RECRUITING FROM YOUR INDUSTRY, FOR YOUR INDUSTRY.
A Truly Personalised Service
At Atlas, it’s all about you.
We partner with both active and passive candidates to plan individual recruitment strategies. Whether you are currently searching for a role or looking to be kept in the loop with career progression opportunities, we work with you to understand your individual needs.
From preparing for interviews and performance appraisals to improving your CV, selecting referees and sourcing up-to-the-minute market and salary information, Atlas offers a tailored and comprehensive range of personal recruitment services.
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RECRUITING FROM YOUR INDUSTRY, FOR YOUR INDUSTRY.
Interview Questions to Expect
An interview can last as little as half an hour – but can irrevocably change the course of your life. Irrespective of how well your CV demonstrates your skills and experience, the interview offers an opportunity – often the only opportunity – to communicate this to your future employer.
To prepare yourself fully for an interview, make sure you can answer most – if not all – of the following generic questions:
- What interested you about this particular opportunity? Why would you like to work for our organisation?
- What style of management gets the best out of you?
- Tell me about one of your major achievements in your current/last position.
- What motivates you?
- Time management is very important. Give us an example of your time management skills.
- What does 'teamwork' mean to you?
- What have you learned from some of the jobs you have held? Which job/s did you enjoy the most, and why?
- What is your major weakness, and what have you done to rectify it?
- What are your personal career goals? What would you like to be doing five years from now?
RECRUITING FROM YOUR INDUSTRY, FOR YOUR INDUSTRY.
Interview Dos and Don'ts
Remember that an interview is a two-way street and that both parties are on show. Don't let nerves, over-confidence or the fact you still have questions about the opportunity, distract you from leaving a positive lasting impression. Your CV has impressed them enough to get you this far; it's time to show them the real you!
POOR/NON-EXISTENT PREPARATION
No matter what your skills and qualifications are, you are at a complete disadvantage if you don't have at least some idea about the background or services that the firm offers. Check the Internet, have questions to ask, and prepare for what answers you will give.
THE PITCH
The employer is looking for a good match; at Atlas, we always emphasise the importance of 'attitude' as much as 'aptitude'. Above all: be yourself. An interview should enable you to showcase your skills and your character. The way you speak, dress and answer questions all contribute to the overall impression you'll give. Know the details of your employment history, the dates, key achievements, and your qualifications.
PERSONAL GROOMING
First impressions last. The old saying "Better to be overdressed than underdone" is the right attitude for an interview. Arrive for the interview 15 minutes early and have a glass of water if offered it, to calm the nerves.
AVOIDING GENERALISATIONS
Wherever possible when answering questions, give a simple example as well as the answer. Put yourself in the interviewer's shoes; would you rather hear "I follow a consultative sales process" or "I follow a consultative sales process which enables me to gain a greater understanding of the customer's needs through a series of open questions and following up on their answers"?
'TUNING OUT'
You need to actively listen throughout your interview, as a good or bad answer can prompt another question. By asking questions yourself, you are 'tuning in' to the interviewer/s and showing real interest in the role on offer.
DISHONESTY OR OMISSION
Recruitment is a risk management exercise and Atlas checks your experience through thorough initial interviews, referee reports, and even psych tests – so please don't make up any experience or qualifications! Gaps or omissions in your CV will only throw up questions to a good recruiter – as will a failure to list your last employer as a referee.
AVOIDING SALARY QUESTIONS
Emphasise recent achievements over the older parts of your CV. The most obvious 'overemphasis' mistake usually concerns salary expectations. As a professional courtesy, it is a good rule not to discuss salary at the first interview. Once you have demonstrated the value you can bring to an employer, salary will no longer be an issue.
