Prepared to be interviewed in a downturn market

July 2008

Prepare to be interviewed in a downturn market

There’s a lot of doom and gloom in the media. Politicians are sending out conflicting messages as to weather Ireland is in a recession or not. Bottom line is though employers are reviewing costs, salaries are frozen or cut (Lisney’s cut their salaries by 10%), if an employee leaves they are not necessarily being replaced. In some sectors like legal, conveyance lawyers are being let go but it’s not all bad news there are employers looking to recruit new staff due to expansion (yes some companies are expanding) and/or replacing staff that have moved on.

What potential candidates need to think about is exactly what is it they really want when they are looking for a new position. They should also prepare themselves well for the actual interview. The market has turned and it is now the employers market in a lot of cases. Candidates want a good environment, challenging role, great benefits, training, good salary with regular reviews, communication, recognition & progression. The Employer wants an experienced and responsible candidate, someone who adds value, excellent attitude, enthusiastic, and committed, stable, reliable and uses initiative.

Candidates will find there is a lot more competition for roles and employers will be a lot more choosey as to who they will take on. For the candidate preparation is the key. Here is a short list of the basics you should have thought about in advance of the interview:

- Research the company. The internet is the obvious starting point but if you are going through an agency your consultant will have a lot more “inside” and relevant information so listen closely. Be warned knowledge about the company is important and it often a question that is asked by the potential employer.
- Dress well. Wear a suit. Employers have rejected candidates who do not make the appropriate effort here.
- Be on time. Work out your journey. If you are very early go somewhere and have a coffee and only arrive no later than 10 minutes before hand.
- Have a list of questions that you want to ask. Do not say “I think you have covered everything”.
- Think about what questions you might be asked.
- Know your strengths, weaknesses and achievements.

Remember the employer wants someone he can rely on and if you really want the job you have got to demonstrate and convince home that he can.

See www.priorityplacements.ie for more information on interview preparation.