CV & Interview Tips

The idea behind a competency is to make interviews objective.  In this style of interview you are looking for the interviewee to discuss relevant examples of things that they have actually done rather than theorize about may be done in a given situation.

One of the most important things to remember with this type of approach is that the you can only score on what is verbalised, you cannont score based upon what you think that they know.

Competency based questions tend to work in the following way:

Situation and Constraints
What you did?
Why you did it that way?
Who else was involved?
What you achieved?

Below are listed 16 common core competancies that you can select from depending upon your clients need, however it is not advisable to focus on more than 5 at any one time.

Each competancy has a a list of example questions that can be used when focusing on this competancy and tells you what desired behaviours and negative indicators to look for in the interviewees answers.

16 Core Competencies
A	ACTION ORIENTATION	Demonstrates a readiness to make decisions, take the initiative and originate action.
B	COMMERCIAL AWARENESS	Understands and applies commercial and financial principles. Views issues in terms of costs, profits, markets and added value.
C	CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION	Creates new and imaginative approaches to work related issues. Identifies fresh approaches and shows a willingness to question traditional assumptions.
D	DRIVE AND RESILIENCE	Maintains effective work behaviour in the face of setbacks or pressure. Remains calm, stable and in control of themselves.
E	FLEXIBILITY	Successfully adapts to changing demands and conditions.
F	INTERPERSONAL SENSITIVITY	Interacts with others in a sensitive and effective way. Respects and works well with others.
G	LEADERSHIP	Motivates and empowers others to reach organisational goals.
H	ORAL COMMUNICATION	Speaks clearly, fluently and in a compelling manner to both individuals and groups.
I	PERSONAL MOTIVATION	Commits self to work hard towards goals. Shows enthusiasm and career commitment.
J	PERSUASIVENESS	Influences, convinces or impresses others in a way that results in acceptance, agreement or behaviour change.
K	PLANNING AND ORGANISATION	Organises and schedules events, activities and resources. Sets up and monitors timescales and plans.
L	PROBLEM SOLVING AND ANALYSIS	Analyses issues and breaks them down into their component parts. Makes systematic and rational judgements based on relevant information.
M	QUALITY ORIENTATION	Shows awareness of goals and standards. Follows through to ensure that quality and productivity standards are met.
N	SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE	Understands technical or professional aspects of work and continually maintains technical knowledge.
O	STRATEGIC	Demonstrates a broad based view of issues, events and activities and a perception of their longer-term impact or wider implications.
P	WRITTEN COMMUNICATION	Writes in clear and concise manner, using appropriate grammar, style andlanguage for the reader.

 

65 Ways To Get That Job!

Appearance matters!

• Dress to impress, even at the agency
• Wear only one earring in each ear
• Dress in a classic manner – a suit is always best
• Sensible shoes speak volumes. No open toes please or trainers
• Girls – no bare legs in the summer. It simply doesn’t look professional
• Boys – don’t wear amusing ties…they’re not!
• No coloured contact lenses please
• Bring a briefcase / document holder
• Leave overnight luggage behind the reception desk if you have travelled down to London for the interview.

In an emergency…

• Phone Appointments Bi- Language, 020 7092 3939 if you are running late! We are open from 8am.
• Ensure that you have full directions and know which is the nearest tube.
• Take money for a taxi in case of tube delays.
• Keep your mobile switched on until you get to the company. There may be last minute changes you need to be aware of.
• Take a map or London A – Z.
• Take loose change for a phone box.

In Interview

• Know the job, ensure that you have run through the finer details of the job specification with us so that you feel confident.
• Be aware of set interview questions:
  1) What do you know about the job? (Job title, key responsibilities)
  2) Why do you think you are able to so the role? (Always illustrate and give examples of where you have done similar work before).
  3) Key strengths you will bring to an organisation
• Be specific! Give examples of where you have used PowerPoint (if relevant), or organised a large conference.
• Always be positive of about your current / last employer.
• Be relevant – examples must be in line with what client requires as per job spec.
• Illustrate who you are – for example, if the client needs a detail-orientated person and you are, then say it! ‘I’m detail aware – for example, in my current role I check budgets, invoices or time sheets.’
• Remember, help the interviewer VISUALISE you in that job.
• Finally, tell the interviewer if you are keen on the job! It may be obvious to you but it is not always obvious to them!

Do your initial research

• Look up the company you’re about to visit on the internet.
• Read the newspapers or financial press – have there been any recent developments (mergers etc) that you need to be aware of.
• Talk to colleagues or friends in the name or similar industry.
• Ask your consultant what they know.
• Go to the local library.
• Dig out a company brochure, read up about the company philosophy, after all, you are going to be working there.

What not to do under any circumstances!!

• Chewing gum during an interview.
• Answer a ringing mobile phone (ensure it’s switched off!)
• Criticise your last employer IN ANY WAY.
• Avoid looking at your watch.
• Note taking without the express permission of the interviewer.
• Over familiarity.
• Use of the interviewers Christian name.