Tag: #interview

Sometimes the reason why you didn’t get a job could simply be that you lacked the key qualifications or “must-haves” the position requires.  It could be a personality clash between you and the executive in-charge or that you simply botched the interview. It is not always that clear cut, or personal, and often there are unapparent factors at play that could influence a job status.

Unapproved Budget

Hiring managers would sometimes take it upon themselves and request directly to HR to identify the right person for additional member(s) for the department. Often times in these instances, HR would confidently assume that the budget will be approved, and on time, for the hire.  HR would go ahead and advertise the vacancy and commence the recruitment process.  It is not uncommon for one reason or another where internal forces could affect the business direction resulting in the requisition to be cancelled.

Company Restructuring

Sometimes HR or a recruitment team would be informed that an open position has suddenly been put on hold or cancelled without any real understanding behind the reason why.  Top management do not necessary share openly with its HR/recruitment team on a change in business strategy or any major internal upheaval which may delay or cancel hiring needs.

The Problem with Internal Politics

A senior executive could be in a position to exert his/her influence over the decision to hire. The senior executive could also strongly “suggest” the hiring manager to interview a different shortlist of candidates (this could be a personal friend/contact or within his/her network whom could give him/her leverage). Neither fair nor cool but it does happen.

Are You A Red Flag?

Before submitting your resume to any company, it would be best to check that there’s no falsehood about you on online. You could google your name to see if there is any negative gossip. If you do find something, correct it immediately. Go through your social media postings and remove any unpleasant photos which might be taken in a less than positive view. Hearsay is a common issue and a most random comment or public photo could break your job offer. Should a hiring manager be made aware of a negative gossip, even if it’s baseless, they might choose to pass up on your application.

You’re the First Candidate They Interviewed

Recruitment process commonly comprises of 3 interview phases.  Should you be among the first few in the first round of many initial interviews, chances are you may not be remembered as well as those attending interviews towards the end. This could affect your odds of being shortlisted to the next phase.  It would be a good idea to call and check with the hiring manager or an HR staff for interview date options and try to see if you can be slotted into a later date.

Internally Filled Position

The least cool reason is a position you applied for which never actually existed in the first place! Yup! All along the company had already intended to give the job to an existing employee and was simply going through the motions.

Do not be so hard on yourself if you weren’t selected after an interview which you felt had gone really well. There is no real opportunity lost, for every interview is a journey towards a more confident you. So best to have an attitude of, “Next!”

Like the idea of getting guidance on updating your resume or brushing up on your interview skills? Get in touch with one of our consultants for a free and helpful session.

Many people find the idea of a video interview intimidating and feel quite uncomfortable and unprepared.  Increasing number of company HR use video interviews as part of the screening process. There is really not much option for you, as candidates, but to learn to adapt to this method of interviewing.

Making the right first impression on a video interview is as important as in a face-to-face meeting.  Below are some key points you can take note of in preparing for your video interview.

Dress Smartly – You would need to look presentable with reasonable grooming and business casual dress, like you would be to a personal meeting.  After all, the interviewer can still see you!

Be in the Right Environment – Make sure that you take your video interview in a well-lit space. Dim lighting or overly bright lighting could alter your skin, changing the colour to a greenish or pale white colour.  Noise is also a factor – best in a quiet room, with little to no background noise.

Ensure You Have the Right Software – It is best to avoid a panicky scenario so make sure that you have the software downloaded, sign up if prompted and test the software. Your interview will be more relaxed and far less stressful if you know how to manage the platform you’ll be using.

Once you eliminate technological stresses, you can better focus on the content of the conversation, rather than apologising profusely to the interviewer every time your computer plays up.

Be Prepared for Glitches – There can be occasions where if things could go wrong, they would! Technology crashes and glitches can happen at the worst possible times. Do not panic and just wait for the Internet to catch up with the video and move on with the questions. If you miss something the interviewer said because of a glitch or lag time, politely ask if they could repeat themselves.

So, keep your eyes on the camera, have your smile on and be yourself as much as you can.  It is just an interview — like any other.

At Red Fire Consulting, we would be happy to provide you with guidance and practice for your upcoming telephone, personal and video interviews at zero cost. So get in touch with us and ace that interview!

Gaps on your resume?

You may have a gap on your resume for a variety of reasons.  Was it to fulfil your traveling dreams, a sabbatical MBA year or for family reasons? Was it unfortunately due to poor health or perhaps you were made redundant?

Candidates who have noticeable periods of time without work tend to get overlooked by employers. However, if you find yourself in front of an interview panel, it is important that you answer to questions on any gaps in your resume confidently and in as positive a light as possible.  Sincerity is highly recommended from the onset.  Bluffing your way through is not recommended as most good hiring managers can see straight through this.

So, how would you explain the gap on your resume?

First of all, do your homework.  Demonstrate that you are very much still in touch with what is happening in the market place relevant to your niche sector and also the company you’re hoping to land a job with.

New approach – think outside of the box.  This is especially useful if you are struggling to get through to the interview stage because of the gaps on your resume. Mention your short stint of voluntary work or short courses you’ve recently taken up.  This will not only give you something recent to put on your resume but it also shows that you are pro-active and ambitious.

Make your new skills count.  Talk about your recently acquired skills whilst you were out of the corporate world.  Did you have a career switch or move into a different sector? If so, share what you’ve learnt there and how those skills are transferrable in the new role you are applying for.

These days, as candidates, you do need to work quite a bit harder to stand out and be noticed. Having gaps in your resume may seem like a hindrance to some but if you keep positive, pro-active and sincere, there is every reason you’ll succeed in landing your ideal job.

Should you require assistance with preparing your resume due gaps in your career or guidance on interviewing skills, feel free to get in touch for your one-on-one support.