If you’re reading this post then chances are you’ve either landed yourself a job or you’re feeling pretty confident about it. Either way – well done! But it’s not over just yet. There’s still some work that needs to be done and we’ve found some useful tips on how the final process is managed before you start your career.
A general job offer process is described well on Monster’s website and they also have some useful tips on how to follow up your final interview here.
Aptitude and ability tests
Personality tests
Prospects:
Really useful summary of psychometric tests and lots of useful links.
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Applications__CVs_and_interviews/Tests_and_exercises/Psychometric_tests/p!eLagFgF
Target Jobs:
Links to section on psychometric tests which has a lot of resources on why tests are used, the different types of tests and some examples.
http://targetjobs.co.uk/job-hunting-tools/psychometric-tests.aspx
Read the advert
Employers list their requirements because they are looking for candidates who match what they need. You have to make it as easy as possible for them to see that you are what they are looking for.
The job advert will normally list what the role involves – think about the skills which would be needed to do well in the job.
Treat it formally
Grammar is critically important
Be clear and to the point
plan your answers, think about how you structure your response
Most sites run sessions which time-out after a while of not using the site. This can be extremely irritating – spend a while writing an excellent answer and when you hit ‘submit’ the information is lost!
Some parts may be time restricted
You can use Word to copy the questions from an online form and work on them later
Check over it once you’re done and take the chance to have someone else have a look at it. Get some advice from your careers service by printing off your application or the questions you’ve written in Word.
SelectSimulator
If you would like to sign up for it, SelectSimulator lets you create a mock application form and gives advice on each section as you build it. http://www.selectsimulator.com/
Prospects:
Single page which clearly describes the sections you are likely to find in an online application form and what you should be thinking about in each section.
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Applications__CVs_and_interviews/Job_applications/Application_forms/p!egFlab
Target Jobs
http://targetjobs.co.uk/general-advice/articleview-15a_13.aspx
Get:
Application form advice
http://www.get.hobsons.co.uk/advice/job-applications-forms
Quick list of Do’s and Don’t
http://www.get.hobsons.co.uk/advice/job-applications-online
GRB:
Description of application forms with some example questions
http://www.grb.uk.com/making_applications0.0.html
Power Words
Application form is the recruiter’s first impression of you – the language you use and the tone you set will make a difference. Two links to examples of power words below. A word of caution, be careful how you use these techniques as they can make the application look a bit insincere or over
Talks about what you should be thinking about to make sure your application or CV has a really positive impact
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Applications__CVs_and_interviews/Job_applications/Power_words/p!eklfXef
List of words to which strengthen your point
http://www.get.hobsons.co.uk/advice/job-applications-power-words
Comprehensive advice
Good resource with LOTS of information so if you can afford the time it is worth exploring the stuff these guys provide:
http://targetjobs.co.uk/general-advice/interview-techniques.aspx
Interview preparation
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Applications__CVs_and_interviews/Interviews/Preparation/p!eplFbj
Making a good impression
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Applications__CVs_and_interviews/Interviews/How_to_impress/p!elpgeg
http://www.get.hobsons.co.uk/advice/interview-job
Types of questions you can expect
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Applications__CVs_and_interviews/Interviews/Interview_questions/p!ejimac
http://www.get.hobsons.co.uk/advice/interview-sample-questions
Congratulations, you’ve landed the second interview!
All that hard work and research really paid off. Do a little dance and Twitter your excitement – but don’t get too comfortable just yet.
You’ve still got some work cut out to land the offer.
A nice guide on the Do’s and don’t of the second interview
http://www.quintcareers.com/second_interviewing-dos-donts.html
Preparation guides:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4532289_prepare-second-interview.html
http://www.howtodothings.com/careers/a2164-how-to-prepare-for-typical-interview-questions.html
http://www.pongoresume.com/blogPosts/169/4-f-words-to-help-you-prepare-for-a-second-interview.cfm
Most of the graduate recruiters will use assessment centres as part of their selection process. The most common advise from recruiters is be prepared.
So to help we’ve had a look at what’s available online. If you find anything else that’s useful let us know or add the link in the comments below!
Introductions to assessment centres:
If you don’t know what an assessment centre is or what happens on the day here are a few decent guides:
http://www.grb.uk.com/assessment-centres.0.html
The most comprehensive guide we’ve found so far is here:
http://targetjobs.co.uk/general-advice/articleview-19a_14.aspx
A thorough explanation of what to expect and also has useful tips on body language and etiquette etc.