Assessment days are a useful way for organisations to narrow their applicants down to find the most suitable candidates. The day will typically consist of assessments by means of interviews, presentations, group exercises, written exams and role plays. When it comes to preparing for a one to one interview, the preparation and research you do is left largely up to you. This means that you are mostly in charge of how you deliver and present yourself in the interview. When it comes to group exercises however, it is a different matter.

Group exercises are the toughest part of an assessment day because one depends on the behaviour of others. This gives candidates the opportunity to show the employer that they are good team players and are capable of working effectively with others. Although group tasks seem challenging at first, using a few useful techniques can go a long way in helping you to relax and perform to the best of your ability.

To begin with, introduce yourself to the other members of your group. Listen carefully to their names and be sure to use these throughout the task as a matter of being courteous but also to demonstrate to the employer that you pay attention to detail and are sensitive to other members of the group.

There is a general misunderstanding that to stand out in a group task means to dominate it. This is not the case. Employers will not be keen on a bossy, dominant candidate who does not give others the chance to speak since this does not demonstrate that they are capable of working well within a team. Remember that the employer is looking for a candidate who they would like to work with. Instead of dominating the group, be assertive and get your point across. Do not sit back and wait for your turn; it may never come!

Think carefully about the task your group is given and do not be afraid to add something a bit different to the debate. Employers are looking for an individual who is able to bring something new to the company and will notice a candidate who thinks outside of the box. Sometimes it might be the case that specific roles are available to candidates during the group task. Always volunteer for these and be prepared to lead the group if there is an opportunity to do so. Be careful however as if the group were to fail to complete the task in the allotted time, your leadership skills may be questioned.

It may seem hard not to be competitive but try to support other members of your team by listening to them and praising someone for a good point they make. Remember that group tasks are essentially a way for employers to pick out candidates who are able to work well within a group.

Most importantly, be sure to smile and be yourself.

As a recent graduate or an intern, you’re faced with the most important (and exciting!) marketing campaign you’ll ever have – yourself. Catching the eye of potential employers is no easy task, particularly when there are thousands of other graduates showing off their feathers too. This is where networking will get you places that a bulletproof CV and shiny shoes will only get you so far.

1. Be a professional.

In this increasingly competitive world we live in, rejection and hearing the word ‘no’ is inevitable. When this happens: try to resist the urge to reach for the nearest tub of ice cream and watch Disney movies for the rest of the day. A journalist friend of mine once gave me one of the greatest pieces of advice that I still go by today. Be a professional. This doesn’t mean suiting up every time you go to the nearest corner store and it definitely doesn’t mean trading your usual pint of lager to a sleek bourbon on the rocks. Retaining professionalism means going that extra mile to ensure you are polite, friendly and approachable; even to those people that are lacking in these areas themselves! By maintaining this approach, you will ensure ‘no bridges are burnt’. This means every door you open will stay open, and you will be sure to make a lasting impression on people which can lead to further opportunities.

2. Extending your knowledge.

Networking allows you to meet other people that have an abundance of experience and knowledge! Simply asking and paying an interest in people you meet can result in learning valuable information and tips. And what’s more, it’s free! People are sources of knowledge. Learn from their experience and take on board other peoples’ advice.

3. Networking just got easier.

Luckily for you, you’re in ‘the golden era’ for networking. Social networking has allowed us to establish new contacts and branch out our networks more easily than ever. Use this to your advantage! Make it known on your website or social networking sites that you are looking for an internship or a job. Search online for opportunities. Create an online image for yourself. You never know, you may just get a friend request from someone who has heard tales of your ‘professionalism’!

4. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours…

Networking is a two-way process. Therefore you can’t expect to get something out of it without giving something first. If you ever meet someone in your field that is in a similar position to you – help! Think of yourself as a product. And like any great product, when you hear great reviews it sparks curiosity and interest. By helping people to network and grab their own opportunities, you’ll be more likely to be the first name they recommend to other people too. Not only does helping other people create friends in the area you’re working into, it gives potential employers and contacts a good impression of you before you’ve even met!

Things like how to write a good job spec, the importance of training and mentoring, and how to keep an intern busy and motivated are some of the topics discussed on this article.

Read the full article here.

Why are interviewers interested in asking applicants about their travel experiences and why is it often the centre of interview discussion? It is common for the well-travelled applicant to be questioned about their experiences during an interview, but why are employers so interested in our travels?

It is true that those who have travelled are as a result often demonstrative of skills which are greatly desired in the work place. To successfully complete a travelling expedition, whether it is alone or in a group, some serious organisation is required. The correct currency, the correct clothes and paperwork, not to mention the correct geographical plan will all need to be in place. It immediately proves to the employer that the applicant is capable of organising and conducting such an event.

If travelling is done either alone or in a group, good communication and confidence is require to settle in to the new environment as it is common for groups of people to meet when they arrive at the airport or whilst travelling. These skills are ideal for the workplace; communication, team work and the ability to build good relationships.

Travel makes us employable because we have decided to immerse ourselves in to a foreign culture and society. This demonstrates sensitivity and the desire to understand others; it shows an interest to take a step back and observe the bigger picture. Companies who search for the right interns are searching for those who are able to put themselves in other people’s shoes. They are capable of carrying out tasks efficiently and sensitively and are able to understand the bigger picture in terms of their role within the company.

To have travelled means to have listened and learnt about new places and cultures. It is often the case that young travellers are on a budget and cannot afford the larger, more isolated luxurious hotels. Such travellers therefore live abroad communally whether that is in local hostels or sleeping on public trains. This is a wonderful way to experience the truth of an alien society. The traveller is immersed in to the culture by means of social interaction within the local community and has developed a further understanding of the world as a whole. These skills and experiences are invaluable to the employer who seeks a confident and well-rounded applicant.

Above all, what really makes a travelling experience useful is the personal development which is gained. When interviewed, the applicant will sound and look different as a result of their personal development. The travelled individual has an expanded awareness of the world as well as of other cultures and religions. Their eyes and ears are open, ready to tackle their interview, new internship or job.

If you have not yet travelled, why not go and find yourself?

Maintaining a positive attitude whilst searching for your dream internship has its benefits as does keeping that refreshing frame of mind throughout your internship and beyond. The benefits of a positive attitude are fascinating; not only it is good for our physical and mental well-being, it is also incredibly infectious.

Scientific research has proven that those who maintain a positive attitude throughout their life, whether that might be planning a career, searching for an internship or starting a new job, are generally healthier and live for longer. Studies have discovered that those who describe themselves and their lives in a positive way generally live for longer and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Searching for an internship might seem daunting. The difference between you and the person who approaches the internship search with a negative attitude is that you will always see the glass half full. Rather than see it as an obstacle, see it as an opportunity. This is a wonderful chance for you to demonstrate your skills, abilities and passions to employers who seek enthusiastic, positive individuals like you to join their company as an intern. A positive attitude can be spotted a mile away. If you were to complete the same job application twice, once feeling overwhelmed and negative, the other in control and positive, the difference between the two would be remarkable. Approach your applications with confidence and inspiration.

Maintaining a positive attitude during your internship is crucial. You might be asked to do a presentation on a topic you are unfamiliar with. You might be asked to complete a task which you find difficult. Instead of allowing your mind to cloud over with negativity, treat the situation as a challenge; this is an opportunity for you to prove to yourself and your employer that you are confident and capable.

A positive attitude is a tool which has great benefits for those who choose to use it; it has an impact on those around us. This is no surprise because we all want to be surrounded by those who lift us. Whilst delivering a presentation on your internship, your audience will relax when you smile and look happy because a smile is infectious. This will also cause you to relax and to deliver your information in a confident manner.

The importance of keeping a positive attitude whilst searching for an internship, during the internship and in life beyond it should not be underestimated. How is your attitude?

If you have body art and piercings then no doubt you’ve been told by family members or friends to “cover up” or “tone it down” while you embark on your search for a job. The good news is, as the years move forward so has the attitudes towards tattoos and piercings in the workplace.

Statistics show that 1 in 10 people have a tattoo or piercing so attitudes are changing. Employers have to change with the times, and unlike thirty years ago when tattoos and piercings were seen as deviant and associated with gangs and thugs, they are now seen as fashionable, even elegant.

Nevertheless, showing your true colours and achieving success in an interview marginally depends on what sector you want to enter. If you are looking for a role within the creative field, then signs of individuality are often interpreted as ingenuity and expression and more often than not will be welcomed.

Though you must bear in mind, if you are going for a customer facing role, or aiming to work in a professional field such as a doctor or solicitor, then employers may be worried that your image will reflect on the company and alienate potential clients. If you are going for a role in the service industry piercings may conflict with health and hygiene laws.

If you’re worried, communicate with your employer before the interview. Confirm their dress code or request a copy of the employee manual. If anything, this will make you appear more enthusiastic about the company.

As the law stands in the UK at the moment, there is no legislation to protect people with tattoos and piercings from being discriminated against during the interview stage. Discrimination only applies in regards to race, gender, age, origin and sexuality. However, if an employer shows prejudice towards you once you are employed by them, legal action can be taken.

What you want for sure is that your budding employer appreciates your skills and focuses on your achievements. You don’t want them being so distracted by your appearance that they fail to see your potential. With this in mind it’s always best to tone it down; go in looking the part, wear smart clothes and be professional.

If the company doesn’t like facial piercings and tattoo sleeve then meet them half way and adapt your image. In time the facade between employer and employee disintegrates to a degree, and if you do a good job then that is what you will be recognised for.

Well done, you have impressed your potential employer and have been invited to a second interview. Though don’t crack open the bubbly just yet, you have a lot more work to do.

You need to be as prepared as you were for the first interview; at this stage you will be asked more open-ended questions, maybe even challenged on your responses. This is to confirm that you know your stuff, and can handle pressure.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the day…

Preparation

Revisit, expand and clarify
We all do it; we all walk out of interviews and moments later kick ourselves because we’ve forgotten to mention something, or didn’t express ourselves clearly. This is the opportunity to revisit and rectify that. Write down everything you wanted to convey in the first interview, but didn’t. This is your chance to expand and clarify anything you missed out.

Revise
The questions you will be asked in a second interview will be competency-based. They want to know specifics about what you have achieved, what challenges you have faced, and how you met those challenges. Look over all your preparation material from your first interview, including the job specification, and find examples which clearly answer these questions demonstrating your skills and outlining your development.

The company
Check online and on their website to see if there have been any new developments within their company or sector. This will no doubt impress them and show that you are eager, enthusiastic and informed. This will also inspire conversation and add weight to additional questions you may have.
The interview

Be aware
They may ask you some ‘out of the box’ questions such as:
“If you were a colour what colour would you be and why?” or…
“Give me ten uses for a matchstick?”
These questions are to determine your humour, your lateral thinking and how you deal with the unexpected. If confronted by a crazy question, don’t get overwhelmed. Relax, breathe, think about it, answer honestly and don’t be afraid to be quirky.

Your interviewer
You may get a different person interviewing you this time round. Remember, if this is the case, they will have been briefed about your skills and will have read the notes from your last interview. Don’t repeat yourself, and be aware this person may have a different approach so be adaptable.

Again… ask questions
Ask new questions; you can even direct them towards the interviewer personally or be specific to the company rather than the role. Such as:
“What do you like about working for the company?”
“How has your company maintained its growth during the recession?”
Challenge them, make them think and maintain your position as a talented, remarkable and capable candidate.

To conclude:

Remember, the company know that you can do the job, at this point they want to ensure you will fit in well with the team. Be smart, be confident and be enthusiastic. You are already half way there; all you have to do is show your colours.

Gone are the days of walking into a trade or a career with a few GCSE’s and a cheeky smile. The job market is far more competitive, especially now we’re within the eye of a global recession.

Employers are looking for specific qualities that will ensure that they are making a good investment…in you. With hundreds of CV’s piling their desks and dozens of candidates selected for interview, you need to know what they want and show that you can deliver.

Get ahead of the game and learn what every employer wants.

1, Communication
Your employer wants to know that you can covey ideas clearly. It is vital especially in companies that have many departments which feed information back-and-fourth. Clear and concise speaking indicates clarity of thought and deed. To develop this skill get yourself out there, do some public speaking, even a short-term telesales role can dramatically improve your ability to communicate under pressure.

2, interpersonal skills
Your ability to get on well with others is important to the overall operation of the business, your post and the project. Difficult or rude people are hard to work with and create problems in the long term. Also your ability to get on with people from all walks of life and in all positions shows you to be a diverse and likeable person and will soon have you climbing the ladder.

3, Organisation
We all have a lot on our plates at one point or another. What employers seek here is a person who can organise their time, and prioritise projects and keep to deadlines. One way to improve this skill is to set yourself tasks and deadlines in your personal life and meet them. Also organise your personal space. No one likes mess, and no one likes having to wait. Ensure your employer doesn’t have to do either of these two things and you will certainly impress them.

4, Flexibility
They want you to be adaptable, to be able to meet challenges and face sudden changes in circumstance without falling apart and putting the entire project in jeopardy. Even if it means putting in an extra hour or two or doing something outside of your job role, this ultimately shows you are willing to pitch in.

5, Time keeping
The pet- peeve of most employers. If you walk into work ten minutes late every day, by the end of the week you have clocked up 50 minutes at their expense. Always be on time. It happens; buses are late, traffic is bad, car tyre gets a puncture. Just don’t make a habit of it and see #1 COMMUNICATE. Let them know and offer to make up the hours. If a project deadline is running over, offer to work from home or stay late.

All-in-all show your employer the qualities outlined above and you will get a good reference and learn new skills that will help you for when you apply for another (and better) role. Keep a positive attitude and you will go far.

‘Carpe Diem’, ‘Seize the day’, ‘Get out what you put in’…here’s just some of the inspirational sayings that could help you make the most of your internship.

With the rapidly growing demand on internship placements in recent years, and the importance of work experience on CVs, internships can offer invaluable nuggets of knowledge to those willing to learn.
Making the most of your internship may seem like an obvious piece of information; however, one might be asking the question ‘how’?

Remember the points below and you might just find yourself in demand…

Network – Talk, talk, talk! You never know who might tell you what. Take advantage of the fact that people have knowledge that they might be happy to share. You also never know what opportunities could come from talking to the right person. As the saying goes ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’.

Transferable skills – Everyday in your internship, you should be building up your skills. Not only are these going to be character building, but also great to transfer to any future job..hence the words ‘transferable skills’

Putting theory into practice – So not only have you read the books and got the t-shirt, now it’s time to take those theories that your university lecturer has been telling you about for the past 3 or 4 years and put them into practice. How very exciting.

Personal Development – keeping a note (not just on a post-it) of each piece of work you get involved with may work wonders for your personal development. You’ll give yourself the chance to reflect on what you have learnt and actually keep it on record to add to your CV at a later date.
Get mentored – If possible, see if you can get yourself a work mentor. By having someone to show you the ropes, you will be able to ask questions and perhaps even get involved in certain areas that you want to develop your skills in.

Reflect everyday – No we don’t mean look at yourself in the mirror each day (although appearance can be very important in certain companies to an extent!). At the end of each day, reflect on what you have learnt, what you did well, what you didn’t do well in and where could you improve. This way, you will be continuously working to be the best you can be.

Get involved – if your company offers you a chance to be on the charity football team, get involved! Of course if football isn’t your thing, then don’t! But get involved in as much as possible in your internship as it will make you feel like part of the team and may help to make you feel that you fit in.

CV – Finally, and most importantly, do not forget to update your CV will your latest showcase of skills. No doubt you will have a shiny, new, sparkling set of them by the end of your internship!

Good luck!

You applied for the job of your dreams, and after much nail-biting you’ve finally received a letter inviting you to an interview. The task now is to show the interviewer that you are the perfect candidate for the role.

Interviews are daunting but if you follow these simple steps, you will have a strong chance of success.

Preparation

Know the job specification
Read it thoroughly. Find examples from your CV that demonstrate the tasks described, pick out the key terms and commit them to memory; they love it when you use their lingo!

Know your work history
You may be asked to “walk us through your CV.” Most people babble on this question, that’s why you need to know your CV through-and-through. Start with your education then lead them through your job history, focusing on relevant experience. This is also an opportunity to add any information that hasn’t been included in your application, such as extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills.

Know the company
This includes their history, their ethics, their clients, and any social media such as twitter and Facebook. They want to know that you’re interested in the company and have taken time to understand them. In addition, share your opinion about their service or website as it shows you are eager to be involved.

Anticipate questions
Go online to research commonly asked interview questions, and try to find specific questions related to the role. You WILL be asked something unexpected, but if you are well prepared you won’t get caught out.

The Interview

Be confident
Easier said than done, but brush modesty aside and SHOW them how talented, remarkable and capable you are. Smile, sit-up straight, be engaged, offer ideas, and relax! In truth, your interviewer is afraid. They are afraid of the embarrassment of hiring the wrong person. Reassure them with confidence and examples of your experience that you are right for the job, and you in-turn will make them look good!

Take notes
Interviewing isn’t a one way process, and you need to be sure the role is right for you. Taking notes not only puts you on par with your interviewer, but shows them that you’re organised, methodical and progressive. Also, it helps you to keep on top of additional ideas or questions that may come to mind.

Ask questions
Again, you are demonstrating that you are a shrewd thinker. Have three to five questions prepared. A killer question to end on is: “Is there anything in my interview or application which may prevent me from being offered the job? If so I am happy to clarify and concern”.

To conclude

Interviews are nerve-wracking and I guarantee that no one likes them. Just remember, you’ve been offered an interview because the employer KNOWS you can do the job. All you have to do is confirm what is on your CV, show that you’re eager to learn and that you can fit in well with the team. Good luck!