Candidate and job searcher FAQ

We’ve taken all of the most common questions we get asked by candidates, and answered them in our FAQ. Whatever you need to know, from job interview advice, new job fears and career-changing tips, to approaching recruitment agencies and more, it’s all here. Take a look, and if you need more free and friendly advice, get in touch.

Use the quick links below to get the answer you need, or scroll through to find answers to questions you may not have thought of:

– Job interviews
– Common interview questions – how should you answer?
– Career progression
– First day of a new job
– Recruitment agencies, recruitment consultants and headhunters
– General job search-related questions

How to Prepare for a Job Interview?

Let’s start with the big one, you really want this job and you feel there’s big obstacle in the way that you have no control over. Our advice is: take control and feel confident. You can achieve this by getting your head around everything to do with the company, job and day, so that you become an expert in this specific interview. And experts feel confident.

Here’s how to prepare for job interview success, in a day:

6am – 7.30am – Wake, shower, breakfast, relax.

8am – 9am – Do dress code research and decide on your outfit. Hopefully your recruiter has told you what you can wear, if not, don’t be afraid to call and ask them. Once you know, try it on, look in the mirror and know you’ve got this. Because why think anything else? Now ensure your clothes are clean and pressed, ready for the morning.

9am – 10am – Google yourself, see what comes up and ensure your social profiles are respectful and professional, particularly LinkedIn.

10am – 12pm – Research the employer, their history, the markets they’re in, recent moves, recent press, their LinkedIn, Glassdoor. Get a base knowledge about them. You’re not looking for lots of facts to quote, just a read-through of all things them, your brain will recall it when needed in the interview.

12pm – 1pm – Lunch, relax.

1pm – 3pm – Go through the job description again, read it meticulously, highlight any points you want to ask about and understand what the whole role involves.

3pm – 5pm – Do some practice runs, aim for two, either on your own answering typical interview questions (10 good ones there) or with a friend. You’ll need someone who’s completely got your back and wants you to succeed.

That’s the essential, set aside a day to do this and you’ll be feeling in control and confident about the interview ahead. Check out our dedicated guide on preparing for an interview for more detail on prep up to a week ahead, on the morning and after the interview.

How long after an interview is a job offer made?

You’re not going to like this answer, but we’re not going to pretend there is one. It really does depend on the urgency involved in hiring someone and the stage of the process you’re at. Typically, for a candidate who has just completed their final interview, an offer is usually made inside 7-days.

If you’re at the first interview stage, it can be up to six weeks and multiple stages before you are chosen for the role and receive an offer. Again, this depends on the urgency, but is usually heavily affected by the availability and schedules of hiring staff.

What to ask in a job interview?

We know what you’re getting at – are their questions employers like to hear candidates ask? Yes and no, sure there are the ‘standard’ questions you can reel off, but most recruiters can see these aren’t something you’re genuinely interested in. Instead, do the interview prep we talked about above and you’ll naturally develop a list of what questions to ask in a job interview that are important to you.

For more insight on this, check out our post about the broader questions to ask before accepting a role.

How to interview for a job?

We’ve been through how to prepare for an interview, above, and that’ll get you in a strong headspace for the meeting. Here’s what to do ahead of and in the interview:

1. Ask the recruiter if the employer wants you to prepare anything ahead of the interview. If they say no, do it anyway based on the research you’ve done into their market and approach. This gives you something to own, be an expert on and talk about, it puts you in control and will impress the employer.

2. When you get to the interview location, it’s about being looking professional (dress codes differ, remember to check), arriving on-time and speaking clear.

3. Before you head into the interview room, go to the restroom, look in the mirror, put on your power face, say some positive affirmations – ‘you got this’, ‘you’re talented’, ‘share your passion’ etc – and smile. You’re talented and want to progress, so enjoy the opportunity to share that with someone.

4. If you’ve done the prep work we talked about above in the FAQ, then the interview will go well. Remember to give yourself time to answer if you need it, don’t feel the need to speak straight away, and always ask if they can repeat a question if you didn’t catch it or remember it.

5. At the end, ask the interviewer if they got everything they needed from you, and ask any questions you have. Also ask what the next stage of the process is and when you can expect to hear from them.

Done. Exchange pleasantries, thank them for the interview and leave feeling fulfilled. You’re making change happen, whatever happens.

How are candidates selected for a job interview?

This really depends on what the employer is looking for in a new recruit. If they want tons of experience then that will be a powerful asset to secure an interview, but if they’re looking for more of a personality fit, with training for the hard skills side, then they’ll select on a different metric.

In today’s increasingly equal work environments (still a long way to go), the majority of employers won’t make any interview selection based on age, gender or looks. It’s more about core competencies and how your skills can transfer to different roles and responsibilities. Here’s how the actual process works:

The interview selection process:

1. All applications are assessed based on employer’s criteria

2. A short-list is created (and presented to the employer if a recruitment agency is involved)

3. Interview requests are sent out

What are your career goals?

Humans love goals. Some are scared to set them, some thrive on them, but one things for sure, if you have goals and the mindset to know you can achieve them – there’s no limit to your potential and levels of success. Setting effective career goals relies on you doing something you enjoy, whether that be for the work involved or the rewards.

If you like your job and want some goals, speak to your line manager about what s/he and the business are trying to achieve. See how you can help make it happen, and set goals that support this. More personally, think about you 6 months, 12 months, 3 years and 5 years from now, imagine your future-self from these time periods writing to you and telling what they’re doing. What would they say? This should help you clarify your goals for these timescales.

Why do you want this job?

We’re not going to complicate this, because you shouldn’t either. Tell. The. Truth. Have a good think about it and get it clear in your head what getting this job truly means to you, to your career, your ambitions and your whole life. If you don’t want the job and are wondering how you can say what the employer wants to hear, do yourself a favour – ring the recruiter and cancel the interview, because it’s not the right role for you.

What is your dream job?

Assuming you genuinely have a truthful answer to the previous question in this FAQ, be completely honest when you answer this one too. If you’re going for a Node JS job in Bangkok, but your dream job would be driving a railroad train in the US, say it. Any employer that can see you’re serious about their role and have your own ambitions, but doesn’t like it, isn’t right for you. And those that love it, are the ones you want to work for.

How to change career?

Whether you know what you want to change to or not, changing career is only as hard as you want to make it, or think it. Remember what Henry Ford said: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” So before you take a practical step, make a mindset shift and understand that a career change starts with small steps that you will start making, and it will result in the change you want. No chance, no outside factors – you start the process and you achieve the outcome.

Invest in your growth

Whether you know or not what you want to become, start setting aside some money for a war-chest (or change-chest). This is to either help you through a drop in income or to support your education in the new career area.

Research

If this comes easily, great, if not, then you need to push through the inertia. That’s the old you liking things just as they are and not wanting to change. You need to get uncomfortable to make career progression happen. If you know what you want to do, research courses, apprenticeships, workshops, events, books etc, start to grow your knowledge and begin to experience the industry you think you want to be in.

If you don’t know what you want to do, allocate time each day/week to thinking about what gets you excited, feeling passion, or feeling angry. These are all emotions that you should see as your guide to who you are and what your purpose is. Read career change books and personal development books such as ‘Start with Why’ by Simon Sinek.

As you begin to set aside cash and learn more about yourself and the industry you want to be in, you’ll be starting the journey to a career change and doing something 99.9% of people will never do. Stay on the path, set yourself apart and keep focused on your goal.

What career is right for me?

Great question, we’re assuming you mean based on the skills you have, as only you know which career is right for you. People can be predisposed to certain roles and industries for sure, but that doesn’t mean they’ll enjoy the work or find fulfilment. If you’re wondering how to choose a career, it’s time to take the process of finding out seriously – follow the steps in the answer to the question above.

What to expect on the first day of a new job?

It depends how professional the business is, but typically you should expect a day of inductions, ice-breaking sessions and meet-the-team moments. There’ll also be some admin as you’re set up on systems, benefit schemes and email. It’s unlikely you’ll do any work on the first day, although it doesn’t hurt to ask your line manager if you can help with anything.

Once at your workstation, you’ll probably be introduced to the team and the facilities, including the restrooms, kitchen, lockers and fire exits. You’ll also be able to get a better idea of dress code as you look around the room at your new colleagues. Just relax and enjoy it, there’s no need to impress anyone – congratulate yourself on getting the job and take in the moment.

How to prepare for first day of a new job?

You’ll probably feel a little nervous and unsure ahead of your first day at a new job, these are perfectly normal and healthy responses to a new environment, particularly one that belongs to your employer.

5 recruiter tips on how to prepare for your first day of a new job:

1. A few workdays before you start, email your contact if you have one to say you’re looking forward to starting and meeting everyone. You can also ask about dress code if you don’t already know it.

2. Consider a practice run to your new work address to get you there for the first-day start time, whether walking, driving, cycling or using public transport. This will allow you to gauge traffic and journey times, so you’re more informed and relaxed on the actual day.

3. The night before, prepare your work clothes and any ID/documents the employer has requested.

4. On the morning, give yourself plenty of time to wake, have breakfast and relax before making your way to your new workplace.

5. Walk in, head held high and throat clear. Enjoy it, savour every moment and remember – life is forever changing, you’ll be moving on again in the future so don’t place too much pressure on the day, just congratulate yourself for getting the job, listen keenly and maintain eye contact. You’ll be awesome.

What does a Recruitment Consultant Do?

A recruitment consultant connects employers and candidates in the job market. For businesses, they provide the service of finding, interviewing and hiring the right talent. For candidates, a recruitment consultant matches skills and ambitions to businesses and vacancies in the job marketplace.

RECRUITdee is a recruitment consultant, it’s our business to know all the best job opportunities, and all the best available talent, in Bangkok and beyond. Then we connect the two for a win-win situation and long-term success.

How to Find a Recruitment Agency?

The best thing to do is always call or contact the agency via their website. This initial contact is a serious move to start the process of career progression. Go online, find recruitment agencies that serve the market sector and the geographical area you’re looking to work in, check out their vacancies, read reviews and see how supportive their website is with your ambitions.

Once you’re confident they can help, call them, speak to a representative about your situation and goals and they’ll tell you what you need to do next. Ready now? Get in touch.

What is a Headhunter?

A headhunter is an individual or company paid to find top talent for an employer. This usually takes the form of reaching out to successful people that aren’t typically looking for a new role. The headhunter will tell the individual about a role they may be interested in and the ‘candidate’ lets them know if they want to know more. Sometimes, normal recruiters are referred to as headhunters in Bangkok but the definition above is correct.

What is the Difference Between a Headhunter and a Recruiter?

– A headhunter seeks out talented individuals that aren’t openly looking for a new role and pitches a job opportunity at them.

– A recruitment agency works with businesses to fill vacancies through a network of registered candidates, all looking for work.

Traditionally, headhunting was an exclusive service carried out by those with large networks, experience and contacts. But in the age of LinkedIn, where anyone can be InMailed with an opportunity, many recruitment agencies have effectively added headhunting and headhunter services to their offerings.

This has resulted in headhunters moving up to C-suite and above, where real investigative and nurturing work has to be done prior to first contact. At RECRUITdee, we offer a blended recruitment and headhunter service in Bangkok, Thailand.

How to write a resume for a job

Keep it nice and simple, that’s the key. Recruiters and employers will be looking through hundreds and need to make a decision quickly, so help them out.

How to write a job resume or CV:

1. Create two parts: a covering letter and a resume/CV

2. Keep the covering letter to one page of A4, address and contact details top right and a sign-off at the end, whatever you feel is appropriate for you and the employer’s personality. In the letter, grab them with a passionate start, explain why you want the job, how you want to help and what you want to learn.

3. Keep the resume/CV to two pages of A4 max, cover your work history starting with your current role, then your education/qualifications, then any supporting achievements. Finish with the usual driving licence info and your hobbies, give them some insight into your personality.

How to accept a job offer email

Congratulations – you’ve received an offer and now you want to reply. Channel that confidence, you know what to write, you don’t need anyone outside to tell you because they hired you for you. So open the email, be yourself and reply with gratefulness. It’ll be spot on.

What is job satisfaction?

The question you need to ask isn’t ‘What is it?’, ‘it’s How do I find it?’. You don’t seek satisfaction, you simply take action and you know it when you feel it.

Here’s how we achieve job satisfaction every day at RECRUITdee:

1. Know what you need to do

2. Know the desired outcome

3. Start working.

If you know 1 and 2, then 3 will join them up and ensure you feel success, fulfilment and life satisfaction. Sound good? Get in touch to discover roles that are perfectly aligned to your skillset and career ambitions.