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Author: Farrah Wells

Mastering the ServiceNow Interview: Avoiding 6 Common Mistakes

Posted on by Farrah Wells
Mastering the ServiceNow Interview: Avoiding 6 Common Mistakes Linking Humans
ServiceNow Interview tips do’s and don’ts

ServiceNow interviews can be nerve-wracking at the best of times. Suppose you’re applying for an amazing new job opportunity. In that case, the pressure to present yourself as a reputable, trustworthy, skilled and reliable individual can quickly get on top of you, no matter how confident you usually feel. 

While most interviewers expect to see a few signs of nerves in candidates, making certain mistakes during this crucial conversation could mean you miss out on a fantastic role. 

Whether you’re meeting with an employer through a video conference or participating in a face-to-face interview, it is key to be prepared. 

So here are some interview tips to avoid the most common interview mistakes you should always avoid. 

  1. Not Being Prepared

Perhaps the biggest cardinal sin any ServiceNow candidate can commit is failing to prepare fully for the interview. Before you go into your interview, you should always research the company thoroughly. 

Take a closer look at the job description and ensure you know exactly what your employer is looking for, so you can prepare answers to interview questions that showcase the right competencies and characteristics. Examining the job description carefully will also help you determine whether the role is right for you. 

Study the company’s website to get a feel for their culture, vision, and values, and try to incorporate these factors into your answers too. Check the company’s social media channels, and ask your ServiceNow recruitment company for advice. 

  1. Dressing Inappropriately

Times have changed, though not that much, that dressing appropriately for an interview no longer matters. Most interviewers won’t give you a specific dress code to follow before you turn up for the conversation, so it’s up to you to use your common sense. If you’re unsure whether the company is generally more “laid back” about dress codes, dress professionally. 

You don’t necessarily need to wear a suit for every interview, but you should focus on professional dress. This applies not just to face-to-face interviews but video interviews too. Hiring managers still expect to see professionally-presented candidates when they’re interacting over video.

Dressing properly will show your interviewer that you’re taking this interview seriously. 

  1. Talking About the Wrong Things

For a hiring manager in the ServiceNow industry, an interview is a chance to get to know candidates better, evaluate their competency for the role, and determine whether they will fit the company’s existing culture well. The things you discuss in your interview should highlight why you’re a good fit for the position and business. 

With this in mind, make sure you don’t start talking about the wrong things. Don’t immediately jump into a discussion about salary (you can ask about this later), and try not to get too caught up in small talk at the beginning of the interview, either. 

Most importantly, never criticise former employers or colleagues. Talking negatively about a previous place of employment will make you look petty. 

If you’re asked questions like “Tell me about a time that you didn’t work well with your manager”, don’t try to pin the issue entirely on them. Focus on the communication issues or other problems which contributed to the situation.

  1. Not Being Punctual

A well-known quote says, ‘The way you do anything is the way you do everything.’

Therefore, an interview is the first opportunity to demonstrate how you ‘do’ things and what kind of employee you will be to your potential employer. Arriving late is never a good sign, as it shows you’re not well-organised, punctual, or good at time management – even if you have a valid excuse. 

Ensure you’re going to arrive on time or early for your interview by planning your route and setting off early if you’re concerned you will be affected by traffic. If you’re taking part in a pre-screening interview over video or your interview is a video conference, make sure you check all of your software and hardware is working in advance.

When the interview begins, don’t rush off to grab your CV/resume and other resources before you can start talking. Show you’re well-prepared by having everything you need in front of you. If you can’t avoid being late, call the interviewing manager or your recruiter to let them know what’s happening as soon as you’re aware you’re not going to arrive on time.

  1. Poor Body Language

Communication is up to 55% non-verbal. It’s not just what you say that your hiring manager will be paying attention to in an interview, but how you present yourself too. Slouching in your seat, constantly checking the time, or fidgeting all show your potential employer you’re distracted or uninterested in the role. 

Before an interview, take a few deep breaths to focus. Concentrate on regularly making eye contact with the people you’re talking to, sitting straight, and maintaining confidence. Keep your hands in front of you on the table or in your lap, and never check your phone during a meeting. 

If you’re worried about what your body language might be saying about you, it could be helpful to practice some “interview scenarios” with friends before you go for the actual meeting.

  1. Not Listening Properly

Employers want their ServiceNow employees to be passionate, engaged, and attentive. With this in mind, you should always show your hiring manager that you’re listening carefully to every word they say. If you feel your attention slipping during a particularly long interview, make an extra effort to stay engaged. Lean forward slightly, make eye contact, and focus. 

If you’re not sure whether you’ve understood a question correctly, ask your hiring manager about it. It’s okay to double-check that you know what they’re looking for when they query something. Just try not to ask your hiring manager to repeat themselves constantly.

A good way to show you’re actively listening is to rework the question into your answer. For instance, if someone asks you to “tell them about a situation where you acted as a leader”, you could say, “I think I showed my leadership qualities best during…”

Linking Humans partners with organisations from all over the world looking for talented individuals to meet their ServiceNow-related needs. Whether you’re a ServiceNow Developer, Project Manager, or Architect, or you have other specialist skills related to ServiceNow, we’ll get you into your perfect role quickly and efficiently.

If you would like to speak to us, then use the “Request call back” at the top of this page or find more ways to contact us here. Together, we can find your dream ServiceNow role.

The 5 Signs a ServiceNow Company is Right for You

Posted on by Farrah Wells
The 5 Signs a ServiceNow Company is Right for You Linking Humans

ServiceNow candidates are in an excellent position right now. With skill shortages plaguing the industry, there are more opportunities to move to great roles and companies than ever before. Moreover, you have more freedom about how you choose to work, with remote and hybrid roles emerging everywhere. 

However, just because you have many options doesn’t mean defining the ideal company to join is easy. Countless factors can influence whether a business is a good fit for you and your skills. Fail to consider them carefully, and you could end up in a role that doesn’t suit you. 

Researching potential employers and the ServiceNow companies, you’re considering joining helps ensure you take the right next step in your career plan. Here’s how you can get started. 

Before You Start Your Job Search

Preparation is key when searching for any new role. Rather than simply browsing endless job descriptions in search of something that mentions your ServiceNow qualifications, you should go on the journey with a clear action plan. 

Start by defining exactly what you want as a candidate. What kind of career path are you working towards? Is there a specific role or certain duties within a role you’re most drawn towards? Are you looking for a company that can help you work your way up through the ranks to a leadership position, or are you ready to start a management job immediately?

Working with a ServiceNow recruitment company can be an excellent way to improve your chances of creating an effective plan. Your ServiceNow recruiter can discuss your career goals and help you define what you should be looking for in terms of benefits, remuneration, culture and more. 

What’s more, once you’ve defined your plan with your ServiceNow recruiter, they’ll be able to position you in front of the right companies, boosting your chances of the best job offer.

The 5 Signs of an Amazing ServiceNow Company

With your career plan in hand, you’ll be able to start sorting your employment options with more focus. Following the Great Resignation, many businesses are currently searching for the top talent. Here are the signs to look for when narrowing your options.

  1. Shared Values

Most of today’s employees are looking for more than just a good salary from their employer. They also want meaningful work which resonates with their values. Around 42% of employees say they think it’s important for an employer to be diverse, inclusive, and equitable, according to a recent Gallup survey. A further 43% of candidates say they’re attracted to a new job based on meaningful work. 

Take the time to research a ServiceNow company’s core mission statement and its vision for the future. Find what it’s aiming towards, what kind of goals it’s setting, and how every team member plays a part. Researching the company will help you to determine whether it’s focused on values similar to your own, such as innovation or diversity. 

You can also read reviews and testimonials from previous employees on places like Glassdoor and ourselves as established recruiting experts in the field. 

  1. Strong Company Culture

46% of job seekers say company culture is important when deciding where they should work. A further 86% of candidates also say they actively avoid a company with a bad reputation. A company’s culture refers to everything from its approach to work to how it treats its employees. 

For instance, you might find yourself drawn towards a ServiceNow with a strong wellness initiative designed to preserve team members’ mental and physical well-being. Alternatively, you may be more focused on a collaborative company culture, where everyone has a chance to contribute to the growth of the business. 

When seeking out good company culture, it’s worth looking for evidence you’ll be appreciated in your role. Stories published by the organisation’s website about rewards given to high-performing team members show a commitment to good recognition. 

  1. Opportunities for Growth

While there’s always a chance you may need to move between different companies and roles to reach your career goals, every ServiceNow business you work with should contribute to your growth. Having plenty of opportunities to learn sector-focused and transferrable skills will ensure you can continue expanding your knowledge over time. 

Look for evidence that the company in question is willing to train you on using new technologies and strategies as they emerge within your industry. It’s also worth discovering whether there’s room for lateral movement in your business as your expertise increases. 

Find out whether team members are regularly offered promotions and opportunities to take on new challenges. This shows potential for a long future with the business and can give you a better sense of the stability and security your role can offer. 

  1. Excellent Benefits

While good remuneration is important for anyone looking for the ideal job, it’s important to think beyond the salary. The benefits offered by a ServiceNow company give you an insight into what you can look forward to if you decide to join the team. 

In today’s skill-short marketplace, many employers are beginning to offer a wider range of benefits, from flexible work schedules to four-day working weeks and stock options. If you’re looking for the opportunity to work in a hybrid or remote environment (around 50% of U.K. employees), it’s important to check if the company can offer this. 

Usually, you’ll be able to learn more about the benefits a company can offer by checking the job description, visiting the organisation’s “Careers” page on its website, and speaking to your recruiter. You can also ask about benefits during a job interview. 

  1. Fantastic Leadership

Excellent leadership and good employee retention often go hand-in-hand for most businesses. This is because ServiceNow employees rely on their leaders to provide motivation, support, and guidance. If you know the leadership team in your chosen business is innovative, emotionally intelligent, and transparent, you’re more likely to feel comfortable in your role. 

A good way to learn about a company’s leadership practices is to check its website for stories about group accomplishments and business growth. You can also read the bio for the leaders of your potential team on the “About Us” page. 

Asking for an opportunity to speak to the people you’re going to be working with during the interview stage is also a good way to get a good idea of how they communicate and their general work ethic. 

If you are looking for a new role within ServiceNow, please give us a call on 02381 542542. Together, we can find your dream ServiceNow role.

Is It Just Holiday Blues Or Time For A ServiceNow Career Change?

Posted on by Farrah Wells
Is It Just Holiday Blues Or Time For A ServiceNow Career Change? Linking Humans

Following the restrictions of the pandemic, many ServiceNow employees have finally taken a real break from work in 2022.

Holiday spending has increased drastically due to years of missed travel opportunities. While a vacation can be a wonderful opportunity to recharge, relax, and refresh your mind. It can also push us to think more carefully about our lives and goals. With inflation, the cost of living on the rise, and new ServiceNow job opportunities emerging in the world of hybrid work, you may start thinking about your future career when lounging on the beach. According to research from Wix, 49% of Brits who went on a summer holiday subsequently planned to quit their job when they returned.

The question is, how do you tell the difference between a standard case of post-holiday blues and a real need to update your ServiceNow career?

Are you Struggling with Post-Holiday Blues?

Even in a world where countless new opportunities are emerging for ServiceNow candidates, it’s important not to rush into a major career change. It’s common to feel drained and unhappy when returning to work after a vacation, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you hate your job.
Holidays and travel allow us to escape the working world’s stresses and explore other passions. Returning to reality after experiencing so much freedom can be difficult.

Post-holiday blues are a normal response to leaving behind your fun-filled and carefree holiday life. The phenomenon doesn’t just happen following a vacation; it’s also common around the festive season and after any long breaks from work.

How to Handle Holiday Blues

If your concerns about returning to work are based largely on the desire to stay sitting by the pool for a little longer, the chances are you’re just experiencing post-holiday blues. Around 57% of Brits say they feel down when returning to work.

The good news is, if you’re still relatively happy in your ServiceNow role, your post-holiday sadness will dissipate with time. You can speed up the process by:

  1. Setting some goals

Start establishing goals while returning to work to keep your mind focused and get you moving towards positive outcomes. Look at your career plan and where you were heading before your holiday. If you were thinking of pursuing a promotion in your ServiceNow company, begin planning steps for how you can prove yourself to your employers.

Establishing your priorities and objectives will take your mind off any negative post-holiday feelings. Also, it will give you a sense of empowerment as you dive back into your career.

  1. Adjusting your mindset

Sometimes it’s hard to snap out of your post-holiday blues when you’re constantly reminiscing about your vacation and how “free” you felt outside work. A good way to flip the script is to start focusing on what you enjoy about being involved in the ServiceNow world. Remind yourself of the things you look forward to when you’re at work, whether connecting with colleagues or delighting clients.

Reflect on your recent achievements and remind yourself how good it feels to accomplish your career goals. You could even ask your manager if there are any opportunities to take on more of the work you enjoy after your vacation.

  1. Preparing properly for the break

Before you go on vacation, it’s worth prepping yourself for the potential of holiday blues. Start by ensuring you have all the tasks you need to do before you go away tied up and completed. This ensures you won’t rush to meet deadlines when you return.

Where possible, you can also look into giving yourself a day or two to adjust when you get back from your vacation. Avoid packing your schedule with any complicated tasks when you get back into the swing. Focus on pursuing the ServiceNow tasks you enjoy and give yourself a little extra time to find your rhythm. You could even ask to work remotely for a few days when you return if this will make you feel more comfortable.

Is It More than Holiday Blues?

Holiday Blues are an unpleasant experience affecting even the most dedicated ServiceNow employees. However, they usually disappear on their own. If you find your negative feelings linger or go deeper than simply missing your vacation, there may be a more significant issue.

If you can’t seem to shake the holiday blues with the strategies above, ask yourself:

  • Are your concerns connected to your vacation? If you’re suffering from holiday blues, most of your worries about returning to work will revolve around missing your trip. Or struggling to get back into the flow of things when you return. However, your concerns may be more significant if you have a real issue with your ServiceNow role. If you’re constantly struggling with a difficult manager, feel unfulfilled in your job at any time of year, or dread the tasks you do each day, this is a sign you may need a career change.
  • Do you enjoy your ServiceNow job? There are positive and negative parts to any role. We all have parts of our jobs we don’t enjoy as much as others. The key to ensuring career satisfaction is deciding whether the positives outweigh the negatives. If you generally enjoy what you do and don’t dread work every day, you’re likely in the right place. If you can’t find much about the role you enjoy, you may be in the wrong position.
  • Are you approaching your career goals? A good way to determine whether you’re suffering from holiday blues, or struggling in the wrong position, is to look at your career plan. Are you making progress towards your ServiceNow targets? Can you see room for growth in your current company? Do you know how you will take the next step? If you feel trapped and unsatisfied in your current position and you’re not making any progress, you may need to look for another role.

Time for a Career Change?

If you decide post-holiday blues aren’t the cause of your workplace issues, then you have a few options. You can consider speaking to your manager about ways to make your ServiceNow role more appealing. For instance, maybe you can change your schedule or explore the potential of hybrid and remote work.
If you can’t see a way to improve your working life, the best option is to seek out a new career. Work with a specialist recruiter to define the job you want. Then you can start pursuing a professional life you’ll be happy to return to after any holiday.
If you are looking for a change within ServiceNow, please give us a call on 02381 542542. Together, we can find your dream ServiceNow role.

Banish ServiceNow Interview Nerves For Good

Posted on by Farrah Wells

Applying for a new role and going through an interview can be a daunting task. For even the most experienced ServiceNow professional.

Interview nerves affect most people. They can make the recruitment process more stressful than it needs to be for you, the candidate.

Your next job might be the start of something amazing – so naturally, you will want to impress the hiring manager.

If you are preparing for an upcoming ServiceNow interview, we have created this guide to help you boost your confidence to help land you your next role. For extra help, you can read our other blog on mastering video interviews. 

1. Role Play Interview Practice

We all know that preparation is the key to success. Anyone who has ever had a job interview will have been told to practice their answers beforehand.

But very few candidates ever actually go to the lengths of practising a role-play style interview with someone. Doing this can help you significantly.

Practising your answers while you are alone, or even writing down specific answers or themes are great ways to prepare. However, nothing beats a real-life run-through beforehand.

So, get someone, a friend or a family member, to act as the interviewer and get them to ask role-specific or general interview questions. You should be prepared for both – and practice giving your answers.

You will not know until you rehearse in this way that you might want to add something into one of your answers, or that you need some extra practice when talking about a specific subject.

2. Boosting your confidence before the interview

Immediately before the interview is when candidates are at their most nervous. 93% of candidates admit to experiencing job interview anxiety.

So it is during this time that the most crucial confidence-boosting techniques are needed.

The following are great simple tips to help you in the hour up to the interview. Find somewhere private, either in your car or a private hallway to take a few minutes to practice the following:

  • Picture yourself succeeding – visualisation techniques are shown to be effective at helping reduce nerves and focus the mind.
  • Breathing techniques – take slow, deep breaths to help calm any nervous jitters you may be having.
  • Say some positive affirmations to yourself – saying ‘I will succeed’, ‘I deserve this job’ and ‘I am going to be successful in this interview’ will help you foster a positive mindset, which can significantly improve your confidence.

Once you are in the interview, let’s look at how some simple body language techniques can help you relax and be your most confident self.

3. Body Language During the Interview

The way you hold yourself will make you feel more confident so that you are able to give a better interview, plus it will also signal to the interviewer that you are relaxed and professional.

First impressions count, so smile when you say hello.

Try not to perch nervously on the edge of your seat – sit all the way back in your chair, with a straight back, not slouching.

When you give your answers, talk with your hands as this will allow you to communicate your ideas more effectively. But also be careful with the way you use your hands – don’t gesticulate too wildly, and when you are listening rather than talking, try not to fidget or keep touching your hair or your face, which people tend to do when they are nervous.

Remember to carry on breathing deeply, and always say yes to a glass of water – you can take a sip to compose yourself before you give your answers, or if you need a moment to pause.

Make eye contact with the interviewer, but not too much. And finally – smile during the interview – you want to look like you are happy to be there!

4. Be a Great Listener

There will be time during the interview when the interviewer is asking the questions or explaining about the company. During these times, remember to employ excellent listening skills.

A ServiceNow interview is about listening as much as it is about talking.

Nod when the interviewer is speaking and always make sure they have finished before you give your answer.

The interviewer will be looking for someone they can guarantee will get on with the rest of the team – so an overconfident candidate who spends the entire interview singing their own praises can be a turn-off.

Remember that not every answer you give has to be perfect – but listen to what the interviewer is asking, and you can always ask them to repeat themselves or clarify if you aren’t sure what they meant.

Interviewers are human, and they don’t always give perfect interview questions.

5. Look to Connect, Not Impress

And finally, a great tip to boost your confidence is to not think about the ServiceNow interview as an interview – but a conversation.

Aim to connect with the interview, not to flat-out impress them with everything you say.

Building rapport with an interviewer is a great way to be a memorable candidate, and striking a meaningful conversation rather than stressing while trying to appear superhuman will allow you to naturally ease into the interview and will make the whole experience much more enjoyable.

Confidence is about being honest and transparent; it is obvious when someone is trying to be somebody they’re not.

Finally

Are you preparing for an upcoming interview? Or maybe you’re not quite there yet, and you’re still looking for a new ServiceNow role.

If so, we can help.

We’re specialist ServiceNow recruiters, and we can help you will all aspects of your new job search, from CV help to arranging interviews, and of course – helping you prepare for your all-important interview.

To find out how we can help you in your new ServiceNow job search – get in touch with us 02381 542542.

The 7 Qualities That All High-Performing ServiceNow Employees Share

Posted on by Farrah Wells

As a ServiceNow professional, it’s essential that you hire individuals into your team who will thrive. Which in turn allows your business to grow.

The ‘right’ hire can make all the difference. Just as hiring someone who isn’t exactly what you’re looking for can be harmful to your team and ultimately your success.

The Recruitment and Employee Confederation (REC) estimate that the cost of making the wrong hire at management level (with an approximate salary of £42,000) can be as high as £132,000 – yes, you have read that right.

No business wants to spend any more time, resources or revenue than is necessary on their recruitment process.

In an ideal world, you could make the best hire the first time around – every time. Unfortunately, in real life, it’s not as simple as that.

But as a ServiceNow leader, there are ways that you can mitigate hiring problems and challenges in your organisation. High on the list is only hiring individuals with certain high-performing skills.

Today, we share the 7 top qualities to look out for in your recruitment process. Hire employees with these attributes to attract the success you want for your business.

1. A Great Communicator

Communication is the number one attribute all great ServiceNow employees have; possessing great skills is one thing though not being able to communicate effectively with your team stops everything in its tracks.

In any organisation, no matter how small, the way employees interact with each other is the key to a successful team. This has only been increased in our new physically distanced world.

Since the rise in remote working, possessing excellent communication skills has never been more critical. Sending an unclear email or miscommunicating a message over messenger bots or on the phone can cause all manner of problems for the entire team.

The most successful teams are full of great communicators. You should look for this attribute as something which is just as essential as ServiceNow skills in your recruitment process.

2. Autonomy

In a busy ServiceNow organisation, you need a team who can work independently outside of the initial onboarding period.

Your employees need to be able to manage time effectively, balance their workload and ensure that deadlines are met.

Additionally, autonomy is a contributing factor to high engagement, productivity and work satisfaction. So when you employ and encourage autonomy in your team, both you and your employees will benefit.

To find out if candidates have high levels of autonomy during the recruitment process, ask them how they feel working independently. Also, ask them if they have experience of working on their own – particularly from home – and look out for how confidently they talk about being self-driven.

3. Leadership Skills

Another key trait to look out for is their leadership potential.

In our ever-changing world, you must know that your team can step up when needed. Additionally, when you recruit ServiceNow talent with leadership potential, this is a long-sighted growth strategy which can save you time and money in the future.

Leadership qualities involve a variety of soft skills including communication, confidence, delegation and being able to give and receive feedback.

4. A Positive Mindset

A positive mindset is essential in ServiceNow organisations, and unfortunately, it’s not something that can be taught easily.

Some individuals approach challenges with a ‘can-do’ attitude, are always able to look at the positive in a situation and can consistently bolster others. Are these the type of people you need in your ServiceNow organisation?

Individuals with a negative mindset will find it harder to thrive and move forward. As they find it challenging to see past obstacles. Unfortunately, their negativity can quickly spread and bring other members of the team down too.

Additionally, positive individuals have an ability to adapt to change with ease. Which is going to be essential in ServiceNow organisations moving forward.

5. A Team Player

As with a positive mindset, being a team player is a crucial trait for ServiceNow employees to have in our post-Covid world.

Be on the lookout for employees who have plenty of experience of working as part of diverse teams. As working with lots of different people and personalities is a great way to develop the skills needed to be an excellent team player.

Team players contribute by listening to their colleagues, offering a different perspective, they help to strengthen bonds and trust within the team, and they are essential when things get tough.

6. Emotional Intelligence

Emotionally intelligent individuals possess the interpersonal skills needed to help your ServiceNow organisation to thrive, and they do this in a few ways.

Building on the great soft skills we have already mentioned in this article, emotional intelligence allows ServiceNow employees to exhibit the following:

  • Self-awareness – the ability to prioritise, manage time and resilience to stress and anxiety during busy times.
  • Self-regulatory behaviours – they are always in control of their emotions, and they are good at resolving conflict.
  • Empathy – they can understand different members of the team, which allows them to work well with everyone.
  • They can take feedback constructively – they don’t let it affect them personally, and they learn and grow from the experience.

An ideal ServiceNow team is full of people with high emotional intelligence, and it is such a necessary trait it ranked sixth in the World Economic Forum’s list of the top 10 skills that employees will need to thrive in workplaces of the future.

7. Agility

And finally, since the enormous changes that have happened to our world due to the pandemic, flexibility is essential.

Never before has the skill of being able to work outside of our comfort zones been necessary. It is now essential for all ServiceNow employers to be sure that their team are able to pivot to the ever-changing needs of a post-pandemic world.

Some people are great and adapting to change, whereas others find it more challenging, and some are unwilling to try.

How have employees coped with the recent changes to our world? Have they been happy to embrace new ways of working and living? Agility comes with a growth mindset. One where employees are always looking to develop and to grow. This is the only way continued future success is possible.

Finally

If you are looking to employ new talent into your ServiceNow organisation, these are the skills that you should be on the lookout for.

If you need help finding great ServiceNow talent for your business, we can help.

For more information on how we can help you recruit the high-performing individuals you need, get in touch with us on 02381542542.

Questions To Ask After A ServiceNow Interview

Posted on by Farrah Wells

‘Do you have any questions for me?’

We all have heard those words coming from a hiring managers mouth. If you are prepared, you already have some good questions you searched up. If not, you are left scrambling.

In our experience, people don’t have great questions prepared because they stress and focus on acing the interview. After you have carried your interview preparation and even have a string of examples to share, you should focus on the questions you will ask the hiring manager.

Why Is It Important to Prepare Questions?

When you ask a ServiceNow manager insightful and great questions, it is an amazing way to show off your commitment, your ServiceNow knowledge, and your professionalism. Asking a few questions at the end of your interview also demonstrate your interest and your involvement in the interview. These questions can give the hiring team a good impression of you.

Another benefit is that it also can make you stand out. It is also a great opportunity to get the answers to your questions.

Preparing to Ask Questions

It’s time to prepare for an important part of the interview process that many ServiceNow candidates forget.

It starts with that moment when the interviewer says something like, “Well, we have asked you a lot of questions, now it’s your turn; do you have any questions for us?”

At Linking Humans, the team have interviewed thousands of candidates over the years, and a typical pattern at the end of the meeting is… silence… no questions, rather a statement along the lines of, “No, I think you have covered everything.”

In today’s business economy, there is absolutely no reason why you can’t prepare multiple questions to ask your potential future employer.

Imagine the positive impression you will leave at the end of the interview by asking a few well thought through questions, particularly since many candidates either don’t ask anything or only make a comment about when the start date is.

An interview is a structured process of two parts. Your potential employer is asking you questions to learn about you, your skill and capability to perform in the role in question and fit into the company culture and ethos.

In return, you need to prepare questions to ask about the position, your department and your future development path.

The questions you ask can make a huge impact on the whole process. The questions you ask the ServiceNow hiring manager can inform them of your priorities and work ethic.  Questions about how well you have performed, or the salary range are tempting to ask, but don’t always profile you in the best light.

We have a list of amazing questions you can ask the hiring manager after your ServiceNow interview.

What Do You See as The Major Growth Opportunities for…….?

This is a great warm-up question that demonstrates your enthusiasm and strategic thinking. Also, it allows you to find out if the company invests in educational or professional training to develop your career. ServiceNow companies want to hire people who are enthusiastic to professional growth. Show the hiring manager that one of your priorities is continued growth in your career.

Our advice would be to ideally, do some homework on this aspect, too, so you can ask clarifying questions.

What Employees Do Well Here?

A subtle yet important question. Your hiring managers answer will hopefully reveal an enormous amount about the organisational culture and its values. Knowing the culture of a company is incredibly important. It reveals to you if people enjoy their work life and the company. A positive organisational culture improves employee morale, and this makes your job enjoyable.

Do you like what you hear? Are they unconsciously describing you? Fingers crossed they are.

What Additional Skills Do You Think Would Be Good to Develop in This Role?

Through the interview, I am sure you will have been asked various questions about your functional capabilities. However, additional skills and capabilities will be needed to excel and be considered for the next step-up. This question will give you an idea of what is possible and signal your enthusiasm to develop and add value.

This questions also tells which skills you can highlight in your background. By letting the hiring manager know about your additional skills, you can make yourself stand out!

What is The Career Path for Someone Like me?

Every ServiceNow hiring manager hopes that their recruit is keen to progress and do well. This question will demonstrate that you are thinking about a long-term career rather than the role being a stopgap till something else appears. It will also help you work out if the organisation has a development culture, where promotion from within is a goal. Also, you can find out the timeframe this advancement normally happens, so you know the how and when.

It is a great idea to find out how the company celebrates your accomplishments and what to expect when you have done well.

These simple four questions will help you gain valuable information about the company while also demonstrating how serious you are about the role too. We hope this helps with your interview preparation.
If you are looking for a ServiceNow role, please email your CV to thmida.miah@linkinghumans.com and we will get back to you with any relevant positions. Or you can contact us here: https://linkinghumans.com/contact-2/

How To Master Video Interviews To Get The ServiceNow Role You Want

Posted on by Farrah Wells

Video interviews are here to stay. Convenient, easily accessible, and cost-effective, a video interview can be an ideal alternative to a face-to-face conversation. Currently, around 84% of recruiters say they’ve begun including virtual hiring tools like video interviews in their processes.

The question for ServiceNow candidates is, how do you make sure you’re making the right impression when you can’t rely on face-to-face chemistry?

Learning how to pivot your interview tactics so you’re ready to wow a hiring manager just as easily over webcam as you would in person is crucial for today’s landscape. Here’s your guide to making the most of your ServiceNow video interviews.

Prepare Properly

Preparation is key whether you’re meeting your interviewer in person or not.

In a similar way to a face-to-face interview, you should start by researching. Learn as much as you can about the company in question. You’re still expected to demonstrate a knowledge of the company and the position you’re applying for. So, don’t skimp on research because the conversation is happening over video.

Once you’ve collected as much information as possible about your would-be ServiceNow employer, the next step is preparing your tech. Find out what kind of video conferencing technology your hiring manager will be using. Then test out the functionality in advance; your recruitment consultant will have the details related to this.

Check your webcam, microphone and headphones work perfectly before the interview. You should also make sure the location you’re using for your desk has a strong internet connection. This will help to reduce the risk of lag in your call. Other points to consider as you prepare include:

  • Learn how to use important features on video conferencing, like mute or virtual background
  • Find out whether you need to have documents ready for a presentation during the meeting
  • Ask whether you’ll need to use additional tools during the interview, like screen sharing

Set up Your Shot

One of the best things about ServiceNow video interviews is they allow you to interact with a hiring manager from the comfort of your own home. This can be helpful if you’re nervous about an interview. However, it also means you will be in complete control of your interview environment and what the interviewer sees from your camera.

Start by choosing the right environment; a space out of the way of family, pets, and other distractions is usually a good idea. Choose somewhere well-lit but avoid sitting with a light source directly behind you, as this can cause a shadow.

Set up your webcam so the other person can see your upper body and face, rather than just one portion of your head. It’s also worth thinking about your background. A neutral space, like a blank wall or a room without a lot of background clutter or decoration, is usually a good bet.

If you’re worried about not finding the perfect space, you can consider experimenting with a virtual background or background blurring before the interview.

Know How to Present Yourself

Video interviews still require appropriate business dress. Your ServiceNow hiring manager will expect to see evidence of your professionalism in the way you present yourself.

Always choose professional attire, just like you would for a formal in-person interview. You should also think about how certain clothing and accessories will show up on camera. Distracting patterns can be headache-inducing on camera, while pale colours can make you look drained.

Make sure you’re fully dressed (from head to toe). Also, think about the little details you can implement to boost your confidence. Try to avoid any large pieces of jewellery or accessories, as these can capture light from the computer screen and cause glare.

Practice Body Language

Body language is crucial in any ServiceNow interview. Everything from whether you’re sitting up straight or slumping in your seat to how much eye contact you’re making will be under assessment. Practice interviewing with friends and family members over video to get feedback on whether you’re looking away from the screen too often or forgetting to smile.

Try to avoid constantly watching yourself on screen, rather than paying attention to the person you’re speaking to, as this can make you seem distracted. It’s also important to shut down any other distractions which might draw your attention, like email notifications or separate tabs.

Centring your camera and looking directly into it will help you create the illusion of eye contact. Remember to:

  • Smile regularly to create a friendly atmosphere
  • Keep your arms and legs uncrossed to avoid looking unwelcoming
  • Avoid looking down at your lap or your notes too frequently

Master the Little Details

Small things can make a big difference in a ServiceNow interview.

When you’re interviewing over video, making sure everything looks and sounds perfect is the best way to make a lasting, professional impression. Getting to the interview a few minutes early so you can set up your camera and audio and check everything is working is often a good idea.

Take steps to minimise the risk of any interruptions by locking the office door or letting your family know you can’t be disturbed. If you are disturbed, remember to preserve your professional appearance by apologising and responding calmly, this will make you look more adaptable.

While mastering video interviews can seem a little challenging at first, you will soon master the art of video interview if you follow our straightforward process.

For more tips, read our adjust to working from home and preparing for an interview blog.

Here at Linking Humans, we have been helping candidates with finding their dream ServiceNow role! Visit our job listings page or you can call us on 02381 542 542. You can also upload your CV and we will get back to you with any relevant ServiceNow positions.

Protecting Your Mental Health In ServiceNow This Year

Posted on by Farrah Wells

Mental health issues are on the rise. Even before the pandemic, mental health-related illnesses were the most common cause of long-term absences in economies around the globe. Stress, anxiety, and work-related depression accounted for 54% of working days lost pre-pandemic.

What’s more, mental health conditions can influence motivation in the office, productivity, and turnover. In the ServiceNow/Technology sector, the problem is only continuing to grow.

As of 2021, 37% of respondents to the CIPD health and wellbeing survey say stress-related absence has increased in the last year.

Though part of the responsibility for minimising mental health conditions in the technology space falls on the employer and their commitment to team wellbeing, staff members need to be prepared too.

Learning how to care for your mental health and build resilience properly can ensure you continue to achieve outstanding results in your role, no matter how the workplace changes. Our blog discusses the steps you can take to care for your mental health in your work life.

Communicate

The first step in caring for your mental health is knowing how to talk about your feelings. When ServiceNow employees feel overwhelmed, it’s easy to simply ignore the issue.

Many of us attempt to keep “pushing forward” on our own, which may be part of the reason why worker burnout is at an all-time high. However, people struggling with mental health concerns don’t have to go it alone. Many of the top employers in the ServiceNow space are now committing to increased investment in teams’ wellbeing and support strategies.

Speaking to your employer about your issues and looking for solutions together can help solve the problem before it becomes too significant. For instance, if you’re struggling to manage working from home during days when the kids aren’t at school, your employer could offer a mix of in-person and remote (hybrid) work.

Rediscover Work/Life Balance

Achieving work/life balance in the new age of work can be extremely difficult. With many employees now working from home, it can be challenging to determine when you should be concentrating on tasks in the office and when you can switch off.

To avoid overwhelm and reduce stress, many ServiceNow employees will need to redefine what work/life balance means. This could be having a dedicated space for work at home when office work isn’t available. It also means setting a schedule to know when you can log out of workplace apps and shut the door to your “office” at the end of each day.

Remember, regular breaks are vital whether you’re working in the office or at home. They can help to refresh your mind and recharge your creativity. Try taking a walk around the room every hour or so or going for a drink of water.

Remember Self-Care

Self-care isn’t just something we need to focus on in our spare time. To perform well at work and deliver excellent results for our employers, we also need to look after ourselves during the working day. There are various components to this, such as:

  • Eating well: Nutrition is vital in ensuring productivity and creativity. Make time to stop for a nutritious bite to eat at lunchtime rather than just having a snack at your desk. Make sure you’re eating well, wherever you’re working from.
  • Staying active: Research suggests excessive sitting at your desk may be responsible for draining brainpower. Standing up every so often to exercise is a great way to keep yourself on track. You should also be committing to regular activity sessions throughout the week.
  • Hydration: Don’t rely on coffee and sugary drinks alone to manage your focus during the day. These can lead to crashes in mood and energy. Instead, stock up on plenty of water.

A good night’s sleep is often essential to good mental health too. Committing to a strong sleeping schedule will give you more resilience to deal with any stresses you face at work.

Explore Coping Mechanisms

Sometimes, ServiceNow employees can feel more overwhelmed in the workplace than usual. When this happens, it’s important to have suitable coping mechanisms in place. For instance, you might consider downloading an app with guided mindfulness and meditation sessions you can do in a couple of minutes at work to help you relax.

Another option is simply getting outside and taking a breath of fresh air. Exposing yourself to nature and briefly changing your surroundings will help to give you the time out you need when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Surrounding yourself with the right people, either virtually or in person, can also be helpful. Laughing with friends at work is one of the best ways to reduce stress, ease pain, and relax your body. Laughter even helps to boost your immune system.

Be More Realistic

It’s easy to hold yourself to unreasonable standards when trying to build a great career in ServiceNow. You want to show your recruitment professional they’ve done the right thing by getting you this great job or prove yourself to your boss.

However, holding yourself to unreasonable standards can seriously impact both your mental and physical health. With that in mind, it’s important to be aware of your capabilities and restrictions as a human being. Understand the realities of what you can do.

If you find yourself getting overwhelmed at work, speak to your boss, or ask your co-workers for help. Take advantage of the ecosystem you have around you for support and guidance. Your team is there for a reason.

We hope you found our blog on protecting your mental health in the work space helpful! If after reading this blog, you want to find a new ServiceNow job that will better for you mental health – visit our job listings page now! You can also upload your CV and we will get back to you with any relevant job positions.

How To Utilise LinkedIn In Your Job Search

Posted on by Farrah Wells

Why You Should Use LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is known as a professional social networking site. LinkedIn has now almost 740 million members in 200 countries and regions worldwide with over 55 million registered companies. It is a known tool recruiters use to find the right candidate for a job.

Each connection on LinkedIn can introduce you to an average of 400 new people. This makes LinkedIn a useful tool in your job search!  

As a recruitment agency, we know how important LinkedIn is for job searches. We also know what to look for in candidates’ profiles. That is why we have put together all the steps you can take to utilise your LinkedIn profile to find a job. As well as explaining what recruiters are looking for in LinkedIn profiles.  

Up To Date Profile

Did you make a LinkedIn profile months or even years ago and have not updated it since? Well, now it is time to log back in and update your profile! If you already have an up-to-date profile, well done to you!

The first important step in making sure your profile is up to date is having a professional and recent profile picture. You should select a high photo – resolution and avoid distracting backgrounds. If you can, try and show your personality through the picture. Get your smiles ready!

Adding and maintaining a good LinkedIn profile photo makes you 36 times more likely to receive a message. Also, LinkedIn profiles with a profile photo receive 21 times more views than those without a photo.

Another benefit to a profile photo is people recall images much easier than text. Having a profile picture can make you memorable to potential recruiters.

You can also add your skills to your LinkedIn profile. There are many to choose from so if you want recruiters to notice you, make sure to have your best skills attached to your profile.

Utilise Your Headline

When people search on LinkedIn, your name, photo and headline are the only items that show up.

Therefore, you should update your headline to what you do or what type of position you are looking for. It is also important to include that you are seeking a new role in your headline.

For example, a headline could be ‘Technical consultant actively seeking ServiceNow roles’. Headlines like the example, are clear and will grab the recruiter’s attention.

Highlight Recent Experience, Skills and Objectives

You want to include your recent experience so that anyone who views your page can easily read it. Especially when you are engaging with your connections and trying to land a job.  

You should highlight your top skills in your summary section. You can also be specific about your accomplishments. Keep it short as you have space in your experience section to expand on your skills. This summary section helps you stay memorable and makes you stand out to recruiters.

In addition, you should also include all your current skills and objectives. This is so recruiters can see if you are the perfect fit for their role. Having your most recent experience and skills shows that your profile is up to date.

Build Your Network

Your connections increase your access to other connections. So, keep building your network!

One way to build your network is by looking for Alumni from your college or University. You can reach out to people who have a range of job roles as you share a common interest.

You can also build your network by being involved in LinkedIn professional groups. Search to find a group that is relevant to the job roles you are seeking. Be active in these groups! Comment on posts and like them, you can also show off your skills when commenting on the posts.

LinkedIn is great for posting jobs. You can follow Recruitment agencies’ LinkedIn pages and see their latest jobs. LinkedIn also suggests companies that might have a suitable opening for you!

Spend time looking through the job postings on LinkedIn and see which jobs interest you. Also, have a look through ‘People Also Viewed’ as it can lead to interesting job postings that you might not have found.

LinkedIn also has lots of information on companies and the staff that work there, this can help you be well informed in your job search.

Posting

We know this blog is very information-heavy!

To summarise it all, be more active on LinkedIn, keep your account up-to-date, and be authentic. Post any updates you have about your career or any articles you have written or read.

Interact with groups and others on LinkedIn. Remember the more you post and engage with others, the more you will be noticed by potential recruiters!

Good luck on your job search and if you are interested in roles that involve ServiceNow, check out our job listings page! Or get into contact!

Is It Time To Leave Your Job?

Posted on by Farrah Wells

Deciding to leave a job is a significant moment in your career.

Naturally, we all go through periods of having exciting projects on at work which make us fall in love with our roles again; and times when finding motivation is harder.

But if the thought of the end of the weekend and another week in work fills you with dread, this could be a sign that something is seriously wrong.

Either you’ve outgrown your ServiceNow role, your workplace has become toxic, or you realise that your passions lie elsewhere in a different position or with a new company with different values. There are some signs to look out for which indicate that it’s time to look for a new job.

Deciding on a career move can be a daunting thing, and that’s why many people try to ignore the warning signs that they should move on.

Today, we share the six undeniable signs it’s time to look for a new job (and how to find one).

You Dread Going to Work

Everybody gets the case of the Monday blues. However, if you do not look forward to going to work or anything work-related, it might be time to quit.

Have you found yourself stopping off for a coffee to delay getting into the office; have you started taking the longer route to work; does the thought of work in the morning keep you from sleeping at night?

Of course, many more of us are working from home now, and so the physical act of going to work might soon become a thing of the past in many roles.

But this feeling of dread can become present in morning Zoom meetings, when you’re on a conference call or any time work-related messages pop-up on your screen.

A sense of dread when you think about your job is not normal – if this is happening to you, it’s time to make a change.

There will be a job in the market that will excite you! It’s time to find that role rather than dreading going to work in your existing job.

There Is No Advancement

Have you been at the same company working the same position since you first got the job? If there seems to be no advancement for your career in your current job role, it is time to start looking elsewhere.

Most people will have a promotion or a change of job title within 4 years of working in their job. You want to commit your time and energy to a company that will support the growth of your career. If this is not the case, and you feel stuck in your career, you should look elsewhere.  

You Are Not Learning

Your job should challenge you and improve on your core skills. As well as providing you with the opportunity to learn new ones.

There should be opportunities where you are learning, for example, signing up for a course or asking to be involved in new tasks or projects.

If these opportunities do not exist in your current job, it is a sign that the company is not serious about investing or nurturing your career development.

You Fell Disconnected From Your Role

High employee engagement is a characteristic of all excellent employers.

Great ServiceNow employers will ensure that you have the right amount of work to do; that you’re not overworked or frequently find yourself with few tasks and unsure what you should be doing.

You should feel a passion and drive for your role, and a connection to your team and your employer which makes you want to give your best to the job – it was probably there when you applied for this position.

But over time, inadequate management can lead to employees feeling disconnected and then eventually stop caring. It is hard to find enthusiasm for your role when you have become disconnected. Will you ever trust that your employer truly cares about you even if things change in the short-term?

You are procrastinating

It is normal to procrastinate when working. We are not productivity machines!

However, if you find yourself procrastinating most of the day it means you do not find your job engaging. In this case, you need to consider whether your job is a good fit for you.

You are Taking Extra Sick Days

Taking extra sick days, or taking holidays simply to get away from your job is a sign that something is wrong.

It is estimated that 12.7% of all sick days are taken due to mental health problems, which can often be attributed to your current role in the first place.

If your mental health is being affected due to your job, first speak to your manager. They have a duty of care to you to ensure that your position is not causing you harm. Sadly, if the problems are out of your manager’s control, and they continue, it might be time to look for an employer who has an excellent wellbeing reputation.

Negative Work Environment

A negative work environment is toxic.

Having a great relationship with your boss and your colleagues is never a given in any role. It’s always a nice added bonus when you find a role you love, and you get on with your team.

But negative relationships with the people you work with every day can quickly become draining, and they can turn a once dream job into a nightmare situation. If your co- workers are constantly complaining and your boss is unhappy or unfair in the treatment of workers, it is hard to be happy. A pessimistic atmosphere can also kill your passion for your job.

There should always be avenues you can explore before it gets as serious as leaving for a different company, but sometimes that’s what it takes.

Toxic workplaces are sadly more common than you might think. Although your job might look great on paper, if your boss regularly puts you down, and the atmosphere in the workplace is continually negative and is holding you back from success in your job role and your whole career, it’s time to find a company where you not only feel fulfilled but also happy.

You are being recruited

Are recruiters reaching out to you with job offers?

Offers that include room for advancement and a better work environment? It may be time to explore these new job opportunities and start applying.

You’re Being Underpaid

48% of employees feel that they are underpaid for the work they do – does this sound familiar?

When you start a job, the expectations might have been clear. What commonly happens in ServiceNow workplaces is that over time, and as you become more experienced within the organisation, you are tasked with more and more duties.

And your remuneration rarely increases with the amount of extra work you are now expected to do.

It might be a simple case of your manager not realising how much extra outside of your role you are taking on – but this again is poor management on their part.

Suppose you are increasingly given extra tasks or are performing managerial duties and your employer tells you that you are not going to be paid any extra for it. In that case, this is a sign that your employer is taking advantage of you.

Not all ServiceNow employers behave like this – now should be the time to find one who doesn’t.

Suffering Health and Personal Life

Job stress and dissatisfaction can lead to insomnia or depression. That is why it is important not to sacrifice your health for a job. If you are miserable when you come home due to your job, you should start looking for a new job.

You Feel Undervalued

Aside from being paid a fair wage for the work you do, it is also important that you feel emotionally valued and supported by your manager and your colleagues.

Signs that you are being undervalued by your current employer include:

  • your work is overlooked
  • your performance and pay reviews are continually pushed back
  • you’re not trusted to have autonomy in your role
  • those around you are promoted, and you get left behind

Being undervalued can be a sign that your current employer is not going to support you in your career and that things are unlikely to change. Unless the entire company has a management shake-up – but you don’t have to wait for this to happen.

Next Steps and Advice

Many people stay in roles that are making them severely unhappy and impacting on their mental health because they believe there is no other option for them.

The truth is there are always other options; you just might not know where to find them – and that’s where we come in.

Speak to a dedicated recruitment company they will be able to offer advice and options. They can put you in touch with new potential employers and organise interviews for you. It is good to have another job lined up before quitting unless you want a break between jobs.

Our advice is not to burn bridges at your current job. Do not vent to them about the reasons you are leaving or show your anger. You should simply state you are leaving to seek new opportunities.

If you are looking for new opportunities in ServiceNow, visit our job listing page or get into contact! What are you waiting for?

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