Drink and Drugs News DDN May 2019 | Page 16

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