Career Services from Measurability

Why improve Interview Techniques when you are not generating interviews?

I work with many jobseekers across Career Coaching, CV Writing Services, Job Search Strategies & Interview Techniques. A conversation with one individual this morning prompted me to write this post.

The conversation went something like this ….

Individual: I am ringing up to enquire about your interview coaching service
Me: We offer blah blah – Read our full Interview Techniques offering!!
Me: Have you been called for specific interview?
Individual: No not yet
Me: Are you expecting to be called for interview in the coming week?
Individual: Probably not at this rate.
Me: How has your job search been going to date?
Individual: Not great to be honest – there don’t seem to be many jobs about and I am struggling to get positive response back from applications.

STOP!!!!

Basically this individual was barking up the wrong tree. In a bid to put the job search back on track they were focusing on the wrong area. The individual felt they would need help at interviews and I don’t doubt this as most jobseekers do. But I say lets generate interviews and then look at performance. We are going to do some work on CV &Job Search Strategies …..

Analysis of job hunting performance and activity is essential. It is this exercise that will clearly tell you what is working and what is not. When you know what is broken you can then fix it …..

You will find my blog tips and advice at CV & Interview Blog

You can connect with me on Linkedin Profile @ Paul Mullan – Linkedin

You can follow me on Twitter @ Paul Mullan -Twitter

Other websites

Interview Preparation Ireland – My Interview service website

CV Writing Service Ireland – My CV Writing Service website

Career & Jobs – Irish Jobs News

HR & Recruitment – Irish HR & Recruitment News

Outplacement Services – Measurability Outplacement Projects & Redundancy Advice

Psychometrics – Psychometric Testing Informtion

Most jobseekers are nervous about interviewing and you know what – nerves are ok!! From experience coaching jobseekers I am more worried about those who don’t have any nerves. Quite often they mess up because their confidence normally equates to cutting corners in preparation.

Interview preparation for extra confidence

The more you prepare the more confident you will get. It is no secret that effective preparation will improve your confidence and performance. This is your starting point. Know what the employer wants and how you meet their needs. Know your own CV and learn about the company/industry.

Acknowledge your achievements before interviews

You need to acknowledge your achievements. This is an empowering exercise and will certainly boost confidence. My favourite exercise to support this is writing out “100 Successes List”. Please not that you will probably start struggling after about 20 successes BUT keep going. When you read through your success you will experience a significant rise in confidence. Worthwhile exercise even if you are not interviewing!!

Interviews – Confidence is a habit

You need to practice confidence as confidence is a habit. Watch how confident people act. You should also work on changing your thoughts and internal speak. What picture do you visualize when you think of an interview. For most people it is 3 (always 3) interviewers sitting at the far side of the interview table looking intimidating. Very rarely a reality. Start by changing this picture!!

Go to interview as a superhero

Superman – Try this as it really does work. We did this exercise at a martial arts workshop. Close your eyes and imagine you are entering a phone box, you spin around three times and emerge as superman/ or wonderwoman. You have the full outfit on. This does work and no I am not mad!!

Interviews – Some facts that might interest you.

You were called for interview because the employer liked your CV – A positive start!! He/She now wants a chat about your experience (which they love!!). The recruiter has a problem and you are the potential solution. They want you to succeed so they can stop recruiting and get back to their day job. By the way they don’t do much recruiting and are probably more nervous than you.

Measurability offering Interview Coaching & Interview Preparation information to jobseekers across Ireland – Armagh, Carlow, Cavan, Cork, Clare, Derry, Donegal, Fermanagh, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Westmeath, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Louth Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Tyrone, Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, Antrim, Down, Dublin

Career, CV & Interview Experts – Ireland

Measurability provides expert career, interview and CV preparation advice to jobseekers in Ireland. Measurability has been established since 2006 although founder/owner Paul Mullan has 14 years Career, HR & Recruitment experience in Ireland & UK. Paul has successfully worked with many jobseekers helping them achieve their career goals through his innovative and highly supportive approach.

For more information about the services offered by Measurability just review the website or click on the following links – CAREER COACHING – CV WRITING SERVICE – INTERVIEW COACHING – or contact us.

Measurability offer Career Services nationwide – Dublin, Waterford, Armagh, Cavan, Carlow, Cork, Clare, Donegal, Derry, Fermanagh, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Limerick, Leitrim, Laois, Westmeath, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Louth Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, Offaly Tipperary, Tyrone, Wexford, Wicklow, Antrim, Down

Of course I am going to tell you that Interview Coaching works. After all Interview Coaching is a key service I provide through my company Measurability. I have provided Interview preparation support for many individuals across job functions and industry sectors. I have coached for all types of Interviews and Assessments.

Interview Coaching – Benefits

Read an email I received last week from a previous client. I facilitated a 2 hour Interview Coaching session with this individual. We focused on the key areas of interview preparation and spent some time on communicating the message through role play of difficult interview questions. I felt the interview coaching session went well but it is always nice to hear about the positive results.

“This email is long overdue but I suppose better late than never. I spent a couple of hours training with you for an interview in England for a research position. I wanted to let you know that I actually got the job and I am starting next week. I am over the moon obviously and wanted to thank you again for your help, you definitely gave me great confidence in facing the interview. If there’s a way I can leave feedback on your website or anything I would be more than happy to do that so just let me know. Thanks again and best wishes for the future” – Kate

Interview Coach – Ireland

I cannot guarantee success BUT I can guarantee that Measurability will offer full support to enhance your interview performance and confidence. For more information about our service visit – Interview Coaching.

Measurability offer Executive Interview Coaching services to Management & Professionals in Ireland. Paul Mullan is a recognised interview expert and leading industry commentator. Paul has extensive experience supporting Executives & Professionals ensuring interview success – read what others had to say about his Interview Coaching services.

Visit Measurability if you want to find out more about Executive Interview Coaching or email info@measurability.ie.

Paul Mullan is a leading Career Coach, Interview Coach and CV Expert in Ireland. Read about his CV, Interview Coaching & Interview Coaching experience.

Paul has worked with many individuals providing expert services. Career – Interview – CV Testimonials.

Paul regularly comments in the nation media, writes for a number of leading online sites and is a Career Doctor for the Irish Independent and Sunday Tribune. His experience and views are valued in Ireland.

“Paul Mullan is a leading career expert who has been providing career, CV and interview content for our site since 2006. His knowledge and the quality of work has been a great asset to our site and more importantly it has provided important career information and advice for registered jobseekers”. – RecruitIreland

“We have been working with Paul since 2007. Paul has provided expert career support for our readers as a Career Doctor for the Appointments supplement” – Sunday Tribune

“Paul offers HR and career coaching advice to a number of our publications. He has been acting as Career Doctor and supporting other editorial since 2006. We have found Paul very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with” – Irish Independent

Stuck in a rut and need a career coach and career coaching for some direction?

Struggling to get interviews and need a professional CV?

Not performing at Interview and need and expert interview coach and interview coaching?

Measurability providing career solutions in Ireland – Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow, Antrim, Armagh, Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Derry, Donegal, Down, Dublin, Fermanagh, Galway, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Tyrone, Waterford, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Mayo, Meath

Competency Based Interviews – Behavioral Interviews

Recruiters have used many techniques over the years to assess job applicants BUT a popular and successful technique is the Competency Based Interview or Behavioural Interview. The thinking behind these interviews in that the best indication of how an individual will behave in the future is how they have behaved in the past.

Competency Based Interviews – What are they?
 
A competency Based interview is a technique that employers use to determine whether you are a good fit for the job by asking questions that show evidence of your past behaviour. Anyone can say they are good at selling at interview BUT when individuals are asked to recall situations and they need to show evidence that they have done what they say.

Difference between competency questions and traditional.
 
Basically Competency Interview questions are specific behavioral question will be very specific. Traditional interview questions are “what if” – for example “how would you sell me a product”. These interviews are about the now or future and do not seek specific examples
 
An example of a Competency Based Interview question.
 
“Tell me about a situation where you had to use your initiative?”
 
Preparation & Techniques for Competency Based Interviews
 
It is important to identify what competencies will be assessed. Some employers will provide this information before interview and some will not. The important thing is to ask. If you are not provided you still will be able to work out what they could be. Prepare a few examples for each of the competencies to be assessed. Ensure that you use the STAR technique for your preparation – Situation/Task, Action & Result.

If you need help preparing for a competency interview we can help. Measurability is interview experts in Ireland offering interview preparation for Competency Based Interviews or Behavioural Interviews.

Many jobseekers focus on the type of interview they will face and often neglect preparing how to deal with different interviewer styles. Just like there are different types of interviews you can face there are also different types of interviewers you can face. Below I have listed 3 types of interviewers:

Different types of Interviewers

“Absentee” Interviewer – You may get the impression that this interviewer is absent from the room and the interview. And yes they could be dwelling on something else.  Try to get you message across but it is difficult. Using the interviewers name can bring them back for important point you want to get across.

“Shotgun” Interviewer – This interviewer is firing questions all over the place. Changing and moving from different topics with ease. It is difficult to gauge where they are coming from. It is important to pay attention and try to relate back to the key requirements for the job.

“Silver Bullet” Interviewer – This is the one question wonder and your response to this gem will dictate that you are right for the job. “Who would you share your last role with?” Your answer will dictate if they feel you are right for the job. Your best approach is to just answer the question and move on.

Measurability offers expert interview coaching for all levels of the organisation and across all industry sectors. If you want to maximise your performance at interview then an interview expert can help. For more information about services visit our site.

I am glad to announce we will be commencing our career workshops in Dublin City Center from April. The 1st quarter of the year has been quite busy so unfortunately there have been no workshops.

If you are interested in attending please drop me an email for more information on provisional dates and location.

The Workshop will cover the key to interview success including;

- Interview preparation – the essentials

- Researching the employer

- How to handle difficult interview questions

- Competency Based Interviews and other assessments

- Body language and confidence.

Other topics include CV, Job search strategies and general career advice

The workshop will be run by Paul Mullan – a career and interview coach. View Paul’s profile. If you would like more information about the workshop please contact.

We offer our normal 1-1 career coaching, CV writing and interview coaching.