Job interview next week, stumped on a request they have asked of me

Combat squirrel

Combat squirrel

Combat squirrel

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Joined
7 Aug 2004
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11,267
Hey all, got a 2 day job interview next week and they emailed me this:

"Can you email me a photo and a 150 word personal statement? This will then be used to format a 'pen picture' which will be given to your assessors."

Ok so a photo is ok, im not sure which 'style', iv one of me thats just me smiling but its not a 'formal passport style' photo.

The personal statement, what on earth do I write here? Do I summarise my entire life, or summarise me career thus far? Do I include interests? Do I state 'why im good for this position' in the statement ?

Its all very confusing and OCUK I sincerely ask for your help on this one ! :)
 
Pic smiling is fine. Mine is like a smiling head and shoulders shot.

As for personal statement, just discuss what you've done, who you are and where you're going.
 
If they have your picture they can prejudge you based on characteristics you can't always control, like skin colour, weight, freckles, hair colour etc etc.
 
[FnG]magnolia;18811196 said:
Where on earth are you getting racial profiling from? :confused:

OP - something like this might help give you an idea.
Click to expand...

Thanks its quite an important job, I wont say what it is but they have a very thorough application process.

Im thinking the pics for when they have all the candidates on a table when there trying to choose the right person ? Im also guessing this statement will be underneath the picture, thats why I really have to think whats the best thing to write.
 
Hey Dude,
I'd expect they're looking for same sort of info as a uni application. These are v important as you need to stick out from others to gain the place. Generally write about where you are technically and where you want to go. You can add personal stuff like your a team player ECT. Gay it up a little bit but not too much. Google personal statements and there are gonna of guides. Basically sell yourself mate. Hope that helps. K
 
Oxy said:
If they have your picture they can prejudge you based on characteristics you can't always control, like skin colour, weight, freckles, hair colour etc etc.
Click to expand...
If they're going to do that, they'll do that anyway at the interview.. So I'm totally not sure of your point? In fact, it's better as op doesn't get false hope or have to even go to an interview where they'll say GTFO freckly boy.
 
To add, I done for a hard uni and got conditional acceptance, I basically just said all my qualifications were As and will strive to keep achieving. Software development in a few months :)
 
meghatronic said:
If they're going to do that, they'll do that anyway at the interview.. So I'm totally not sure of your point? In fact, it's better as op doesn't get false hope or have to even go to an interview where they'll say GTFO freckly boy.
Click to expand...

Yep, I don't think I'd want to work for a company that was more concerned with how I looked than what I could do so if they're going to reject on that then it probably works out best all round. However there is the problem that it's potentially just pandering to the prejudices of HR/the interviewers who you may never see again.
 
**** it! Just take a pic of a big black *******. State in your personal statement that you have a 12 incher and that you pawn all the noobs ;)
 
Hi everyone as I said:

Im thinking the pics for when they have all the candidates on a table when there trying to choose the right person ? Im also guessing this statement will be underneath the picture, thats why I really have to think whats the best thing to write.


CAN WE PLEASE stick to suggestions for my personal statement ? Im 100% certain they dont want a picture for petty reasons, its likely to be the above reason along with security reasons.
 
[FnG]magnolia;18811196 said:
Where on earth are you getting racial profiling from? :confused:

OP - something like this might help give you an idea.
Click to expand...

meghatronic said:
Pic smiling is fine. Mine is like a smiling head and shoulders shot.

As for personal statement, just discuss what you've done, who you are and where you're going.
Click to expand...

kevy1986 said:
Hey Dude,
I'd expect they're looking for same sort of info as a uni application. These are v important as you need to stick out from others to gain the place. Generally write about where you are technically and where you want to go. You can add personal stuff like your a team player ECT. Gay it up a little bit but not too much. Google personal statements and there are gonna of guides. Basically sell yourself mate. Hope that helps. K
Click to expand...



USEFUL replys, thanks :)
 
What is this company that requires a 2 day interview?

I am not saying this applies in this case, but most of the companies I know who ask you to go to conferance centres, hotels, or with 200 million other people to a 2 day do, all turn out to be pretty rubbish.

One example is when thy advertised at the local Currys a few years ago , the advert said they wanted a sales team leader, excellent basic salary plus commision and benefits, so I applied as I wanted to get away from the driving job I had.Come the day about 30 of us rolled up to this hotel in town, where for 3 hours we did a selection of entirely unrelated team building activities, then had a 2 minute interview at the end where the job turned out to be just the standard currys sales drone, the pay was 12KPA (a little bit less than half what I made driving a van) with a couple of hours of over time a week, the commision was based on whole store sales and the benefits were a couple of % off for staff purchases.

Why the need for all that fuss, for what is in effect, a till assistant.
 
Why don't you post a pic of yourself or a few. We'll pick the best and try make a statement around it. Tell us what you have and where your going. Its only 150 words mate, that's fa to be fair. K
 
Thanks guys, iv come up with this, feedback is hugely appreciated and welcomed:

I am a graduate of Ocean Science and Information Technology with excellent knowledge & practical experience of both subjects, gained through both academic study and employment. I am eager to begin my career in exactly this line of work and for a company such as ******, I also feel it perfectly suits my interests and background.

While my work at ****** has gained me valuable experience and knowledge, I feel it has been a learning experience as opposed to a career role, thus I feel fully motivated to open a new chapter in my life to begin a career within my interest area.

I feel embarking on this training scheme is perfect for me & I would relish the opportunity to train, hone & rejuvenate my previous skill sets.

My interests hobbies & background also fit perfectly for the location of this opportunity where I would gladly relocate to the ******.
Click to expand...
 
Combat squirrel said:
any good? ^^ ? :s need a check before email it
Click to expand...
I would make it a bit more active, i.e.,

"As a graduate of Ocean Science and Information Technology, I have excellent......."

"As a _____ at _____, I have gained valable experience and knowledge, and feel it has _____."

And so on...

Chapter of life is corny - reword it.
 
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