GEAR UP - YOUR SKILLS

Q. What is the Recruitment Process?

A. Recruitment is based off of a system called mutual selection. What this means is that not only do you have to express interest in a particular organization but they also will express interest in you. This is done to make sure that you are getting the best fit possible. It is important to attend recruitment with an open mind. Don't listen to any stereotypes that you may have heard while at Rollins. Give each organization a fair chance. As each day progresses the decision will become harder and harder, but if you listen to your heart you can't lose.

Q. What should I do to Prepare?

A. Preparing for recruitment can be a tough process, however we would always suggest to any student to BE YOURSELF. It is important to project the best you but not to be fake. Recruitment is a fun and exciting process. Relax and take time to get to know those who are attending with you.

The programme of on recruitment is traditionally geared towards finalists, but employers are also keen to recruit focused candidates.

Applications are usually on an employer application form (EAF) but could be by CV or standard application form (SAF), all of which should be accompanied by a covering letter. Many employers are now using online application forms and publishing recruitment brochures solely on their websites. Some companies use questionnaires to help you decide if you match up to their specification, others use very precise questions on their forms to identify applicants having the skills and abilities. Whatever the format, your application must be targeted to show that you meet the employer’s requirements of qualifications, skills and experience for that post.

The most challenging part of your job search is the interviewing. How you approach the interviewing process determines the level of success you can expect to have. An effective job search requires a strategic plan and some luck, being at the right place at the right time. 

For fresher graduates On-campus interviewing is a time when the students and employers come together through career fairs and on-line interviewing for the entry-level jobs and internships. You must research the company that best matches your qualifications, and you must cover all aspects thoroughly because employers are able to sense how prepared you are. Your knowledge of the organization is a good indicator to the employer of your level of interest. In the interviewing process, you will make many contacts; therefore, you must not lose precious time by not showing up at an interview. Make every interview count and practice answering the general questions.

Self-Assessment

Planning for the job interview starts an exploration of your goals, interests, and personal characteristics. The career portfolio is one way of collecting, analyzing and evaluating information about you. It is used to keep track of your accomplishments.  If you do not know where to start, take some of the on-line interest inventorie. These inventories can help you to determine whether you have the characteristics and the skills that will help you to be successful in your chosen field of study. You have to compare your goals with those of the organization, and since people hire people, you have to convince a recruiter that you are the best fit for the job. A job search includes resume preparation, a cover letter, negotiations, and matching job requirements with your abilities. It is not enough to start with understanding yourself; you must also understand the world of work. You have to ask yourself these questions:

What do I want to do?
What are my interests?
What are my academic skills?

Is my previous experience(if any) is relevant tonew job.
What are my transferable skills?
Do I have good communication skills?

Based on your answers from the interest inventory, you can actually develop a job hunting/interviewing plan. There are a number of competencies that are sought by most employers and most job descriptions describe these competencies. The skills you gained through full/part-time work, organization participation, internships, and extracurricular activities may be transferred to most jobs. Skills such as speaking, writing, listening, and operation of computers and other equipment are transferable.

The Resume

The most important document of your interviewing process is the resume. Your mistake-free resume is a part of the recruitment process. It is this system that employers may use  e-recruiting system to invite candidates for an interview. you can prepare a list of the most asked questions by employers so that you may write the answers and practice them. It helps to stand in front of a mirror to check your body language.  Be sure that you have only facts on the resume and that your e-mail address and telephone greetings are professional.

Anatomy of a Job Interview

Most job interviews have a general pattern; the recruiter may first try to set you at ease for about few moments by engaging in small talk. she or he may talk about current events. To prepare for this, read the front and sports pages of the local news-paper. You are evaluated even during this time on your communication and on body language such as facial expressions. Be sure to know why you chose your major and what your career goals are. There will be some time spent on discussing your background. Do not talk about your family and hobbies, but talk in terms of credentials and/or work experience your employer can use. Be sure that you are thoroughly knowledgeable of what is on your resume. Be reminded that during that time, you have to sell yourself.

Getting the Most from the Career Campus-For freshers.

At campus drives, students and employers are brought together. This is usually the first contact, and your college center can provide a list & details of the companies that will be coming for the purpose. You should choose companies that interest you and research them before going to the drive/fair. You may use the Internet for company information. Recruiters will ask about your academics. Give an estimate and do not lie about it. Give the recruiter your resume and then find out the next steps in their hiring process.

Most campus fairs/ or drivesrequire specific attire, such as "business casual," but you will make the best impression if you are in business attire. Bring several copies of your resume tailored to your career choices, paper, and pen to write down pertinent information.  Be sure to send a thank-you note by email to the recruiters who talked to you. A note may make the difference in your getting a position or internship.

Etiquette for the Career Fair

Students must be aware of good etiquette at all times. Here are a few points to remember:

§          Talk to the employer's representative without interrupting fellow job seekers.

§          Make good eye contact.

§          Introduce yourself with a strong handshake or greeting.

§          Smile freely.

§          Articulate well.

§          Thank the recruiter for his or her time.

§          Collect business cards or contact info.

§          Exhibit focus and direction.

§          Shake hands to end the visit.

Attire for the Interview

You have received your schedule for interviewing through employer. Your first impression is the only impression you will make when you enter the interview room. Be comfortable in your clothes. Do not pull at them or adjust them while in the interview. On the bases of your appearance, from the time that the recruiter sees you, he or she can determine many aspects of your personality.

Attire for Women:

§          Suits: (skirt/jacket) in colors of navy blue, dark gray, or black

§          Blouse: White plain neckline or collar. No plunging necklines

§          Hose: Skin tone, off black or beige

§          Hair: Conservative hairstyle that does not attract attention

§          Jewelry: Simple jewelry, one earring per ear, one ring per finger

§          Handbag: Small. Do not carry a handbag and briefcase

§          Make-up: Natural

§          Extras: Tissues, lipstick, extra hose, and mints

§          Perfume: None

§          Fingernails: Short with subtle nail polish, manicured

§          Hemline: At the knee

Attire For Men:

§          Suit: Single breasted in black, dark gray, or navy blue

§          Shirt: Long sleeve, white cotton with classic collar, professionally pressed

§          Socks: Over the calf, matching or complimentary to the suit

§          Ties: Silk with modest print in contrast to suit, no bow tie

§          Hair: Neatly trimmed, professional image

§          Jewelry: None. Wedding ring only

§          Perfume: None. After-shave only

§          Fingernails: Manicured, clean

§          Mints: Use mints for clean breath.

Clothes should be well pressed and in good condition. Belts should match shoes and males should carry a handkerchief in their pocket. No matter how good you look, if you do not have social poise, your look is in vain. Arrive at your appointment at least 10 minutes early, but do not take a seat unless you have been invited to do so. Do not chew gum or appear nervous. Think positive thoughts and show enthusiasm. Maintain good eye contact throughout the interview.

The Interview Process

During the interview, there is a two-way discussion between you and the interviewer as you try to determine if you have the qualifications that the company needs. The three phases of interviewing are: an introductory phase, which consists of small talk, a question-and-answer phase, and a closing phase. In the closing phase you can ask questions about the company and find out the next steps in the hiring process.  Don't assume that the interviewer knows that you want the job. You must ask for it. After one week, follow-up with a phone call regarding the decision to hire. If you did not get the job, try to find out why. These are some of the points on an evaluation of your interview:

1.       Punctuality

2.       Appearance/grooming

3.       Eye contact

4.       Non-verbal communication (gestures, poise)

5.       Communication skills/articulation

6.       Knowledge of the company/agency

7.       Knowledge of major field of study

8.       Self-confidence and initiative

9.       Quality of resume

10.    Overall impression of student

Do not discuss a compensation package until you have been offered the job and it is the job you want. Consider all benefits:

1.       Sick leave, including short-and long- term

2.       Vacation

3.       Health insurance

4.       Tuition reimbursement

There may be other benefits that the company may offer, so be sure you completely understand everything before you sign a contract. If you need time to decide, ask for more time to do so and get the offer in writing.

Telephone Interviews:

Because of budgetary constraints, some companies cannot come to college campuses to conduct interviews. In this case, they may request a telephone interview to screen applicants. If the interview is scheduled, you have time to prepare. If you receive a call for an interview by phone and the room is not conducive to conversation, kindly ask to reschedule the interview. Background noise can cause you to miss some of the information. Use these guidelines for the telephone interview:

1.       Sit in a straight back chair. Do not slouch.

2.       Have your resume, cover letter, portfolio, reference letter, transcript and any other documentation you think is of interest.

3.       Dress in business casual attire. For better results, dress in business attire. Business attire will help you to feel more professional.

4.       Practice your voice tone before the interview. Talk naturally.

5.       Be sure that you are talking to the recruiter. Get correct spelling of the name for the thank-you note.

6.       Have a note-pad for the information you want to remember.

7.       Smile and listen.

8.       The recruiter will control the agenda and set the tone.

9.       Have prepared questions to ask the recruiter.

10.    The approach to the telephone interview should be treated as though it were face to face.

To summarize, use these strategies to make you an "interview expert":

§          Learn all you can about the company beforehand.

§          Study your qualifications and abilities for a brief presentation.

§          Have references available.

§          Be well-groomed.

§          Get to the interview 10 minutes early.

§          Be friendly and outgoing.

§          Give a firm hand shake

§          Wait to be invited to sit down.

§          Use the restroom before the appointment.

§          Maintain good eye contact.

§          Stand if you are introduced to someone.

§          Before leaving the interview, ask for the approximate time for the company's decision.

§          Dress appropriately.

Preparing For The On-Site Interview

How to Get Ready

Although the on-campus interview is extremely important, it is just the first step in the process of securing that dream job or internship you want. The on-campus interview is a screening process to determine whether to extend an invitation for the next step e an on-site interview, which might determine whether or not you are offered a job.

In some instances, the first on-site interview might lead to a second one, depending on the company. In fact, you may go through up to 10 or 12 interviews before you land the job. Companies place a high value on the interview process and want to have a successful return on their investment.

The questions asked during the on-site interviews tend to be more specific and technical in nature than those asked on campus, but don't be surprised if you are asked questions similar to those asked in the campus interview. You will typically meet many individuals, some formally and some informally, and each of them will be evaluating you. They have not heard your interactions with others, which means you may have to answer the same question more than once.

A meal or reception may be part of the schedule. Although it may seem more like a social event, it's still an interview, so be very careful to maintain your professional behavior! Meals are usually a part of on-site interviews, and your dining etiquette will be observed and can be a deciding factor in whether or not you secure a job offer. Before you order a meal, think about how easy the dish will be to eat while you're conversing with others. In a reception setting, don't latch on to any one person; talk to others and mingle around the group. Don't drink too much alcohol (and don't drink any if you're not of age!). You may let down your guard inappropriately or demonstrate that you don't take work seriously. You also have the opportunity to observe the corporate environment, ask detailed questions, and provide more in-depth information about your attributes and skills.

So What Does the On-Site Interview Look Like?

No two interviews are the same. Some may last 30-45 minutes, while others may involve a two-day itinerary. Be proactive and ask for the agenda in advance if it is not provided. Interviews may be scheduled in one-on-one or group settings (with multiple interviewers and/or multiple interviewees). Some companies set up a full day of half-hour interviews with people from human resources, supervisors in the department(s) where openings exist, middle-level managers, younger employees, etc. Other companies limit the number of interviews to five or six individuals who are directly related to the particular opening. Be prepared for varied interviewing styles. Keep in mind that the three most crucial interviewers you will see are the manager of recruiting, your future managers, and your manager's boss.

Keep in mind that interview styles vary from company to company, but behavioral-based interviewing is becoming the standard and is the best predictor of how talent will perform in the future. Don't forget to use the STAR format when answering these types of questions:

  • describe the Situation you faced and/or the Task you performed during the work and/or activity.
  • describe the specific Action(s) you took and describe the Results that occurred from your actions.

Typically, the day begins with a meeting at which you will be given an overview of the day and the names and titles of the people you will be meeting. This is the perfect time to see if any changes have been made to your itinerary, which is fairly common. (If you have spent the previous night in a hotel, you may be met at the hotel for breakfast.) Either during this meeting or at the end of the day you will receive general information about benefits, the organization, and the community. After this briefing session, you will be escorted to the first of your interviews.

Details, Details, Details!!!

Don't forget the little things! Keep an accurate account of your on-site visit. Maintain a list of names and titles of persons with whom you met, business cards, copies of letters/resumes sent, dates of interviews and follow-up correspondence, and date of intended employment decision(s) to be made.

Inquire whether you need to bring any materials (i.e., writing samples, course projects, transcripts, company application, research, drug testing forms, letters of recommendation, references, etc.). Ask if it's OK to take notes during the interview process. This may spark ideas for questions during the interview process.

Inquire whether you should make travel arrangements and hotel reservations, or whether the organization will provide these services. Most companies will ask you to fill out an expense report for expenses incurred, so keep accurate records of parking fees at the airport, meals, car mileage, etc. Be as accurate as possible when filling out expense reports, and return them promptly to the organization for review and reimbursement. Ask questions if you don't understand the process; this will prevent any potential misunderstandings.

Preparing for Your Visit

Please don't forget to review your resume once again, specifically for the job you are seeking, and update it accordingly. Take more than enough copies for each individual involved in the interview process. Don't assume that each person who interviews you will have seen your resume or, even if they have seen it, will necessarily have it in hand or recall its contents. Sometimes interview itineraries get changed at the last minute and you may interview with someone who hasn't been given your information.

Consider the clothing you will need to take and wear when traveling. Are there dinners, receptions, or presentations involved? Pack lightly so that you can carry on your luggage with you; this should help avoid embarrassment in case your luggage is delayed or lost. You will need business attire, and perhaps business-casual items. If you are unsure of the appropriate clothing, ask the employer or our JAGPAR office. If this is a follow-up to your on-campus interview, you will have already researched the organization thoroughly; compass group however, it won't hurt to review the information you researched once again and revisit the company's website to see if there's new information about the company. Of course, if this is the first interview, be sure to conduct detailed pre-interview research. Prepare a list of questions about the company that you would like to have answered. Construct the questions in a way that your knowledge of the company and the field will be apparent.

After the On-Site Interview Visit

Now is the time to use all of those business cards that you've collected from everyone during the interview process! If you were unable to get business cards, make sure you do verify the names, their correct spellings, and the title of those who interviewed you. Make notes of critical information so that crucial details don't slip your mind. Send personalized thank-you notes to all pertinent individuals who met you. This adds a very professional touch to the interview process, and gives you the opportunity to reiterate your strengths and interest in the job and company to the interviewer.

If you were asked to follow up with information as a result of your interviews, please do so in a timely fashion (one-to-two days). You probably will be given a date by which you will hear a decision from the employer. Please wait until that date has passed before you contact the employer about the decision. If the decision doesn't go your way, follow up with the interviewers and ask for feedback. Chances are you will gain valuable information to help you in future interviews. 


 
       
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