How to Interview a Potential Employer: Questions to ask in your interview

Written by Chane da Costa

Ever wondered how some of your interviews last 30 minutes and others go onto an hour or more. This is because majority of the time, you have already decided on your first impressions of the interviewer and company if it is the job for you. This being said, I have many friends and candidates who get extremely nervous for interviews and end up blowing their chances of landing the position. An interview means you have been short-listed for the position and provides you and the company with an opportunity to meet personally. By meeting on a personal basis you get to hear more about the position and decide if you can see yourself at that specific company. The interviewer gets a feel of your personality and determines whether you are a right fit for their organisation.

From the latter, there is no need to get nervous for an interview as both you and the company are in the spot light. You are not the only party in the process that can be rejected and therefore it is important to be yourself and be comfortable. Once the interviewer has discussed and asked the necessary questions he/she needed to, they allow you to ask any questions that you might have. This will normally be towards the end of the interview session. By asking questions about the position and company, you show your interest and enthusiasm for wanting to be there. Avoid simple yes and no questions, and try keep the questions focused and open-ended, allowing an opportunity to create conversation.

Time to turn the tables

Always try and ask at least four questions in the interview, and never ask questions that have been answered within the interview process. If you are struggling to think of questions that would be appropriate in an interview, I have created a list of good questions to ask the interview.

•  What are the day-to-day duties and responsibilities of the position?
• What is the company’s management style?
• How many people are there in the office?
• What would be the most important accomplishments in the first 30, 60 and 90 days of the position?
• What does the company value most?
• What is the company’s corporate culture like?
• What are the most important qualities that the person for this position needs?
• What are opportunities for growth within the position and company?
• Where is the company headed in the next 5 years?
• What are the companies plan for growth?
• What are the biggest opportunities facing the company?
• What are the next steps in the recruitment process?
• Will I be provided with training if I land the position?
• Is there training and future learning programmes and opportunities available for professional development?
• Will I be representing the company at business conferences and expos?
• What is the working environment like, independent or collaborative?
• What are the performance expectations and review process for this position?

No go questions

It has also come to my attention that some candidates who ask questions in the interview ruin their chances of landing the job, because they ask the wrong questions. It is sometimes difficult to determine whether or not the question is appropriate for the interview. Most recruitment processes have more than one interview, with this being said the remuneration package is always a difficult topic to bring up. I say difficult because you should be more interested in the position than what you are going to get out of it at the end of the month.  What I advise you do when it comes to the remuneration topic is to not mention it in the first interview unless they mention it. Normally the interviewer mentions the package you are going to receive in the final interview you will be attending.

I have also listed a number of questions which you should not ask an interviewer when the floor opens up to you.

•  What does the company do?
• Can I do this job from home?
• How soon can I take my leave/ go on vacation?
• Will I have to take a drug test?
• Never ask questions that involve the interviewers personal life?
•  Don’t ask questions about gossip/rumours you have heard about the company?
• Did I get the job?
• Never ask to what degree the company monitors your email and social media platforms?

How to Write an Elevator Pitch

Written by: Chane da Costa

For those of you who don’t know what an elevator pitch is, let me just clarify a thing or two and tell you what it’s not. An elevator pitch is NOT the conversation that transpired between Jay-Z and Solange Knowles before she attacked him in the elevator on 5 May 2014. An elevator pitch is not your life story, and it is most definitely NOT a sales pitch for investors. An elevator pitch is a carefully planned and well-practised description of yourself and what value you have to offer. Elevator pitches are normally 60 seconds summaries of who you are, what do you do and what value you have to offer.

I have come across many personal branding blogs that advise you to go out there and use your elevator speech to build your network, but when and where is it appropriate to use your elevator pitch?

1.       Job hunting – telephonic calls, personal CV hand outs etc.

2.       Interviews – telephonic, face-to-face and Skype interviews.

3.       Meeting anyone unexpectedly

4.       Conferences and industry expeditions

5.       Networking events

6.       Fundraising and charity events

7.       Business development programmes

As previously mentioned this blog will focus on a personal pitch in regards to job hunting, as I believe if you can’t present yourself and hook people’s attention, it may be impossible to sell a company, product or service without sounding like an infomercial or a parrot that has memorised a speech.

How to Write Your Personal Elevator Pitch

Important Aspects to Consider 

1.       Define your Preferred Market

There are many means and ways to create an elevator pitch but if you do not start with the basics, you are wasting your time. Defining your target market is deciding where you want to be, and how you are going to get there. Remember nobody can help you, if you don’t know where you want to be.

2.       Mind Map your Importance

Create a mind map with all your skills, accomplishments and work experience. Once you have completed the mind map, you can now delete the irrelevant information that would not create an impression in your elevator pitch. People, who have taken an interest in you, do not want to hear your whole life story forced into 60 seconds. It would also be like attempting to shove and elephant into a shoe box. It won’t work for the elephant nor will it work for you.

3.       Tailor to fit

Like any product or service a company sells, the key to advertising them is not to shove all the wonderful features of the product in a person’s face but to subtly note these features by emphasizing the benefits of the product/service to the consumer. The same rule applies when creating your elevator pitch. Your elevator should be about you, but also emphasize, how you can benefit the person taking an interest in you.

4.       KISS then ROL – Keep It Short and Simple then Read it Out Loud

An elevator pitch should be short and simple, no longer than 60 seconds long.  It should be similar to storytelling where it flows and is easy to say and remember. It is essential to read your elevator pitch out loud to hear what you sound like. Many people make the mistake of creating and rehearsing their elevator pitch without hearing what they sound like. The embarrassment comes when no one is really interested in what they have to say because they sound like a parrot that is not really saying anything relevant. An elevator pitch is also not a tool to shove your business cards in everyone’s face.

Your elevator pitch should in essence introduce yourself and create interest in the opposing party. It should also assist in creating conversation and establishing a prospective network. Try to avoid making your elevator pitch longer than 60 seconds and asking to many questions. In today’s day and age, building a network is not about introducing your and asking people for their business cards. It’s about building mutually beneficial relationships and networks with like-minded people.

And remember, words aren’t enough… so smile, keep eye contact, talk steadily and be calm.

Why Personal Branding is Important

Written by: Chane da Costa

Tardar Sauce is a cat with over 5 million likes, just from effect personal branding.  Do you know who Tardar Sauce is?  If you Google it, you will most likely know exactly who she is. But let me save you the time and energy, Tardar Sauce is known globally as Grumpy Cat. What started out as just a random post on Reddit, turned this cat into a public figure and a perfect example of personal branding.

If personal branding works for a Grumpy Cat, why would it not work for you?

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos says “Your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room”.  This is personally the perfect summary of a personal brand, because in essence personal branding is what people think of you.

Whether you like it or not, in this day and age there is always information on you, out on the internet.  The world is focusing more and more on social networks and connecting with those individuals whom they share similarities with.  This trend has become so popular that is has even starting affecting ones professional career.

Brands are normally generalised around superlatives. For example, Starbucks has quality coffee, Hooters waiters are hot with big breasts and Iphone is the best phone. Your online personal branding should be clear about the promise of your value to people. This is what you are naturally good at, what makes you great and what makes you unique. Often these characteristics are part of our natural behaviour that we don’t notice it. If you are struggling to ordain your differentiator, ask your family, friends and acquaintances what makes you unique and valuable to them and what you do. This will assist you in creating a clear value that you can promise people.

Previously, branding was orientated around companies, ensuring a holistic outlook is portrayed to the public. As times have changed and information has become available at our finger tips, not only do companies have to manage their brands, but so do public figures, celebrities and every other person out there. Industry leaders have even started dedicating a lot of time and effort in creating and maintaining their personal brand to ensure they are known for their unique brand.

So how do you create and maintain your personal brand?

Choose the social media platforms that you enjoy and want to be followed and known on. Here are some popular platforms you could consider:

•  Facebook
• Twitter
• Linked-In
• About Me
• Pinterest
• Instagram
• Blog
• Klout
• Behance

It is always better to create the foundation of the content displayed about you online. The top Google searches on your name should be about the content you created. This is so that anybody searching your name on Google will view who you are and how you want them to perceive you on your personal content.  Always update and maintain the platforms you decide to sign up with. Imagine what your social media platforms say about you, if they are left collecting dust online.

A recent article Why Should You Care About Personal Branding? On the Undercover Recruiter Blog listed 5 great reasons to create and maintain your personal brand.

1. Grow your network
Expanding your network is hugely important to business success, it opens up avenues you never thought of. When you have a strong brand you will notice that people want to know you and help out any way they can. Your personal brand works like a magnet and it attracts like-minded people which can be very useful for your business or career, just like you can be useful to them. Networking is all about karma, help others and they will help you.

2. Attract opportunities

As a result of your expanded network and you having a strong presence online, not only will people help you but some will actually have relevant opportunities for you. This could be a customer referral, a joint venture, co-writing a book, a new job or an investment in your business. Your personal brand demonstrates success and that is what others will be looking to tap in to.

3. Establish credibility

Your personal brand is your unique promise of value and as long as you add this value to others on a consistent basis, you are gaining trust and credibility. This trust will be your best and cheapest promotional activity, as word travels fast when you do great work. Let your customers be your fans and become your brand ambassadors.

4. Increase your online clout

As you build your personal brand, you will notice that you get a loyal following online. This following will put you in a position of influence, as others listen to what you have to say. You can turn your clout into business as long as you do it in an authentic and trustworthy manner.

5. Securing work

A magnetic brand will ensure that you keep busy. You and your services will always be in demand, as long as you live up to your personal brand. This is a good comfort in case your workplace is facing downsizing, or one of your biggest clients are in financial distress. There is little you can do about external factors but you can rest assured that your strong brand will help you attract other opportunities instead.

Transforming your name into a personal brand that others will recognise and follow is a smart move in terms of a career and long term success in a business aspect. By Differentiating yourself from other individuals or competitors in your industry, potential employers and customers will immediately notice the value that you are offering them on these platforms. Therefore, to place yourself in a position of growth and a high sense of demand, it is essential that you create and maintain a strong personal brand online.

5 Important Lesson Learnt as a Recruiter

Written by Chane da Costa

Being a Marketing Assistant at a recruitment agency has definitely taught me a few life lessons. I often have a good laugh at these meme’s depicting how men and women differ. Having opened myself up to recruitment to truly understand my market and its needs, I have come to realise a day of a recruiter is not much different to the meme below, describing the emotions of a man’s day in relation to the emotions of a female’s day. Recruitment is in essence a roller coaster of emotions.

Let me explain...

Here are a few lessons every recruiter will learn along the way.

1.       People start getting disappointed that you don’t possess miracle powers

Your family, friends and acquaintances think because you work at a recruitment agency you have some miracle powers to magically get them the job of their dreams with some unrealistic salary expectation.  Yes, we all wish this was possible and would gladly do it for the people we love, but the truth is we can’t, we also have a job to do.  At times we do get lucky and get a position that we can attempt to sell your CV to our clients, but at the end of the day it’s still the clients’ decision.

2.       Detach your emotions from your job

This is something I am still struggling with. Being human, it’s only natural to feel emotionally tied to the people we work with. As a result, empathy and a desire to help our candidates is part and parcel of a recruiter’s role. Receiving CV’s from individuals who are struggling to land a job because they lack experience, or have a gap in their CV as result of a retrenchment or bumps along the road of life starts becoming challenging. Unfortunately, a vast majority of candidates misrepresent themselves on their CVs and so those telling the truth therefore suffer as we start to believe no one. The test lies in trying to discern the honesty of each applicant while simultaneously referring only those candidates most qualified and deserving of the role through to our clients for the vacancy at hand.

3.       Get used to unreliable people

If it’s not the candidates, it’s the clients. People often complain about having to work with recruiters and the admin involved in finding a new position or even their own staff. At Electus we are on a quest to revolutionise recruitment. To be honest though, it occasionally feels as though some people are on a quest to revolutionise our mood. Providing clients and candidates with a great service can be frustrating when they don’t respond or provide any feedback. You are probably thinking well that is not too bad, we all deal with that daily. However, it does get worse…Just this week I have had 4 candidates cancel their interviews with my key client, but they are so supposedly so excited for the interview and think it’s a great opportunity.

Firstly, don’t apply for a position you aren’t really interested in, not only do you waste a lot of our time but our clients time as well. And secondly, if you are unable to attend an interview that’s been scheduled for you, the decent thing to do would be to inform your recruiter. If you are working with a recruitment agency keep in mind this is our job, we submit you forward as a standard representation of what our company has to offer. If you act unprofessionally and are unreliable, this does reflect negatively on us as well.

4.       Be prepared for anything that might come up

The start of my recruitment journey was very interesting. Taking over an account from a fellow colleague who resigned and my boss being out of office, I received a call from my client advising a candidate informed them she will not be starting her new position.  Well, did this candidate have a story and a half. She had over a month to sit and think about the position, but the day before she needed to go into her new position she changed her mind. Don’t worry we enjoy editing your CV, creating interview notes and conducting your references and background checks  for fun – said no recruiter ever.  There are many more stories but I will save them for a rainy day and remember we can see through your emergency meetings, broken down car and your wife going into labour excuses. Luckily as a recruiter, experience teaches you to expect the unexpected, to think quickly on your feet and act accordingly to resolve issues to best suit both the candidate and client as quickly as possible. No matter how disappointed you might be, it’s essential to be considerate of the decisions our candidates make and to simply provide suitable solutions to ensure that all parties are happy with the outcome at the end of the day.

5.       There’s a certain addictive feeling that comes with changing someone’s life

When things do run smoothly it is definitely a feeling like no other. Having the opportunity to have helped someone get a job, who really needed one, Is one of the best feelings in the world. That’s not all, working with great clients and candidates who keep you informed and work with you in maintaining a good working relationship is also very rewarding. These small little things definitely assist in keeping you sane and in the game.

I have come to realise that recruitment does take a certain kind of talent to sourcing the perfect candidates and have patience for whatever might come your way during the recruitment process. You gain life skills that you would never think you would ever need. It has taught me several lessons this far. One being, to always stay positive and keeping pushing forward when everything else seems to be bringing you down, because there is always rainbow after the rain.

The Job Market and Its Ever Changing Landscape

Written by: Chane da Costa

Gone are the days of landing jobs via your personal network and newspapers. Embracing the digital era, we adjust our job search by applying electronically via email and job portals. There has been a substantial transformation in the landscape of the job market and what hiring managers look for in the digital era. Are you prepared?

Before the convenience of the World Wide Web (WWW), there weren’t as many job opportunities or means in which to apply for them. People used to get jobs at the same company a family member was working at, through a friend or acquaintance and by means of going to the company and having a chat to the manager for a possible position available. There also used to be job advertisements pinned up on community notice boards and advertised in the local newspaper. In 1989 when the WWW was invented we saw the beginning of the Digital Era, when CV’s were neatly created on a computer and faxed and emailed to hiring employers. A gap in the recruitment was then seen and online community and business job portals were then created. So all very well that we know the evolution of applying for jobs, but how does this affect us as individuals?

Advantages of the changed market landscape

•  It is convenient to apply on online job portals.
• It provides easy access to research the company’s information and background for interviews
• It grants you, as the candidate, the opportunity to establish yourself as a thought leader and ultimately build and maintain a robust network of contacts through establishing connections via social media. This also serves to reflect your personal brand and provides hiring managers with more insight into determining if you are the right fit for their company culture.
• It is part of the “Green Initiative” and does not waste paper.
•  It saves time, by uploading your CV onto the portal and applying for jobs that are suitable for you.
• You have access to markets/industries you never thought you would be able to be in.
• You are able to apply for positions across local and geographical borders. It also allows for electronic interviews to be conducted via Skype or other useful electronic platforms.
• There is a larger variety of positions that you gain access to.

Disadvantages of the changed market landscape:

• Your CV gets lost in the database because of the abundance of applications each role receives.
• The format of the CV may distort on the hiring managers computer and then be disposed of.
• There are many other candidates who are exposed to that position, which will be competition for you.
• Companies who have access to the databases may call you for a position that you may not be interested in which can be a nuisance.
•  Hiring managers may search your online personal reputation; this may assist or forfeit your chances of landing the position.
• It is easy to misrepresent yourself by creating an alternate online reputation that does not align in reality.
• You constantly have to update your CV on all the job and social media platforms for personal brand consistency. Just ensure that you are active on these platforms so that you can respond to hiring managers within time.

Having noted the advantages and disadvantages of the changed market landscape, you may ask the question – How do I use this to my advantage to land the perfect position? Well whether or not you are a graduate or someone who has been in the working world for a while, these tips will definitely differentiate you in this digital era. 

• Do not be afraid to start at the bottom in a career that you are passionate about. It is better to do what you love and love what you do, than to work in a job that you do half-heartedly because it is not where your interests are.
• Get involved in your community. Hiring employers like to see that their employees are well rounded individuals and are involved in activities outside work. By having a well-balanced life you show that you are able to apply the same practicality in the working environment.
• Ensure that your full profile is featured on top recruitment boards with a comprehensive and complete CV and portfolio if you have one.
• Ensure your social media is not thwarting your job search. Manage your online reputation with a complete LinkedIn profile for hiring managers to view your professional experience.
•  If you have a Facebook, Twitter and other social media or blog platforms make sure it is in line with employers expectations and that there is no explicit or inappropriate content exposed online for their viewing.
• Use these tools to your advantage. Create an online personal brand and position yourself as the person you would like others to view you as. Whether you’re a passionate foodie who knows how to code or a geek who works in hospitality, allow room for a balanced lifestyle and don’t be afraid to reflect those quirky aspects of yourself.

·         Remember hiring managers are also human, so whatever is on your social media platforms doesn’t necessarily have to be work orientated, but represent who you are and the values you would like to reflect. Hiring managers look to employ those with a bit more substance than the ‘sleep-eat-work routine’ type.

·         Make yourself available. If you aren’t able to answer your phone, email or social media platforms hiring managers will simply move on to the next available person.

These aren’t the only aspects that hiring managers are now taking into consideration in the changed job market landscape. Employers now want employees who aren’t programmed to complete certain tasks but look for future employees who are fast on their feet and out the box thinkers. People who are complex and individualistic and are proud to be different compared to the average Joe. These are also people who have interest in working in teams and present leadership potential. At the end of the day it all falls down to individuals who are hungry for success and seek more responsibility.

So do yourself a favour and Google yourself to see if the content that comes up with your name, represents and matches who you truly are in reality. The WWW is like a highway of content, your online representation is like a massive billboard – would you really like to see yourself posted on a an advertisement across the N1 with a duck-face pose and bathroom tiles in the background, while the caption read ‘hire me’?

Finding the Right Fit. Pursuing your Passion.

Written by: Chane da Costa

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined” a quote by Henry David Thoreau. Many people make the mistake of choosing a career based on the salary they will be getting at the end of the month. By choosing a career based solely on the money you get is the biggest mistake anyone could ever make. Being unsatisfied in your career takes a negative toll on one’s mind, body and health. This will not only affect you in your career but in your personal life as well, where you will permanently feel burned out, frustrated, anxious and depressed. The importance of finding the right position is not based on salary expectations but more on what truly satisfies you as an individual.

In this blog I will take you through the criteria you need to consider when deciding what position is the right fit for you in an attempt to explain how true job satisfaction can be achieved, beyond the measure of financial gains. Some people have no clue what they want to do and where they want to be. Others feel like they have it all figured out. For most the answers don’t always come easily.

For about two years I, myself had made the mistake of setting my mind on an industry and company I would dream to work at. Having thought I figured out the direction my career was going in, I had limited myself to what was actually out there and many other areas that I have passion for. I neglected many other areas of my interest but I do not regret it. The point I am trying to make is that there is a lot more out there for you than what you think there is. Having discovered my true calling (at least for now), my best advice is to first discover your passion and purpose. You need to uncover what activities get you excited, bring you joy and what really drives you.

When choosing the right career considering your interests, aptitude, personality and values are vital.  These personal aspects also help determine what drives you professionally and where exactly your passion lies. By doing something you are passionate about, you are motivated and inspired to do better than yesterday, to push yourself beyond your boundaries and in essence to challenge yourself to become greater than you ever thought. Passion is when you work long hours and go the extra mile for your job with a smile on your face and no complaints and people look at you as if you are crazy. To have passion for your work is what will make you successful, not the money you receive at the end of the month.

Once you have discovered what you are passionate about, it is important to gather information about these career options that align with these interests as well as your values and set of principles. Learn about what it takes to succeed in these areas of interest and the skill set required to grow into positions within your chosen niche. Creating a career map would be the best option to start with. A career map is a road map of your career. By gathering job specifications of the positions you are interested in, you can determine the education, training and experience level you should be at. Design your career map from your first entry level position and indicate the direction you would like to go into. This will also help you determine what you should do to grow professionally. This will also give you good insight into the day to day responsibilities you will have and what you should expect salary wise.

A trap that many graduates fall in is think that they should only work for big well established brands that will look good on their CVs. I, myself, fell into that trap not realising that working for a small start-up company opens up many more doors than just a name on your CV. 

Don’t get demotivated by not getting a position at a company you have dreamed on for many years. Chances of another opportunity you are passionate will most likely come your way.  When this opportunity comes around, just ensure that it is in line with your interests, aptitude, personality and values before accepting the offer. Success is a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together.

10 Ways Jobseekers Can Benefit From UPSKILL Solutions

Written by: Chane da Costa

Having recently read a blog post – “A Guide for Young People: What to Do with Your Life” by Leo Babauta, I realised how relevant our new service ‘UPSkill Solutions’ really is. I am not saying this simply because it is my job to do so as a Marketer, but more because I can relate to that lost & confused feeling and often wished I had some answers or advice when deciding what to do with my life.

As we grow older, we realise the pressures of having a good education, job and life. How to get there and where to start, we don't know. By being actively involved in the recruitment side of things as well, I have discovered that even some of my more experienced candidates have very little direction in terms of their career objectives. The truth is, most of us have not been provided with clear guidance and understanding of how to direct our life and career in a direction where we can find the sweet spot that lies between what you’re good at, what you are passionate about and something someone is willing to pay you to do.

This is where Upskill fits in. The programme irons out the creases and provides you with the tools to discover direction and motivation. Even if you have experience and think you have things figured out, I can guarantee that UPSKILL Solutions will open your eyes to gaps in your personal brand or career that help differentiate you from your competition. The infographic below describes exactly what there is to gain through the Electus UPSkill personalised courses.

Please contact one of our consultants if you would like more information on UPSKILL Solutions: info@electusrecruitment.co.za

A Guide for Young People: What to Do With Your Life by Leo Babauta