Start Your Job Search Submit A Job

Start Your Job Search Submit A Job

Building a Strong LinkedIn Profile to Attract Recruiters: Your Ultimate Guide

In today’s job market, a polished LinkedIn profile is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. With over 900 million members worldwide, LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for recruiters seeking potential candidates. If your profile is set up correctly, it can be a powerful tool that puts you on the radar of recruiters and hiring managers. Here’s how to build a LinkedIn profile that attracts attention and maximizes your visibility and engagement.

1. Start with a Professional Profile Photo

Your profile photo is the first thing people see, so make it count. A professional, high-quality photo helps create a positive first impression and makes your profile more approachable.

Tips for Your Photo:
Use a clear, high-resolution image where you are dressed appropriately for your industry.
Choose a background that isn’t distracting.
Smile and look directly at the camera to project confidence and friendliness.
Pro Tip: Profiles with a professional photo receive up to 14 times more profile views than those without.

2. Create a Compelling Headline

Your LinkedIn headline is more than just a job title—it’s an opportunity to market yourself. Think of it as your personal tagline that sums up what you do and what you’re passionate about.

Tips for Your Headline:

Go beyond just listing your job title. Include a brief mention of your key skills or achievements.
Use keywords that are relevant to your industry to help recruiters find you.
Make it clear and concise (e.g., “Experienced Digital Marketer | SEO & PPC Expert | Content Strategy Specialist”).

3. Write an Engaging ‘About’ Section

The ‘About’ section is your chance to tell your professional story. This is where recruiters get to know your background, strengths, and what sets you apart.

Tips for Writing Your Summary:

Start with a strong hook to capture interest.
Highlight your key skills, achievements, and career goals.
Keep it conversational but professional, and avoid jargon.
Use bullet points or short paragraphs to enhance readability.

Example: “With over 5 years of experience in digital marketing, I specialise in driving successful SEO and PPC campaigns. My passion for analytics and creative content strategy has helped brands increase web traffic by up to 50%. I’m now looking to bring my skills to a forward-thinking agency or in-house team.”

4. Showcase Your Experience and Achievements

When listing your work experience, go beyond job duties and emphasize what you accomplished in each role. Recruiters are interested in the impact you made, not just what you were responsible for.

Tips for Listing Experience:

Use bullet points to describe key achievements in each role.
Quantify your accomplishments (e.g., “Increased sales by 20% in six months”).
Include relevant keywords to boost your profile’s visibility.

5. Highlight Your Skills and Endorsements

LinkedIn allows you to list up to 50 skills, so make the most of this feature. The skills section is crucial as it’s often used in search filters by recruiters.

Tips for Optimizing Skills:

List your core skills and ensure they match the keywords that recruiters in your field would search for.
Regularly update your skills to keep them relevant.
Ask colleagues, former managers, or clients to endorse your skills.
Pro Tip: The more endorsements a skill has, the more credible it appears to recruiters.

6. Request Recommendations

Recommendations from former colleagues or managers can strengthen your profile by providing social proof of your capabilities.

Tips for Getting Recommendations:

Reach out to previous managers, team members, or clients with a polite request.
Offer to write a recommendation for them in return—it’s a two-way street.
Aim for recommendations that highlight different strengths or experiences to give recruiters a fuller picture of your skills.

7. Leverage LinkedIn’s Job Search Features

LinkedIn has built-in tools that can make job searching more efficient. Set your profile to show recruiters that you’re open to opportunities and use job alerts to stay updated.

Tips for Using LinkedIn’s Job Features:

Turn on the “Open to Work” setting to let recruiters know you’re available.
Use job filters to customize your search by location, company size, or remote opportunities.
Follow companies you’re interested in to stay informed about job postings and company news.

8. Network and Engage Regularly

LinkedIn is more than just a digital CV—it’s a networking platform. Building a strong network can enhance your visibility and attract more opportunities.

Tips for Networking:

Connect with colleagues, industry peers, and recruiters in your field.
Personalise your connection requests by including a brief message about why you want to connect.
Engage with your network by liking, sharing, and commenting on relevant posts.
Pro Tip: Sharing your own insights, articles, or experiences can boost your visibility and position you as a thought leader in your industry.

A strong LinkedIn profile is a powerful tool that can open doors to new career opportunities and help you stand out in a competitive job market. By following these tips, you’ll not only attract the attention of recruiters but also build a professional brand that showcases your unique strengths and value. Remember, maintaining your profile and staying active on the platform is key—consistency pays off.

Top 5 In-Demand Skills Employers Want in 2024

Keep Calm and Ace That Interview: Top Tips

Are you feeling nervous about your next interview? Feeling those butterflies fluttering in your stomach? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. But don’t worry we got you! With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can tame those nerves and show up to your interview like a new person. Here are some top tips to help you calm those nerves and nail that interview:

• Prepare, Prepare, Prepare: The best way to ease those nerves is to be as prepared as possible. Research the company, practice common interview questions, and know your resume inside and out. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel walking into that interview room.
• Practice Deep Breathing: When those nerves start to kick in, take a moment to focus on your breath. Deep breathing can help calm your mind and relax your body. Try taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. It’s amazing how much a few deep breaths can help.
• Visualise Success: Picture yourself acing the interview and landing the job of your dreams. Visualising success can help boost your confidence and calm your nerves. Imagine yourself answering questions with ease, making a great impression, and walking out of that interview feeling like a winner.
• Focus on the Positive: Instead of worrying on what could go wrong, focus on the positive aspects of the interview. Remind yourself of your qualifications, skills, and accomplishments. Think about all the reasons why you’re the perfect fit for the job. Positive thinking can go a long way in calming those nerves.
• Practice Power Poses: Strike a power pose before your interview to boost your confidence and reduce stress. Stand tall, shoulders back, and arms outstretched like a superhero for a couple of minutes. It may sound silly, but research shows that power posing can increase confidence and decrease anxiety.
• Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview location, so you’re not rushed or stressed out. Arriving early will give you a chance to relax, gather your thoughts, and mentally prepare for the interview ahead.
• Remember, It’s Just a Conversation: Instead of thinking of the interview as a test, think of it as a conversation between two people. Remember that the interviewer wants to get to know you and see if you’re a good fit for the company. Relax, be yourself, and let your personality shine through.

So, there you have it! With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to tackle that interview with confidence and ease. Remember, it’s normal to feel nervous, but don’t let those nerves hold you back. You’ve got this!

🔑 Unlock Your Career Potential: The Power of Interview Preparation! 🔑

In the ever-evolving UK job market, competition is fierce, and landing your dream job requires more than just a great CV. 📄 Your ticket to success? It’s all about interview preparation! 🚀

🌟 Why is interview preparation the KEY to success? :

1️⃣ First Impressions Matter: Your interview is your first chance to make a lasting impression. Prepare to showcase your skills, experience, and enthusiasm to the fullest. Work on your energy levels if they’re lacking on the big day. We suggest bouncing on the spot or the power pose… (anything that works right)

2️⃣ Confidence Boost: Preparation breeds confidence. Research the company, its culture, and the role you’re applying for. This knowledge will help you to ask insightful questions and demonstrate your genuine interest. 

3️⃣ Answering the Tough Questions: Interviews often include challenging questions. Anticipate them and rehearse your responses. Show how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.

4️⃣ Highlight Achievements: Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answers. It helps you concisely explain your accomplishments and contributions without waffling

5️⃣ Nail the ‘Tell Me About Yourself’: Craft a compelling personal narrative that showcases your journey and why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Make it memorable and as concise as possible.

6️⃣ Behavioural Interviewing: Be ready for competency-based questions. Share real-life examples of your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability. If your examples are true you won’t falter.

7️⃣ Prepare Questions: Don’t forget to ask questions. Engage with the interviewer by seeking insights into the company’s future, growth prospects, and how you can contribute.

8️⃣ Mock Interviews: Practice with a friend or use online resources for mock interviews. Constructive feedback is invaluable for improvement.

Remember, success in interviews is not just about what you say but how you say it. Non-verbal cues like body language and eye contact play a crucial role. 💼

Invest time and effort in interview preparation up front and it’s your secret weapon to stand out in a competitive market.

If you’ve experienced the power of interview preparation, please share your success stories below.

Talk to us today on any of the points above, we’ll be delighted to help.

#InterviewPreparation #CareerSuccess #UK #JobMarket #LinkedInAdvice #JobInterviewTips #CareerDevelopment 🌟

What do I do now my exams are finished?

Congratulations on completing your exams! 

What a relief to finally finish and be able to look forward to some free time over the summer months. 

You may be starting Uni or a college course come September, but in the meantime, take some time to breathe and put some thought into what you want to gain from your time off. 

Having just had the same conversation with my son who finished his A levels today, I thought it may be useful to get some ideas down for those of you who are thinking now what?

There are so many opportunities available to you, the World really is your oyster – have a read through the following list and see if there’s anything that you’d like to consider:

1. Explore new places, both in the UK and overseas. You could visit countries or cities you’ve always wanted to see, or embark on an adventure with friends or family. Travelling can broaden your horizons and create lasting memories, as well as give you valuable life experience. 
2. Consider some work experience or volunteering in a field related to your future studies or career interests. It can provide valuable insights and enhance your CV ready for your next move. It’ll also show future employers that you can commit to working hours and be reliable, as well as develop your communication skills.
3. Engage in community volunteer work. It’s a fulfilling way to give back, make a positive impact, and develop new skills. Explore opportunities in areas like education, environmental conservation, healthcare, or social services. You’ll meet like-minded people and start forming networks that could open up opportunities later in life.
4. Use the summer to learn a new skill or pursue a hobby. It could be anything from painting, playing a musical instrument, coding, cooking, photography, or writing. Find information online or on local Facebook pages: workshops and classes are often low cost and you’ll be surprised at the range of events happening on your doorstep.
5. Catch up on books you have been meaning to read or delve into subjects that interest you. Self-study materials, online courses, or educational platforms can help you explore a wide range of topics. Get involved in relevant discussions and develop your communication skills at the same time.
6. A university or college course can be demanding, so take some time to relax and recharge before September; spend quality time with family and friends, enjoy leisure activities, practice self-care, and prioritise your well-being.
7. Use this time to get organised and ready for the upcoming academic year. Familiarise yourself with course content and start any required readings. You can also reach out to future classmates or join online groups to connect with others.
8. Don’t forget the life admin stuff. Consider your finances and familiarise yourself with logins for banks and student loans etc. Use this time to learn how to cook some simple meals if you’ll be living away from home and be sure to look into the process for registering with a doctor for example. All important stuff if you’re relocating for either work or study.
9. If you have any personal projects or ideas you’ve been meaning to pursue, now is the time. Whether it’s writing a book, starting a blog, launching a small business, or creating art, summer can provide the freedom and focus to bring your ideas to life.

Remember, your summer break is a valuable opportunity to explore, grow, and recharge before the next chapter of your life. 

If you’re looking for work over the summer months to fund any of the above, register with a local agency that will be able to help you find employment. They will know which temp jobs are more suitable for you as some employers will want recent experience which you may not have.

Although experience is not always necessary, remember, you’ll still need bags of enthusiasm, good timekeeping and communication skills. If you turn up on time and work hard, there will always be more opportunity to return for holiday work and you’ll be considered more favourably if permanent jobs come up when you’ve finished your studies.

Above all, enjoy! You have worked so hard and studied for so long. Enjoy the break and take advantage of every opportunity available to you.

How to Write a Standout CV

YOUR CV IS YOUR PERSONAL ‘SALES PITCH’
Your CV is your opportunity to sell yourself so make sure it really works for you. It’s important you keep it clear, concise and easy to read to ensure that the recipient can easily digest the key points (bullet points can help with this). Employers won’t generally have long to look at each CV they’re sent, so aim for no more than two pages in length if at all possible.

• Detail your full name, address and contact details (mobile phone and landline if you have one, plus your email address)
• Personal Profile (a paragraph about you and what you’re looking for in your next job role): Crafting your CV to align with the job you’re  applying for is crucial to making it standout. Achieve this by adjusting your personal profile to the job’s specifications. Examine the job description and extract frequently mentioned buzzwords, key skills, or required software systems. It’s crucial, however, that you only include these if you are genuinely proficient in them.
• Experience: List your experience in chronological order with the most recent first. Show the dates you were employed in each role, for  example, Feb 2014 to present, the company you worked for and the job role you undertook. Use the buzzwords, key skills and software systems as identified above in your work history (again, only if you have genuine experience in these areas).
• If there are any gaps in your employment history be sure to clarify what you were doing in these times periods.
• Qualifications: Include all relevant qualifications in this section. For example degrees, exam results, external courses you’ve attended or in house training you’ve undertaken.
• A bit about you and your personality. Is there anything you’d like to add to give a flavour of you as an individual? Remember that if you include “I’m an avid reader and enjoy learning new skills” you may well be asked what you are currently reading. Be absolutely honest here in order that you can answer truthfully.

It’s good practice to provide a covering letter/email telling the employer why you feel you are the right fit for the role. This can also help the interviewer when it comes to shortlisting candidates for interview.

Above all, proofread! Make sure there are no spelling mistakes, grammatical errors or ‘text speak’ in either your covering letter or CV.

As an aside, we see a lot of inappropriate / unprofessional email addresses that were set up in years gone past. Have a think about whether you’d like to set up an alternative account purely for job applications.

ATTITUDE MATTERS AS MUCH AS EXPERIENCE

While your experience of course counts, a willing and ‘can do’ attitude can give someone a distinct advantage over another applicant. Make sure your cv stands out by using positive and optimistic language. In your cover letter, for example, you could explain how you arrived at the decision to get into this field of work and highlight how you went about gaining the skills necessary.

The CIPD encourages HR (Human Resource) professionals to ‘recruit for willingness, train for skill’. This is something a lot of recruiters will have in mind during the interview process. A prospective applicant, who shows a willingness to learn and develop can often be trained in the skills required for the role

GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE
If you get an interview and it comes down to a choice between you and another candidate, there are a number of factors employers will consider when deciding who to offer the job to. You can gain a competitive edge by making sure you present yourself well, both in terms of looking smart, ensuring you display positive body language and the right attitude.

Always, always do your research about the employer in order that you feel prepared. You’d be surprised at how many people don’t check even the basics prior to attending interview. The company website is a great place to start but if you can find up to date company news to get a two-way conversation going, you’ll have set yourself apart.

You’ll usually be asked at the end of an interview if you have any questions. It’s so important to show interest in the job role and the company you’re applying to – be prepared with a few ideas of questions that you can ask about the business in order to show that you’re fully engaged.

If you need further advice, get in touch with us today! You can contact us via email, phone, or using the chat feature on our website.

6 Ways to Stay Motivated During Your Job Search

Staying motivated in a frustrating job hunt can be extremely difficult for anyone. How is it though, when faced with a challenge or adversity, that some people seem to get stuck and unable to move on, whilst others seem to bounce back from difficult events much more quickly than others?

Psychologists have long studied the ability to ‘bounce back’ even when the odds seem stacked against us and have come up with a label you may be familiar with: resilience.

Resilience is about knowing how to cope in spite of setbacks, barriers or limited resources. Resilience is a measure of how much you want something and how much you are willing and able, to overcome obstacles to get it. We are all equipped to be resilient, but it is a personal skill that needs to be worked on and developed.

So, what can you do to stay motivated while searching for job?

Develop resilience

There is a tendency to view a job search solely as a means to an end.  Conduct a job search, go through an application process and get a job.  Landing a job is of course the primary purpose of a job search, but there are a host of benefits that we can gain from facing the challenges of difficult times. 

Immersing yourself fully in a job search allows you to develop a range of skills that have the potential to expose you to opportunities you never imagined.  Resilience is a skill that comes in handy during a job search as you are pretty much guaranteed to face multiple setbacks. It is also a skill in high demand by employers.

Luckily, the job search process itself can help you develop resilience. Success in a job search, and in day to day life, comes from our ability to pick ourselves up and move quickly past disappointments. This may sound daunting, but there are some simple strategies that you can implement to build on your resilience levels.

Be proactive in your job search

• Often it can seem that the much of the job search process is out of your control but being an active participant builds confidence.
• Don’t just spend your day hidden behind a keyboard sending out generic CVs. Research employers and the roles they are offering. Tailor your applications.
• Get involved in online networking opportunities, webinars and forums where you can build your profile, develop new skills and keep yourself informed.
• Stay in touch with the industries, professions and contacts that you know. Research sectors that are still doing well during the pandemic and look for opportunities where your skill set is transferable.
• Make sure you keep in touch with your recruitment consultant, build a relationship, comment on their social media posts and blogs. Demonstrate your ability to get past disappointments.
• Have a routine
• Most jobs have a routine and a job search is no different.  Plan your day, dress for work, have a start time, break times and a finish time. If you don’t have a routine you can soon find that days have passed without any real progress.
• Whatever you schedule, try to stick to your plan.  It is one of the things you can control, it is more productive and helps you move closer to your goal.

Re-energise

Looking for work can be emotionally and physically draining. Find something you enjoy doing and make time every day to do it. Don’t become a ‘couch potato’ or allow you routine to be built around day time TV.  Eat well and exercise. Allow your brain some time to switch off,  revive itself and get back to the task with more energy.

Watch your language

Our brains are hard-wired to think the worst and to notice the bad.  It’s why bad news sells newspapers. Resilient people recognise that the words they use can have a huge impact on their mood, their job hunting productivity and their ability to make the best impression.

It’s too easy to tell yourself that there are no jobs or that ‘I’m not going to get the job” when you make an application or get an interview. The problem is that the words we use are followed by actions, or in the case of negative words, inaction. “I can’t” leads to not trying and becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Changing the words we use can have an immediate and positive effect.  Just a simple “I can do this” will have an impact on your actions and performance.

Learn to handle rejection

A job search in normal times can mean you will receive more rejections than offers. Be realistic. If you send out 100 speculative CVs you are likely to receive a very high level of rejection and rejection on that scale can feel demoralising.

Try to apply for roles where you feel you would be a good match with your skills and experience and that you would actually accept if offered.

Remember that job offers are sometimes made on the smallest of details.  Failing to get a second interview or a job offered is never a personal attack or a suggestion that you have some fatal flaw.  You just didn’t win this time, so dust yourself off and look for the next opportunity.

Ask for feedback

Resilient people are always learning.  They want to do better next time so actively seek feedback from interviewers and their recruitment consultants. Rebounding from setbacks isn’t easy even for the most positive of people. Fortunately, resilience is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time.

Although job searching can seem tough, you can take comfort in the fact that at the end of it, you will not only end up with a job, but you will have developed life skills and skill set that employers value.  Overcoming setbacks gives you the confidence needed to pursue alternate avenues, and to open those doors that were temporarily closed to you. We all have something to offer that someone else wants.

The team here at First Base is always here to help. If you want advice or support to help you find the job you are looking or just someone to talk to about finding work, please contact us on 01453 755 330 via enquiries@first-base.co.uk or via our chat function at www.first-base.co.uk.

Adapting to the recruitment processes of 2020

The world has changed in 2020 and there has been a big impact on when, how and if employers recruit.  On the upside, many employers are recruiting and some sectors and businesses are thriving, on the downside, some industries have been hit so hard they may take years to recover.  The world of work is changing and there is no going back to the old normal.

Employers are having to adapt and change, to innovate and find new markets just to survive. They need good candidates who understand that they too need to respond to today’s reality.

Our recent experience of recruiting for clients and for a new role here at First Base has highlighted the simple truth that many people who say they are looking for work are not demonstrating to potential employers that they are the best people for the job.  Just like employers are having to learn fast how to adapt, job seekers are going to have to learn fast too. We are way past the time when you can simply send out dozens of CVs and expect a reply, let alone an interview, face to face or Zoom.

Over the coming weeks, the First Base team will be sharing a series of blogs to help you to prepare for your job search, how to stand out, what you can do when between jobs, how to interview and how to stay positive.

If you have any questions or need help to find a job now or in the near future, contact us on 01453 755330 or get in touch through our FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram accounts. The First Base team is ready and eager to help.

What is Integrity?

A recent national news item outlined the story of a senior manager who received a suspended jail sentence because he lied on his CV.  He falsely claimed to have a University Degree (which as it happened was not even required for the post) and the Judge in summing up said that this action brought into question the individuals integrity.  The managers actions certainly brought into question his honesty, but did he really lack integrity?

Integrity is a word that frequently crops up on LinkedIn profiles and on company websites.  In an effort to stand out from the crowd, brands and individuals sometimes feel it necessary to highlight their ‘integrity’.  However it is a word often misunderstood – and sometimes overused by those who lack it.  It is usually associated with being of good character, being honest and being ethical – but it is really more about being consistent.

I experienced a perfect example of integrity at a supermarket checkout.

A young man came back to the store in order to return a small over payment of change from a transaction that had taken place a few minutes earlier.  A customer services manager was called over and she thanked the young man for his ‘unusual’ honesty.  ‘Normally’ she said ‘as a big company our business is seen as fair game and if we make a mistake in the customer’s favour we tend to lose out’.

As he left the store, I managed to speak with the young man and asked him why he returned such a small amount of change – ‘after all’ I said ‘no one would have known if you’d just driven off’.  There was a short pause then he looked me in the eyes and said ‘I would have known’.  He went on to tell me it was about doing the right thing – one of the values he learned as an officer in the Royal Marines. Having spent time studying leadership at the Royal Marine Commando Training Centre at Lympstone in Devon – I knew instantly what he meant.

Not always positive 

The young Royal Marine wasn’t demonstrating integrity because he was being honest.  ‘Integrity’ doesn’t necessarily mean positive characteristics like honesty and trust.  That definition is only relevant in the context of what we might think of as ethical or moral behaviour.

The Latin root of the word integrity is ‘integer’ – to be whole or complete.

Having integrity is about consistency – consistency of values, principles – and more importantly acting in accordance with those values and principles.  The young Royal Marine acted in accordance with his values and principles – even when only he knew he was doing it.

Even street gangs and criminals can have integrity. In terms of ethics it’s just that their values and principles are different from most people in business.  Have no doubt that they do have a ‘code’ – principles and values that they adhere to – and the penalty for lacking integrity can be severe!

“In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy.  If they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” – Warren Buffet, CEO Berkshire Hathaway

If any relationship is to thrive, whether internal or external (or personal for that matter) there has to be congruence between the words that set the expectation of certain values and the actions someone demonstrates.  When you actions match you intentions, when others EXPERIENCE that you live your values and stick to your principles, whatever the circumstance, it builds trust and relationships blossom.  Customers, clients, colleagues, suppliers, people who you report to and people who report to you want to know that they can trust you.  People leave an organisation when they don’t trust their manager, employees are fired when trust is lost and customers stop buying from suppliers that fail to deliver on promises.

Integrity in business, based on sound values and principles; trust, honesty, ethics, doing the right thing – builds loyalty, engagement and high performance from individuals and teams. It builds long term profitable relationships with clients and customers that buy and re-buy.

Integrity = Influence

If you want real influence, if you want to lead others or win business; integrity has to be a key characteristic of who you are. You can’t fake integrity (well not for long) and we all know people who don’t live up to the expectations they set – particularly those who push their apparent integrity as a marketing tool.  Successful individuals base the decisions they make on principles. They consistently do the right thing rather than the convenient, easy or popular thing to do. Because they base their actions on values and principles they are trusted to consistently deliver as promised.

“There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity”. Tom Peters

Human beings excel when allowed to act in accordance with their personal values. Ultimately people leave organisations where their own values and the values of the organisation differ (or worse – they stay and disengage).  Whilst having integrity doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is a ‘good’ person, it does mean they can be depended on to act in accordance with the values they claim to live by.

Organisations need more people that can be depended on to act in accordance with the values they claim to live by.

David Tovey

22 Top Tips to Help You Make a Great Impression at Your Next Interview

Over the past 22 years, we have helped over 14,000 great people to find their dream job. We’ve learned a lot about what employers are looking for when they interview candidates.

Here are our 22 top tips to help you make the best impression at your next interview.

1. Research the company and industry

Knowledge of the company and industry will impress an interviewer.  It will also provide you with information to prepare one or two insightful questions beyond what the pay rate is. Showing genuine interest makes a real difference.

2. Prepare for common interview questions.

Every “how to interview” book has a list of a hundred or more “common interview questions”.  So how do you prepare – even for the dreaded “Where do you see yourself in 5 years” Think about which questions you’re most likely to encounter given your background and the job you are applying for.  Then prepare your answers so you won’t have to fumble for them during the actual interview.

3. Anticipate the interviewer’s concerns and reservations.

There are always more candidates for jobs than there are positions available.  Interviewers look for ways to screen people out that don’t immediately match their expectations.  Put yourself in their shoes and ask yourself why they might not want to recruit you (“I don’t have this,” “I’m not that,” etc.).  Then prepare your response: “I know you may be thinking that I might not be the best fit for this position because [their reservation]. But you should know that [reason the interviewer shouldn’t be overly concerned].”

4. Clarify your “selling points” and the reasons you want the job.

Prepare to go into every interview with four or five key selling points in mind, such as what makes you the best person for the position.  Have an example of each selling point and be prepared to tell the interviewer why you want that job, including what interests you about it and what abilities it requires that you possess.  If an interviewer doesn’t think you’re really interested in the job, they won’t give you an offer.

5. Prepare questions for the interviewer.

Go to the interview with some intelligent and insightful questions for the interviewer that demonstrate your knowledge of the company.  Interviewers always ask if you have any questions, and no matter what, you should have one or two ready.

6. Practice out loud.

It’s one thing to come prepared with a mental answer to a question like, “Why should we hire you?” It’s another thing to say it out loud in a confident and convincing way.  The first time you try it, you’ll sound garbled and confused, no matter how clear your thoughts are in your own mind!  Like the best presenters – do it another 10 times, and you’ll sound a lot smoother and more articulate.

7. Be on time!

It should go without saying, but it is never acceptable to be late to an interview.  This is such a common standard that some employers will refuse to interview a candidate if they are late. Sadly, some candidates still fail to realise that there is a basic requirement to be on time.

8. Make the right impression in the first five minutes.

Some studies indicate that interviewers make up their minds about candidates in the first five minutes of the interview – and then spend the rest of the interview looking for things to confirm that decision.  So what can you do in those five minutes?  Go in with energy and enthusiasm, and express your appreciation for the interviewer’s time.  Remember they may be seeing a lot of other candidates that day and some will have sapped their energy.  Be the one to brighten up their day!

9. Be assertive and take responsibility for the interview.

Perhaps out of an effort to be polite, some usually assertive candidates become overly reserved during job interviews.  Being polite doesn’t mean you have to be reserved or passive. An interview is like any other conversation – it’s a dance in which you and a partner move together, both responding to the other.  Don’t make the mistake of just sitting there waiting for the interviewer to ask you about how impressive you are.  It’s your responsibility to make sure they walk away knowing your key selling points.

10. Make your selling points clear.

Don’t bury your selling points in long-winded stories.  Instead, tell the interviewer what your selling point is first, then give an example.

11. Be on the same side as the interviewer.

Some interviewers see job interviews as adversarial.  Your job is to transform a potential “tug of war” into a relationship in which you’re both on the same side.  Look at things from their point of view and make it clear you understand how important it is that they find the right person.

12. Think and behave positively.

No one likes a whinger, so don’t dwell on negative experiences during an interview.  Even if the interviewer asks you point blank, “What did you like least about that previous job?” don’t answer the question as it’s been asked.  Instead, say something like “I liked my previous job quite a bit, although now I know that I really want to make a career change”

13. End on a positive note.

Let the interviewer know that you’d really, really like the job, that you were excited about it before the interview, that you are even more enthusiastic now and that you’re convinced you’d like to work there.  If there are two equally good candidates at the end of the search – you and someone else – the interviewer will think you’re more likely to accept the offer, and thus may be more inclined to make an offer to you.

14. Take a copy of your CV to every interview.

Have a copy of your CV with you when you go to every interview.  If the interviewer has misplaced their copy, you’ll save a lot of time (and embarrassment on the interviewer’s part) if you can just pull your extra copy out and hand it over.

15. Make the most of the “Tell me about yourself” question.

Many interviewers begin interviews with this question. So how should you respond?

As well as an ice breaker, this question is a way for the interviewer to gain some insight into your personality.  They also want to determine your fit for the job and the organisation.  The interviewer doesn’t want to know everything about you – your answer needs to be a careful balance between declaring too much and making them wonder why you aren’t being more open with your answer.  The interviewer wants to know that you have the sort of well-rounded personality and outlook that will fit well with their culture.  Your research should, of course, include finding out about the culture of the organisation that you are hoping to join.

16. Don’t worry about sounding over-rehearsed.

Some people are concerned that if they rehearse their answers, they’ll sound overly polished or glib during the interview.  Don’t worry. If you’re well prepared, you’ll sound smooth and articulate, not “canned”.

17. Speak the right body language.

Dress appropriately, make eye contact, give a firm handshake, have good posture, speak clearly and be well groomed.

18. Be ready for “competence-based” interviews”.

One of the most common interview styles today is to ask people to describe experiences they have had that demonstrate behaviours and competencies that the company thinks are important for a particular position. You might be asked to talk about a time when you made an unpopular decision, displayed a high level of persistence, or made a decision under time pressure and with limited information, for example.

Step one is to anticipate the behaviours the recruitment manager is likely to be looking for.

Step two is to identify at least one example of when you demonstrated each behaviour.

Step three is to prepare a story for each example.

19. Send thank-you notes.

Write a thank-you note after every interview. Type each note on paper or send them by email, depending on the interviewers’ preferences. Customize your notes by referring specifically to what you and the interviewer discussed. Handwritten notes might be better if you’re thanking a personal contact for helping you in your job search.  Whatever method you choose, notes should be sent within 48 hours of the interview.

To write a good thank-you note, take time after each interview to jot down a few things about what the interviewer said.

20. Don’t give up!

If you’ve had a bad interview for a job that you truly think would be a great fit for you don’t give up! Maintaining a high level of motivation throughout your job search will mean the difference between securing a job sooner rather than later.  Staying positive and motivated are the best qualities to keep you going and it will be worth it once you come to start your first day in your new job!

21. What do employers really want?

We’ve spent time with recruiting managers, HR directors, CEO’s and business owners.  We’ve recruited for short term temporary contracts, part time admin roles to senior management position. When it comes to the people organisations want to hire, the story tends to be the same.  All employers want the same things.  They all want the ‘best’ candidates to apply, they all want to attract ‘great’ people.  Good people shouldn’t be hard to find but you might be surprised how rare it is for candidates to see things from the employers point of view.

Check out this blog to remind yourself about seeing things from your potential employers point of view.

22. Make sure you keep the First Base interview checklist to hand!

If you’d like to know more about how the team at First Base can help you with your next career move call 01453 755330 or email tricia.hay@first-base.co.uk