It is lovely weather to be outside and to enjoy the sun on your balcony or in the garden!
This is also a good time to consider doing online job applications. Perhaps your employer has asked you to start working in less hours or there is an opportunity that your employer will ask UWV for a permit to let you and your team members go... Maybe it is your own decision to apply for a new job, just because you feel it is the time and your current job doesn't offer you the challenge and satisfaction you need any longer.
Applying at this moment means you must apply online and I guess that is not something you are used to do! I will help you out with some practical tips!
Is there a laptop available? That is the best option, because this will offer you the most opportunities for job interviews on Teams, Zoom, WhatsApp camera, Skype. But job interviews on your mobile phone through these media is also okay! Keep in mind that having a job interview using your laptop is more comfortable and it keeps your hands free for making notes.
My tips:
• Practice when possible beforehand with someone you know welll, this way you can make sure you know your way with all the interview options that are available. If a method doesn't work for you, just ask beforehand to the employer if it is possible to make contact in a different way.
• Don’t forget to ask the new employer what the "rules" are for the interview. Who will be present at the job interview and in what role? You might want to know some practical things as well, like speaking on turn? Is there a conversation leader? Check this out so you will be well prepared for your interview.
• Search on google or LinkedIn for the organisation and look up the background information. This way you will know for example if the organisation culture is formal or more informal.
• Same with the participants to the interview: visit them on social media like LinkedIn. This way you will now the background and position.
• Take a shower and don't enter the job interview in jogging trousers, not even when the interview is by phone! You will feel more confident in an interview when well dressed!
• Make a print of your resume and motivation letter. It makes it easier to talk. Also make sure you have a note block and pencil within reach.
• Make sure you have a nice and quiet place to sit and that there are no background noises, like a dog, birds or playing children. This might disturb the job interview.
• You need to pay attention to all the participants in the interview, even when there is one leading speaker. You don't want to give future co-workers the impression that they are not important to you!
• Prepare some small questions, for example about the team composition, what are the current projects and what does the team expect from their new colleague...
• When the interview comes to an end and you don't know yet what the next step of the selection procedure will be, just ask! Every Dutch company must have a transparent job application procedure!
•Good to know that the first job interview is a good moment for you to present yourself at your best.Therefore try to show as much of yourself as possible. It is important that the selection committee has a complete overview of you as a person and your (work) skills. Based on the results of the interview the committee will have to decide whether they will invite you to a second interview. You will have enough time later to ask the questions you need to know in order to decide yourself.
• Finally: make sure to show your gratitude for the job opportunity and always end the conversation with a smile (even if you are not that positive at all..)
In my next blog I will give you more information about a second interview or meeting about the job offer and working conditions. It is then the right time to find out whether the job and organisation are a match! You might want to spend a lot of time and energy in this new job and you want to make sure you are making the right decision!
Jet