Interviews

Where has the Art of Conversation Gone? Daily life in business in Ireland involves various methods of communication. Business communication methods include e-mail, phone calls, online meetings, in person meetings, trade shows, exhibitions, networking events, webinars, very occasional letters, and of course general conversation. Increased use of Hybrid Working and Remote Working Increased use of hybrid working and remote working methods during 2020 and 2021 in particular, meant that the in person communication frequency dramatically declined. Naturally, this resulted in employees having to remind themselves of the previously normally accepted methods of communicating in person and returning to use those methods. [...]

Tips for Interviewing on Teams or Zoom It's safe to say that most of us are now very familiar with using online video conferencing!  Zoom was a piece of software that most of us were not aware of until the Covid-19 pandemic hit and we moved our office environments into our homes.  Teams were groups of people to most of us and now we use the word interchangeable with Zoom and video conferencing, in a way none of us could have envisaged three years ago! Recruiters could never have imagined the effect of completing entire hiring processes without never meeting a [...]

Competency Based Interviewing What is Competency Based Interviewing? Competency Based Interviewing is interviewing a person so that the interviewer can determine if the person has the competencies necessary for the job on offer. Every Job Requires Certain Competencies Each job requires a specific set of competencies and skills.  The purpose of an interview is to find out if the person has the necessary competencies. It is best establish competencies by asking appropriate questions.  Interview questions that ask the person to describe examples from their work life to date are most effective.  When interviewees describe situations in which they previously experienced particular difficulties [...]

Interview Tips When Wearing a Face Mask Masks have Become Commonplace post Covid-19 Lockdown in Ireland As of this week, it is now mandatory for everyone entering shops to wear a mask.  We have come through a particularly challenging few months since the first Covid-19 confirmed case in Ireland earlier this year. The Last Few Months have been Challenging The Irish Government is still advising those who can work from home to continue to do so for the moment.  A lot of organisations have commenced the re-introduction of their employees back into the work place.  Demand still exists in a lot [...]

How to "Sell" Yourself at Interview Recruiters often advise candidates to "sell" themselves at interview.  First of all, this is vague advice and furthermore, often off putting.  "Selling" to some people feels forced, pushy and unnatural. Candidates often think of the stereotypical 1980's salesperson who says whatever it takes to get the sale over the line.  This is in direct contrast to modern sales techniques which focus more on matching the solution on offer to those who can benefit from it.  Consequently, this is a more successful and honourable sales technique! The same applies to "selling" yourself at interview. Interviews are [...]

Strengths and Weaknesses - The Interview Question We All Dislike! This is the question most dreaded in interviews.  People dread being asked about their strengths and weaknesses for a number of reasons.  Interviewees can feel under pressure to give an answer.  They dislike boasting about their strengths and equally don't want to give a weakness that will cost them the job offer! This question is usually asked at the end of an interview when all of the questions have been answered.  Interviewers often ask this question off the cuff.  This can catch people out.  Often, interviewees will have a number of [...]

What's Different about a Telephone Interview? Interviews can be daunting The selection process for any job can be lengthy and involve many steps.  These steps can include telephone interview, Skype interview, face to face interview, psychometric testing, role play, presentation to the interview board, completion of written assignment, skills testing, etc.  The approach to each element varies and there are some subtle differences between interviewing face to face and telephone interviews. Visual Presence and Body Language In a face to face situation, non-verbal communication plays a huge part in the success of a telephone interview scenario.  Non-verbal communication is subtle and [...]

Interview Preparation Job seeking can be time consuming and involve a lot of steps in the process to a successful outcome. Job applications naturally form the first step and one that effective recruitment consultants can complete on your behalf. Professional recruiters will ensure to present the relevant experience you have for the role. This will maximise your chance of being selected for the role you are most suited to. Selection for interview is the key opportunity for you to demonstrate your abilities for the desired job. Effective interview preparation is crucial Research the organisation It is important that you learn as [...]

When is a Coffee Not a Coffee? … when it’s as part of the Interview Process for a job! Coffee drinking in Ireland is Huge Business Coffee drinking in Ireland by professionals has become a huge growth area.  A third of Irish consumers purchase coffee out of home at least once a day, which is up almost 10% year on year! (Source: Food for Thought February 2017 ). It's a social activity.  Office workers pop out to grab a takeaway coffee frequently and it is viewed as a “break” or social opportunity. "Let's have a coffee to go through the [...]