Global employers of CIMA students and recruitment experts tell us what they look for in a good job interviewee. By Camilla Berens, freelance journalist.
To stand out in a job interview you need to use the two Ps: preparation and passion, says US careers author Matthew DeLuca.
'In the age of the internet, there's no excuse for not being prepared,' he says. 'You need to know about the company and then you need to get excited about it. A firm will always be attracted to someone who shows a genuine interest in their business and their sector.'
David Surdeau, finance director of Tesco's division in Poland agrees: 'Show you're really keen by studying the last report and accounts and recent press comment. Talk about the products and services offered by the company from your perspective as a customer.'
Impact, energy and passion
Steve Howe, head of decision support GSS, Diageo, says: 'In the competitive talent market I need to make a decision very quickly, so it is all about initial impact and energy. If the candidate doesn't show interest in and desire for the role, they won't get far. For some people it is a challenge because of nerves to be animated, but if you don't bring energy and display a passion for our business, regardless of what's on your CV, you won't be successful.'
Once you've sent off your job application, you need to stay on your toes. According to DeLuca, a growing number of companies now make a preliminary phone call to gauge an applicant's suitability. 'If you get a call, talk standing up as you project better and have more energy in your voice,' he says. 'Smiling also conveys over the phone and shows you have a cheerful, relaxed disposition.'
Emphasise experience
When it comes to the first interview, you'll need to show that you have the best experience for the job. 'A lot of companies ask candidates to describe a work situation in which they demonstrated particular skills,' says DeLuca. 'You'll need to prepare some scenarios in advance. Don't make them too long, but make sure you explain the relevance.'
Show your enthusiasm by having a few questions ready. 'An employer won't be impressed if you don't have any questions of your own,' says Richard Cowlishaw, HR director for lingerie manufacturer Courtaulds. Cowlishaw has recruited in a number of countries, including Morocco and China. 'It's a business after all and there are always things to learn about it.'
Find out what support is on offer, for example, training schemes. 'Companies offer all sorts of packages,' says Diane Erskine, training coordinator at BOC UK's finance support division. 'Some offer more financial support than others. Some offer study leave in addition to holiday entitlements and others don't. Ask whether the company gives time off for re-sits and if there are penalties for leaving the company before completing your studies. Some firms will deduct training funding from your final pay packet.'
Meet your colleagues
Surdeau recommends getting a feel for how you will fit in with the team. He says: 'You can ask about strategy and competitors, the business view of the finance department and what they would like to see more of and less of. Then discuss how you can use your skills to realise these aims.'
Before you accept a job offer, you could even ask to meet prospective colleagues. 'Personality fits are so important,' says Heather Steele, head of recruitment firm Adecco's financial and banking division in Switzerland. 'Try to meet your future colleagues for a coffee or a short lunch in an informal setting so you can decide if it's the right company for you.'
Boonsiri Somchit, vice president of global accounting and financial services at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) in Malaysia, says it's crucial to relax and be yourself: 'Sometimes candidates try to please the interviewers so much they come across as being false. Don't talk about salary in the first interview. If you do, the company may think that's all you care about and worry that you'll jump ship if a better offer comes along.'
Follow ups
Once the first interview is out of the way, a hand written follow-up letter adds a nice touch. 'It shows that you are really keen on the job and allows you to say things you forgot to mention during the interview,' Cowlishaw adds.
At the second interview, the most important aspect is consistency, says Cowlishaw. 'Don't contradict something you said at the first interview,' he continues. 'Be prepared to elaborate on some of the points you made originally and illustrate achievements in more detail.'
There's no harm in asking why you didn't get a job. 'There's an increasing acceptance among employers to give a response to unsuccessful candidates,' says Matthew DeLuca. 'You need to know what the market wants and where you're going wrong. This is catching on all over the world. It's showing initiative and this should be rewarded.'
For more job search guidance see CIMA MY JOBS.
John Lees and Matt DeLuca's book, Job interviews: top answers to tough questions, is available from McGraw-Hill.
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