Working with your Consultant
Now you have registered with Connections it is vital that you understand that we
are working together to secure you your next position where you will be happy and
able to move along your chosen career path.
In order to achieve this goal it is vital that you are always honest and up front.
If we outline a position to you that is not of interest then say NO at the beginning,
don't change your mind when it comes to being offered an interview. You should be
aware at the outset if the travelling distance is too great, that the salary on
offer is not enough and if you really don't want to work for a small organisation,
make sure that you inform your consultant of your wishes and minimum criteria. The
more information we have from you the better prepared we are to obtain your ideal
role.
Use our website to keep up to date with the new roles we have - your consultant
will contact you regarding those roles which best fit the information you have given
them - however sometimes you may be prepared to travel a little further or take
a slightly lower salary because everything else the role is offering is perfect
for you. If this is the case then contact your consultant and quote the 5 digit
reference number. We also advertise on external job boards so if you see our name
against a position then call your consultant and quote the 5 digit reference number.
Should you see an advert of ours in the paper then please call your consultant direct.
Great news, we have secured you an interview. Ensure that your consultant is able
to contact you as quickly as possible, provide as many contact numbers as possible
and always ensure that you return their call as soon as possible. Take time to prepare
properly for your interview - use our online interview guide for tips and advice.
After your interview call your consultant to give your feedback. If you are interested
about the role and you really want that job make sure your consultant is aware so
that we can try to secure the job for you.
Keep your consultant informed about any changes such as promotions, change of salary
requirements, new skills and experience, unexpected redundancy or even if you have
secured a new job elsewhere.
The key to getting the best out of your consultant is mutual respect and total honesty.
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Interview Guide
A brilliant CV can get you an interview but it will not secure you a job, The interview
is your chance to back up in person everything that the employer has read about
you.
This will probably be your first direct contact with the company and will give you
an insight into it's workings and the chance to meet with it's personnel to see
if it is a place that you would like to work should you be given an offer.
The key to a successful interview is preparation.
Carry out research into the company, know what it's products are, its size, income,
reputation, image, goals, problems. How many people do they employ and what is the
company philosophy? Know the company's origins; is it a family company, where and
when was it established?
Study recent press cuttings about the company, and try to slip your up to date knowledge
into conversation. Use the Internet to obtain information on the company, find out
exactly what they do - your consultant will provide you with some company information
together with the company website wherever possible. However, it is always better
if you also undertake some research yourself.
If you do not have access to the Internet at home you can use it at local libraries
often for free but some may make a small charge.
Job Description and Skills Required
Your consultant will provide you with a job description for the position and a copy
of your CV. Ensure you familiarise yourself with your CV and note the skills and
experiences you have which match their requirements and be prepared to talk about
these strengths.
Timing
Ensure you leave home in plenty of time for your interview - ideally try the journey
a few days before and bear in mind any rush hour traffic or parking problems. Always
take loose change in case you need to use a parking meter - don't assume the free
car park you use at the weekend will be empty!
Dress
Make sure that you dress appropriately for the position, dress up rather than down
if in any doubt about dress code. Aim to look smart, professional and in control.
Even if you are going for an interview at a funky Dot Com company you should still
portray a smart business image. It is recommended that both men and women wear a
suit and sensible shoes. Women wear a moderate amount of makeup and simple jewellery.
Men should be clean shaven with a conservative tie and ironed shirt.
Maintain eye contact from the moment you arrive and greet the receptionist (remember
first impressions count on everyone - it only takes 7 seconds to form a first opinion).
Offer a firm handshake and remember to SMILE and look interested. If you look at
ease it will be easier for the interviewer to see all your attributes and how you
would fit into the company.
If you are a smoker please refrain from smoking for at least 30 minutes prior to
your interview as it will linger on your clothes. Also use chewing gum or mints
just before your interview and dispose of it before you enter the building.
Listen and ask relevant questions
During your interview make sure you listen to the interviewer intently and remember
any points that need clarifying later. Do not be afraid to ask the interviewer to
repeat points - it looks much better than nodding inanely to something that you
shouldn't. Ask questions that you think are relevant to the position, prospects
and company, but not about salary, holidays or sickness. However, do not just ask
questions for the sake of it - ensure that all questions relate to the position
or company.
Attributes and Strengths
Make sure that you come across as a team player and be prepared to offer examples
of times you have worked as part of a team and what attributes and strengths you
offered. Never tell the interviewer anything that is not strictly true as untruths
have a habit of being uncovered. Avoid the temptation to criticise a former boss
or company, as this never impresses interviewers. Finally, thank your interviewer
for their time, smile and give them a firm handshake and if you are really interested
in the job, let them know before you leave the interview room.
Deliberate attempts to unnerve you
Interviewers may try to test your nerve to see how you handle yourself under pressure.
The interview may start out in a relaxed fashion with standard questions being posed,
then the interviewer may change tack to launch into a hostile assault, for example
"So you failed you're A Levels, what makes you think you can handle the pace
at our company?" You should be prepared for this and when it comes don't take
it personally. Calmly answer each question as it comes. Another trick is to ask
a question at the beginning of the interview, then move onto other questions and
then come back to the initial question later to ensure that you have been listening
and are capable to taking instructions.
TOP TIPS: If you find it difficult to "blow your own trumpet" give yourself
a reference and attribute it to someone else; e.g. My last boss promoted me to Credit
Control Manager because of my supervisory and negotiating skills which saved the
company some £25,000 in the last quarter alone"
The hypothetical question. Try to imagine what type of situational question you
may be asked - the interviewer may want to know if you can "think on your feet"
and pose a question significant to their industry e.g. for a customer service role
you may well be asked "How would you deal with an irate customer who is disappointed
with our service?" Rehearsing your answers will prevent the dreaded "erm's
and hmms" which interviewers hate and which send your confidence levels spiralling
downwards.
Be ready with examples of experiences in previous jobs for questions such as "Describe
how you handled a difficult situation in your present/last job?" "What
can you bring to our company from day one?" "What did you least enjoy
about your last job?" and be ready for the all important "Why should we
hire you?" - it's your chance to sell yourself!
Differing Types of Interviews
There are several forms of interview with varying degrees of formality, but in essence
they consist of a conversation, allowing the employer to get to know you and for
you to see what they are like. Whilst interviews can be nerve wracking experiences,
it should be remembered that the interviewer is only a human and it is possible
that they are nervous also. Enter with a confident air, be friendly and open, and
most importantly don't forget to breath.
One on one interview
To get to this stage you would have succeeded in qualifying the preliminary screening
processes. The selection process will have been narrowed down and the company has
recognised you as an attractive prospect. Usually this interview will be carried
out by a department supervisor or manager, but sometimes with human resources personnel.
Be prepared to talk about yourself in detail, why you want the job, and what you
can contribute to the company.
In advance of the interview carry out research into what the company do, and think
of questions you want to ask. Do not volunteer information that the interviewer
doesn't ask for. Tips: You want them to want you on their team, therefore you have
to impress them with your personality, your qualifications and your career ambition.
Dress conservatively to impressand arrive punctually, be chatty with plenty of eye
contact, (body language is vital). Establish a rapport with the interviewer.
Lunch interview
An interview over lunch will be more casual than in an office, however do not let
down your guard. Make your life easier by not ordering messy food and order something
that is a similar price range to the others in attendance. The decision whether
to smoke or drink alcohol should be based upon the location and what the interviewer
is doing.
Tips: Follow the lead of the interviewer in behaviour, tone
and ordering.
Screening interview
A brief meeting with the company used by them to weed out unqualified candidates.
Screening interviews occur if there are a huge number of job applicants, however
on the whole candidates are rarely asked to attend them. Interviews are usually
with human resource professionals and the format is usually that of straight questions
and answers. Tips: Confirm to the interviewer what they have already read in your
CV, do not deviate from the truth. Providing facts is more important than building
a rapport.
Telephone interview
Sometimes if a candidate lives a great distance form the offices of the company
then it may not be practical to attend preliminary interviews in person. In this
case an interview can be conducted on the telephone. Alternatively some companies
use telephone interviews as a screening process to eliminate the weaker candidate
early on. A telephone interview is not to be treated as an easier option, it should
be conducted in an equally professional manner as a standard interview and the same
rules apply. The only difference is that your body language no longer applies.
Do not let the interviewer totally lead the conversation, if it is appropriate push
for,'a face to face meeting saying something like "I would appreciate an opportunity
to meet with you in person so we can both better evaluate each other. I am free
either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. Which would be better for you?"
How to behave: Speak in a clear voice, answer the interviewers questions precisely
and try to elaborate without talking too much, exude controlled professionalism.
Group interview
Often group interviews are used to introduce the company and describe the job to
an assembled audience of candidates. As this form of interview is not one to one
there is not so much pressure on an individual candidate, however the aim is to
stand out from the crowd and be noticed in a positive light.
Tips: Ask questions and try to speak to company personnel
afterwards to establish a brief rapport.
Committee/Panel interview
Companies use this method when hiring for advanced positions or if they are just
feeling nasty. During committee interviews candidates are questioned by several
company personnel at once, this can be daunting but try to keep cool. Be sure to
impress all of the interviewers, do not cater to just what one or two want to hear.
Tips: When an interviewer address you with a question, respond
to the person that asked you that question, while being conscious of how the others
will interpret what you are saying.
Competency Based Interviews
The interview will be structured around a number of competencies, each with its
own set of questions rather than using your CV or application form. The questions
will be structured to obtain relevant information which will translate to the actual
role. Your answers will require you to refer to your past experiences either within
or outside work and will be centred around your own actions and learning points.
Examples of questions that are likely to be asked are as follows:
- Give an example of a work situation where by you have had to handle working under
pressure.
- Give an example at work where by you have had to multi-task.
- Give an example of working to achieving target.
- Give an example where by you have had to handle confrontation.
- Give an example at work where you have been praised for being successful.
- Give an example at work where you have been reprimanded
- Give an example where you have failed to complete a task
- What are you 3 key strengths?
- What do you need to improve on?
You need to remember that there are no right or wrong answers, the aim of the interviewer
is to ascertain how you would handle certain situations.
Top tip : always try to turn a negative into a positive.
Try to explain what you have learnt from a bad situation and how you would handle
it differently with hindsight.
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Accepting a Job Offer
Congratulations. You have secured your ideal position.
The next step is to accept the offer. There are two basic situations that arise
when you are offered a role:
- The interviewer is the decision maker and knows during your interview that you are
the best applicant for the role, so he offers it you on the spot
- The interviewer has to discuss how each applicant performed with the decision maker
before offering you the role either directly or via the agency.
Should you be offered during the interview and you have any reservations then it
is perfectly acceptable to say "I am very flattered that you are offering me
the role and I am almost sure that I would like to accept, however I would like
to think it over and discuss it with my wife/parents/partner and call you in the
morning with my answer"
On the other hand you may be 100% positive that you want the job then it is acceptable
to accept at the time. If you are offered subsequently then our role as an agency
is to accept on your behalf.
If you have any reservations then discuss them with your consultant and they will
negotiate with the company on your behalf. The next stage is to write your letter
of acceptance. Ask for the offer letter to be forwarded to you so that you can formally
respond.
When writing your letter of acceptance ensure that you include the following information:
- Ensure that you include all the relevant information such as names, business addresses
and date
- Thank them for offering you the post
- Say that you are delighted to accept
- Let them know your start date, if you are unable to inform them of this immediately
then explain why and that you will notify them as soon as possible i.e. I am unable
to provide an exact date at this time as my current employer is on holiday for the
next week, on his return I will hand in my notice and inform you when I am able
to start "
- End the letter by stating you are looking forward to joining the company/team.
An example wording would be as follows:
Dear Mr Smith,
Following the interview on the 20th July, thank you for offering me the position
of Customer Services Advisor within ABC Limited. I have verbally accepted the offer
and am pleased to forward my written confirmation.
I look forward to receipt of my contract of employment which I will sign and return
to yourselves immediately. Having handed in my notice with my current employer I
am available to start with yourselves on the 21st August.
Thank you for offering me this opportunity, I look forward to joining your team
and contributing to the success of your organisation.
Yours sincerely,
Martin Jackson During your notice period keep in touch with your new
employer. If you are invited to an event then make an effort to attend. This will
help calm your first day nerves. However remember to maintain a certain level of
behaviour, remember the team is also making an impression of you and well as you
of them!!
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How to Resign
Now you have accepted your new and exciting job you have to resign. As with everything
in life there is a certain amount of etiquette involved. Ideally your boss will
understand your needs and ambitions, recognising that you need to move on in order
to progress your career or adapt to a new life style. Resigning in the right way
will ensure that you obtain a good reference which is vital in this day and age
when a job is no longer for life.
The first step is to verbally inform your manager and then follow this up with a
formal letter of resignation. Depending on the reasons you are leaving this will
determine the phrasing of your resignation letter.
If you are leaving on good terms, then you can express your feelings of leaving
good friends and colleagues and thank your employer for the opportunities they have
provided.
If you are leaving as a result of a clash of personalities or adverse working conditions
then simply state the bear facts. Ensure that your letter of resignation includes
the notice of termination of employment and the date you wish to terminate your
employment.
Ensure that throughout the whole process you act professionally, remember that everyone
has been in the same situation as you. Keep the fact that you are resigning to yourself
until you approach your manager, they will appreciate your discretion and they are
therefore able to decide who needs to know and when they need to know. Ensure that
the timing is right, don't tell your boss just as he is about to deal with a major
client.
During your notice period maintain the same level of competency and commitment as
before. There is likely to be a handover period, if so then ensure that you are
co-operative with the new person and don't be negative regardless of your own reasons
for leaving. Before handing in your resignation think long and hard. You obviously
had strong reasons for looking for alternative employment. Remember that if you
are now important enough to be given a promotion or pay rise why wasn't this on
offer before you resigned.
At all times remain positive about yourself, your goals and ambitions. Also remember
that you spend most of your time at work so it needs to be right for you.
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Handling Counter Offers
Your current employer offers you either more money or to match your new offer, additional
company benefits, a sought after promotion or a new job title, additional or less
responsibility, a change in role, etc.
This counter offer is often the easiest to handle. You will, hopefully, have already
made your mind up about what to do if this situation arises, and your consultant
will certainly have asked you the question. Remember to remain firm, you have made
the right decision for you and if your current employer valued you enough to offer
incentives to stay then you need to question why weren't you offered these in the
first place. Often those people that accept a counter offer from their current employer
end up leaving within 12 months anyway.
When a counter offer is made you need to think about the various reasons why your
employer is making the offer:
- Replacing you can be expensive
- There might not be enough money in the budget to replace you
- There isn't enough time to re-recruit or train the new staff
- They need you to complete a project
Obviously these are all good reasons for your current employer to try to keep you,
however they are not good reasons for you to stay
If you have resigned and subsequently withdrawn your resignation then your loyalty
will constantly remain in question and this may prove an obstacle to future promotions.
Also will the reasons you resigned be properly addressed - this will always be in
doubt?
If you do accept the counter offer you will probably have to work considerably harder
in order to regain trust and your standing within the organisation.
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