Interviews can be expensive, with the average cost being around £60, according to data from Barclays, which is why you want to do your best to secure a job as quickly as possible. At the end of an interview, most interviewers will ask if you have any questions. The worst thing you can do at this stage is to say ‘no’, as asking questions shows that you are interested in the role and eager to learn more. On the other hand, the interviewer doesn’t want to spend an additional ten minutes answering questions; two or three is sufficient. If you ask good questions it could even improve your chances of landing the job, such is the importance of it. These are some questions to avoid asking in an interview.

What do you do in this job?

The interviewer will expect that you have thoroughly read the job description, and the chances are that they will cover a lot of this during the interview. One of the bad questions to ask an interviewer is about the role's duties, you might make the mistake of asking a question about elements already covered. You can ask for further detail about aspects of the role, but avoid asking what they will be doing generally.

What is the salary?

It is best to try and avoid asking this question during an interview, and just focus on impressing the interviewer with your skills and knowledge. Questions about salary and benefits can be discussed and negotiated as and when you are offered the job. If the salary is not advertised and you need the ballpark, you should ask this before accepting an interview to check it is within your desired range. Discussions around the salary are the types of questions to avoid in an interview.

Do you get paid for being off sick?

Asking about sick pay can produce red flags for an employer. It is important to remember that they will usually be interviewing five or six candidates and quite often, it comes down to just two candidates. These sorts of questions can be enough to encourage the employer to choose the other candidate! Asking about being off sick are questions to avoid in an interview, as they may think you are planning to be off in advance or that you are already sick.

Do you offer remote working?

If this is a necessity for you, it is best to cover this before you attend the interview. Even if you don’t necessarily need to work remotely, the recruiter might be a bit concerned that you will be looking for other flexible jobs. Most employers will advertise hybrid or remote working arrangements on their job description. Flexibility is one of the questions to avoid in a job interview, it is better to get knowledge of this before you attend.

What is the boss like?

It is perfectly acceptable to get a feel for how you will be managed in the workplace, so asking something like ‘What is the management style’, is a better way of wording it. Asking what the boss is like, suggests you want to know what type of personality they have, rather than their management style. Personality related questions are bad questions to ask an interviewer.

Questions to ask during an interview

You should have some questions prepared for your interview. These are some examples of good questions to ask.

• How do you expect this role to contribute to the success of the company?
• What are the company goals for the future?
• Is there training and development in this role?
• What are the next steps in the interview process?

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Probation periods are common practice and are like a trial period to assess whether you will fit into a new role. Whether you are returning to the workplace after a break or just starting a new role, the probationary period also allows you to assess whether it’s the right role and place for you. Probationary periods usually last about 3 to 6 months. In some cases, the employer might extend the period, for instance, if you have been off sick and they haven’t had the chance to properly determine your suitability. According to research by Spring Personnel, 18% of new starts either fail their probation or get it extended. There is no need to worry about your probation, it is standard practice within most companies, but there are some guidance on how to pass probation period at work.

Friendly Attitude

It can be daunting to walk into a new job when you don’t know anyone, especially if you are an introvert. However, the employer will be looking out to see how you interact and engage with others. You should maintain a friendly, positive attitude when conversing with others, and try to remember names. You could even take note of them if you are prone to forgetting. Probation period rules are in place to help protect employers from making the wrong hiring decisions.

Professionalism

There are many elements of professionalism that your employer will be looking out for. They will expect you to dress appropriately for the workplace, turn up on time for work, and attend scheduled meetings. It is best to avoid sick days during your probationary period, if possible, as this could be enough to make the employer question your reliability. If you have been off frequently during your probation, you will probably notice signs you won't pass probation.

Avoid Your Phone

We are all used to being glued to our phones for much of the day, but it is a good idea to avoid looking at your mobile too often, especially during your probationary period. Try to save sending any messages or making calls for your breaks. Probation period rules are in place for these reasons, it would be risky to pass an employee's probation if they are already spending a lot of the working day on their phone.

Ask Questions

It might seem like the best course of action when you start a new job is to just get your head down and work away, but you should also be engaging with your colleagues. Ask questions, and try to get to know your colleagues a bit. Read the room though, don’t talk to people who are stressed out. It is common to ask yourself the question, will I pass my probation period, but try to relax and don't let it affect your ability to converse with others.

Take Feedback

It is important to be able to take feedback onboard in a job, without reacting negatively; especially in your early days in a new job. No one gets it right the first time, so be prepared to digest what is said to you, both the positives and negatives, and make changes where required. Interpersonal skills are important, both listening and communicating.

If your probation is extended, it might be disheartening but it simply means that the employer wants a little longer to assess your performance. If you fail your probation, make sure you get feedback as there are probation period rules that employers must adhere to.

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Imposter syndrome is a common feeling that is more widespread than most people realise. Imposter syndrome definition is when you believe you are not good enough or you worry about your inadequacies,

According to a survey by YouGov, a staggering 66% of British people have admitted to finding it difficult to accept praise from others. Imposter syndrome can happen in any walk of life, but it is prevalent within the workplace. Some people with imposter syndrome will try to overcompensate by becoming overbearing or they might do the opposite and shrink into a shell. 

Signs of Imposter Syndrome 

You might not be aware you have imposter syndrome but these are some of the types of imposter syndrome.

• Feeling that you are not good enough for your job, even though you have worked hard to get where you are.
• When your manager or colleagues praise you, you don’t believe the compliments.
• You hold yourself to standards that no one could achieve.
• You feel you need to constantly prove yourself, which might mean you even belittle others (most common with managers)
• Failing to grow by turning down opportunities to progress within the company.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

You can experience imposter syndrome in all walks of life. You can have imposter syndrome in relationships as well as imposter syndrome at work. Unfortunately, it is not easy to overcome imposter syndrome. However, there are some steps you can take to try and combat or at least, reduce these feelings.

Track Success

If you are experience imposter syndrome symptoms, you should take note of all your achievements, no matter how small. It might be as simple as getting a good customer review or figuring out how to work a system. You’ll be surprised at how much you have achieved within a week, without realising it.

Remember Compliments

The opposite of imposter syndrome can be worse, but somewhere in the middle is where you want to arrive. Compliments can be few and far between in the workplace, so if you do receive them, make sure you take notes and reflect on them. Someone with imposter syndrome symptoms will find it difficult to register compliments, but this can be helpful to be able to move on from this feeling.

Ask for Feedback

It is worth sharing your thoughts and feelings with your manager or a close colleague as they may be able to reassure you or in the case of a manager, provide any additional training you might need. Asking for feedback can help to put your mind at ease while also allowing you to voice your feelings if you are experiencing imposter syndrome symptoms.

Upskill

If there are any specific gaps in your skills that you are especially concerned about, it is worth investing in some training courses. Learning can boost your confidence and help you feel more secure in your job, so the imposter syndrome symptoms are reduced.

Accept Opportunities

It can be easy to stay in your comfort zone, but as they say, there is no growth in a comfort zone! Learn to say yes to new opportunities, especially if it’s something that’s completely out of the box for you. The more you do this, the more your confidence will grow and the less you will feel the signs of imposter syndrome.

It is important to differentiate between imposter syndrome and feeling like you just can’t do or are not enjoying the job. At Inspired CVs, we can help you kick start a career move with our professional CVs, available in traditional and graphic formats. To find out more about our online CV writing services, contact us today or order your CV directly.

Remote work has become increasingly popular since the COVID-19 pandemic, and although it can offer huge benefits, it can also be challenging if you are responsible for managing a remote team. With remote work, the employee works from home or another location besides the workplace. When you have different personalities within a team and can't converse with them directly, ensuring everyone is content and happy can be challenging. These are some tips for how to manage a remote team.

Regular Communication

One of the most significant challenges of managing a remote team is ensuring that the individuals in your team don’t feel lonely or excluded. The first step is to ensure you have means of communicating with them, for example, using Teams for calls and messaging. Setting up a group on Teams is worthwhile so everyone can share information and ask questions. There is no need for daily meetings when remote team building, but a meeting once a week where everyone gets together can help ensure the team stays engaged. You may also want to drop them a message every few days to ensure they are ok. Giving your team autonomy is essential while ensuring they feel included.

Working Hours

Setting your guidelines for working hours is crucial to ensure the smooth running of the team. Do they need to work 9-5? Or are you flexible as long as they meet specific objectives? Make your expectations clear to avoid any confusion when managing a remote team.

Set Expectations

To find remote team solutions, ensure you define employee expectations, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. For instance, do they need to make a certain number of calls or sales? It would help if you defined what you expect from them, especially when they are working on their initiative.

No Micromanaging

The reason employees enjoy remote working is that it offers greater flexibility. There is no point in providing this if you don’t trust your employees. While it might be tempting to keep checking that everyone is working and not lying in bed, this will be counterproductive. As long as you set your expectations clearly, there should be no reason to keep checking in. Micromanagement is one of the biggest red flags in the workplace, with 73% considering it a red flag and 46% stating it as a reason they would leave a job. Remote team management may not be easy, but it will become more difficult if you start micromanaging your remote team.

Encourage Collaboration

You can also encourage your team to collaborate without getting involved so they can foster their relationships with their team. The best way to do this is by giving individuals projects or tasks to work on together rather than forcing video team meetings, which can feel awkward and contrived. The relationships should be formed more naturally. You might even consider remote team building games to inspire some fun and opportunity for everyone to get involved.

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Since the COVID pandemic, an increasing number of workers have been working from home or on a hybrid model (a combination of home working and working remotely.) Working from home can be hugely beneficial to employees. You don’t need to get up early to face the early morning commute; you can finish your day at the allocated time and even nap during your lunch break. However, as attractive as it sounds, it’s not as simple when you have children at home. Here are some tips for how to work at home with children.

Dedicated Space

Your children must know your space and their space, and you must separate the two. Having your own space to work can allow you to tell your children, ‘Mummy or daddy is going into their office for an hour; do not interrupt unless it’s an emergency.’ You can repeat this if they come into your office until they get the message. Working from home jobs require a dedicated space in order to be productive.

Take Regular Breaks

It is essential to work while also giving your children some attention; in doing this, they are less likely to disrupt you. With home working, you have more flexibility to take regular breaks. For instance, take a break every hour to play a game with your children or if you are working from home with baby, you will need regular breaks to attend to them. 

Tire them Out

If children are at home all day, they are more likely to be disruptive. You could take them out to spend some time outdoors during your lunch hour or before work—for example, a run around the park. Fresh air will tire them out and cause less hyperactivity in the home! Working from home online jobs can be beneficial but it is important to get out in the fresh air too.

Play and Rewards

Children love a reward and are more likely to leave you in peace if they know there’s some reward waiting at the end of it. For instance, if they draw quietly for one hour, they can play computer games for an hour. You’ll be surprised at how effective this can be when you are working online from home.

Self Care

Don’t forget your own self-care as you try to accommodate your children and your job! Make sure you spend at least one hour of the day doing something you enjoy: reading, taking a hot bath, or working out. Whatever works for you. Working from home jobs can feel exhausting if you are also juggling childcare.

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Most people consider the salary, benefits, and opportunities to grow when they receive a job offer - very few consider the company culture. According to insight from Robert Walters, 73% of people have left a job because they don't like the company culture. What are natural words to describe company culture and why is it important?

Company Culture

If you were to define company culture, it would combine many elements that make up the workplace—for instance, the values, leadership, and how people work together. A company with good culture is one where you have complete autonomy in your role and feel inspired and motivated by your manager. Managers usually operate in three ways - they give you the freedom to do your job with support when you need it, or they are entirely hands-off, and you can never get hold of them. On the other hand, they might be someone who is constantly sitting on your shoulder. If you don't get the match right, the relationship will be broken down. The company culture may be friendly and relaxed, where everyone is focused on their jobs but works collaboratively when needed. Alternatively, it could be a company toxic culture, with an environment where everyone is stepping on each other to try and climb the ladder! There may be flexibility in the workplace, or you might work to a rigorous structure. You must understand what ideal company culture you thrive in before deciding whether to accept a job offer.

The Importance of Company Culture

The company culture and values need to be the right fit for various reasons.

• Happiness—If the culture fits your needs and expectations, you are likelier to feel happy in your job. You will feel comfortable and a sense of belonging if those around you fit your values and beliefs.
• Good relationship with manager—When you align with your manager, you are more likely to have a good relationship, which, in turn, will make you feel more motivated and engaged with the company and your role.
• Productive - employees who fit with the company culture will be more productive than those who are unhappy and unsettled.
• Retention—You are less likely to want to leave your role if you fit in with the company culture. 

How to Find Out About Company Culture

Most people don't ask about the company culture during an interview, so it can be quite a surprise when you start the job. These are some questions you can ask during an interview to help you determine whether it is the ideal company culture to suit your needs.

• Is there any flexibility in the role? - this will help you understand whether the company offers the desired flexibility.
• What are the working hours? If the employer answers that they work 9-5 but most people stay until about 7 p.m., it will give you a good idea of whether this will be the type of place that will align with your needs.
• What is the management style? - they might say that the manager will speak to you several times throughout the day or that the manager is often working from home/travelling. You can decide if the management style works for you.
• Who will I be collaborating with? You will find out if there is a lot of collaboration in the role.

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Unless you are exceptionally well versed in them, the thought of standing up and doing a presentation can be enough to send anyone into a fit of anxiety. Most people are not born with the instinct to get up in front of people and talk; it is not something that comes naturally to most of us. If presenting is currently part of your job, or you are applying for a job and you will be expected to present information, there are always ways you can improve your skills. These are some ways to improve your presentation skills.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like anything, the more you do it, the better you’ll become. Even if you are a stuttering wreck when you present - you can improve! Presentation skills training will help you to feel more confident and able to present without feeling over anxious. Ask friends to watch you, give you feedback, record yourself, and play it back. Of course, it will be uncomfortable initially - but that is where the growth will be.

Imitate Others

Everyone presents in different ways. Some people are energetic, others want to make their audience laugh, or you may wish only to give factual information. You might need to learn precisely how you want to present. The best thing to do is attend other presentations and take presentation notes on what you like and dislike - then, you can incorporate it into your presentation.

Be Authentic

Most people understand what it’s like to give a presentation, and they won’t be sitting there judging your every move. They want to see someone who is their authentic self—and if that means someone who is visibly nervous—that is OK! Remember that people are there to hear what you have to say, not to judge your every move. Effective presentation skills are more about being relatable to your audience than anything else.

Don’t Apologise

Nothing is worse than watching someone present and constantly commenting on their nervousness and apologising for it. It makes everyone feel uncomfortable. No matter how anxious you feel, do your best to deliver the content - people probably won’t notice it as much as you think. You can work on your nerves and improve with every presentation you undertake. Public speaking and presentation skills will always improve over time. Don't apologise if yours aren't quite there yet.

Positive Attitude

Use your nerves to your advantage by turning them into excitement. Maintain a positive attitude. People are more likely to relate to someone who presents with a smile than someone with a frown. Lighten the mood, throw in a few jokes, and you’ll soon get your audience on board. Effective presentation skills being when you make your audience feel comfortable.

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With over 50% of hiring managers researching any prospective employees on social media before deciding whether to hire them, it is essential to ensure good netiquette. Netiquette is a combination of network and etiquette, and it refers to conducting yourself positively online. The primary way to approach netiquette is to ensure you treat people with respect. These are some good netiquette examples to ensure to help improve your career prospects.

Perform a Cleanse

Although a digital footprint can be challenging to clean up thoroughly, it is a good idea to tidy your social media with a view that prospective employers might be viewing it, as the important of netiquette can not be underestimated. For instance, if your profile photo shows you out partying with a bottle of vodka, it might be worth changing it to something more professional. Practicing good netiquette involves looking through your social media platforms and removing anything that could cause you issues down the line.

Consider the other person

When talking to people online, remember that you are talking to another human being with feelings. You wouldn’t randomly attack someone in person (well, we hope not!), so don’t do it online. Treat people the way you would if speaking to them face to face if you want to ensure good netiquette on social media.

Stay Calm

It can be difficult to stay calm if someone is having a go at you online, but it is crucial to do this. If someone is rubbing you up the wrong way, block them or walk away from the conversation. Many people are on the internet to argue with others, and it can be challenging to keep your cool. Always be the bigger person and walk away to reflect good online netiquette,

Keep Private

We all know the people who share every single aspect of their lives online, and for a prospective employer, this could be a serious red flag. There is no need to share everything online, especially private details. The best way to approach the internet is to keep it general and not overshare your or anyone else’s personal information. You can be a good netiquette poster by ensuring you maintain a private life.

Stay Away from Politics

We should be allowed to share our views online, but unfortunately, as we all have different political opinions, your opinion may not sit well with a potential employer. If you want to share political views, try to keep them face-to-face or private groups online. Practicing good netiquette involves maintaining a more general approach to everything you post.

Don’t Discuss Work

You might hate your job, but the internet is not the place to tell everyone. If a potential employer sees that you have been slagging off your employer, they will be concerned you will do the same to them. Keep your opinion on your employer or job to your friends and family in order to follow good netiquette rules.

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