions is to describe the situation, explain the action that you took, and then give details about the final outcome.


Next week we'll look at the lighter side of interviews, with some of the most unusual answers our clients have received at interview


Most Common Competency Questions


Examples of competency-based questions that some of our clients use regularly are below.
Can you tell me a time when you dealt with an angry customer? What was the situation? How did you deal with it, and what was the outcome?
Tell me about a time when you have changed a way of doing things? Why did you want to change things and how did you go about implementing this?
Can you tell us about a time when you have worked well in team?
How have you managed a situation of conflict within a team?
Can you give me an example of a time when you have worked well under pressure?
Interacting with others can be challenging. How would you go about managing a situation of tension within a team?
Tell me about a time when you solved a problem, and how you went about it?
Imagine you are working here already. Your senior managers are in an important board meeting and have asked not to be disrupted. An urgent call comes through for one of them. What do you do?
Can you give me an example of a task you have successfully completed that has benefited the company?
You have an angry customer on the phone - how do you respond?

Understand our service

I am always surprised and disappointed when job seekers expect us to just send their cv over to companies, without meeting them, or verifying any of their details as they don't want to spend the time meeting with the recruitment consultant.

As the market is tougher, jobs are fewer and competition is fierce, surely it is important to make sure you are represented properly and correctly as any mistakes could blow your chances for a position which could be ideal. Also it is important to udnerstand that omce you are registered you may ahve the chance to apoply for other non- advertised jobs./

We ask that if you are serious about job hunting then please understand that we are paid for a servcie which includes acting as an extension to the HR departments with whom we work and, if we ask to meet you it is because this is an important way for us to make sure that you have the right skills.

Key drivers in 2010

As the year begins we asked many of our clients what they think are the key drivers in 2010.

Whilst some are looking at retention, others are thinking of starting up new ventures but the majority of them intend to hire into key growth areas. The focus will be on growing their client base, raising their brand awareness and maintaining their profile as leaders within the businesses they work.
Whenever there is a downturn in the economy, there is always the opportunity to see who are the real market specialists, who are the industry leaders and who perhaps weren't so well managed after all. Bear this in mind if you are looking for a new job.

It is useful to know what the business track record of a company is, what its plans for growth are and not to base decisions on pure rumour. Many firms will be seeking out real talent in their quest to hire people and it is important as a candidate to make sure that your cv highlights the skills that a really aspirational business will look for. Make sure, however, that you are realistic in what you say.

Don't be completely wary of new start ups. They can be very successful. One of our most successful clients came to us before they had even found an office or any fully paid staff and grew to a multimillion ound turnnover business within a very short space of time.

Keep focused

As the weather watchers gear themselves up for snowstorms it is worth keeping focused on the job market with an eye on the job boards. Whilst many people are preparing for a South East snow standstill, there are other firms very keen to recruit and fill positions as soon as possible.

Make sure your cv is up to date and also think about when you can attend interviews as many people haven't given this apect of job hunting enough thought. Saying you will not be available for interview for 2 weeks can affect your chances. You might be reluctant to give it a miss as the New Year starts but beginning of January can often be the best time to find new employment, as companies have new budgets to work with.

If you found job hunting a struggle last year then ask your consultant what you could do to improve and make your job prospects better in 2010. Remember to stay optimistic. Although the cold weather might make things seem glum in January, a good sense of humour and positive outlook will keep things moving in the right direction.

New year job roll

An exciting start to the new year with a number of jobs and activity from a range of industries.

I think everyone is feeling optimistic about what 2010 holds. It can at least be better than 2009 and it may not be easy but many of our clients are feeling optimistic about the prospects this year holds.

The temp job market continues to hold its' own and the permanent job market is moving albeit slowly. Here's to a Happy 2010!