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John:
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Hello, Rani. I'm John. Thanks
for coming in today.
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Rani:
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Nice to meet you, John.
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John:
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We'll use this room for the
interview. Here, take a seat.
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Rani:
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Thanks.
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John:
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So, Rani, I see from your
CV that you live in Cranbrook. I hope it didn't take you too
long to get here.
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Rani:
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No, not at all. It's an easy
run. I don't mind travelling a little, but, as I explained in
our telephone conversation, my current company is moving and
I would prefer to be based here.
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John:
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Yes, of course, I understand.
How far would you be willing to travel to work, Rani?
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Rani:
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Well, if necessary, I guess
about an hour each way would be my limit.
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John:
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OK, that's good to know. Now,
then, let's take a look at your educational background. Tell
me about your qualifications and training.
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Rani:
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Well, I studied in Singapore,
at Temasek University, where they have a very good reputation
in the design field. The course was very practical, with a major
design project every year. I also took a postgraduate certificate
in business management so I could improve my position.
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John:
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You say here in your covering
letter that you specialised in computer-aided design at university.
Why was that?
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Rani:
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I've always had a strong interest
in computers, and I wanted to use IT in my work. For that reason
I was very happy to get the assignment in the States in the
electronic interface section of the company.
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John:
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So tell me more about your
work experience.
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Rani:
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My first graduate job was
in the Kuala Lumpur office of a medium-sized American company.
I followed a trainee course for 18 months and then became an
Industrial Designer. I had to work as part of a team but also
had my own individual projects.
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John:
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I see. Do you prefer to work
as part of a team or alone?
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Rani:
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I'm definitely more of a team
player. In my current role as Product Manager, I have to liaise
with people from all departments as well as with my own team.
I love the interaction with other people.
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John:
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But you mentioned in your
covering letter that you were interested in a consultant's role.
This would involve working a lot on your own. Do you see this
as a possible problem?
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Rani:
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No, not really. I don't mind
some solitary work, as long as I have contact with others for
at least some part of my day.
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John:
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So what are your strengths
and weaknesses?
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Rani:
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Yes. As I said, I am a team
player and have good interpersonal skills. I'm adaptable and
pick up new things quickly. As for weaknesses, I guess I need
to work on my time management skills.
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John:
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Oh, so you tend to miss deadlines,
then?
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Rani:
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No, I don't miss them. I often
get a little stressed by them. I think it's because I pay too
much attention to detail. I know I need to take a step back
sometimes and delegate more.
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John:
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OK. Well, it's good that you
are aware of your character traits. Now tell me what you think
you could bring to a company. Why would they want to hire you?
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Rani:
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Well, as I've demonstrated
in my previous roles, I'm keen to take on more responsibilities
and further my knowledge if required. This is very important
in my field, as designs, like fashions, are constantly changing.
I am energetic and enthusiastic about any kind of new challenge,
and think I would be an asset to any company.
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John:
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That's great, Rani. So, finally,
I'd just like you to tell me about your career goals.
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Rani:
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Sure. I see myself in a management
role, possibly as a contractor or as a consultant. I would rather
work somewhere local, but I don't mind travelling occasionally.
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John:
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I think I've got enough details
from you to begin discussions with some of our clients. Before
we finish, though, do you have any questions?
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Rani:
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Yes, what is your success
rate at finding people employment?
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John:
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It depends on the person,
really, but on average we can usually match 85% of clients with
jobs. I have no doubt that we will find you a job before the
end of the month.
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Rani:
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That's great! I need to give
four weeks' notice to my present employer, so I would be available
immediately after that.
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John:
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OK, Rani, thanks for coming
in today, and I'll be in touch as soon as I have a possible
employer for you.
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Rani:
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Thank you John. I look forward
to your call.
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