Personal appearance is extremely important because as most people know, people will judge you on the way you look. For your interview, you must be dressed professional and look put together. You don’t want to distract your interviewer with your personal appearance so don’t over do it with makeup, perfume/cologne, accessories, clothing, etc. By having these types of distractions your interviewer will be focusing on those items instead of your answers and your personality.

Once you have a professional appearance put together, now you can focus on your body language and what does your body language say about you. In your interview, the first four to five minutes of your body language is extremely important as within that time a strong, positive impression can be formed or also a strong, negative impression can be created. By having a firm positive handshake you inspire a sense of strong confidence and create the tone of the interview as you being a strong, positive and confident applicant. On the other hand, a weak and limp handshake will undermine or affect an otherwise positive interview.

During your interview, your hands should either be placed loosely on your lap or put them on the armrest of your chair. When you use hand gestures during your conversations, the interviewer views you as confident and comfortable with the progress of the interview. It is important not to over exaggerate your hand gestures as that instead shows over excitement and projects apprehension or aggression.

Our body language is important because we not only speak with our words, we also speak with our facial expressions, tone of our speech, and eye contact. A steady, controlled, and clear voice that can be easily heard makes you come across as confident and positive to the interviewer compared to someone who speaks in a low voice, showing nervousness, or unsure about their speaking ability.

How to use your body language correctly:

• When seated, don’t fidget. If you feel uncomfortable, adjust your position slightly and sit up straight to maintain alertness.
• When faced with a difficult question, first breathe, stay calm, and avoid rushing to answer the question. Be mindful of your negative body language habits before answering. This is where it helps to practice answering interview questions before attending the real interview.
• Observe and mirror the interviewer’s gestures (but not over the top), by mirroring their gestures it signals togetherness and you will likely receive a more open response from the interviewer.
• Relax and breathe throughout the interview. You shouldn’t try to rush the interview, allow the interviewer set the speed and instil yourself in a calm and comfortable mind.
• Maintain eye contact with your interviewer, but avert your gaze from time to time to avoid staring.
• Remember to smile! Smiling creates positive emotional responses and re-affirms your enthusiasm and positive attitude.

If you wish to receive advice and speak to our consultant please email us on HRSupport@signaturestaff.com.au 

Take advantage of out complimenary  HR&OHS Products - just one click away!

In this month’s edition for you:

• 5 Steps to Comply with WHS Laws 
• Legal Wisdom with Travis Sturgeon 
• How to Structure a Killer Interview
• Job Description the Working Document
• IR Wisdom with John Hartigan
• Whats on Offer

You may view all the articles once you have open the Newsletter.

Here are some tips on creating a strong interview process:

• Ensure that you make time to go through the candidate’s CV – do not leave it until the last moment

• Offer the candidate a glass of water before the interview starts. Everyone is nervous at these times, which can result in a poor interview and you letting the best candidate slip through your fingers

• Explain to the candidate the structure of the interview, which will help put them at their ease and result in a better interview

• Tell them a little about your company. Ask a little about them, including the information on their CV. Be wary of any inconsistencies between the candidate’s CV and what they’re telling you.

Some strong interview questions that you should ask each applicant are listed below. By asking each applicant some of the same interview questions, you will gain comparative insights into the different applicants and their answers.

Why are you the right person for the job?

This is a fantastic question because it allows candidates to answer however they see fit, providing insight into their personality and working style. Some may provide a list of qualities and tell you how they fit the position, whilst others may concentrate on passion for the industry. Consider how their answer fits in with your current team and your business goals as a whole.

What do you know about our company?

Candidates that display knowledge about your company show they have made an effort to prepare for their interview. Good preparation skills are essential for any job and reveal self-discipline and a realistic approach. If a candidate hasn’t bothered to find out about your organisation, your strategic goals or your products and services, do you really want them working for your team?

What are your biggest weaknesses?

Be prepared for a wide range of answers. The content is less important than the candidate’s willingness to accept their imperfections and commit to either improving or working around them. If the candidate doesn’t address how they deal with their weaknesses, don’t be afraid to follow up.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Candidates with strong professional aspirations often display drive and enthusiasm that can really benefit your business. Look for candidates that have a good working knowledge of the industry and can identify relevant opportunities that may relate to their own careers.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When hiring employees it’s important to consider their place in your team. Finding out what candidates do in their free time can help you decide whether they will integrate successfully with your current team.

Do you have any questions about the position or our company?

This is a great leading question that allows candidates to find out relevant information; they may ask where you see the company in five years, how you feel the industry is changing or why you’re recruiting for the role. You’re looking for engagement and interest.

Recruitment and Selection HR Tools

This role involves managing menus and food preparation for both the guest restaurant and the staff canteen.

The Restaurant:
The kitchen specialises in preparing innovative seafood cuisine featuring local produce, offering other alternatives also.

Position Summary:

• Overseeing the operation of the restaurant & staff canteen
• Managing budgets & monitoring expenditure
• Negotiating terms with suppliers
• Menu planning
• Communicating with Chefs & kitchen staff regarding menu items
• Monitor kitchen hygiene & ensure that legislation is adhered to
• Maintain high standards in food preparation

Key Competencies:

• Tertiary qualifications (Certificate III in Commercial Cookery)
• Strong A La Carte skills
• Experience as an Executive Chef in a 5 star environment
• Solid kitchen management &leadership skills
• The ability to motivate a close knit kitchen team in a remote location
• Excellent communication skills

Please note: This position will involve relocation to the island on a permanent basis, with single accommodation only available.  Applicants are advised to consider whether remote living suits their current aspirations.

In the first instance, please submit your application online for this position by selecting the Apply option below.  We will be contacting applicants individually to discuss further details about the position.

APPLY ONLINE

Recruitment Cairns

• Established, local business
• January 2012 start date
• Busy enviroment
• Small office team

Our client has an opportunity for a Receptionist to be the first point of contact for visitors to their successful automotive panel beating business. If you are looking for a role in a busy office with the opportunity to learn new skills, this could be your new job for the new year!

Position Summary:

• Answering all incoming calls promptly
• Direct calls & take accurate messages
• Process service and repair queries
• Book in vehicles for repair
• Data entry
• Liaising with customers, insurance companies, mechanical employees
• Preparing invoices & explaining charges to customers
• Delivering friendly & efficient customer service

Key Competencies:

• Fantastic telephone & customer service skills
• Accurate & strong data entry skills
• Experience in an automotive or insurance related role will be highly regarded
• Recent experience in a Reception position
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain client relationships
• Excellent personal presentation
• Background automotive knowledge would be an advantage
• Permanent Residency or Australian Citizenship essential

If you are looking for an ongoing role in the Cairns area and meet the above criteria, submit your application online today.

Please take an opportunity of our special offer HR&OHS Diagnostics worth $465.00 and be ready for 2012.

In this month’s edition we have the following:

• 2012 WHS Harmonisation – Are you prepared?
• Legal Wisdom with Travis Sturgeon
• Identify Stress in Workplace
• Steps to Implement when Changing Work Culture
• Be the Employer of Choice
• Psychometric Tools for Employers

You may view all the articles once you have open the Newsletter.

Let’s quickly review the physical preparation to interviews, as all of these are items you should already be aware of, and hopefully are already doing. It is essential that you always dress professional, which means clean, neat clothing. Even if you just graduated from school, or have been unemployed for a period of time, you can always dress professional. A button-down shirt, nice trousers, and good quality shoes can go all long way if that is all you can manage or afford. Biggest tip for physical presentation is to know your location; what is the typical work attire in your city, find out the culture of the company (by doing your research), and lastly if you aren’t sure, ask! When setting up the interview, ask the person scheduling the interview, “Is business attire acceptable?”

To help prepare emotionally for your interview, first know the answers to the most typically interview questions. Do an Internet search for “common Interview questions” for suggestions, and then this way you have already practised the answers and will be more comfortable when those questions or questions like those come up. Second, to emotionally prepare for the interview ensure you know where the interview is taking place and determine how you will arrive at the interview location. By figuring out these details beforehand and knowing how long it will take to get there, you won’t be rushing to your interview or being stressed about not knowing how to get there. Third, determine what helps you relax, whether it is doing exercise before your interview, listening to your favourite music on the way there, or repeating a mantra or phrase to yourself before your interview. Anything that relaxes you and makes you feel at ease will help you be calmer and help your real personality, enthusiasm and energy for the position come out. Researching the company and the position is only part of preparing as the most important part of the interview preparation is getting yourself prepared emotionally.

Author: Vlasta Eriksson

Check out our Cairns Jobs – Job Board

• International Financial Firm
• Competitive salary & benefits package
• Career growth opportunities
• Full Time Permanent Role

The Company & Working Environment:

• In exchange for your loyalty and hard work, our client offers:
• Close knit, welcoming environment
• Energetic & driven team
• Dynamic work environments with a positive atmosphere
• Ongoing training opportunities

Skills:

• 4 years minimum experience
• Qualifications or equivalent in Financial Planning
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work well in a team environment
• Knowledge of current Financial Planning Issues
• Able and confident in managing client relationships
• Ability to work to deadlines

If you are a qualified Para Planner looking for a great opportunity in Cairns, apply online today or contact us 07 4050 3888 or apply online http://www.digital88.com.au/ss/candidate

Employee job descriptions are written statements that describe the duties, responsibilities, required qualifications, and reporting relationships of a particular job.  Job descriptions are based on objective information obtained through job analysis, an understanding of the competencies and skills required to accomplish needed tasks, and the needs of the organization to produce work. Job descriptions clearly identify and spell out the responsibilities of a specific job, and also include information about working conditions, tools, equipment used, knowledge and skills needed, and relationships with other positions.

Employee job descriptions provide an opportunity to clearly communicate your company direction and they tell the employee where he or she fits inside of the big picture.

Whether you’re a small business or a large, multi-site organization, well-written employee job descriptions will help you align employee direction. Alignment of the people you employ with your goals, vision, and mission spells success for your organization. As a leader, you assure the inter-functioning of all the different positions and roles needed to get the job done for the customer.

Employee job descriptions set clear expectations for what you expect from people. If employees aren’t doing what you want them to do, you need to make certain that they clearly understand your expectations. This understanding starts with the employee job description.

Whether you’re recruiting new employees or posting jobs for internal applicants, employee job descriptions tell the candidate exactly what you want in your selected person. Clear employee job descriptions can help you select your preferred candidates and address the issues and questions of those people who were not selected.

Well-written employee job descriptions help organization employees, who must work with the person hired, understand the boundaries of the person’s responsibilities. People who have been involved in the hiring process are more likely to support the success of the new employee or promoted co-worker. Developing employee job descriptions is an easy way to involve people in your organization’s success.

For effectiveness, you must regularly look at and use employee job descriptions as part of your day-to-day work. In addition to the updating of regular goals and objectives suggested above, employee job descriptions are an integral part of the performance management and evaluation system. They are used to determine salary increases and bonus eligibility.

If the job description is just going to sit in the Human Resource’s file cabinet, or only be reviewed at times of hiring, then it will become a waste of paper and will not help the company reach their goals.

Please visit out HR Resources page and choose from 300 well written Job Descriptions to set you and your business up in reaching your goals.