02 June 2005
Four simple steps to job satisfaction
There may only be three steps to Heaven, as the famous song goes, but you`ll need to take an extra step if you are aiming for success in a job interview. As a new generation of graduates prepares to face prospective employers, specialists at Thorpe Molloy Recruitment are offering reminders of the all-important four steps to interview perfections.
Marnie Marshall, senior consultant to the Aberdeen-based recruitment firm, points out that preparation is the key to interview performance. "Good interview technique is a powerful weapon in any career search" she said.
"New graduates are no exception and before attending an interview there are four skills to master. Armed with these skills, you can attend an interview knowing you have given yourself the best opportunity to shine in front of a potential employer."
According to Marnie the four steps to improving interview performance are: Demonstrating your skills and expertise verbally and within a limited timescale; responding openly and fully to all questions and citing appropriate examples; handling any objections which are put to you; and being able to justify your salary expectations. In a study funded by the Department for Education and Skills, many graduates admitted they were surprises at how difficult it was to find work and as a result a substantial minority moved into temporary or low quality jobs.
Marnie added: "Results like this show just how important it is as a new graduate to be prepared for job interviews. And with graduate debt estimated to be an average of £15,000 per student, it is vital that the new pool of graduates find appropriately paid posts as soon after graduation as possible.
"Good interview technique can mark you out as an excellent candidate if it is matched with a good CV."
Always remain positive when answering questions, never giving negative responses about previous employment. Always ask at lest one questions - but have several prepared in case your question is answered before you ask it. And it is important to know your own CV inside out - if you don`t, then there may be some doubts about the authenticity of your details. And don`t be afraid to tell interviewers how interested you are in the position, assuming that you really are.
Free advice giving many more tips on how to prepare for interviews is available from Thorpe Molloy Recruitment at by clicking here
Daily Express, Thursday 2nd June 2005
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