Finally time to start my five part blog series where I will give you some alternative hints and tips that you may want to implement when you are seeking a new position. As mentioned last week, there is in my opinion far too many “job experts” and recruitment bosses that constantly provide boring and out of date tips for candidates in a job seeker process. Hints and tips that you have heard a billion times before.
This post is part one of a series of five posts. Enjoy, and do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.
Do you remember our deal?
In order for you to get as much out of this as possible, I asked you last week to agree a deal with me.
My part of the deal: Use as few clichés as possible and no nice business buzzwords
Your part of the deal: Do not take in use all of the below tips and hints. Only use those that are suited to you and your personality.
One more thing before I start: Due to the fact this blog series will focus on alternative methods, tips and hints, I have decided to be somewhat alternative in the way I approach this. I will actually start with part four of the series, THE INTERVIEW. Why? Because I feel like it and because I have been looking forward to writing about this. If I write about something I am positive about then it is likely that the end result will be better. It is exactly the same for you during a job seeking process; The more interesting and relevant the position you are applying for, the better you will do during the whole process.
Tip 1: Show that you are a nice and caring person
First and foremost, why not start a nice conversation with the receptionist while you wait for the interviewer to meet you. You will then give a good impression as far as the receptionist is concerned and the interviewer will see this when he or she comes to collect you. This will automatically ensure a good start to the interview and show that you are a social and nice person. PS. Why not tell the interviewer that you really appreciated the warm welcome you received from the receptionist.
Tip 2: Bring something to the interview
If you have something that you can bring and hand over to the interviewer then this is a big positive. I am not referring to you bringing some references and a copy of your qualifications but perhaps something like reports, publications, projects, drawings, newspaper articles you have written or similar. Irrespective of what you bring, make sure it is relevant to the role, the company and / or the interviewer himself. In doing so you will make it easier for the interviewer to remember you and at the same time, you will stand out amongst the crowd.
Tip 3: Ask questions as you go along
You may have learned previously that you should always ask questions at the end of the interview. In principle I 100% agree with this, but only if you also ask some questions during the interview. If you don`t ask questions during the interview, and only at the end, you will come across as nothing but a static robot who has been told to do so.
By asking questions as you go along, that are relevant in relation to what the interviewer is saying, then you will automatically show that you are an engaging person, that you are good at listening and that you really take interest in what he or she has to say. You should also experience that the interview itself will become more comfortable and relaxed both for the interviewer and you. Almost like an informal meeting over a cup of coffee.
Tip 4: Show that you have fun
If you are too serious during the interview, it is highly likely that the interviewer will not get to experience your personality. It doesn’t help much to tell him or her about your great personality traits if you act the total opposite. Therefore, don’t be afraid to smile when you talk or when you hear something interesting from the interviewer. Neither be afraid to laugh as long as you do so when it is appropriate. The more fun you have during the interview the more fun the interviewer will have. This will be of great benefit when the interviewer is reviewing all the candidates from the process.
Tip 5: Don’t be scared of being nervous
You may previously have been given tips on what you can do to help you be less nervous before and during an interview. I only have one thing to say to this: What is the point? If you are nervous then so what? Don’t use your time and energy to improve something that in all likelihood cannot be improved. Instead, I suggest you see the positive side of being nervous; It shows that you are genuinely keen on the position and that you are keen on giving away a good impression. Is there anything wrong with this? Not at all. Your nervousness will simply show that this means a lot to you.
Tip 6: Don’t let confidence become arrogance
Too many “job experts” state that you have to come across as confident during an interview. What they fail to mention is that you must ensure that this does not develop into arrogance. You are much better off showing that you are a humble person who knows your faults as well as your strengths. If you do so, you automatically show the interviewer that you are a person that can learn and develop and that you are not “Mr or Miss know it all”.
Tip 7: Don’t bring your Head-hunter to the interview
You may not be in a position to decide whether the Head-hunter will be involved or not, but at least try to make sure that you have minimum one meeting with the end client without Head-hunter present. Why? At the end of the day, it is not the Head-hunter you will be working for nor is it the Head-hunter you need to build a solid relationship with. If you can secure some time on your own with the end client then you can build up a decent relationship with him or her without having several other eyes staring at you from across the table. In all likelihood, such an arrangement will also be more comfortable with the interviewer. He / she too will want to build relations with you remember.
Tip 8: Turn something negative to a positive (DON`T)
You may have been advised previously that if you are asked about your weaknesses, then come up with something that you can turn into a positive. ( I work too hard, I set too high goals bla bla bla). Promise me one thing; Never say anything like this ever again. It is simply so out of date, so ridiculous and so cowardly that I simply cannot understand why some people still think this is a good idea. Instead, be honest and tell the interviewer as it is. This will again show humility and show that you are person who doesn`t quickly jump to your own defence.
These are my alternative tips on how to do a good job during the interview process. There are, of course, many other things you can add to this, but you have probably heard them a billion times before. In my opinion, an interview should be fun, exiting and an opportunity for you to learn. I am convinced that absolutely everyone has the potential to do well during an interview, but please promise yourself the following: Be nice and kind, don’t overcomplicate the preparation process and don’t make too much out of yourself. And finally, be yourself and not the person we “experts” tell you to be. If you can manage this then you will do a great job.
Good Luck
OG-S AS, now offers a job seeking support package (JSSP) to companies who want to include this when giving notice to their employees. The program is 100% tailored to the individual and will be carried out on a 1–2–1 basis. Even better, it comes at a very low cost.
Erik Falk Hansen- Sier det som det er 