Is it time for a change? If you are thinking about moving on, Alison McGavin shares eight of her best tips to help you nail that new position.
Well, 2017 is well and truly upon us! It comes with a whole new set of goals, challenges and, as always with a new year, change.
We find that the Christmas break often gives people the chance to put consideration into their career, or perhaps the company they are with, as well as take the time to revaluate their goals and direction. This often means making a decision to embark on a new challenge in the way of a job change.
Here’s my tips on how best to prepare for an interview. What should you do and not do?
1 DO YOUR RESEARCH AND KNOW WHO YOU ARE MEETING
A good way to show respect and keenness is to demonstrate that you know the person you are meeting. Read their profile and look at some of the work they have done recently. Are they an award winner? All of this information will not only serve you better in an interview but will also demonstrate whether there is a clear alignment with you both as people.
In the same way, know the size of the business, have a look at the available listings and understand the target demographic of the company as well as the style of the agency. For example, are they modern and innovative with a focus on social media, or more of a values-driven, traditional company built on the reputation of the founding members?
2 BE PUNCTUAL
It seems pretty obvious, yet so many people get it wrong. When you keep someone waiting, it demonstrates a lack of respect for their time. Showing up too early can also demonstrate that you’re not well equipped to manage your time.
3 DRESS APPROPRIATELY
We are lucky in the sense that real estate is a pretty obvious dress code to figure out. It’s safe to say that corporate is key. A good way to gauge a company’s dress style is to look on the team profile. If you aren’t sure how much to amp it up, that it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
4 LISTEN
It’s important to have pre-formulated questions and some pre-formulated answers; these will keep you on track and remind you of the important things you must either ask or say about yourself. But don’t forget to truly listen to the other person. A conversational flow is much more effective in terms of learning about each other and gauging a fit than rigid, practised answers that just don’t quite fit the questions.
5 HAVE A GOOD HANDSHAKE
Nothing is worse than a wet-fish handshake. Be firm and confident, and look the other person in the eyes.
6 BE YOURSELF!
There is nothing worse than working in a culture that doesn’t quite fit. For both parties, it’s important to know that values, morals and personality align.
7 CLOSE
Thank the interviewer for their time and let them know that you are interested in the role. The latter can go a really long way.
8 FOLLOW UP AND DO AS YOU SAY YOU WILL
Send the interviewer a follow-up email. Thank them for their time, and reiterate that you are interested in the role and look forward to hearing back from them. Don’t use this as another opportunity to sell yourself. You can, however, point out anything that you forgot to mention. Keep it short and concise.
Remember, a new opportunity is calling, so be excited! It’s fun!
Lastly, always remember that when you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
