Asking questions at an interview demonstrates that you have done preparation and it usually comes across as a sign that are genuinely interested in the role and shows a willingness to progress.

• If I excel in the role, where can I expect to be in 3 years?

• What are the company plans for future development?

• What are the best things about working for this company?

• What is the company’s approach to training and development?

• Finally, I’ve really liked what I’ve heard at the interview, when can I expect to hear back from you?

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This can be a difficult and arduous task at times but it is important to keep your motivation high. You need to actually treat it like a job in itself. It is the only way to see it through and the only way to give you the best opportunity of getting the best job for yourself. 

• Firstly, break it down into tasks and put it down on paper.

• Put time into getting your CV prepared, speaking to people, and looking at    companies.

• Set yourself goals and speak to three companies a day or speak to a good agency a day and follow up with that agency.

• Set a timetable for yourself.

• You won’t need to do this all day but the only way you will do it right and do It thoroughly is to have a timetable. For example, if you have set a timetable from 9 to 12 that you focus on your career tasks and your goals. And then having done that, reward yourself. Go for a walk, a swim, a jog, keep yourself fit and keep the brain motivated, but reward yourself with something that you like to do.

• Lastly and a very important way of keeping yourself motivated, get yourself out there and meet people.  Keep your communication skills sharp.

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An employer will often ask the following questions.

• Name your top 3 attributes i.e., what’s good about you that makes you attractive to a client? 

• Why do you want to leave your current role?

• What is your biggest weakness? Remember, we all have weaknesses but what is your main weakness and what are you trying to do to correct it? 

• If I was to call your current manager now and ask them about you what would they say?

• What has attracted you to come to their company?

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• In addition to your CV a recruiter needs to know why you are leaving your current role or what have you been doing since your last role.

• They would also need to know what type of role you are looking for, whether it is contract work or a permanent role and if you are keen to work in a particular industry.

• They will want to know how soon are you able to interview and start.

• Job location is key, and the recruiter would need to know where you are keen to work and also if you are authorised to work there. For example, are you authorised to work in that country and are you prepared to travel as part of the role? 

• Financially, you will need to inform the recruiter what salary and benefits package you are looking for what daily or hourly rate you want if you are contracting as this can rule you in or out of roles.

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• In an ideal world everybody will be doing a job that they love and excel at. Companies will be happy because they have the most productive workforce and employees will be happy for the simple fact that they would be doing a job that they love. Unfortunately, that’s not real life. 

• The use of Psychometric testing at interview stage has become more widespread. It helps identify what type of roles best suit an individual and how they like to work. For example, do you like to work in a team or do you prefer to work on your own?  What management style works for you etc… This helps a company define what role that suits you best. 

• There are two types of psychometric tests that companies will often perform.

• Firstly, there are ability tests, which would primarily be verbal and numeric tests.

• Secondly there are preference tests, which would define what sort of personality you are, what sort of personality you work with, or what motivates you and what is going to get the best out of you.

• The one thing to remember is that psychometric tests are a positive thing to help you secure a role that suits your profile the best. The last thing you want to do is take a job that is not right for you. 

• So two quick tips for psychometric tests. Practice them. There are any number of them you can find on the web.

• Also be honest in your answers because the more honest you are, the better your profile will be fitted to the right role, the better chance of getting that job that you really want.

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There are a number of things you need to consider before making a move into IT contracting.

• Firstly, you have to remember you will be in a role where there is no guaranteed security, is this something you will be comfortable with e.g. If you sign up for a six month contract, there is no guarantee of work after those six months. You will only be paid for the number of days that you work. If you take any holidays or if you have any sick days, you will not get paid for these. 

• Unlike permanent roles there are no benefits given out to daily/hourly rate contract staff. Costs like healthcare, pension, life insurance, etc, which might have been paid for by your permanent employer would now be your personal responsibility for making payments. 

• Going contracting, you may need to rely on your savings in the short term. In a permanent role you will usually get paid on the last Friday of the month, but when you’re on contract, you might not get paid for weeks after the month’s end depending on the company

• In relation to training and development, companies often sell permanent roles to prospective employees based on the potential to train and up skill and move to enhance career progression. As a contractor, you will have to pay for any training you want to do yourself.  Bear in mind that you are only going to be hired for the skills that you have. A client is not going to invest in you when you are contracting with them.

• Finally, something to be very aware of is most people may be unable to secure a mortgage while they are contracting due to the uncertainty of work. Particularly if you haven’t been contracting that long and haven’t a longstanding proven track record.

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This is a question that crops up in interviews and can stump a lot of people. 

• The key thing is you have to be positive.  Focus on what you’re really strong at and on what your abilities are to bring to that particular role.

• The other thing is be honest.  This will help you be relaxed and will stop you getting caught out later in the interview, if you happen to say something that’s not quite right.

• Be concise, there’s no need to waffle.  It is just another question, they don’t expect a big rambling answer so stick to what you know and what is the truth.

• Also, make sure your response is relevant.  Talk about your career, it’s an opportunity for you to bring your experience back in, as to why you might be good for this role.

• The other thing is just be yourself.  Don’t try to be somebody that you’re not, so just be yourself and answer the question honestly as this will give you a great chance.

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• Firstly, make sure you know who will be calling you, the exact time and whether it’s likely to be technical or HR type questions. Know the exact format. 

• Make sure your phone is fully charged.

• The chances are you’re going to be called on your mobile phone so make sure you’re in an area of very good reception.

• Also, make sure you are going to be a quiet area with no interruptions where nobody is going to walk in on you in the middle of the interview.

• Importantly, re-clarify any questions that you might not have heard clearly.  The last thing you want to do is answer a question you think you heard. If you’re not sure, ask the interviewer to repeat the question to make sure you give yourself the best chance in the interview.

• Have a copy of your CV to hand, because you will be asked throughout the course of the interview various parts on your CV and to explain in more detail. 

• Then finally, at the end of the telephone call, don’t be afraid to ask what the next steps are.

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• Firstly, do your company research, know what the company do and who their competitors are.

• Then secondly, know exactly where they are located.  Arrive early and do not put yourself under any undue stress by rushing to the interview

• Dress professionally as first impressions count.

• Also, when you meet the actual person that you’re doing the interview with, greet them with a firm handshake and maintain good eye contact throughout the course of the interview.

• Very importantly, always listen to the question being asked.  People quite often fall into the trap of trying to get something across that they want to tell the person, instead of actually answering the question that has been asked.

• One of the most important points is to use examples to highlight your skills and experience. There is no point in just saying, “I’m very professional.” or “I’m very experienced” you have to give specific examples to back up your claims. 

• Finally, know your CV from start to finish as you can expect to be asked anything about your CV throughout the course of the interview.

• All this should help you secure the right job.

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• Networking has become more and more prevalent and more common in the market. It’s a great way to get out and get yourself known, get to know others and keep up to date with what trends are happening in the market.

• It is important though that you identify the events that you are going to get a maximum return from. There is no point in going to everything and anything. Drill down to what specifically is going to be good for you.  Then when you do that, work out whom you want to speak to and whom you need to speak to.

• When you go to one of these networking events, have the goal of speaking to five people that are on the attendee list that you know could be of use to you or you could be of use to them. 

• If you meet people at a networking event, make sure you follow up with them.  It is the only way to cement a relationship. Get their contact details and give them yours, know your unique selling points, what makes you different from everybody else. Let them know why you are there, what you want to get from the events and just see what common ground you can have with people

• Lastly, make sure you have your business cards with you. You can go to any supermarket in the country now, and they have a machine there that can print out 50 cards cheaply and easily. You need to ensure you have your name, what you do (e.g. if you’re a Java developer or if you own your own business) and your phone and email details on it.

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