‘Go in like you have got the job already’
Q&A with Damian Torrie, recent jobseeker
WHAT’S YOUR HISTORY?
I’ve been in sales for more than 17 years. I was an account manager in electrical retail for seven years and in electrical retail since I was 16.
WHAT IS YOUR NEW ROLE?
I’m now in training and merchandising in the building industry. I started in mid-July.
HOW DID YOU FIND THE JOB SEARCH?
The first few weeks were positive but then I realised it was really tough and demoralising. I’m a positive person but it was the toughest four weeks I have had.
HOW MANY INTERVIEWS DID YOU HAVE?
Before my successful interview, I had five interviews and for four of those it came down to me and one other person.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR PAST EXPERIENCE WITH INTERVIEWS?
I’ve had interviews because I have changed jobs within the industry but I had never been out of a job until recently. You tend to know what they are going to ask. They ask about you personally – your interests, what you like, what money you are expecting.
It can be difficult to bring up the money question. I don’t – even in a second interview it can be difficult.
WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR OTHER JOBSEEKERS?
Before an interview, I do a bit of research on the company. If they have given me a name, I do a bit of research to know more about that person because in an interview you’ve got to be personable to get along with them. You might see they deal with certain people or have charities they look after so you can have questions to ask to show you are being proactive about their business.
Go in like you have got the job already. If you go in without exuberance, why would they want to employ you over someone who is positive and creative?