Tom O’Neil www.cv.co.nz
Well great news, as we read this, we are (hopefully) three quarters the way through the Covid19 Lock In. For those of you thinking about having to seek new opportunities due to redundancy, I thought I would give an update about some of the things we are doing here, as well as some more feedback to questions I have been asked recently…
Media Interviews
Recently I have been answering employment questions to NZ media. You can find an interview here from the Rhema network. https://www.rhema.co.nz/shows/days/item/12307-looking-for-work-during-lockdown
As well as this, I am the TV3 Career Specialist, so am doing a Skype interview on TV3’s AM Show at 8:40 tomorrow on what to do to be employer ready when this is all over! Keep an eye our to watch me live! 😊
Videos
I have just popped up a couple of COVID19 videos relevant to marketing yourself and CVs – so please feel free to view them here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gEu4MXw6kBa2g4LPR9utQ
What can I do to sharpen my skills at the moment?
If you are stuck at home at present, remember you can also practice your interviewing skills with someone in your bubble. I find this the single best way to prepare yourself for an interview, as it helps you to articulate your answer well under pressure. Mock interviews give you a safe place to fail, yet give you enough structure to give the process genuine value.
What questions will I get in an interview?
Usually you will get a few of the following general questions: (Do not spend longer than three minutes per answer however).
What are Behavioural interviews?
The Behavioural Event Interviewing (BEI) technique is when you answer an interview question giving real-life examples and facts from a specific situation. The key premise behind this type of interview is that your previous behaviour is the main predictor of your future potential. Example questions include:
• ‘Tell me about a recent goal you set and how you successfully achieved it’
• ‘Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.’
• ‘Give me an example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.’
• ‘Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.’
• ‘Tell me about a time when you encountered conflict at work and how you handled it.’
• ‘Tell me about a time when you have gone above and beyond to satisfy a particularly difficult customer.
You can answer these using the C.A.R. method:
Context – Explain the job and company were you employed in, and a little around the background of the problem or issue.
Action – Talk about what you did to solve the problem. Remember to be specific where possible.
Result – Explain the positive result and how it all finished up.
I HATE talking about how good I am at something during the job interview…
Yes that is the kiwi way, and generally to be commended as we are a humble nation generally! However there is only one time in our society where we are allowed to talk about how good we are at something, and THAT IS THE JOB INTERVIEW. Remember to be humble, however also share your strengths and achievements with some degree of enthusiasm. An employer can only form an opinion to hire you on what they have been given. Therefore if you leave out some important information relevant to your suitability to the job you are applying for, you have let both yourself and them down!
Is LinkedIn useful at this time?
Anywhere employers are, is a place for you to be! Make sure your profile is strong, with a good photo, job relevant headline and summary, and achievements included in each of your positions. You can also join industry groups that will be discussing industry relevant news and opportunities, putting you at the right place and the right time to follow up.
Should I leave my job at the moment, without having a new one to go to?
Personally I would not leave a current role at present, if I had nowhere to go. Times are very uncertain at present, so a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. On the other hand, if you have a great opportunity with a business that is seen as essential, this could be a great time to transition, as long as there is still work for you when this is all over.
I hope you gain some really good information from the above, and if you need any professional, CV LinkedIn or career coaching support, don’t hesitate to contact me direct on 021 9000 91 or tom@cv.co.nz. I am also happy to give your CV a free assessment, so email it to me and we can talk.
God bless and stay safe! :-) Not long now hopefully!
Tom O’Neil
Managing Director – CV.CO.NZ www.cv.co.nz
Well great news, as we read this, we are (hopefully) three quarters the way through the Covid19 Lock In. For those of you thinking about having to seek new opportunities due to redundancy, I thought I would give an update about some of the things we are doing here, as well as some more feedback to questions I have been asked recently…
Media Interviews
Recently I have been answering employment questions to NZ media. You can find an interview here from the Rhema network. https://www.rhema.co.nz/shows/days/item/12307-looking-for-work-during-lockdown
As well as this, I am the TV3 Career Specialist, so am doing a Skype interview on TV3’s AM Show at 8:40 tomorrow on what to do to be employer ready when this is all over! Keep an eye our to watch me live! 😊
Videos
I have just popped up a couple of COVID19 videos relevant to marketing yourself and CVs – so please feel free to view them here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gEu4MXw6kBa2g4LPR9utQ
What can I do to sharpen my skills at the moment?
If you are stuck at home at present, remember you can also practice your interviewing skills with someone in your bubble. I find this the single best way to prepare yourself for an interview, as it helps you to articulate your answer well under pressure. Mock interviews give you a safe place to fail, yet give you enough structure to give the process genuine value.
What questions will I get in an interview?
Usually you will get a few of the following general questions: (Do not spend longer than three minutes per answer however).
- Tell me a little about yourself – Talk about your career past and present, as well as what drew you to this role. Feel free also to add some light personal information if you feel it is appropriate.
- What do you know about our organisation? – Read the businesses website the day before, making sure you are up to date with their latest news and products.
- Why do you want to work here? – If you don’t know this, don’t apply!
- What are your main strengths? – Think of three main strengths, and talk through these at the interview.
- What is your main weakness? – Think of a genuine weakness, then explain what you are doing to overcome it.
What are Behavioural interviews?
The Behavioural Event Interviewing (BEI) technique is when you answer an interview question giving real-life examples and facts from a specific situation. The key premise behind this type of interview is that your previous behaviour is the main predictor of your future potential. Example questions include:
• ‘Tell me about a recent goal you set and how you successfully achieved it’
• ‘Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.’
• ‘Give me an example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.’
• ‘Tell me about a recent situation in which you had to deal with a very upset customer or co-worker.’
• ‘Tell me about a time when you encountered conflict at work and how you handled it.’
• ‘Tell me about a time when you have gone above and beyond to satisfy a particularly difficult customer.
You can answer these using the C.A.R. method:
Context – Explain the job and company were you employed in, and a little around the background of the problem or issue.
Action – Talk about what you did to solve the problem. Remember to be specific where possible.
Result – Explain the positive result and how it all finished up.
I HATE talking about how good I am at something during the job interview…
Yes that is the kiwi way, and generally to be commended as we are a humble nation generally! However there is only one time in our society where we are allowed to talk about how good we are at something, and THAT IS THE JOB INTERVIEW. Remember to be humble, however also share your strengths and achievements with some degree of enthusiasm. An employer can only form an opinion to hire you on what they have been given. Therefore if you leave out some important information relevant to your suitability to the job you are applying for, you have let both yourself and them down!
Is LinkedIn useful at this time?
Anywhere employers are, is a place for you to be! Make sure your profile is strong, with a good photo, job relevant headline and summary, and achievements included in each of your positions. You can also join industry groups that will be discussing industry relevant news and opportunities, putting you at the right place and the right time to follow up.
Should I leave my job at the moment, without having a new one to go to?
Personally I would not leave a current role at present, if I had nowhere to go. Times are very uncertain at present, so a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. On the other hand, if you have a great opportunity with a business that is seen as essential, this could be a great time to transition, as long as there is still work for you when this is all over.
I hope you gain some really good information from the above, and if you need any professional, CV LinkedIn or career coaching support, don’t hesitate to contact me direct on 021 9000 91 or tom@cv.co.nz. I am also happy to give your CV a free assessment, so email it to me and we can talk.
God bless and stay safe! :-) Not long now hopefully!
Tom O’Neil
Managing Director – CV.CO.NZ www.cv.co.nz
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