Advice on getting the Interview

Getting an interview for a position you have applied for is not as easy as it sounds. Below are a few basics to increase your chances of getting a call back from the company you would like to work for.

• Keep your CV updated and concise. Mention the critical learning’s from each job and how long the position was held for.

• Spelling and Grammar are important Use spell check, proof read your CV, get a second opinion. Make your first impression a lasting one and increase your chances of getting that interview

• Resume formatting does not have to be stayed. You can keep your individuality and still make your CV look professional. The norm is to keep it chronological, informative without being too drawn out.

• Do not embellish your CV. You can elaborate on your experiences but you must be able to substantiate your experiences and skills.

• When sending your CV to apply for a position, personalize the company and contact name for each application you send through. The employer will not look kindly on generic blanket applications.

• The reality is that you can be under or over qualified for a position. If you are under qualified do not feel offended if the company does not want to spend resources on training you, there will be another opportunity down the road. Be realistic about your skill set and target positions where there could be a potential match. Being overqualified also has it challenges. A company could be concerned with whether you will be satisfied with the position and stay for a long term. Be honest with yourself. Jumping around on your CV makes employers nervous.

• Follow up. Make the call; companies could not be getting back to you because they have been sidetracked. There is nothing wrong following up and finding out additional information on the position.

• Be patient, finding a job takes time in the current market. Do not get despondent.

• Register your CV updated on job portals. Agency and companies use this resource to find candidates from the current talent pool.

• Use a litmus test in the back of your mind when applying for a position, is this a position you could really see yourself in day in and day out? Be true to yourself

Interview Mistakes to Avoid

Interviews are the most nerve-wracking part of the hiring process for most people, because no longer can you let your resume and cover letter do the talking, but you actually have to meet with the potential employer face-to-face. But you can learn from the mistakes of others to impress your interviewer and get that offer. 

Here are mistakes to avoid during an interview:

Arriving late or too early – This will be the first impression you give the employer, so make sure you arrive to your interview on time. Look up the directions to the company the night before to determine the best route, how long the commute will take and when you need to leave in order to arrive on time, allowing some wiggle room in case there is traffic. Also avoid arriving more than 10 minutes early, so that your interviewer doesn't feel rushed to meet you.

Dressing inappropriately – Companies have different dress codes, but in general, plan to dress professionally and conservatively, unless you're interviewing for a fashion job. You can also do a little research to find out what is acceptable dress for your industry, or give the company a call to ask the receptionist what people wear in the office. 

Answering your cell phone during the interview – This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in an interview, and shows you have poor manners. Turn your cell phone off or to silent before your interview starts, or even better—before you walk in the door.

Asking what the company does – By the time you're interviewing with a company, you should not only know what the company does, but its products or services, competitors and other key information. Demonstrate your knowledge about the company and industry to show your enthusiasm, rather than "winging" it—which only showcases your lack of preparation.

Bad-mouthing anyone or being negative – Even if you had a terrible manager or you disagreed with the direction of the company, do not speak negatively about your previous employer or anyone else. Your interviewer won't want to hire someone who comes off as a complainer, and they might believe you'll talk badly about them down the line as well. 

Asking about compensation/benefits – Wait for the interviewer to bring up the topics of pay and benefits. You want to prove that you're the best candidate for the job before you start talking pay, to show that you're genuinely interested in the position and company and not just the money.

Lying – Never lie in an interview about your past experience or qualifications. The employer will find out eventually that you don't know as much as you said you did, and chances are, won't hesitate to let you go and bring someone in who actually can do the job. 

Not asking questions – An interview is a two-way street; you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. Ask good questions to determine whether this job or company is a good fit. And you don't have to wait until the end of the interview to speak up—if you have a question in line with the conversation, ask it then.

Being unable to articulate your achievements – As you prepare for your interview, think about how your past experience and achievements relate to the job you're interviewing for. You will need to demonstrate how you are the best person for the job.

By avoiding these mistakes, you'll increase the chances of being asked in for a second interview. Good luck!