There is a saying that “Getting a job is a job in itself” and in today’s competitive work environment that is probably more true than ever before. I have just attended a career management workshop this week which was organised by the Lloyds Banking group. After an incredible exposure to the career management and pathway, I have compiled some hints and tips that may help any candidate whilst applying for a job.
So, here you go :
•Keep up-to-date with the news, events and trends within Lloyds Banking Group and the wider Financial Services industry.
General tips
•Check your e-mails and phone messages regularly – typically Hiring Managers will use this method of contact to keep you informed on the progress of your application
•Preparation is key
•Think like a recruiter – “would I hire me?”
•For any face to face meetings dress like you mean business
Your application form
Print out all pages of the application form so that you know in advance the information you will need to supply.
Where you are asked to write an answer in a given maximum number of words:
•Prepare a draft response on a separate document
•Check for spelling and grammar – proof read before sending
•Use the full word allocation to explain your answers
•Keep your writing style formal
•Be honest about your achievements
•Remember to print out a copy of the completed form for your records – you’ll need it when preparing for your interview
Interviews
Telephone interviews
•Approach a telephone interview in the same way you would a face to face interview
•Make sure you are somewhere quiet and comfortable
•You won't have the advantage of eye contact. Ensure your tone of voice is clear and confident and listen carefully.
Telephone and face to face interviews
•Be clear why you want the job
•Be concise in your response and make sure you answer the question asked
•Think about the skills and qualities required for the role and prepare examples from your experiences that demonstrate these.
A good way to tackle competency-based interviews is to use the ‘STAR’ approach:
SITUATION or TASK
•Describe the situation/task you needed to accomplish.
•Be specific - don’t give a generalised description of what you have done in the past.
•Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand.
ACTION
•Describe the action you took – keep the focus on you.
•What specifically was your involvement?
•Don't say what you might have done, say what you did.
RESPONSE
•What happened?
•How did the event end?
•What did you accomplish?
•What did you learn?
•You won’t be expected to have an instant answer for every question.
•Have some questions ready to ask. The interview is a two way process, so don’t forget to use the time to find out whether the role is right for you. This shows that you’re serious.
•Use the interview as an opportunity to really sell yourself and your achievements.
Psychometric tests
There are two methods of assessment you could come across:
•Ability tests look at the extent to which you are able to carry out various aspects of a job, for example, your verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning abilities.
•Personality Questionnaires look at behavioural preferences and how you like to work (for example, how you deal with feelings and emotions and how you relate to others).
There are no rights or wrongs in behavioural style, although some behaviours may be more or less appropriate to certain situations.
Before the Assessment
•If you have special requirements, make sure you tell us as early as possible.
•Make sure you understand what assessments you will be taking before you start the test(s).
•Prepare yourself fully using the practice facilities available on the websites below.
Useful sites
•Mark Parkinson
•Career Psychology Centre
•SHL Direct
•Psychometric Success
During the Assessment
•Work quickly and accurately and don’t get stuck on one question – move on if you are unsure of an answer.
•If you do finish early, go over your answers to check them but don't worry if you don’t answer all the questions.
•Make sure you are relaxed and will be undisturbed for the duration of the test.
•If you're asked to complete a test online ensure that you take the test yourself as you could be re-tested at a later stage.
Assessment centres
This is an event with a range of selection exercises designed to replicate the role you have applied for
•Be yourself - relax and let your personality come through
•Don't assume you're in competition with other candidates
•Don't worry if one exercise hasn't gone well
•Get involved in all the exercises
•Keep your energy levels and enthusiasm high throughout
•Don’t be afraid of asking questions before or during the event
