Monday, July 2, 2012

Poll -- Your Filo & a job interview

Hello,

As you may know, I am currently looking for a job. It is lonely and sort of depressing, and I often find myself getting very absorbed in small details.
The question on my mind these days is: should I bring my Filo to interviews? As you may have seen in my A5 tour, I have a whole section dedicated to job search, which could be really useful during an interview. But I am concerned with the impression I would give to the interviewer.
What are your thoughts? You'll see a poll on the side of the blog, please participate, but also feel free to discuss in more details here in the comments! The poll will be open for 2 weeks.

Thanks for your help!

16 comments:

  1. I would definitely bring my Filofax along, unless it was unprofessional on appearance.

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  2. Thanks for your advice Sandra! I think my Filo looks profesionnal, it's an A5 aqua Chameleon, you can see it here : http://honeyandfilofaxes.blogspot.fr/2012/06/leon-my-stay-at-home-filo.html
    What do you think? Of course I would take out the personal pics and so on. I hope bringing and using a Filo would give an image of someone who is organized and not of someone who is into luxurious items...

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  3. Take it along, how impressed the interviewer will be. My husband takes his with him when ever he has to go to an interview, it always gets positive comments. It will show that you are organised if nothing else.

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    1. Thanks a lot Gail! I think I need insights from people used to bringing their Filofax to work. I'll make sure to report back after my interview if I get any comments on it!!

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  4. Hi HM - I believe you must do whatever it is your are most comfortable with. Most people get quite anxious closer to the interview time and you don't want anything that causes you concern. If carrying a filofax makes you feel confident, then go ahead and do it. Personally for me, I would carry one. I would even jot down some important points. If as you say you are actively looking out for jobs, it makes sense to make a summary of all the questions asked, reply given, the position, pay etc etc - so that you have a record of it all. Anyway all the best.

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    1. Thanks a lot FiloFit! I think you make an important point, saying that I need to do what feels most comfortable. Have you ever taken one to an interview before?
      Thanks for your help!!

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  5. Yes, take it, but make sure it's not a distraction to either the interviewer or you. Don't, for instance, wave it around or fiddle with the clasp while you are talking, and certainly don't allow it to get too much of your eye contact, the majority of which belongs to your interviewer.

    However, I think it would enhance the impression you give if before the interview you make notes on subjects that are likely to come up, tehn at the start of the interview, say, "I've made some notes in preparing for the interview. Do you mind if I refer to them as we talk?"

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    1. Thanks for the advice Ray! Yes, definitely, I will treat it as I would any notebook or paper (during the interview only, mind you, the rest of the time it remains my obsession :)).
      I also like the idea of asking the interviewer at the beginning!!
      Thanks again, all these answers are really helping :D

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    2. I think Ray has made some very good points. I would also say that writing notes on what was asked, what was replied etc are all important... after the interview. During the interview I wouldnt want to say 'please wait a moment while I write that down'. If the interviewer gives you any dates that you will be contacted on then you could write that in. I really liked Rays 'refer to my notes I made comment'.

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    3. Yes, I always take a lot of notes about what was said and also my impressions, AFTER the interview. I'm so glad people are unanimous about bringing the Filo, it makes me feel much more confident! Thanks SSA for your comment :)

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  6. Absolutely take it! It's YOUR way of organising; everyone has their own method and preferred tool. If it's a true professional business interviewing you then they certainly won't mark you down for using a Filofax. I would say it could even turn into a good icebreaker or talking point :)

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    1. Thanks Barry!! I feel much better about bringing it now :) I'll be careful about it not being the center of attention though ^^. I'll report back after the interview, who knows, maybe my interviewer is a Filo addict too??

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  7. I think it would make you stand out and they would remember you! Not to mention you would look professional and well organised! Just don't sit there stroking it!!

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  8. I agree with what everyone's said, also I have only ever had positive comments about my Filofax in professional settings.

    I think most people are bored with the smartphone status wars, so you're never a threat with a Fax; also, it shows a degree of independent thought, and means you won't be battling technological fails every time you go to look up data or add in an appointment.

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    1. Thanks for the advice! It's important to know how other people's Filos were received in professional settings!

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