Strengths-based job interviews: what are they and how do they work?

Sunday, 18 January 2015

If you've been for an interview recently, you may have been asked a few curve-ball questions like "are there enough hours in the day?" or "do you prefer starting or finishing things?" These might look like random questions to test your quick-wittedness, but there's more to it.
Traditional competency-based questions, such as "can you describe a time when you've successfully used communication skills?", are being ousted by a wave of strengths-based queries. While it's not a completely new approach, it's being used more and more, and benefits candidates just as much as employers.
Strengths-based recruitment (SBR) has a very simple goal: to find out a candidate's interests. It's still about finding someone who can do the job, but also who will enjoy the role and organisation, and therefore perform better and be more likely to stay in the job. This is a win-win situation for your job satisfaction and saves the employer time, while getting better results.
Companies have recognised they are seeing a more genuine insight into candidates with strength-based interviews. When an individual uses their strengths they perform at their best and learn new information quicker.
The process can also be very revealing for the person being interviewed, and help you to work out whether you want the job if offered it.
We have found time and time again that the people who don't get offered the job;
 a) understand why and realise that they wouldn't be happy in the role because it's just not them, and b) don't feel like they've failed as they often do if they don't get through a competency-based interview.

Strengths is particularly useful when recruiting individuals who don't have a lot of experience – such as graduates. It allows us to identify potential and individuals who have the same passion about our industry as we do. It also generates fewer fake, pre-prepared answers, and gives a genuine insight into candidates.

Since SBR focuses on what you like instead of what you can do, you might be tempted to jump for joy and throw your interview preparations out the window; it's easier to identify what you enjoy doing, over where your skills lie.
But like all aspects of interviews, these types of questions still need preparation and careful thought. While you can't change the fundamentals of what you enjoy for a recruiter, thinking about how your preferences fit with the organisation's culture and the job requirements is still important.

The preparation is about mental state, ie be relaxed, be prepared to be open, think about what you love doing (in life, not just work) and don't try to be something you're not. The feedback we get from the thousands of people who our clients have interviewed for a range of roles is that they enjoyed the interview and the interviewers learned a lot about them as people.
Strengths-based questions will also inevitably show your dislikes, so be honest with yourself and the interviewer about what tasks you don't enjoy.

It's equally important to understand your weaknesses as interviewers are just as likely to ask questions that aim to uncover these too. A classic question is: 'What part of your job do you enjoy the least?' It's likely that those parts of your job you like least are the areas where you lack natural aptitude or skill."
So as long as you're prepared for both competency and strengths-based questions, this trend seems to be a good thing for potential candidates.

I'm very pleased that companies are recognising that strength-based interviews are giving them much more valuable insights into candidates and how those individuals can add value to organisations. I think it will expand the talent pool and enable organisations to align staff in a more structured and strategic way that will benefit companies."

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5 things to consider before applying for Charity jobs

The charity sector has been coined a vibrant, exhilarating place to work full of opportunities and the flexibility to shape your organisation and career. It is therefore no surprise that graduates and experienced professionals alike are eager to start or move their careers into the world of charity.
However, despite hearing that charities are keen for cross-sector collaboration and in need of external expertise, many are finding it tough to get a foothold in the sector.

1. Specific skills are not essential

For entry level jobs you don't need specific skills
Employers look for people with the right core competences – the right level of cognitive abilities, analytical and critical reasoning, personal organisation skills, self-directed learning and development and most importantly the ability to mange your emotions and positive relations with others.
At senior level, cross-sector skills are the most valuable
Candidates must demonstrate an awareness of the issues facing charities, but also have the expertise to drive the organisation forward.
There are a handful of essential, key skills
I think there are some classic competencies all organisations would look for regardless of sector – team work, good communication, problem solving and self awareness.
Charities want you to demonstrate your skills – not your CV writing
Most charities will expect you to do more than submit a CV – you need to demonstrate either on an application form or in a structured covering letter how your previous experience and achievements match each of the criteria the job advert specifies.

2. Graduate schemes are a great introduction to the sector

Large charities often have graduate schemes
Graduate schemes can be a fantastic introduction to the sector. It is worth thinking about what charities you would like to work for and keeping an eye out on their jobs pages. You'll be able to see what sort of roles are out there and what skills and experience are required.
Graduate schemes are a great starting point
Schemes like Charityworks are great if you can get a place – and many larger organisations including housing associations run graduate training programmes.

3. Small organisations vs. large organisations

There are pros and cons for each
In a small charity employees tend to cover a multitude of different roles and tasks as there are no specialists. In larger charities there is far more segregation of roles so you would need to know which area you want to get into – for example, service delivery, fundraising, finance or development. If you know what area you want to go into – you will need to show this on your application and demonstrate your potential in this area.
Think about transferable skills between the two
Working for a smaller charity provides you with the chance to develop a broader range of skills – my advice would be to think about your transferable skills and experience for a move into a larger organisation.

4. There are opportunities outside of the Big Smoke

When it comes to the right candidate, location is irrelevant
All charities are aware of the importance of getting the right people on board and location will become less of an issue.
Local charities have a lot to offer
Look for local charities or find a charity where you can work remotely – there are a few out there.
Micro-volunteering is an increasingly valuable asset
If remote working and micro-volunteering is going to be a way in which a candidate is looking to develop career links within the sector then I would strongly suggest targeting one organisation you would like to work with.

5. Immerse yourself in the charity sector

Contact charities directly
However, make sure you have done your research about the cause – we often get emails saying how much someone would like to work for us and I can see they've copied and pasted standard text or even mentioned campaigns that were not ours. Be specific and cater your applications to each organisation.
Approach an insider
Find someone who is in the job you want or think you might want and ask them to go for a coffee. You could find out how they got the job and about their career path.
Become a trustee first
For graduates and professionals with less experience look out for small charities – the latter often find it hard to recruit trustees. Even if you only have a few years experience in another sector, you will be in demand.
For senior professionals I'd suggest applying for a trustee role on one of the bigger charities who are always looking for people from outside the sector.

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Best Way To Successfully Prepare For An Interview

Wednesday, 27 August 2014

A job interview is one of the most drawn-out and intimidating ways of making first impression. However, it’s also your opportunity to get on an employer’s good side, which can give you a distinct edge over even those applicants whose credentials are better than yours. To prepare for a job interview, use these pointers.

Part 1 of 3: Before the Interview

Research the company's profile and background. Start by looking into their future goals and plans. Conducting the interview with this in mind will make you seem like a good long-term investment. You should also be ready to talk in depth about the industry, the organization, and the position you are applying for.

• Learn your interviewer’s name and job position before going to the interview. You may need to call the company to find out.
• Talk to current employees. Show initiative while getting a feel for the office environment. Learn as much as you can about the company from people who work there.
• Know as much about the company as possible. You can't change your employment history or your qualifications, but you can work harder than every other applicant by being supremely knowledgeable about the company. Use the company's website, their annual report, and newspaper/business magazine articles to gather as much information as possible.

Think of questions to ask your interviewer. Participating actively during the interview gives a good impression of your level of interest in the job. It's a good idea to come prepared with at least three thought-provoking questions to ask your interviewer. (Avoid asking anything that could be easily answered through a quick internet search, or you will simply come across as lazy.)

• Ask questions that reflect your interest in future prospects. “Which are new markets the company is planning to explore in next couple of years?” or “What are the chances for professional growth in this job opportunity?” both show that you want to be on the same page as the people you’ll be working for.
• Ask questions to bond with the interviewer and project your enthusiasm. Inquire about his/her position and background or how long (s)he has been with the company.
• Ask questions about what is discussed during the interview itself. Though you may be tempted to respond to everything with an “Absolutely!” or a “Sure thing!” to show how competent you are, this will actually make it look like you’re not listening. Show that you are paying attention by asking for more details whenever something isn’t clear. (Avoid asking questions for the sake of asking, though, or it’ll seem like you can’t keep up.)

Practice with a peer. If you have a friend who is also preparing for an interview, consider preparing together. Not only will this give you a way to structure your preparation, but it will also help you get comfortable with giving answers, telling anecdotes, and using appropriate terminology. Practice giving concise, complete answers and maintaining eye contact with the interviewer(s) while you give them. Make sure you aren't speaking too slow or too fast and that your answers are stated with confidence.

• Get feedback from your peer. Even if you think their feedback isn't on the mark, it's something to consider: We don't always know how me come off to other people, and the actual interviewer could share some of the same concerns.
• Know basically what you want to talk about before the interview. If you're stumbling and fumbling for an answer on a very basic question, you're not putting your best foot forward. Have your very basic answers down pat, and anticipate some of the tougher questions before you step into the interview.
• Anticipate questions from the interviewer. It’s best to prepare for a wide variety of questions by thinking about your own career goals, long-term plans, past successes, and work strengths, but you should also brace yourself for the deceptively simple questions that most employers like to throw at their interviewees.

• “What’s your biggest weakness?” is a classic canned interview question that many people dread. Answering this question is a bit of a tightrope walk: While you don’t want to be too honest (“I have a really hard time staying motivated”), you won’t fool anyone by trying to spin an obviously good quality into a weakness (“I just can’t bear to do less-than-outstanding work!”). Instead, think of a genuine issue you have as well as ways you have managed to work with/around it (“I’m not naturally a very organized thinker, but I’ve become very organized on paper and in my personal space as a result”).
• “Where do you see yourself in five years?” is another common question that can take you off guard if you don’t see it coming. Your panicked reaction might be to blurt out, “Working diligently for you, of course!” but unless you are actually trying to get a job in your chosen career, this probably isn’t a good strategy. If you’re going after what will clearly be a short-term job – or even one that lasts only several years – be honest about what your greater aspirations are (ex. going back to school, starting your own business); ambition is a very desirable trait in an employee – to say nothing of honesty.
• “Why do you want this job?” is so straightforward it can throw you for a loop. If you’re going into a field you care about, you will have a much easier time answering this. However, if, like many people, you’re just trying to make ends meet, you can answer the question by using it as a way of highlighting your skills (“I shine in fast-paced, high-pressure situations and would love to have the opportunity to cultivate my talents here”).
• “Why did you leave your last job?” is a common question that shouldn’t be hard to answer provided that you didn’t have a major blowout with your previous employer. If you did, be honest (without being bitter or laying blame, as this will make you look ungracious and hard to work with) and try to put a positive spin on things.
• Don't be afraid to admit that you don't know something. While you definitely want to seem knowledgeable, don't lie to make it seem like you know something you don't. You probably won't fool your interviewer, and admitting to not knowing something is much more impressive than lying during your interview. If need be, just acknowledge that you do not know the answer but will find out more about it and let them know afterwards.

·         Part 2 of 3: The Day of the Interview

 Dress For The Interview

As a rule of thumb, you should dress for the interview the way you would for the job itself. (If the job is unusually casual, however, you might want to show up in business-casual clothes to be safe.) Choose subdued colors (blues, browns, grays, black) and make sure that your clothes are lint- and wrinkle-free. Avoid wearing perfume, after-shave, or scented lotion (but do wear deodorant).

• Applicants in banking or wealth management, business, academia, politics, and health-related sectors should show up for an interview in business formal clothing unless otherwise noted. For women, this means a skirt suit or pant suit in a dark color, along with closed toe shoes and subtle makeup. For men, this means a dark-colored suit and tie and dark-colored shoes^[1]

·         ·  Applicants in the service sector are usually invited to wear business casual to an interview, although business formal is optional. For women, this means a simple, knee length dress with conservative shoes (no jeans). For men, this means dark or khaki pants with a collared button-up and leather shoes.^[1]

·         ·  If you're unsure of the customary interview clothing expected by the company, simply ask the HR rep or interview liaison. There's no shame in it. There is shame in feeling horribly over- or under-dressed when you show up for an interview.

Show up in the best possible shape. Make sure you know exactly how to get there and just where to park so that you can arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled interview time. Go to bed early the day (or the days) before the interview so that you look rested and healthy on the big day. Bring an extra copy of your resume, CV, and/or references in case your interviewer wants to go over any points with you or neglects to bring their own copy.

• If the interview is in the morning, be sure to eat a healthy breakfast. This is not just an empty suggestion. A breakfast high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and foods high in vitamin E, such as nuts and seeds, will help improve brain function and leave you feeling more alert and invigorated.^[2]
• Consider exercising before the interview to annihilate stress and increase blood flow.^[3] If you're generally nervous or fidgety before an interview, it might be a good idea to work out before your interview. Go hard for an hour, and give your body at least another hour to calm down. Shower after exercising.

Show courtesy to everyone during the interview. This means everyone from the reception staff to the interviewer herself. You never know who has input in the hiring process, and you can only make a first impression once.

• Look everyone in the eye and smile. Looking people in the eye will telegraph alertness, and smiling will signal friendliness.
• Speak clearly and say "please" and "thank you." Make sure the people you talk to during the interview can make out what you're saying. Talking audibly, with good enunciation, tells people you're confident, while good manners tells them you're considerate of other people.
• Don't noodle around on your phone or electronic device while waiting. In fact, leave it in your car. Even though it's practically acceptable, playing around on your phone can communicate boredom and frivolousness (even if that's not the case). Stick with a book or review your notes while waiting.

Be honest. Many people think that an interview is the perfect time to embellish. While you want to structure your answers so that your best, most qualified aspects take center stage, you don't want to deceive or outright lie. Companies do perform background checks, and lying about your experience is simply not worth it.

• In a pinch, take a cue from politicians. When a politician hears a question they don't like, they simply answer a different question. You don't want to do this all the time, but you can do it in a pinch.

Keep things simple and short. Talking about yourself can be very difficult to well: You're trying to convince someone you don't know that you're qualified for a position without sounding too cocky or pompous. Stick to what you know well, and keep things short and sweet.

• Structure your answers so that you're talking in 30-90 second chunks. Any less and you're likely to seem unqualified; any more and your interviewer is likely to lose interest in what you're saying. In the "tell me about yourself" question, highlight 2-3 illustrative examples about yourself before wrapping up. ^[4]
• Don't use slang or off-color humor during your interview. It's important not to say "awesome" or "rad" during an interview, unless you're interviewing for the local lifeguard position. It's also a good rule to avoid off-color humor; you never know when someone might take offense, and it's best not to risk it.
• Talk about what other people think you do well. Don't add the preamble, "My friends think I'm a competent social organizer." Just go out and say it with the right touch of confidence and humility. Women tend to underestimate their overall job performance,^[5] so be aware of that before you second-guess or undercut yourself, because it's unlikely to get you a job.
• Don't criticize your former employer. When you're talking about your past experience, be courteous about your former places of employment. Be honest about your experience — what you liked and disliked — but don't indict your former boss unnecessarily. Your class and restraint will shine through.
• Be personable. Try to come off as a genuinely likable person if you can. If you're cynical, pessimistic, and absolutely disabused of any faith in humanity, try to tone it down during the interview. Being personable is about getting the interviewer's emotional side to like you and believe in you. Employers don't always hire the candidates most qualified for the job, but rather the candidates they like the best.

Part 3 of 3: After the Interview 

Shake hands with the interviewer and exchange pleasantries. Try to invest some feeling into the handshake and pleasantries, even if you think you bombed the interview. The interviewer should give you a time frame for when to expect to get a callback, if applicable.

• Hold your head high and keep your cool. Your emotions are probably teetering at the highest of highs or the lowest of lows, but try to stay measured. Project a cool confidence — not cockiness — and walk out of the interview with your head held high.
• If the interviewer does not tell you when they will contact you if you're a good fit for the position, it's appropriate to ask, "When can I expect to hear back from you about the position?" This will prove important later on.

Send a thank-you letter to your interviewer and/or liaison. Now is a good time to thank the person you interviewed with, even if it's just a formality. You can say something like:

• "Dear [interviewer's name], Thank you for the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you. I remain very impressed by [interviewer's company], and invite you to contact me if you have any further questions. I look forward to hearing from you about this position."
• If you missed any important points in your interview you wanted to stress, you may include one or two in the thank-you letter. Keep the points brief, and tie them into a discussion point that you or the interviewer made during the interview.
• If you received any help in getting the interview, follow up with appropriate parts of your network. Inform them that you received an interview, are grateful they helped you in your career search, and would be eager to help them in the future.

Follow up with the interviewer at the appropriate time. You should have received some information about when you could expect to hear back from the employer. The standard time is about two weeks, but it can depend. If you've waited past the designated callback date — or the callback date wasn't set and it's been two weeks — follow up with the interviewer in a short email. You can say something like:

• "Dear [interviewer's name], I interviewed at your company [at such and such date], and am still interested in the position if it hasn't yet been filled. I'd greatly appreciate any information you might have about my candidacy. I look forward to hearing from you."
• While you can't control your past experience or the way someone measures you against someone else, you can control how much of your time you dedicate to showing the interviewer you really want the position. Don't be needy, and don't be greedy, but be persistent and courteous. You'll work harder than at least half the other candidates, and it could be the decisive factor in getting a job offer.

Tips

• As you are about to enter the interview room take 2 or 3 deep breaths to calm your nerves. You will do better if you are relaxed and have a calm mind.
• Your preparation for the job interview should be taken seriously. The competition against another candidate with a better qualification is fierce. Preparation helps you keep what's in your mind, and not slip it when you're in a most uncomfortable position. An interview is the key before a company hires you, so you better discover how to sell yourself before meeting with the prospective employer.
• Don’t be afraid to be confident. Set your mind to why you are the best candidate for the job. If you truly feel that way, it's likely you'll pass the sentiment on to your interviewer.
• When you are introduced to the panel of interviewers, shake hands firmly with each person, create eye contact with each person & say that you are pleased to meet them, and smile as you say so.
• Don't say something you'll regret later. Think before you speak.
• If the venue is far from your place of residence, stop in the washroom when you arrive to reset your hair, tie, etc.
• Don't play with your chair while waiting to be called.
• Start preparing for the interview well before the interview day. Thorough preparation is a prerequisite to success in any interview. Ideally, start preparing about a month before the interview. If that isn't possible, start preparing as soon as you are able.
• Don't munch on junk food while waiting for the interview. You wouldn't want to offer a crumb-covered or sticky hand to the interviewer.

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Job Search Techniques That Will Surely Land You To That Dream Job

Friday, 13 June 2014

Choosing a career presents a nerve-racking decision, as it can have a life-long impact on you. Do not fret, as you can gain a clearer outlook into your future by thorough career planning.
Having a clear vision of the future can guide you by helping you set career goals and helping you on your way towards attaining them. Whether you are starting out on a new career or looking to change your current career, you will benefit enormously from taking sound advice.

JOB SEARCH
Finding a career on the other hand has proved to be such a hustle to many job seekers worldwide and neither is the story any different with us here. It cuts across all sectors of any career at any level say for instance from the initial stage of looking for a job, through the process of job application having identified an opportunity since securing the job is another big challenge that will need guidance from an expert.  Searching for jobs has been made easier since now potential employers have got a number of platforms from which they can inform the public of the current vacant positions in their companies or organizations.  Let take a look at these different platforms.

Employers’ Websites:
This is usually done by the Employee Seekers through posting these vacancies on the career page on their websites. This makes it much easier for any job seeker since they get information directly from their potential employers and the Application Process is usually specified by the employer. Some companies will require you to apply online through the filling of an Online Application Form, others through their Fax Addresses, delivery to their Physical Addresses, Postal Addresses, while some will simply provide an email address and this enhances the work of the Job Seeker. However, other companies will direct you to their respective Recruitment Agencies for their available vacancies and Application procedures.

Recruitment Agencies:
Recruitment companies have also made it easier by taking on the role of recruitment which initially should have been done by the initial employers. These do the sourcing for the potential candidates suitable for the various positions in the different employment centers. This is usually done by advertising on their own recruitment websites for those companies with which they partner and any time there are any vacancies, these recruitment agencies will be notified.

Job Sites
Job sites are yet another platform that has enhanced the work of Job Seekers and employers as well. Job sites such as this one (aebestjobs.blogspot.com) take the initiative to collect and compile a list of these job vacancies from the different employers all around a given geographical locality and bring them together on one platform where those searching for them can locate them with their full details and Application information. All this is geared towards simplifying your work as a Job Seeker.

The Media
This is another great source of employment vacancy listings. Although many of these Media Houses still advertise on their official websites, Daily Journals and Newspaper Print outs serve a great purpose for even that one who cannot or can hardly access the internet. In some parts of a given location, it is much easier for many to access daily Newspaper Print Outs as opposed to internet services; in this regard Job Seekers are still covered.

Our next Article is going to cover the Application Process. We are going to take a step by step approach through the entire application process guidelines, documents required and any advice on which application process may be viable or most appropriate for you.

These posts are going to run on this Blog on a regular basis until when we fully exhaust the topic and make sure that everyone from anywhere can successfully locate a job of their interest, abilities and qualification, carry on the application process and go through the interview process with minimal hardships. The journey does not stop at that, having successfully acquired that job is not the end of your career journey; we will walk with you all the way to achieve advancement in your career, change of career and how to acquire promotions.

Check Out Our Career Advice Page for More

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The Most Commonly Interviewed Questions; A Guide on How To Go About Them

Although there is no set format that every job interview will follow, there are some questions that you can almost guarantee will crop up. Here’s a list of the most common questions and a guide to the kind of answers your interviewer wants to hear.

Tell me about yourself
This is usually the opening question and, as first impressions are key, one of the most important. Keep your answer to under five minutes, beginning with an overview of your highest qualification then running through the jobs you’ve held so far in your career. You can follow the same structure of your CV, giving examples of achievements and the skills you’ve picked up along the way. Don’t go into too much detail – your interviewer will probably take notes and ask for you to expand on any areas where they’d like more information. If you’re interviewing for your first job since leaving education, focus on the areas of your studies you most enjoyed and how that has led to you wanting this particular role.

What are your strengths?
Pick the three biggest attributes that you think will get you the job and give examples of how you have used these strengths in a work situation. They could be tangible skills, such as proficiency in a particular computer language, or intangible skills such as good man-management. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at the job description. There is usually a section listing candidate requirements, which should give you an idea of what they are looking for.

What are your weaknesses?
The dreaded question, which is best handled by picking something that you have made positive steps to redress. For example, if your IT ability is not at the level it could be, state it as a weakness but tell the interviewer about training courses or time spent outside work hours you have used to improve your skills. Your initiative could actually be perceived as a strength. On no accounts say “I don’t have any weaknesses”, your interviewer won’t believe you, or “I have a tendency to work too hard”, which is seen as avoiding the question.

 Why should we hire you? or What can you do for us that other candidates can't?
What makes you special and where do your major strengths lie? You should be able to find out what they are looking for from the job description. “I have a unique combination of strong technical skills and the ability to build long-term customer relationships” is a good opening sentence, which can then lead onto a more specific example of something you have done so far in your career. State your biggest achievement and the benefit it made to the business, then finish with “Given the opportunity, I could bring this success to your company.”

What are your goals? or Where do you see yourself in five years time?
It’s best to talk about both short-term and long-term goals. Talk about the kind of job you’d eventually like to do and the various steps you will need to get there, relating this in some way back to the position you’re interviewing for. Show the employer you have ambition, and that you have the determination to make the most of every job you have to get where you want to be.

Why do you want to work here?
The interviewer is listening for an answer that indicates you’ve given this some thought. If you’ve prepared for the interview properly, you should have a good inside knowledge of the company’s values, mission statement, development plans and products. Use this information to describe how your goals and ambition matches their company ethos and how you would relish the opportunity to work for them. Never utter the phrase “I just need a job.”

 What are three positive things your last boss would say about you? 
This is a great time to brag about yourself through someone else’s words. Try to include one thing that shows your ability to do the job, one thing that shows your commitment to the work, and one thing that shows you are a good person to have in a team. For example, “My boss has told me that I am the best designer he has ever had. He knows he can always rely on me, and he likes my sense of humour.”

 What salary are you seeking? 
You can prepare for this by knowing the value of someone with your skills. Try not to give any specific numbers in the heat of the moment – it could put you in a poor position when negotiating later on. Your interviewer will understand if you don’t want to discuss this until you are offered the job. If they have provided a guideline salary with the job description, you could mention this and say it’s around the same area you’re looking for.

 If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?
Interviewers use this type of psychological question to see if you can think quickly. If you answer ‘a bunny’, you will make a soft, passive impression. If you answer ‘a lion’, you will be seen as aggressive. What type of personality will it take to get the job done?

You should always have some questions for your interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position. Prepare a minimum of five questions, some which will give you more information about the job, and some which delve deeper into the culture and goals of the company.

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