Interview do's and don'ts - Advice? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Interview do's and don'ts - Advice?

76
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:23

Right, so I'm handing in my notice tomorrow and I'm very nervous since its been 4 years since I last went through the job search process. Since some of you lovely ladies have just been on this path can anyone give me any advice for anything 'job search' related?

For example - picture on the CV - do it or not?
Best CV font?
Interview do's and don'ts
Interview clothes/hair (can I wear my hair down as I hate my ears??)

And anything else that would help....???

Eternally grateful :)

1953
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 13:47
To be honest - most of this discussion is somewhat irrelevant as the majority of interviewers in Dubai don't know their Ar$e from their elbow :D
407
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 12:37
If its a Western company skirt is no issue either - but conservative is key, don't do dowdy though. Open shoes are out of question even if it hits 58 degrees C outside. Closed shoes only for sure. I personally prefer to keep some 'style' element to distinguish myself from the rest of the candidates in dark suits. I have worked in HR in the past and I know seeing one candidate after in similair looking clothes can sometimes cloud one's mind, especially for quick screening interviews. I know, I know its one's skills that's supposed to get us the jobs - but we accept fact and look at studies many of us know that first impressions count a big deal.
587
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 11:56
Thank you Monkey Face - yes the pants suit worked for me last time:)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 11:43
I am being optimistic and planning for a job interview. I wanted to ask if I should wear pantyhose with a dress/skirt or are bare legs acceptable in this heat? Open toed or closed shoes? Or should I just wear a pants suit? Thank you! It depends on where you're interviewing. But it's always better to play it safe and dress conservatively. Go for the pants suit.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2011 - 11:39
I am being optimistic and planning for a job interview. I wanted to ask if I should wear pantyhose with a dress/skirt or are bare legs acceptable in this heat? Open toed or closed shoes? Or should I just wear a pants suit? Thank you!
95
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 11:46
The interviewer will invariably ask you about some of the projects / experience mentioned on your CV. Although you should have a section with a brief employment history in date order, I would also have a second section titled "Relevant Experience" or similar where you proide more detail about experience gained across all of your previous employment roles. In this section, put the projects you want to talk about at the top rather than strictly following date order. Although interviewers will read the whole CV, in the interview itself they are more likely to ask about things appearing towards the top of the document than at the bottom of page 2! Whether you put a photo on depends on the kind of job I think - for a quite senior/professional role, I don't think many employers would be bothered. For a more admin / PA type role, unfortunately many employers here still ask for photos.
76
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 11:10
short skirt and low necked blouse usually helps Ha! Just got a smart dress which covers my shoulders and knees made for interviews. Maybe I should veto that now! ;)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 11:03
short skirt and low necked blouse usually helps
876
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EW GURU
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 10:59
don't pop pop....remember silent is usually lethal
76
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 April 2011 - 10:55
Ladies, thank you so much for your advice. Definately some good tips there. Finally handed in the notice yesterday, sooo nervous but feel like it was the right decison (hopefully) :)
15
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:53
In addition to all of the good advice already mentioned. Keep in mind that you are also interviewing them to see if you want to work for that company and to find out if the job is something that you want.
1617
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:48
Kylie2810 Posts 1064 suze, your last point, totally agree!! Get so annoyed when only the men are addressed in meetings when I may be the one in the more senior role!! Time to crawl out of the dark ages boys I think I must still be acclimatising to life in the Middle East...I've just been left off the invite list for tomorrow's meeting in Cairo that I'm chairing! The invite was forwarded to me by someone else!!!
1238
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:46
Picture on the front of the CV if you are good looking, but not too good looking, CV font must be simple, Times New Roman or Arial, size 12. Prepare yourself before the interview by reviewing your cv, reviewing the job description, and learning about the company by checking out their website, recent news about the company, etc. If the interviewer asks you about your flaws or whatever, always say something like, "I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist," or similar. If he asks you why you left your last job, be honest, but say it in a positive way. "I left to seek out new opportunities and to improve my chances for growth," rather than, "my lousy S.O.B. of a boss wouldn't promote me." When the interviewer says do you have any questions, always ask a question - one that is about the company or the position: ie, "Does the company place an emphasis on retaining good staff members?" Clothes: wear what you expect the boss to wear, and wear your hair however you are most comfortable. And, always, always send a thank you letter as soon as you get home or latest, next day. Even if you've decided you don't want the job. edited by guinness on 03/04/2011 <em>edited by guinness on 03/04/2011</em>
185
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:44
the basics. Make sure your nail polish isnt chipped, your shoes are clean and your clothes are well pressed. If I interviewed someone who looked like they had been dragged through a hedge backwards i probably wouldnt employ them. If they have no pride in themselves, then they wont in thier job think about your answer before you actually answer. dont just respond straight away and waffle. Listen to the question, digest it, then wait 5 or so seconds before you answer. If you sound like you are waffling, then the interviewer will be confused. ask about ongoing training and development, this shows you want to progress within the company and stay long term. Now, if you think the interview has gone really well, ask this question: so, now you have met with me and I have taken you through my CV, what skills and experience do you think i can bring to this role By asking this question the interviewer has given you positive feedback which will stay in their head as its the last thing they have said to you. if they ask you questions about are negative, ie. tell us about a bad experience etc etc, tell them but then show them how you turned a negative into a positive and how you learnt from this and also how this situation helped you if it happened later on down the line. Employers love this. Relax and enjoy the interview, dont get nervous and let your personality show through Good luck
318
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:43
suze, your last point, totally agree!! Get so annoyed when only the men are addressed in meetings when I may be the one in the more senior role!! Time to crawl out of the dark ages boys :)
318
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:41
Kacey - firstly good luck! Re CV, I would go for a small picture in the top right corner. Not necessary elsewhere in the world but thay are big on appearances here. Font - Try Arial or Tahoma 10, 11 max. Make sure you justify paragraphs and text when finished and keep it simple, relevant to the job you are applying for bullet points to ensure easy to read! Re interview, stick with a suit if an admin/corporate type roll, black, navy, neutral/beigh colours, pants or a skirt to the knee (no skirt if a local or conservative type company). I think if hair is quite long best to tie back. If a more casual role, just smart tailored pants and a simple top covering shoulders and chest. Show a little bit of fashion or flair in accessories if you want. Interview- Try and be yourself and dont be afraid to [pause for a moment before you reply to think about what you will say. Be honest but dont share more information than you need to. If they ask something awkward or ask about a negative point, just address it calmy and move on. Promote yourself and relevant experience and skills as much as you can and believe in yourself. Remember - the person in front of you is just a person and there is no need to feel intimidated. If you do feel intimidated by them then perhaps not the role for you as you will have to deal with that person day and and day out! Also - prepare by researching the company and role before the interview as they will be impressed by your knowledge. Also rehearse just a few responses to the basic questions like what are your best points, your negatives, where do you want to be in 5 years, what do you hope to gain from this role, what can you bring to the company and the usual mindless blah blah. Good luck! :)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:41
A subject close to my heart as I've just interviewed a really dreadful chap! He pointed out that he could speak three languages... I was sorely tempted to ask if he could listen in any of them! I'd say no picture on the CV, with arial as the best font, keep the format simple and stress your achievements in each role. I think it's fine to wear your hair down. The pitfalls to avoid in an interview (all fallen over by the banker I've just interviewed)....don't talk to much, make sure you've done your background research into the company / products / business; even if you don't have the correct skills and experience make sure you have a coherent story as to why that role can add value to your career (ie it's not just a job) and what your skills and experience can add to the organisation. Make sure you have some good questions to ask the interviewer. Don't waffle and if there's anything you don't actually know don't pretend that you do. If the interviewer (or one of them) is a woman don;t spend the whole time speaking to the men...she might be the most senior person in the room and be getting right royally p***ed off!!!!
181
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 14:28
You might find a book titled 'Brilliant Interview' by Ros Jay useful, it covers just about everything - before during and after an interview and how to respond to those difficult questions, coping with nerves, questions to ask etc. and its not too lengthy to read!
 
 

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