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

Internships and voluntary work - the benefits

You do not need me to point out that there is more competition for jobs: I had a meeting today with a high profile financial recruitment company. They said that clients are wanting to fill posts but paying a significant cut in 'normal' salary. Also, outstanding candidates are prepared to take a cut in 'normal' salary, in order to secure A job.
So what does that mean to people entering the job market - such as graduates, school leavers or job returners after a career break? If experienced and well qualified individuals are down sizing, how can less experienced candidates enter or progress within the job market?
The Government has is encouraging large businesses to provide graduates with internships - with the hope that a significant number will then be employed full time. But how much valuable experience do you really acquire at a multi-national, where the reality is that it is unlikely an intern will be trusted to do more than the coffee run?
Small businesses: my own included, are encouraged to provide work experience and internships by local universities, but it is often a struggle to entice a student to work for a small business - yet, the experience is invaluable. Our present intern has acquired so much experience from helping us at a trade show, setting up databases, checking our websites, managing our hard drive and hard copy filing systems and accompanying us on meetings. We are hoping that our next one will help create a media campaign for particular products and services. They wouldn't get this experience from working in a multi- national - and they have proven experience to put on a CV and discuss at an interview.
Likewise, I have a client who has been a mother for 17 years, and was a highly successful bilingual PA before her career break with a degree in Modern Languages. Personal circumstances and the fact that her sons are older, has meant that she needs to work, yet she has no confidence. However, throughout her career break she has always done voluntary work: everything from PTAs to the toddler group at church and meals on wheels delivery for Old People. After some practice, my client has been able to recognise - and record on her CV, valuable experience she has that would set her apart from other candidates. Not only does she have excellent organisational skills, but she has maintained a book keeping system for funds, liaised with different organisations, fund raised, chaired meetings, communicated with different groups...... The list goes on. If she lived closer to my offices - I would employ her!
My message today is to consider what experience you have - whether it is paid, voluntary or 'work experience'. All are valuable, and could mean the chance of getting a job when you need it. Spend some time writing down all of your experience and how you could relate this to the business world or a particular job you are interested in.
Executive Voice has a telephone and email service, where individuals wanting support with identifying experience - paid or unpaid - how to write it into a CV and also how to discuss it within an interview process. Contact Executive Voice on 0844 576 3015 or susan@executivevoice.co.uk for more information.

Hear Executive Voice on Three Counties Radio

I am appearing on Three Counties Radio on Monday 13th October - from 2pm until 2.20pm. The format will be that Lorna Milton, the presenter will interview me about my experience as a vocal and communications coach. There will then be an opportunity for listeners to call with specific queries regarding public speaking, speaking on the telephone, interviews etc.

I am really looking forward to the opportunity to explain what I do. If you have any questions - do let me know!

I will try to get a sound sample of the interview to put on here!