Modern PowerPoint Presentation
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When writing a job application we are often so focused on getting the written part right that we forget the next step. But job application writing involves another important component - the interview. Your wonderful resume writing skills and job application will mean nothing if you do not nail the job interview. So what is it that employers are looking for in an interview? It’s easy to imagine a scenario where an interview panel sits down together at the end of a hard day of interviewing, having a good laugh about just how badly some candidates performed in their interview.
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Can you believe he said this? Can you believe she wore that? Nobody wants to be the person who stands out for the wrong reasons, but sometimes we inadvertently put ourselves at a disadvantage. If your interviewers could give you some tips before your interview what would they say to you? Here are our top five things:
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Come Prepared You have probably spent hours preparing your job application, resume and selection criteria and so you must also spend this amount of time preparing for your interview. Remember, your interviewers are probably going to spend all day speaking with candidates, so you can guarantee they know the position description inside and out. Hopefully you have taken some time during the job application writing process to research the company and position you are applying for. However, you can bet your bottom dollar, that if you haven’t researched the position you are applying for it’s going to show and yet, in our haste to find employment, sometimes we do just that. Therefore, always come to the interview having understood what you are applying for, and the skills and experience this position requires and how you can demonstrate that you are the right person. Come with specific, well-considered examples from your work history that show you have thought through how you would fit in the organistion. If you have prepared job application right you should have a stack of examples ready to use, so take along your written job application in case you get stuck.
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Come with Questions Many people dread the part of the interview where the tables are turned and you get asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” However, always come prepared with a few questions as this shows you are serious and have prepared well. And do away with the generic questions like, “How will my success be measure in this position?” Come up with something that actually challenges your interviewers, that is specific to the role you are applying for. Job application writing does not give you an opportunity to question anyone about the position, about how it will benefit you and what advantages if may have. Being given the opportunity to ask questions, is your chance to stand out. Grab it with both hands!
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Take Notes Sometimes at an interview, your interviewer will give you feedback, or information that is important to a position. It may be a simple, logistical matter like when the position commences. Or, they may suggest that you need up-skilling or training. Always take notes as this shows you are teachable, and then try to work the feedback you’ve received into your subsequent answers as this shows you are taking on board what is said.
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Don’t Lie, exaggerated or misrepresent yourself You may really, really want this job, but when you lie or exaggerate about your past achievements, you only set yourself up for failure in the future. Giving your prospective employer an inflated sense of what you’re capable of is a mistake. Your job application and resume writing has got you this far so don’t blow it now by making out you can do more that you can practically evidence. A much better approach is simply to be yourself. Certainly, you should come with some prepared answers that demonstrate your best qualities (kind of like a first date, but not in a creepy way!), but be honest. You want to be hired for what you are, not what you are pretending to be.
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Don’t Ramble Sometimes, in an interview you can get asked a question that really stumps you, or just the opposite – you get asked a question you know you can really nail! But the trick is not to ramble. Less is always more. How do you tell if you are rambling? Well, it can be a giveaway when your interviewer stops taking notes, hasn’t said anything for a while, or has to interject. While it’s good to provide plenty of information, it’s just as important keep your answers concise and to the point.
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So, there you have it! An interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but remember, everyone is nervous. Prepare well, come with questions, don’t lie or ramble and show that you are engaged in the interview process. Your job application writing skills have got you to the next round, so make the most of it and show who you really are. Finally, if you need help landing the job of your dreams, then consider getting some professional help. Red Tape Busters are specialists in resume writing and can help you produce a resume, cover letter and/or selection criteria that gets noticed. Visit http://www.redtapebusters.com/ for more information. Red Tape Busters are also specialists in providing the following services: •
Lobbying;
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Tender Writing;
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Grant Writing;
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Resumes/Job Applications;
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Organisational/Business Development.
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Thank You!! P A G E 10