What is employability? There’s a lot of talk about employability in the recruitment community as competition for jobs in all sectors intensifies. But what does it mean? The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES)[1] gives the simplest and most accessible definition of employability in terms of skills: ‘the skills…>
Professional Interviews
Interview question: What’s your biggest weakness?
It’s an old classic and a question that seems to have had plenty of interviewees struggling, but should the question ‘What’s your biggest weakness?’ cause so much worry? Well, today we’re going to have a look at the different types of answers and offer some useful tips to help you…>
Presentation at an Interview
Have you had any experience of delivering a presentation at an interview? How do you prepare? How do you engage your audience? Presentations are a common part of the recruitment process for graduate, research, teaching, consulting and other professional roles across a range of sectors. Whether you have had a…>
Preparing for Telephone Interviews
Telephone interviews are often an early part of the recruitment process to screen candidates. They usually last 15 – 30 minutes and are conducted by a recruiter or an employer. The way you prepare for telephone interviews should be taken just as seriously as if you were preparing for a…>
How to Make a Good Impression in an Interview
Making a good impression during an interview can lead to the next step in your career. But how can you do this? Preparation before interview is essential. The practical steps below are aimed at those of you who have little or no interview experience to individuals who regularly market themselves…>
Struggling At Interviews?
Focus on the 3 p’s For many job seekers, the mere thought of interviews can render you with sweaty palms and sleepless nights. From what to wear to what questions might be asked, there’s plenty to get in a panic about. Whilst there’s no ‘magic guide’ to being amazing at…>
Top 10 Tips From HR Professionals
These ‘Top 10 Tips’ were sent in by recruitment professionals working in UK Higher Education. Their advice could mean the difference between your application being noticed…or thrown in the bin!
What Interviewers Really Think
We’ve all been in the position of the early-career interviewee, nervously looking across the table at a number of academics who seem accomplished and established in their careers. But what about the interviewers on such occasions? This article examines what some of their main concerns might be when interviewing early…>
So, Why Do You Want This Job? Answering Killer Questions
Everyone knows that there are a number of interview killer questions that can stop an interviewee dead in their tracks. These can be both general, and ones that relate specifically to the academic environment. Here are a few pointers to get you started.
Top Tips For Answering Competency Questions
Competency questions are those which focus on particular behaviours or skills you will need to demonstrate in the role. These are usually clearly identified in the person specification and job advert.