Restructuring: I'm being interviewed for my own job!
3 April 2015
Read by 2849 persons
Acquisitions, mergers, layoffs: as part of a company restructuring, you may be called for an interview to "re-engage" you. Rather than panicking and fearing dismissal, here are a few tips to remind your boss why they should keep you in your position.
1. Ask yourself if you really want this job
Be honest and ask yourself if you are still motivated and stimulated by your work. If so, go for it! Otherwise, this restructuring would be an opportunity to look elsewhere or apply for a different position within the same company.
2. Make your resume attractive
"I help employees make their resumes sexy and highlight their real skills to meet the employer's needs," explains Ginette Desforges, partner at Brio RH, who supports companies undergoing restructuring. Resumes are often neglected after 20 years in the same company. "Some might feel demotivated and stressed," she adds. "My role is to highlight their strengths, so they realize everything they've accomplished."
3. Have a positive attitude
In the face of change, not all employees react positively. "Even if the context is not easy, by being negative, you don't demonstrate to the employer your ability to adapt," says Ms. Desforges. Prove that you are an integral part of the change.
4. Thank the employer
Thanking the employer for giving you the opportunity to apply for the job will demonstrate a real interest in your work. Turn the restructuring period to your advantage by highlighting the awareness it has created in you.
5. Be honest
Nonverbal language is very eloquent, which is why you must be frank in your answers. The recruiter will quickly guess that you are saying yes to everything just to keep your job.
6. Demonstrate your successes and speak in the "I"
"You shouldn't speak on behalf of the team using "we." You need to determine what you have done without exaggerating. Talk about your achievements, but at the opportune moment. If you are asked an open-ended question, give a concrete example," advises Ginette Desforges, who has over ten years of experience in recruitment. Be prepared and have evidence on hand at the time of the interview. Also, don't hesitate to highlight your experience and accomplishments, because very often, the recruiter doesn't know about them. Even a superior may be surprised by the extent of the tasks you actually perform.
7. Demonstrate your learning potential
Your position is redefined with new skills that you lack? Demonstrate your ability to acquire them and ask questions about the training that will be offered by the employer. "Sometimes, you don't have certain skills, but you have the potential to develop them," says Ginette Desforges. "For a company, it's worth investing in this type of employee."
8. Demonstrate your vision of the future
Without dictating what the company should do, present a game plan to contribute to its prosperity. The employer will be able to assess whether you will fit in well with its new direction. However, find out about the upcoming steps!
Audrey Neveu.
Workopolis.com
Published March 30, 2015.
Posted online April 3, 2015.
1. Ask yourself if you really want this job
Be honest and ask yourself if you are still motivated and stimulated by your work. If so, go for it! Otherwise, this restructuring would be an opportunity to look elsewhere or apply for a different position within the same company.
2. Make your resume attractive
"I help employees make their resumes sexy and highlight their real skills to meet the employer's needs," explains Ginette Desforges, partner at Brio RH, who supports companies undergoing restructuring. Resumes are often neglected after 20 years in the same company. "Some might feel demotivated and stressed," she adds. "My role is to highlight their strengths, so they realize everything they've accomplished."
3. Have a positive attitude
In the face of change, not all employees react positively. "Even if the context is not easy, by being negative, you don't demonstrate to the employer your ability to adapt," says Ms. Desforges. Prove that you are an integral part of the change.
4. Thank the employer
Thanking the employer for giving you the opportunity to apply for the job will demonstrate a real interest in your work. Turn the restructuring period to your advantage by highlighting the awareness it has created in you.
5. Be honest
Nonverbal language is very eloquent, which is why you must be frank in your answers. The recruiter will quickly guess that you are saying yes to everything just to keep your job.
6. Demonstrate your successes and speak in the "I"
"You shouldn't speak on behalf of the team using "we." You need to determine what you have done without exaggerating. Talk about your achievements, but at the opportune moment. If you are asked an open-ended question, give a concrete example," advises Ginette Desforges, who has over ten years of experience in recruitment. Be prepared and have evidence on hand at the time of the interview. Also, don't hesitate to highlight your experience and accomplishments, because very often, the recruiter doesn't know about them. Even a superior may be surprised by the extent of the tasks you actually perform.
7. Demonstrate your learning potential
Your position is redefined with new skills that you lack? Demonstrate your ability to acquire them and ask questions about the training that will be offered by the employer. "Sometimes, you don't have certain skills, but you have the potential to develop them," says Ginette Desforges. "For a company, it's worth investing in this type of employee."
8. Demonstrate your vision of the future
Without dictating what the company should do, present a game plan to contribute to its prosperity. The employer will be able to assess whether you will fit in well with its new direction. However, find out about the upcoming steps!
Audrey Neveu.
Workopolis.com
Published March 30, 2015.
Posted online April 3, 2015.
