Interviews: a success story

This week I received some wonderful news from one of my clients who had gone for an interview within an industry heavily hit by the credit crunch. It was a high powered: prestigious post, and he'd been offered it.

Before he went for the interview, I worked with him on the interview, to ensure he presented himself in the best possible light.

The interview was approached as a performance; with my client preparing himself prior to the interview to ensure he presented himself in the best possible light. Here are some of the activities we planned together and he did ensuring he was rewarded with the job.

• He visited the company beforehand, checking his journey to ensure he was early for the interview; planning for the eventuality of any journey problems.
• He did a lot of research on the company prior to the interview
• He collected examples of his work to take in a well presented portfolio, to illustrate his experience. He chose projects that were related to the position he was being interviewed for and also projects that were similar to work the company did.
• He researched the people he was going to be interviewed by and anticipated questions they might ask based on their experiences.
• Through his network, he was able to speak to 2 ex-employees of the company who were in similar departments. From this he was able to understand the structure and culture of the company.
• He also checked on their dress code and dressed to 'suit' the culture of the company.
• He set off early; drinking water 2 hours before, to ensure he wasn't dehydrated.
• He arrived early at the location of the interview; giving him time to relax, warm up and focus.
• Whilst preparing, he kept focusing on what he had done; what he could do, NOT what he didn't have experience in.

Executive Voice are involved in a one day Interview Skills workshop on 24th September in Central London called "Beat the Job Crunch". More details from http://www.corpalc.com/beatthecrunch/

More details or discuss your interview skills and performance http://www.executivevoice.co.uk

Self Confidence disappears rapidly

This week I was at my book group. We've been going for 6 years now, and until recently, there was always a baby asleep in a carrycot in the corner. As a group of mothers: more recently parents as we have one father, we've been through the highs and lows of parenthood with young children. Our discussions always include support for each other as well as discussing the book!
Recently one mother: a fiercely intelligent Dr of Science lost her job. She is an eternal optimist and felt this was an opportunity to spend more time with her 4 children. She was chatting to another mother, who has been a full time mother since her child was born. Prior to that she was a very successful Human Rights Lawyer.
The conversation turned to discussing work, and both admitted that they'd lost their confidence. The mother of 4 said "The confidence disappears so quickly. I'm just so frightened about looking for a job - and don't believe I'll ever find one". The other mother said that she felt she was completely detached from her career and didn't have the confidence to pursue a job.
Self esteem is knocked when you are made redundant. It is also knocked when you have a career break. When you decide to look for work, it is even more challenging presenting yourself in a positive way due to your lack of confidence.
Our Training course "Vocal, Visual & VITAL" focuses on all aspects of interview skills, including creating a positive mind set and creating the appearance that you are confident.
For more details of the course go to: http://www.executivevoice.co.uk/vvv.html

The 'Accidental' Self Employed and Interview Techniques

This morning I read the article below in the Daily Telegraph.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/5249429/Jobless-in-Henley-Whats-in-it-for-the-accidental-self-employed.html


Being unemployed is tough: really tough. If you have had a professional career and suddenly find yourself made redundant or 'accidentally self employed' it has an effect on your self esteem and ultimately your performance when you are being interviewed for another position.

Executive Voice with two other outstanding trainers, have devised a two 1/2 day workshop called 'VOCAL, VISUAL& VITAL' focusing on all aspects of searching for a job, preparing, creating a positive mind set, body language, using your voice to make an impact in the interview room, negotiating terms..... and more. Unlike other interview skills workshops, we are working with the 'whole' person to identify weaknesses and provide tools to perform well at all stages of the job search and interview process.

For more details go to: http://www.executivevoice.co.uk/vvv.html