Back to work
Don’t sell
yourself short
Getting back into the world of
work can intimidating, especially
when it comes to job interviews.
Kay France shares some tips in
BoB’s latest newsletter on how to
make the best impression on
potential employers
FIRSTLY, IT MAY SOUND OBVIOUS but make sure you
know the exact date, time and address of your
interview, and the name of the person you’re going to
see. Allow plenty of time for travelling to ensure you
arrive at least ten minutes early, and dress
appropriately. A conservative approach is
recommended, and be sure to research the company’s
policy on workwear.
IT’S VITAL THAT YOU DON’T CRITICISE YOUR PREVIOUS
OR PRESENT EMPLOYER! Try to show that you’re
looking for new challenges and career advancement,
and take a positive approach by saying what you’ve
gained from your previous/present job by way of
relevant experience, and that you hope to put it to
good use in the post you’re applying for. Make a list of
your transferable skills.
IT’S INEVITABLE THAT YOU’LL BE ASKED WHY YOU
WANT TO WORK FOR THE COMPANY/ORGANISATION
AND DO THIS PARTICULAR JOB. This question gives you
the opportunity to show that you’ve done some
research into what the company/organisation does,
and you can pick out an area that particularly interests
you and tell the interviewer why. You’ll also be asked
exactly what you do or did in your present or previous
job. Explain briefly what you do now, be prepared to
follow up in more detail, and be positive. Point out any
training you received both on and off the job, if any,
and explain how what you’ve done in the past is of
relevance to the post, backing it up with examples.
Mention any promotion or upgrading if applicable.
YOU’LL ALSO BE ASKED ABOUT YOUR MAIN
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES. It’s important to avoid
confusion here. Answer in respect of your strengths
first, then weaknesses – weaknesses are areas for
improvements.
16 | drinkanddrugsnews | May 2019
Be prepared to substantiate your answers and
provide evidence, and try to give three main strengths,
such as ‘technically strong, good interpersonal skills,
hard working’ Back these up with specific examples,
and stick to just one weakness, unless prompted.
OTHER QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER ARE:
do/did you enjoy/dislike about your
• ‘What
present/last job or role (ie volunteering)?’
‘What do you see as your main achievements to
• date?’
skills or attributes do you have to offer for the
• ‘What
job you’re applying for?’
• ‘How do you handle pressure?’
are your medium/long-term goals, or where
• ‘What
do you see yourself in two, three or four years’ time?’
you describe a difficult situation you’ve had to
• ‘Can
handle?’
‘Think of a time when you had a difference of
• opinion
with your manager/one of your team. How
did you resolve the situation?’
AN INTERVIEW ISN’T JUST ABOUT YOU BEING ASKED
QUESTIONS – YOU SHOULD THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT
THE QUESTIONS YOU’RE GOING TO ASK. This is
another opportunity to show that you’ve given serious
thought to the job and the company/organisation.
These questions can help you stand out from the rest
of the applicants, for example:
• ‘What training will be offered?’
‘What are the prospects for promotion or
• advancement?’
• ‘What are the company/organisation’s future plans?’
You can also use this as an invitation to mention
anything else relevant to your application that the
interviewer hasn’t asked you about.
REMEMBER TO DO YOURSELF JUSTICE! Be as well
prepared for the interview as possible, listen carefully
to questions and speak clearly when you answer.
Try to make the conversation flow freely to
establish rapport. Just answering ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to
questions doesn’t tell the interviewer anything about
you and won’t help you make a good impression, so
expand on your answers.
FINALLY, SHOW A GENUINE INTEREST IN THE ORGANISA -
TION AND AT THE END THANK THE INTERVIEWER FOR
SEEING YOU AND MAKE SURE HE/SHE KNOWS YOU ARE
INTERESTED IN THE JOB! If you don’t get the job, it’s
always a good idea to ask for some feedback. The
interviewer’s advice can be invaluable, and they may
notice things about your approach that you don’t realise.
It can help you to prepare for your next interview and
make sure you do better next time.
IN CONCLUSION, THINK OF IT THIS WAY – interviews
are the type of conversation where you need to learn
the rules in order to come across in the best way. The
more you learn about what they expect, the more you
are able to adapt your approach. If you’ve had a few
interviews without being successful, it’s important to
remain positive. If you persevere you will get there in
the end! You could also ask for expert advice from a
career advisor from your local jobcentre to help fine
tune your interview technique. Good luck!
The original version of this article can be found in
Build on Belief’s Spring 2019 BoB Newsletter at
buildonbelief.org.uk
Kay France is service manager at The Old Coach
House, Shepherds Bush
www.drinkanddrugsnews.com