Interview To Win The Job

Confidence, Preparation and Presentation are all key to winning the big prize. Here are a few insider tips about what employers really want from an interview.

Tip #1 – Context – Be a Story Teller Most people asking the questions are very knowledgeable of their company and the job but they are not always as experienced with conducting interviews. You may be asked questions that only prompt a YES or NO response but be prepared to help the interviewer and tell stories that support your short answers. It’s the context of your stories that will stick in the interviewers mind and give you the advantage over other candidates.

Tip #2 – Ask the Right Questions Employers can tell a lot about you from the questions you ask. For example, if you only ask questions about the company benefit plan then the employer may assume that it’s the benefits rather than the job that really interests you. Ask questions about what the the employer wants to accomplish or improve. Ask about the boss’s priorities, goals and objectives. By asking questions about results then the interviewer will assume you are a results oriented person. Results – That’s what they really want!

Tip #3 – Dress (better than) the Part You only have one chance to create a first impression. The first minute will subconsciously influence whether the interviewer will ask questions that funnel you into the job or filter you out. Arrive at your interview dressed in a way that makes the interviewer immediately assume that you are the one. Whatever the dress code is for the job, go to the interview dressed better than that.

The Close – An interview is a sales call where you are selling yourself. All good sales people know that you must ask for the order to close the deal. Don’t leave without asking your closing questions. “Will you offer this job to me?”; “Is there a date that you would like me to start?”; “What can I do that help make this decision easy for you?”; “Can we schedule the appointment for the next stage in the process?” If you don’t ask – you don’t get.
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The People Bank, is a division of Design Group Staffing Inc., employs more recruiters with the Certified Personnel Consultant, CPC professional designation than any other firm in Canada. Steve Jones, President of The People Bank is a CPC course conductor for the staffing industry Ethics and Business Practices certification module and Staffing Industry Legal Practices certification module.

Inexpensive Perks - Attract & retain Talent

May 17th, 2011

For most companies, the idea of a big bonus or an automatic salary increase has been relegated to “the good old days.” But there are ways to add perks to a job listing and reward your employees without sending your company to the poorhouse. Offering flex-time, telecommuting, and tuition reimbursement are the most popular, but there are many more options. Use a little creativity and you’ll create a buzz about your business that will attract and retain top talent.

Here’s some perks to consider:

• Sports & Entertainment: Buy tickets from charity silent-auction tables for theatre, hockey, baseball, football or basketball and offer them as recognition, rewards and thank you throughout the year.

• Catch A Movie: Give away movie tickets (and money for popcorn, snacks and drinks).

• Grab A Bite: Restaurant coupons are always popular. Include a bottle of wine to say thank you to hardworking spouses for all that overtime work.

• Give A Gift Card: Whether it is to a local retailer, a Tim Horton’s card or shopping mall certificates, these are great ways to say thanks for a job well-done.

• Come And Get It: Leave the office early and treat everybody to a barbeque at a local park or throw a summer ice cream party or a winter pizza party in the conference room.

• Club Memberships Aren’t What They Used To Be: Most employees don’t need or want a fancy club membership but a family membership to a warehouse store like Costco will help your employees with food and clothing.

• Come Fly Away: If you don’t let your employees keep frequent flier miles earned for their business travel, use the accumulated miles to buy free flights for employees and/or pre-paid vacations at resorts or spas. (Mexico and the Caribbean are very popular destinations during Canadian winters.)

• Play, Dance, Laugh: Take some time to play games. Organize games in the park, ski days, skating parties, sailing excursions or fishing tours. Enter teams into charity bike-a-thons, walk-a-thons and 5 km runs. Bring in board games, cards or play charades. Break-out sessions at meetings and training days should include fun team building activities. Physical exercise and laughter are great perks.

• Ahhh! Spa: Have local masseuses come in and give chair massages to your employees. Reflexology foot massages are great, too. Also, buy some gift certificates to a neighborhood spa and treat your hard-working employees to some serious relaxation.

• Sponsor Teams: Offer to sponsor your employee’s kids’ Little League teams. Your company name on every uniform is good advertising too!

Look around your own life to see the types of things that make your daily existence just a little cushier and then offer those things to your employees. You’ll attract and maintain the good ones without breaking the bank.

To help you find those great employees, contact The People Bank today.

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