For those who have recently launched into their interview season, I suspect that you will find that your opportunity to interview starts gathering momentum. This happens once you start using LinkedIn effectively and begin the application process to both recruiters and directly to companies. The rounds of interviews are often ongoing – like going up […]
Your response to hearing ‘no’.
You have been turned down for an internship, for example. What is your immediate response and reaction? How does this follow through re the story that you are telling yourself? I met with a young man the other day from Cape Town. He had yet to secure an Internship and was despondent and flat. He […]
Making your personal statement count …
I think that it is the mindset – the approach – to writing the personal statement that is the great starting point and actually imperative if you are going to connect successfully. Approaching it with intention, gusto, and excitement to write effectively and well is important – because the task is important. If you are […]
Add the ‘specifics’ when telling your story.
Interviews are really just conversations, chats, with the purpose of getting to know you much better than what the paperwork presents. Whatever stage you are at with your interviews (school to work) the more you are able to open up and give detail to your answers, the greater the depth of the picture you […]
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
This open ended question is designed to get to know you beyond your ‘qualifications’ and is another way of asking: Do you understand our organisation and are you committed to what we aim to accomplish?; Tell us something about yourself that we do not know already?; What inspires and motivates you?; What are your ambitions?; […]
How do you fill your spare time?
This is the question that I find so often baffles candidates and I think that this is because it is in what you do in your spare time that reveals so much more that just your qualifications. And as such, it can be awkward to answer. Talking about yourself outside of the workplace […]
What makes you a good fit?
This question regularly comes up. It might feel as if you are being put on the spot with this one and it can initially feel rather awkward to respond to, but with careful forethought this question provides the perfect platform from which you can reassure your interviewers that you are the perfect answer to their […]
Q1 – Tell me about yourself …
I regularly remind students preparing for first interviews, that these occasions are just conversations (with purpose and a certain formality) through which the interviewer can get to know them beyond the paperwork. Already they have read your CV and covering letter, but it is through meeting you in person (or via Zoom) that depth […]
The joys of interviews …
Interviews, approached with an excitement of possibilities, have the potential to be an enriching process. They offer you the opportunity to think clearly about what your particular gifts are, prompting you to recognise the real value that you have to offer. In essence, your interview is just a conversation. The focus of this conversation is […]
Thinking ahead, beyond university …
Throughout the year, no matter the month, I am enjoying meeting with young people who are navigating life towards the ‘next’ stage. Below is a piece that I wrote some time ago that is aimed at students who are in their final year at University. This is the time to start stepping into more professional […]