The Job Match

Interviewee too often focus just on getting a job that they forgot the importance of finding the job that fits him/her. While the company is assessing the candidates suitability for the job, the candidate should make full use of the chance during interview to understand if the job is for him or her.

Candidate are advise to be clear of what is important for them in the job or work place, examples of such questions candidate should note include:

• Is the work place too far for you?
• Are you willing to travel?
• Is it a MNC?
• What is the work culture you prefer?
• Is the company environment comfortable for you?
• Are you comfortable with the benefits and HR policies?
• What are the possible career path in the company?
• What are the nature of the work? Team or Individual work?
• Is the pay acceptable to you?
  

While job hunting, if your priority is just to land in a job in the short term, and get any jobs that comes your way, do be aware that both candidate and employee may suffer in the longer term. Candidate who got the job will just be another employee in the company, fulfilling the jobs requirement. While the company satisfies the need for someone to fill up the position in the short term, after a while, the employee may leave when a better opportunity appears else where.

It may be difficult to pick and choose your dream job at this economic cycle, however, there are some things that both candidate and employer should attempt to do to create a better job/career match. Candidate can - Learn to like the job. Employer can - Provide constant opportunities to grow the candidate. Company should create a culture to innovate and streamline jobs, improving efficient and making the employee a part of the organization and not just another head count.

Very often job placement is done via employment agencies or head hunters. For jobs placement with employment agencies or head hunters, the HR consultant would typically screen the jobs and candidate to match both parties requirements. However, as HR consultants are also motivated by the incentives in linking up the candidate with the employer, this may some how cause bias in the job/candidate match. Company engaging head hunters and agencies should have an open mind and interview the candidates to access the best fit for the job. Candidate should also be mindful of the job prospect and fitness to his/her job preferences and aspirations.

There may not be a job that will fit the candidate requirement 100% or ideal job, however having the correct attitude and open mindedness towards the jobs search will increase your chances in getting a job which is more align to your ideal career.

Interview guide

I had conducted countless interviews over the years and had many sessions which I find disastrous, which prompted me to write this guide to help potential interviewees better prepare for interviews.

A couple of years ago, when there are more jobs than candidates, it was so difficult for employers to find a suitable candidate for a job. It simply was an employee’s market, however, now the tide had changed due to the economic downturn, resulting in a dreadful job market couple with high job redundancies, there are now more candidates than jobs are available. In today’s job market conditions where unemployment rate is creeping up, it is not difficult to see why employer can afford to be choosy when it comes to recruiting. It appears that there are no shortages of candidates for a job vacancy. Competitions among job seekers in getting the limited job vacancies are getting tough.

If you are among the lucky ones to have you resume picked out by the recruiter and short listed for an interview, you have to ensure that you seize the opportunity to prepare and promote yourself during the interview.

Before the interview

Before you even receive any calls, be sure to know which are the companies and positions you applied for. The last thing any recruiter would want to hear is that you don’t remember which job you applied for.

Don’t get too excited, when you receive the call from the firm you long to work in. First remain compose when you receive the call, it helps to know who called you (remembering their names). Address the person in the duration of the call and remember to thank the person calling you for arranging the interview. If you have any query about the about the job description, it may be a good time to ask now, but remember not to ask too much details as it may appear that you don’t have a clue what you are applying for.

Ask for the contact number incase you have any last minute emergencies which you can’t attend the interview.

Now that you have the appointment for the interview set, ensure that you are fully prepared for the interview. Never go into an interview not prepared, unless of cause if you are not interested in the job.

Preparing for the interview

Some basic preparation will involve information gathering. First, find out more about the company. From all available resource, such as internet (just google the company and see what comes up), publications such as annual reports, etc, find out what are the core products or core services provided by the company. It is important to know at least some basic information on the company, in case you are asked about it. Also take this chance to assess if you like what the company does.

Apart from knowing the company, ensure that you know the job opening that you had applied for. What is your expectation of the job requirements? From the recruitment advertisement, what can you gathered? What are all the pre-requisites? Be sure that you have all the answers to these questions.

Having statisfied yourself that you have the basic background on the company and job, next task is to ensure you portrait the proper image for the job (depending on the job requirement). Some fundamental things to take note of:

- Rest well, ensure you have sufficient rest the day before the interview, don’t look tired and lack the zest. Look fresh and ready for the interview.
- First impression does matter a lot during interview; ensure that you make a impact during the interview. Dress smart and well, not necessary to be dress in branded clothes, but just take note that it should be fitting and not too flashy or striking. You would want the attention to be on you rather than on your clothes. For ladies put on simple makeup, not too elaborate and overdoing it. Decent hairdo, not too messy, clean would be the preferred image for most executive jobs. (Apply your own judgment depending on your understanding of the job)
- Don’t put on perfume with a strong scent. Be mindful that some interviewer may have sensitive noise and may not appreciate the same scent that you like. If you prefer to wear a scent, put on something light and refreshing.

Simply put it, dress appropriately for the interview.

Remember to bring along all relevant documents, prepare a file with all the necessary documents such as a copy of the CV, referral letters, credentials, etc. Be organized.

Oh, please ensure that you are never late for any interviews. This is one of the important things interviewee has to bear in mind.

During the interview

Now come to the interview, please look confident and do not harbor any doubt about yourself. Interviewer can pick up if you lack the confident in yourself. While greeting the interviewer, a firm handshake, too to strong, and greet with a smile. Remember the interviewer name. This is important. At all times during the interview, try to maintain eye contact with the interviewer asking the questions.

During the course of the interview, read the body language of the interviewer, if they appears bored with your answers, move on quickly and not to go on forever. Do not try to oversell yourself or try to boast too much about your capabilities, leave it to the interviewer to be the judge. Be concise and not to beat around the bush when answering the questions. The interviewer is probably having his schedule pack with interviews.

At all times remain humble and appears interested in the conversation without appearing too desperate for the job. Ask questions along the line which will show the interviewer that you know something about the job.

Thank the interviewer after the interview for the opportunity and time, addressing him by his name if you remember.

After the interview

After the interview you will have a pretty good idea if you like the job. If you think the job is not suitable for you, and if the company calls you up offering you a job or a second interview, just reject it. If you like the job, good for you, now anticipate the call from the company.

Don’t be too desperate and keep calling the company to find out about your chances. Most company prefers not to entertain such calls. If you must, just call once after about a week or so to ask about your interview. Call the person whom contacted you for the interview, you should have the number to call. Another option is to email the company if you have the persons email.

One common mistake that candidate may make is to call the company to say that they had another offer and wanted to check if they are short-listed, reason being that they like the job/company more than what another firm offers. This in my opinion is a bad move; If you don’t like another company offer, just reject it, why is there a need to call up and mentioned that you have another offer? What are you trying to tell the hirer? That you are hot candidate and all the companies want to recruit you but you give preference to the company?

Hope the above is helpful in your interview. Good luck for getting the job.