'The Chosen One'
Hours spent filling in applications between tasks at work, sneaking out of the office to speak with agencies about my employment needs, attending numerous interviews disguised as 'Doctor's Appointments', completing computer tests until I developed arthritis in my fingers, the rejection phone calls that made me wonder if I would ever work again and whether or not my future was going to be as exciting as the B Grade midday cooking shows that were slowly becoming a part of my daily routine…
Was I ever going to find a consultancy with a difference?
I was put in my place….
After spending hours in the bathroom deciding how to wear my hair, what shoes to wear, what jacket to put with what skirt… I finally decided to take myself to this interview.
I was greeted with a smile from the consultant that was due to meet with me. First impression, she actually seemed genuine!!
I made my way into the interview room and we began to talk about my previous work experience and what I wanted out of my next role. When I told her, she listened with content and replied without overusing the word 'fabulous'.
After the interview, she not only contacted me with a few clients that were interested in meeting with me but she also gave me a thorough run down of each of these clients so I knew what I was getting myself into. Wow! Talk about going the next step…
A few client interviews and further meetings with Marker later, I ended up being employed for Marker Consulting as a Resource/ Team Assistant.
I am over the moon and so fortunate to be working for a firm that pride themselves on integrity, respect and professionalism, which is what I believe in.
I've finally found the right fit!
So how did I go from being a candidate to an employee?
Know what you are looking for:
When you walk into an interview and you are asked 'What are you looking for in your next job?', one would hope that there is not a lingering silence to follow.
The truth is, a lot of people that realize they are not happy with their current position, don't actually know what it is they are seeking. They know what they don't want but when you open your mind up to the possibility of moving on from your current job, the opportunities seem endless and you may being to entertain career ideas that you never deemed possible.
To narrow the broad search down, it is best to realize what is most important to you… Is it Money? Work/ Life balance? Flexibility?
In order to sit opposite a consultant in an interview and confidently project what it is that you are looking for, start researching different options. These could be things that you are qualified for, have the experience for or something that simply gives you the financial stability you need. Brainstorm ideas of companies you might like to work for and would cater for your employment needs.
Having an understanding of what it is you are after will make you more confident in the interview because you will know what you want, which will, in affect, assist the consultant in their search for you.
Applying for a job:
Market yourself in the best possible light and give yourself a better chance at being considered for the role that you are looking for! Arrange your CV so that it reads well, is comprehendible and all the relevant information is succinct (contact information, company names, dates of employment, and any other appropriate information you think might be of use to the consultant etc).
Also, print out a copy of the job ad that you have applied for and file it away (preferably somewhere where you can find it) to ensure that you know what position it is when the consultant calls to chat with you about, it may look unprofessional otherwise.
Organizing an interview:
Once you have applied for the role, give the organization a follow- up call to ensure that they have received your Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae. This will show that you are keen and confident enough and take that extra step.
Ask them when you might hear back with regards to your application and what they are looking for in the successful candidate. They might be able to line up an interview over the phone or give you a specific time as to when they are planning to begin to cull applications so that you know when to prepare for 'that' phone call.
Note to self: Organize your outfit the day before the interview!
There is nothing worse than being stressed out because you're running late for an interview, as you have spent too much time trying to put together the 'perfect outfit'. The day before, take the time to sort out what you are going to wear just in case the skirt/suit you had planned to wear is still sitting at the bottom of the washing basket in a crumpled mess along with the boyfriend's dirty work clothes, with no chance of a quick revival.
Also, plan how you are going to wear your hair. Up? Down? All of this takes time that you may need to factor in. Do you have to wash your hair? Does the chipped red nail polish need to be removed?
Research the organization so that you know exactly what the company is about before you delve into signing the contract papers! Take a look at their mission statement to see whether or not you agree with what they are working towards. Also, have a look at whether they are a large/small organization – would you like to work in a large/small organization?
If you are driving, make sure you know where the closest parking is and how much it is. If you are utilizing public transport, have a bus timetable handy to save you stranded at the bus stop.
Watch the news and have a look at the weather forecast the following day. If there is a chance that it will rain, bring an umbrella for good measure. Speaking from experience, sitting in an interview soaking wet and mirroring the image of a drowned rat doesn't do much for your confidence.
Be on time! Plan to be at least 15 minutes early for your interview so that you have time to sit in traffic, find a car park or to find the office building. If you are running late however, make sure you call in advance so that they can re-arrange interview times, if need be.
Lastly, smile and relax! It's your time to shine… if you have properly prepared for the interview, then you will know that you have done everything in your power to score this job.
Be honest with your answers to the questions asked and remember, there is no wrong answer as this is all about you and what the consultancy can do for you.
Good Luck!