Interviews then and now! .....How have they changed?

This week Kubo looked at how the process of finding a new job has changed in the last 20 years!

Technological advances and discrimination laws have dramatically changed the way that people look for a new role. Nowadays there are even apps that allow applicants to scroll through vacancies and receive notifications as new vacancies become available.  These apps also make it possible to apply for roles on the move, all from a smart phone!

In 1994 Robert J. McGovern began NetStart Inc the first online tool for job seekers and in 1995 six major newspapers joined forces to group their job listings online and created Careerpath.com. This new revolutionary idea of people being able to sit at home and see all the jobs available to them meant it was much easier and quicker for people to apply for a new role. Previously people had to look through the jobs pages of newspapers and apply by post or deliver in person!

As a result people can see roles all across the World now and apply at the click of a button, does this mean that applicant are applying for everything and anything because it's too easy to do so? Has this changed the way companies need to whittle down candidates to find the perfect person?


Kubo Spoke to Julia Bedford a Business and Finance manager about her experience of looking for a new role recently. I firstly asked Julia how she found applying for roles " there is a lot more emphasis on qualifications now than 20 years ago. Companies want to see that you have qualifications before they will even look at your experience". I went on to ask about the interview process and how she felt this had changed, " Historically you would have a much less informal one on one interview normally with a manager, but now you get interviews with panels. At my last interview there were four senior members of staff, which followed a group interview with the other candidates, during which we were given tasks and had to research and prepare a group presentation on a given topic". 

Kubo also spoke to Kevin Gutsell a CEO of a trade association about his experience of finding a new role recently "The first interview nearly always involves some form of presentation" Kevin said " which for some is quite daunting. The trick here is to stick to the subject and stick to time! I have experienced 2,3 and 4 interviewers so the more senior the position the more likely you will be presented with a panel consisting of Board members and experts." Kevin went on to say "I was invited back for a second interview as other candidates had been discounted, yet there was still a need to confirm the decision of the panel who took the opportunity to put me under more pressure (akin to the pressure I may experience in the job) After an hour I was asked to sit downstairs while a final decision and subsequent offer was made" 

In conclusion, it seems the whole interview process has become more involved and companies are having to be more stringent during the selection process.The simple one on one interview just isn't enough for some. It is also much easier for a company to do a background check on a hopeful candidate using social media. All a company has to do is type your name in and up pops your Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin profile picture.

As mentioned in last weeks blog, Skype interviews are now very popular, so people don't need to travel miles for an interview and the company can have an informal interview with you first before taking it to that next step.

As it is so easy to apply for roles now, some companies will only use recruitment agencies as they act as a filter. Companies don't have to spend hours looking through CV's and having that first interview with a candidate. This is where engaging an agency like Kubo Recruitment can help with the process, by ensuring that the candidate and company are both suited before the first interview, reducing a lot of wasted time on both sides.

It seems to me that the process of looking for a job has been helped and hindered by advances in technology. Its great that jobs are so easily accessible to everyone now, however the fact that more people are now able to apply means that the process of securing that position is a lot tougher now. Looking for a new job can be tough, but when applying for a role make sure you only apply for roles you are really suited for. Your passion and enthusiasm will come across to recruitment agencies and employees.

To make sure that you don't miss out on that dream role read through Kubo's helpful interviews tips


If you would like to share your experiences on finding that new role Kubo would like to hear about them! 

How to Tackle the Most Common Interview Questions (that you will get asked!)

Interviews are nerve-wracking enough, so make them a bit easier on yourself and go in prepared with unique answers to the most commonly answered questions.

Kubo Recruitment has put together a handy list of the most common questions and some helpful tips on how to best answer them.

1. "Tell me about yourself." 

While this is a very open-ended question, it does not give you free rein to tell the interviewer everything, including what you did over the weekend or the current status of your relationship. This is a chance for you to show the employer your personality, so they can see if you fit in to the company culture. Give the employer a brief history of your professional and academic accomplishments to give them an idea of how you got to the point where you are today. You can show the employer hints of your personality in your response by discussing your hobbies as well - like your passion for travel or sport. It's ok to have fun with your answer, but keep it professional.

2. "Why did you leave your last job?"

Number one rule: be honest. If you were laid off or fired, explain why, but always show that you have gained knowledge and growth from your previous role. No matter your response, demonstrate that the job you are interviewing for would be a stepping stone in your career. DO NOT bad mouth your previous employer, as it comes across as childish and unprofessional.

3. "Why did you apply for this job?" 

Similar to question 1, show that you have read up on the job role. Pick out points of the job description that suit you perfectly and explain why by giving examples. Focus on what you can offer the company in terms of skill set and personality traits. Point out positive aspects of the company you are applying to as well; for example mention that you would like to be part of a great work environment or a successful company. Show that you are not only passionate about the job role, but about the company you hope to join.

4. "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

Avoid discussing your personal plans when this question comes up. The employer is usually trying to find out if you're going to be a "flight risk" - e.g. are you someone who changes companies every 2 years, do you have trouble settling down, are you planning on starting a family in the near future? Be passionate and realistic about your answer. Demonstrate that you have the intention to grow in your field, but that you are also flexible and adaptable to change. 

5. "What are your weaknesses?" 

This question feels like a trap, doesn't it? Never say that you don't have any. It's simply not true, no one is perfect. Turn a negative into a positive - for example: point out that you are meticulous to detail or that sometimes you find it better to work individually. These are weaknesses that reflect more on your personality rather than your work ethic.

6. "Do you have any questions?" 

Always prepare some questions beforehand by looking at the company's website. Questions show you are interested in the role and the company. Bring up any questions or doubts you may have, but avoid asking about salary until the employer brings it up first. This is the time to show the employer you are genuinely interested in the job role. 

The most important aspect of interviewing you can bring to the table is confidence. Having confidence in yourself shows the employer you'll have confidence in the work you do as well.