Issue 10 - July 5, 2003

Editor: Lynne Bullen
lynne@associatedsecretarial.com.au

Publisher: Associated Secretarial
Copyright © 2003 Associated Secretarial

In this issue:

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1. Editorial

Hello and welcome back. If you're joining us for the first time, welcome also to you.

We've recently finished a series about working for yourself, whether it be solo or with employees. The series has been well received. Thanks you to those who've made comments and suggestions. Your interaction is most welcome.

From today, Wedge's Newsletters will be coming to you on a monthly basis, usually on the first of each month. If you subscribe, it will reach you at your email Inbox or you may choose to read the newsletter as it appears on the website at http://www.associatedsecretarial.com.au/newsletter.html

Remember, on the first of each month, you'll receive a new issue of "From The Eagle's Nest" with a variety of useful information for the busy professional or for those yet to take off.

Today we're going to about The Interview! Two words that strike fear into some, and cause others jump to the challenge and enjoy the experience.

Whether you're changing jobs, or you've recently been retrenched, these interview tips may be just what you're looking for. Other reasons you may be looking for a job are that you're re-entering the workforce after raising your family, or you're returning to your homeland after being overseas.

The Interview can be a scary thing, but if you've landed an interview, then you must have suitably impressed the person who read your letter of application. Now comes the hard work. It's time to do a little homework. Why? Your interviewer now knows a little about you, but what do you know about the company or
organisation that invited you for an interview?

Wouldn't it be great if the company also had to answer certain criteria before interview, so that we could present ourselves, confidently and be well informed about them? I guess we can dream, but better to look at the reality and do a little delving.

Being prepared is the key!

Nerves are a natural part of the process. They usually start just before you are summoned to enter "the interview room". If you're well prepared, most of your nervousness will be replaced by confidence. You've done your homework, you're well informed and you're going for it!

Keep this in mind. If you don't succeed, use the experience as "experience". Yes, that's right. Experience is the greatest teacher. Write down the things you felt were difficult and where you think you did very well. Ask for feedback from your interviewer. Most will be pleased to grant your request.

If you don't get the job, it's not necessarily because you're not good enough. Remember, the job you've applied for probably has at least another 20 (up to 100) applicants. There is just one position, so there can be only one successful candidate.

The hints and tips below are all common sense, but as you've probably experienced, common sense sometimes flies out the window if you're a little stressed.

Use from these tips what will work for you. Remember, the better prepared and informed you are, the more confident you will be, and therefore you will have a better chance of landing the job!

Go get 'em! Good luck and here's to your success.

See you next month!

Lynne
lynne@associatedsecretarial.com.au

2. Article: The Interview

>>> Preparation, Planning, Before and After

Congratulations. Your letter of application has resulted in an invitation for you to attend an interview.

Now it's time for you to do a little research. You know what the job entails, but now it's time to find out more about the company, whether it's large or small. Have someone send you the company's current Annual Report. These documents are full of information.

There are businesses that don't produce this type of document, but there will usually be other information available; you just have to do a little digging. There may be brochures about the services or products ... read them. Study the website if the business has one.

Jot down anything you find particularly interesting or that you're not sure about. You will, no doubt, be asked what you know about the company or organisation, so it's best to be prepared. An incentive for your interviewer to choose you, will be how you respond to questions, and also the questions you ask.

>>> Interview Day

Make sure your attire is clean and pressed. Wear a jacket/blazer. Shoes should be complimentary to your outfit. Make sure they're clean.

For the ladies, check your hair and makeup before you get out of your car. If it's windy or raining, see if you can find the ladies' room and tidy up the windswept look. Don't overdo the jewellery. Keep it for your personal outings.

For the fellows, check that your tie is straight and that the end of it is not half way up your chest. Its point should rest just above your belt buckle. Make sure that your collar and cuffs are not wrinkled or marked.

Arrive at your destination at least five minutes early, preferably ten minutes early. This will give you time to compose yourself. The last thing you want to do is be in a rush and find yourself perspiring and panting just as you're about to be introduced to your interviewer. Do a last minute check of your appearance, brush
up on your knowledge and plan some questions. Breathe!

Sit up straight. Slouching, either whilst you wait or during your interview may convey that you're too casual and not taking your interview seriously. Legs together or crossed comfortably, don't cross your feet, and above all, don't fidget.

When the time comes, stand to greet your interviewer, smile and hold out your hand ready to shake hands. Never offer your hand with your palm down. Hold out our hand, palm slightly up.

>>> The Interview

Introduce yourself: (example: "Hello Mr Smith, I'm Bob. Thanks for the opportunity to meet with you.")

It is not unusual to be interviewed by a panel of three or more persons. Try to remember their names.

Sit where you will be comfortable. Try not to sit on a couch or very low chair. Sit up straight. Remember, slouching will portray a lack of confidence and could even be taken as too casual - not at all business-like.

If you are nervous, remember, that's a natural reaction. If you think your nervousness shows, don't be afraid to say so. Most interviewers know their interviewees will be nervous and will do their best to make you feel comfortable.

If you are offered tea or coffee, it's best to gracefully decline. You may accept a glass of water. Remember that this is a professional situation, not a casual chat.

When asked a question, answer strongly and with conviction. Don't whisper; don't laugh after giving your answer. Try not to hesitate with your answer.

It is acceptable to have with you a copy of your letter of application, along with anything else you sent with your letter. You may have found other documents or examples of your previous work you would like to offer for perusal.

Answer all questions without adding anything extra unless you feel you need to qualify what you're saying. If you have difficulty with a question, ask for it to be repeated or say that you're not sure what information your interviewer is wanting.

If asked why you're leaving your current employer, let your interviewer know that as much as you have enjoyed the work, it is now time to move on, to grow and develop more skills and abilities. It may be that the job you previously held is now redundant, as the company has closed down.

If you left your previous job (or you are about to give your notice) because of any unpleasantness, it's best not to detail these things. The appropriate answer might be that you were no longer challenged and needed a more stimulating environment where your skills will be put to good use. If you speak ill of the previous or present employer or any of the its employees, that could have you off the short list before you have time to prove yourself worthy of the position.

You don't have to answer questions of a personal nature. If you're pressed to answer any questions of a highly personal nature, let your interviewer know that you feel that these questions are inappropriate have no bearing on the reason you have accepted an invitation for interview. If that line of questioning continues,
you may choose to answer if you comfortable doing so, but you should ask what relevance they have to the job.

If you are uncomfortable with the line of questioning, don't be afraid to excuse yourself gracefully, saying that you have misinterpreted what the position was about, and leave quietly.

If the interview is going well, you may be asked how soon you can start if you are chosen. One of the best answers I've heard to this question is, "To be fair to my current employer I would like to give at least one and preferably two weeks notice as they have been very good to me." If you're not currently working, explain
your situation and invite another question.

Your interviewer may ask you why you think you would be the best person for the job. Now, if you've done your research and you know it's the job you want, you'll be prepared for this question. Incidentally, it is one of the most common questions asked at interview.

When you feel the interview is nearing its end, make sure that you have time to ask some questions of your own, unless, of course, you were invited to ask questions earlier on.

Below are some questions you may like to consider asking. Remember, each situation is different, and the questions below are offered as suggestions only. Your questions should be structured, streamlined and specific to the job (eg Sales, Marketing, Reception, Administration, Clerical, Factory Floor).

1. What date has been planned for the new employee to commence?

2. What are the hours of employment?

3. How many other employees are there?

4. Are these employees given their own areas/territories? (Good question if you're applying for a Sales position).

5. What is the rate of pay? Is it a wage or is it a retainer with commission? If it is the latter, ask what the retainer would be. Ask also about whether there is a specific target for you as a new employee.

6. Is your pay free and clear of any expenses incurred in the normal course of the job? If not, what items will be considered for reimbursement.

7. Are you paid on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis?

8. How are you paid? Cash? Direct to your bank account?

9. Ask if you're replacing another employee. If the answer is yes, try to find out why that person left. If it's a newly created position ask what the job is designed to do and where in the scheme of things it fits. Remember, the more you know about what's expected, the better equipped you will be do do the job.

10. What sort of equipment will be supplied for the job? Tools of trade, uniform, etc.

11. Apart from your skill and abilities, what else, if anything, are you expected to supply to do the job?

12. When the interview is over, stand and thank your interviewer again for the opportunity to meet and shake hands. Leave quietly and gracefully.

>>> After the interview

If your interviewer says that a decision will be made shortly, ask when that might be.

If he/she doesn't offer that information, you are within your right to ask.

If you are offered the job (on the spot or at a later date) thank your interviewer and ask for your job offer in writing, stating the starting date, rate of pay, the duties you are expected to undertake and what materials will be supplied to you so that you can do the job for which you will be paid. This will safeguard both you and your potential employer against any misunderstandings about what you each expect from the other.

Good luck ...

Lynne Bullen is a successful businesswoman whose talents include Public Relations; Editorial and Commercial Copywriting; Design and Facilitation of Seminars, Forums and Workshops, and helping small business to grow and prosper.Lynne Bullen Strategies was registered and commenced business in 1991 to offer VA services to the small business owner. She is also the Founder of Associated Secretarial ...the perfect solution. Lynne is happy to share her knowledge to help others achieve their goals. lynne@associatedsecretial.com.au

3. Resources

These are for job seekers:

http://www.careerbuilder.com From the USA

http://www.careerone.com.au From Australia

http://www.topjobs.co.uk From the UK - a top site!

Try these for assistance with your resume or letter of application:

http://www.aussieresumes.com/ Resources for DIY resumes and letters of application - lots of help.

http://www.resume.com More help with resumes and letters of application

A little extra http://www.dressforsuccess.org From the USA - filled with lots of interesting info ... sign up for the free newsletter for even more tips.

4. Article: Equip Yourself to Achieve

As I travel around Australia speaking with people in the frontline, people in middle and senior management, I have noticed a lack of desire for people to develop themselves outside of their normal day-to-day operations.

I have a firm belief that it is up to each of us to develop ourselves personally and professionally so we are equipped for the changing times in business. Every professional sports person continues to improve their skills and develop their game. So why do people stop developing themselves?

IF YOU DON'T INVEST IN YOURSELF, YOU'RE A POOR JUDGE OF A GOOD INVESTMENT!!!

I think everyone of us get busy being busy and forget about our own personal and professional growth. In these competitive times, you and I need to continually update our skills, knowledge and attitude in everything we do. I think we sometimes don't know where to start, what we should do first and how to go about it! I have put together 11 easy to implement ideas that will make a difference in your life, so when you want to develop yourself to achieve you will see extra-ordinary results.

Listen to Audio Tapes in Your Car
Read Personal Development Books 15 - 60 minutes per day
Attend Personal Development Seminars
Write Out Your Personal & Professional Goals
Update Your Computer Skills
Attend a Time Management Program to Improve Your Skills
Understand How to Use the Internet
Join Business and Professional Development Associations
Find a Mentor with Whom You Can Work With to Develop Your Skills
Attend University or TAFE Courses to Enhance Your Skills
Get People who are Close to You to do a Review of Your Skills.

The point I make is quite simple, don't be one of those people who say's they are in danger of losing their job, it's not fair and it's the company's fault. Instead of blaming someone else you should find ways to enhance your skills and increase your value in your own organisation.

You see, good people that have equipped themselves for today's market place are still in high demand. Take time to develop the qualities, so that you can bring your potential into reality. It will be a sound investment of time and money in the most important asset your business has - You!!!

Keith Abraham CSP is a Brisbane-based professional conference speaker on Creating Loyal Profitable Customers, Customer Service, Strategic Selling, and Designing Your Life. He is the author of Creating Loyal Profitable Customers! and recipient of the Nevin Award which is the highest award given to any speaker by the National Speakers Association Australia.
mailto:keith@keithabraham.com.au 61-7-3848 5646,
http://www.keithabraham.com.au

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From the Eagle's Nest: Copyright © 2003 Lynne Bullen and Associated Secretarial (articles by other individuals copyrighted as indicated). Prior to using Lynne's articles please e-mail her at lynne@associatedsecretarial.com.au - she will provide her bio and a URL link. Thank you.

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