FRESH-FACED BEAUTY
TOP RECRUITER ROXANNE CALDER LETS US IN ON SOME DOOZIES, AND HOW TO RECOVER FROM THEM EVERY TIME
This year, it’s all about letting your skin shine through. To get that lit-from-within look, “use a super-hydrating, nourishing moisturiser or serum, like the Nude by Nature Renewal Daily Facial Oil, to saturate the skin and create the perfect canvas to spot foundation and concealer on”, advises celebrity makeup artist, Max May. Add a primer on top to ensure your foundation and concealer have “longevity and hold”.
It’s the stuff of nightmares – you’ve prepped for a job interview, you’re wearing your business best with head held high, you confidently enter into answering questions only to completely blow it. You’re not alone. According to recruiter Roxanne Calder, who has sat in on countess job interviews over 25 years, some candidates still surprise her with the mistakes they make that can so easily be avoided.
“Here’s the thing: you can stuff up an interview and still be offered the role,” says Roxanne. “It’s how you handle the situation that counts. I’ve seen people run absurdly late, utter swear words and wear an outfit covered with toddler vomit – and these people still got the job.”
Here are a few common interview scenarios and ways to avoid the situation or recover when things don’t go your way.
EYES ON THE PRIZE THE DISASTER
The candidate took a phone call midinterview with a “sorry, I need to take this call”, then left the room and never came back. We sat there waiting silently for 20 minutes. Pre-phone call, the interview was going well. Had they apologised and explained why the call was necessary, the job was theirs. Instead, they thought they had blown it and couldn’t face returning to the interview.
ROXANNE’S TIP
Turn mobiles off, without exception. It shows respect, manners and awareness of boundaries. But, if it happens to ring, apologise and turn it off. I would suggest a quick apology again at the end of the interview.
WHEN YOUR MIND GOES BLANK
THE DISASTER
Not knowing how to answer a question is a common occurrence. As is having your mind go blank. What not to do
is become defensive. It’s one trait no-one wants to see at an interview. Also, don’t go to the other spectrum and over-apologise. Instead, simply say: “I don’t know the answer,” and ask to return to the question later. It will give you some breathing space. Keep going and don’t give up! It’s common for people to psych themselves out of the job they are about to be offered.
ROXANNE’S TIP
Think of the outstanding achievements and contributions you have made. Write them down and practise saying them out loud. They will be front of mind when answering questions. Just before your interview, go to a quiet place where
you can practise. This will also allow your tongue to relax – I’m not joking. Your tongue can get nervous too, it’s attached to the rest of your body.
LOADED UP THE DISASTER
Don’t bring baggage to the interview – physical and mental. So, no gym gear, shopping bags or coffees. It may be viewed as being unprofessional. Equally, if you feel negative about a previous workplace, learn how to leave the emotional baggage behind. Communicating without anguish or passive aggressive tones is essential in setting the right impression.
ROXANNE’S TIP
If you are disgruntled about a previous experience, practise talking about it without resentment or emotion. Ask a trusted advisor to listen to how you are communicating. Communication is not just words. Look at inconsistencies in your body language, eye contact and tone of voice.
The good news is, despite nerves, most go well. Interviews have long moved away from “what can you do for me” to a comfortable two-way exchange. To have the best fit, engagement and longevity in a role, both you and the employer need to be happy. If you can, enjoy your interview and let them see you and the value you have to offer.
Roxanne Calder, author of Employable – 7 Attributes to Assure Your Working Future (Major Street, $29.95), is the founder and managing director of recruitment agency, EST10. est10.com.au