Fully-formatted version and full archive available free at: > = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Jinfo Newsletter http://www.jinfo.com/ ISSN 1749-740X 1st April 2006 No.118 > = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = *** Market Research services compared *** Ever wondered how aggregators of market research reports measure up? The latest issue of VIP provides a comparative review of MarketResearch.com and Market Research (Profound) on Thomson Business Intelligence. The April issue will compare individual market research publishers. > = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = "My interview experiences" By Zena Woodley You've polished your CV until it dazzles the eye; you've (nicely) reminded the agency staff you're alive and looking; you've sent off for every job that's publicly advertised (including a couple you know are deeply unsuitable, about which you mutter that, should you get an interview, 'It'll be good practice'... ). And, lo, you have an interview! You immediately spend way too much time on the internet, researching the organisation. You download small groves of paper, meaning to high-light paragraphs and commit them to memory, to impress at that forthcoming interview. I once applied for a post entitled "Mansion Assistant" only because I wanted to know how, precisely, one assisted a mansion. It was only when I got there, and found a bunch of women all slightly older - and much hungrier than I, and heard some pretty cringe-making comments from the 'Mansion Manager', that I knew this post was not for me. I made my excuses, and left. There was the interview with a leading bank (think horses on this one). A very nervous manageress, of sorts, spent 15 minutes apologizing to me about the lack of a car-park space. Why, I wondered? I hadn't been expecting one. She was the prelude: the male for whom I would have been working made his demands clear. As a prominent member of "a certain political party", he spluttered with indignation over his previous secretary's refusal to type up minutes from those meetings. Apart from there being little doubt about which party, there was a large doubt about when this would occur - not during usual working hours, I felt sure. Twenty minutes of this August Personage (strange: his pomposity reminded me very strongly of my ex ...) was sufficient to convince me that, should I have been foolish enough to accept his offer of employment (and yes, gentle reader: he did make one!), he would have had the IBM Golf ball hurled at his head ere a month had passed. I once had an interview with a leading global investment banking & securities firm. The agency concerned had not sent the company my most recent CV, so the first interview was spent updating the gentleman. He left; and thus went the second interview, too. Fortunately, before I turned into a parrot, the second fellow did communicate with the third. We spent an interesting 30 minutes or so, before he turned to me saying "We work well on fear here" ... "Really? I don't do fear - not for any man". Needless to say, I didn't get the job: but by which time, I wouldn't have taken it, even if they'd offered it to me. And you don't want to hear about the interview where I was asked whether there were any skeletons in my cupboard ... Somewhat dumbfoundedly, I replied "No more than there are in yours ..." Didn't get that post, either. Now for one I did take: and I knew, within three days, it was wrong for me. Like a coward, I stayed - for two years. I even told them - vociferously - what idiots they were to misuse my abilities by insisting on an information management policy of photocopying and filing. I had a text message from a wise friend after three weeks, which started "Y R U still there??" Eventually, of course, they heard what I had been saying for so long; and made me redundant - for which I was exceedingly grateful. What's the point of all this, apart from some amusing anecdotes? It is to trust your gut instinct. If the interview does not include your immediate manager, why not? Ask to meet him or her. Do you get a feeling that you can do business together? No-one's expecting eternal love, but - as a pal of mine says, "Would you want to drink with this person?" I would expect to meet my immediate colleagues during an interview - and a tour, however quick, of my working environment. If not, why not? What's the company ethos? Is it casual, or is everyone dressed formally? If the latter, are you comfortable with this? (good agencies will not put people forward for posts that would be inimical to them). If your work surroundings are of little importance to you, then you won't mind working in the basement, will you? Or sitting at a desk and PC which plainly contravene all known H&S laws. What are the facilities like? Is there somewhere to sit comfortably for your break time? What's the procedure on tea/coffee? Are the toilets civilised? Saying 'No' can be scary: especially if you are currently unemployed. But saying yes simply for the sake of a salary is not the wisest move - there must be other factors at work. If you join, but leave six months later, the agency will have claimed their fee. However, your departure may leave poor vibes with that firm, who may well not use that agency again. What wasn't 'you' could have been ideal for someone else - horses for courses. If they offer you the post immediately, always ask for some thinking time. And listen to your instinct! Trust that Gut! > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Zena Woodley has worked in information for an eternity and still thoroughly enjoys the enquiry side of her work. She is Information Services Manager for Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. > = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Latest Job Listings =================== Here are the latest additions to FreePint Jobs in the last two weeks at http://www.jinfo.com/ To receive it by email or to modify your subscription, visit http://www.jinfo.com/subs/ or email support@jinfo.com Please forward this Jobs Update to anyone who may find it useful. > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Part-time Subject Librarian (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5131 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: Kent, United Kingdom Records Manager (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5130 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: M4 Corridor, United Kingdom Children's Librarian (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5129 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - North West, United Kingdom Cataloguer (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5128 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: South Coast, United Kingdom E-Print Librarian (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5127 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: Northern Home Counties, United Kingdom Library Assistant (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5126 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Information Services Assistant (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5125 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - West, United Kingdom Part-time Know How Administrator (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5124 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom Cataloguer (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5123 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom Researcher (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5122 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Information Officer (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5121 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Library Assistant (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5120 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - North, United Kingdom Librarian (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5119 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London, United Kingdom Information Specialist (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5118 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Assistant Librarian (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5117 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Database Assistant (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5116 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - Central, United Kingdom Part-time Information Officer (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5115 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Assistant Librarian (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5114 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Knowledge and Information Officer (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5113 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - Central, United Kingdom Senior Librarian (added 31st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5112 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Legal Information Manager - STAND ALONE (added 29th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5111 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Information / Knowledge Assistant (added 29th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5110 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Director for Policy & Research - Maternity Leave (added 29th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5109 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Private Equity Research Analyst - Stand Alone (added 29th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5108 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Information Officer - Property (added 29th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5107 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Information Officer / Info Co-ordinator - CHARITY (added 29th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5106 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Filing & Archiving Manager (added 29th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5105 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom TCE Knowledge Manager (added 29th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5104 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Part Time Business Researcher - 3 month contract (added 29th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5103 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: london, United Kingdom Knowledge Manager - PUBLIC SECTOR (added 29th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5102 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom EU Legal Researcher - Maternity Leave (added 29th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5101 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Invest Banking Researcher (SPANISH speaking) (added 29th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5100 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Researcher - Private Equity - Manchester or London (added 28th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5099 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London or Manchester, United Kingdom Researcher (initial 12 month contract) (added 28th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5098 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Investment Banking Researcher (added 28th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5097 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Conflicts of Interest Assistant (added 28th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5096 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Customer Data Manager (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5095 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: M4 Corridor, United Kingdom Legal Information Officers (4) (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5094 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Interim Researcher Analyst - Maidstone (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5093 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom Technical Research Manager (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5092 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Business Information Researcher (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5091 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Senior Researchers (Consumer or Energy sector) (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5090 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Knowledge Manager - Financial Services (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5089 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Records Management Officer & Archivist (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5088 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Assistant Archivist - GUILDFORD (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5087 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: Guildford, United Kingdom Global Research Manager - UTILITIES (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5086 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Research / Analyst - CAPITAL MARKETS (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5085 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Senior Researcher - Global Energy & Utilities (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5084 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Senior Researcher/Analyst - UK INSURANCE (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5083 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Legal Information Manager (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5082 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Intranet / Knowledge / Training Manager (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5081 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Knowledge Systems / Intranet Analyst (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5080 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Temporary Business Researcher - 3 months (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5079 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Human Resources Researcher (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5078 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Corporate Intelligence Research Analysts (2) (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5077 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Senior Knowledge Manager - Maternity Leave (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5076 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Global Knowledge Mngr. - 6 month contract (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5075 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Information Co-ordinator - 12 month contract (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5074 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Publications & Subscriptions (1 year contract) (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5073 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Extranet & Online Specialist - 12 - 18 month contract (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5072 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Corporate Finance Researcher - Maternity Leave (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5071 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Sector Specialist - Energy (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5070 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Legal Knowhow Analyst (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5069 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Senior Researcher - Pharma & Transport (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5068 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Records Officer (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5067 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Research/Analyst - Private Equity (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5066 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Knowledge Manager (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5065 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Knowledge Helpdesk/Training Support / Corp. Finance (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5064 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Strategic Analyst - Public Sector (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5063 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Business Researcher/ Analyst (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5062 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: North London, United Kingdom Legal Information Officer (Maternity Leave) (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5061 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Research Manager - OXFORD (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5060 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: Oxford, United Kingdom Sector Specialists - Pharma or Telecoms (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5059 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Strategic Analyst - FMCG (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5058 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: London, United Kingdom Information Officer (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5057 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Information Officer (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5056 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Records Manager x2 (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5055 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: Lancashire, United Kingdom Head of Business Information (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5054 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Part-time Library Assistants (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5053 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - West, United Kingdom Knowledge Manager (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5052 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Information Officer (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5051 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Information Officer (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5050 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Principal Librarian (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5049 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: M4 Corridor, United Kingdom Knowledge & Infomation Officer (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5048 Recruiter: Financial Ombudsman Service Location: United Kingdom Interim Researcher Analyst - Maidstone (added 27th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5047 Recruiter: Glen Recruitment Location: Maidstone, United Kingdom Research Manager (added 24th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5046 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: Kent, United Kingdom Solutions Consultant (added 24th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5044 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London, United Kingdom Information Officer (added 24th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5043 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - West, United Kingdom Information Officer (added 24th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5042 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom Assistant Information Officer (added 24th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5041 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Solutions Consultant (added 24th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5040 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - Central, United Kingdom Information Officer (added 24th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5039 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: South Coast, United Kingdom Part-time Information Research Associate (added 22nd March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5038 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - Canary Wharf, United Kingdom Information Research Associate (added 22nd March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5037 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - Canary Wharf, United Kingdom Researcher & Information Manager (added 22nd March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5033 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - Central, United Kingdom P/T Library and Information Services Coordinator (added 21st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5030 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: East Anglia, United Kingdom Research Officer (added 21st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5029 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - Central, United Kingdom Library Assistant (added 21st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5028 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Research Executive (added 21st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5027 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Archives Consultancy (added 21st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5026 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Library Assistant (added 21st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5025 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - City, United Kingdom Deployment Consultant (added 21st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5024 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - Central, United Kingdom EDMS Specialist (added 21st March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5023 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: New Zealand, New Zealand UK & Global Network Coordinator (added 17th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5022 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - Central, United Kingdom Network Co-ordinator, Tax (added 17th March 2006) URL: http://www.jinfo.com/go/j5021 Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited Location: London - Central, United Kingdom > = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = To subscribe to the Jinfo Newsletter or to modify your subscription, login to your account at http://www.jinfo.com/subs/ or send an email to . 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