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Category: Changing Jobs

How to create an ATS Friendly CV?

Posted on by Thmida Miah

How to create an ATS Friendly CV? Linking Humans

How to create an ATS Friendly CV?

The first step in being recruited into a ServiceNow role is getting your customised CV before a hiring manager or recruiter. Unfortunately, this process isn’t always as simple as it seems.

As ServiceNow companies look for ways to simplify and digitise the hiring process, many are turning to technology for help. A.T.S. systems, or Applicant Tracking Systems, can help recruitment agencies and teams sort through the applications for each role. Unfortunately, 70% of job applications fail to pass the A.T.S. test. 

While an A.T.S. system can save a company a lot of time searching for the right talent, there are endless ways the technology can trip ServiceNow candidates up. 

Here are some of the best strategies to make your CV/resume A.T.S. friendly.

1. Choose the Right CV format

Formatting is one of the most important factors in ensuring your CV is ATS-friendly. Your information needs to be well-organised and easy for the technology to scan through. 

Reverse chronological is the most commonly recommended formatting option for most C.V.s. This is the go-to for most ServiceNow recruiters, as it places the most important information (your ServiceNow work experience) at the top of the page. 

Reverse chronological formatting also ensures the most relevant and recent information appears on your CV before anything else. 

2. Find the Right File Type

The file type is the document you use to send your CV to a ServiceNow or recruitment company. When applying for a role, you might see requests for specific file types on the job description. Usually, the versatile option is the PDF, as it can be read by most A.T.S. software.

PDF files are excellent for maintaining the formatting and design of your CV/resume. However, some older applicant tracking models cannot read PDFs. In this case, your would-be employer might ask you to submit a .doc file. 

Make sure you read the instructions carefully to ensure you’re using the right file type.

3. Use a Simple Layout

Simplicity is often important for any CV, particularly in the ServiceNow environment, where business hiring managers and recruiters spend hours going through hundreds or even thousands of applications. 

A simple CV layout will be easy to read, with bulleted lists highlighting your achievements. 

Avoid using complex graphics or extra formatting to make your CV look more impressive. Fancy templates can be scrambled by the A.T.S. technology, which may make your CV harder to read and even get your application thrown out by the system.

There are special A.T.S. templates available online if you’re stuck. 

4. Use Keywords

Excellent CVs/resumes and cover letters for any ServiceNow role should be tailored to suit the position’s specific requirements. Ensure you look for important keywords listed in the job description that the A.T.S. software might be looking for in your application. 

For instance, skills related to a specific role are often one of the first things your A.T.S. will look for. If you need a certain certification or degree to be suitable for a certain role, include those words on your CV. 

It’s also worth using plenty of action words in your resume because this helps to highlight things you’ve accomplished. Try terms like “created” or “solved”. 

Don’t just throw keywords in at random, though; remember to ensure the terms you use make sense in the context of the application. Remember: A human will still read your CV after the A.T.S.

5. Don’t Apply for Too Many Roles At Once

A.T.S. tools are designed to find the best possible person for each role. With that in mind, it’s worth thinking carefully about whether you’re the right individual for the position you’re applying for. If you don’t have any of the skills the company is asking for in a job description, you’re not going to pass the A.T.S. test. 

Similarly, applying for multiple jobs with the same company could lead to the technology labelling your application as spam. 

Even if you get through to the human review stage with one or two applications, sending too many job applications to the same ServiceNow company can make you look like you’re desperate for any role rather than applying for the right position.

6. Don’t Game the System

As A.T.S. systems become increasingly popular worldwide, there has been an increase in people attempting to “game the system” or find ways to outsmart the technology. 

Although you might be able to find a handful of articles and guides telling you how to improve your chances of getting through any screening process, tricking the system won’t work long-term. 

Even if you did manage to convince the A.T.S. to send your application to the next level by copy-pasting keywords from the job description into your CV, this wouldn’t get you anywhere when a human reviewed your application.

7. Don’t Just Design for Robots

Finally, it’s easy to get caught up with the complexity of keeping track of everything you need to do to make your CV technology-friendly. In some cases, you might get so focused on designing for the A.T.S. that you forget about the importance of designing for people.

Ultimately, the A.T.S. is just the first stage of the filtering process for applicants in most hiring and recruitment strategies. This means while you need to make your CV easy enough for the robots to leverage and read, you also need to ensure it’s suitable for humans.

Read through everything when you’re done editing and make sure the content still flows naturally through the page. 

Here at Linking Humans, we have been helping companies deliver permanent and freelance technology experts to ServiceNow partners and End Users across the UK, Europe, and North America. We take pride in providing the best possible people to take your business forward. 

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.

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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.

2.  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.

3.  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.

4.  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.

5.  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.

6.  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.

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Top tips for Moving into your first ServiceNow Management Position

Posted on by Dan Wells
Top tips for Moving into your first ServiceNow Management Position Linking Humans

All great ServiceNow careers need to start somewhere. For most employees, the path to progression begins with an entry-level position. Over time, as you develop your skills and knowledge, you can apply for promotions and higher-paid roles. 

After a while in the ServiceNow industry, you may feel you have the leadership skills, knowledge, and expertise to thrive in a managerial role. A position as a manager can be an excellent way to increase your earning potential, showcase your knowledge, and unlock greater job satisfaction.

However, figuring out how to move into your first management position can be challenging.

Here are some of the top tips you can use to improve your chances of a new leader-level job.

Step 1: Excel in Your Current Role and Do Your Research

To achieve any promotion in the ServiceNow landscape, you first need to show your manager how great you are at what you do. Managers need significant expertise and experience in the field they’re going to be supervising. Showing your leaders, you’re a capable, and accomplished member of the team will make them more likely to see your potential as a manager. 

While you’re working on demonstrating your value in your current position, it’s worth doing some research. Find out what kind of skills the current managers in your company have, and determine whether there are any gaps you’ll need to fill in your own abilities. 

It can also be helpful to look at how your company handles internal movement and promotions. Are there certain times of year when your employers make decisions about who should be moved into leadership roles? Finding out in advance will help you to decide when to approach your employer about any management opportunities.

Step 2: Develop Your Managerial Skills

There’s more to thriving in a managerial position than being an expert in the ServiceNow industry. There’s a good chance you’ll need to develop some crucial new skills to prove you can succeed in a managerial role. 

The research you’ve done into the other managers in your company should help you to determine which talents matter most to your business. However, some of the most common managerial skills you may need to develop include:

  • Leadership skills: Learn how to motivate, inspire, and engage other employees by taking on the leader position in group tasks and volunteering for opportunities to take charge. 
  • Decision making skills: You’ll need to be able to effectively analyse situations and respond to different scenarios with confidence. 
  • Organisational skills: Demonstrate your organisational skills by ensuring you always meet with deadlines, and deliver punctual work.
  • Interpersonal skills: Work on your emotional intelligence and communicate regularly with leaders and other colleagues in your ServiceNow business. 
  • Problem-solving skills: Show your ability to respond creatively to problems by suggesting solutions to issues in team meetings.

It’s also helpful to invest in your continued ServiceNow education. Earning new certifications and accreditation will demonstrate your expertise in your industry, and help to differentiate you as a potential leader. 

Step 3: Show Initiative

Often, proving you’re ready for a management job means making sure you take advantage of every opportunity to showcase your expertise and abilities. This means you’re going to need to take initiative if you want to stand out. 

Volunteer for tasks a manager might normally do, like taking charge of a team project, or helping your boss with a challenge most people would rather avoid. Rather than waiting for your supervisors to offer you training and development opportunities, seek out your own educational strategies to develop the skills you know are crucial to your company. 

You can even demonstrate your leadership capabilities outside of your current role, by taking on leadership positions in non-profit organisations, and sharing your volunteering experiences with your company leaders. 

Step 4: Ask for the Position

Once you’ve had a chance to demonstrate your abilities, build your skillsets and connect with the supervisors in your workplace, it’s time to ask for your new role. Arrange a time to meet with your boss face-to-face or over video so you can discuss your career progression opportunities. 

During this meeting, you’ll need to be prepared to explain why you’re ready for this new challenge, and provide as much evidence as possible. Highlighting your recent accomplishments, and drawing attention to the managerial skills you’ve developed will be useful here. If possible, it’s always a good idea to have relationships with other ServiceNow managers in your team who can vouch for you.

If your employer doesn’t think you’re ready for a manager role yet, or there isn’t a space available for you to move into, ask what the next step is. Work with your boss to figure out what you need to do to transition into your ideal role.

Step 5: Be Prepared to Switch Companies

Finally, if you’re committed to becoming a manager, it’s important to be flexible. The reality is, even if you do all the work and prove yourself to your existing employer, there may not be a leadership opportunity available in your current company. 

Unless your boss is looking for a manager to fill a role after another team member has left, there’s a good chance they won’t be able to find the budget to create a new position just for you. With this in mind, you may need to look elsewhere for your management job. 

Work with a ServiceNow recruitment agency to track down positions relevant to your expertise and experience. Your recruitment team will be able to help you find a new job that not only offers you the manager responsibilities you want, but the company culture and benefits you need too. 

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.

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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.

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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

After finally getting the chance to take a proper break from work, many ServiceNow employees are finding themselves reflecting on their lives and goals.

While vacations are perfect for recharging and relaxing, they can also spark thoughts about the future — especially with the cost of living rising and new job opportunities appearing in the hybrid work landscape. In fact, according to research from Wix, 49% of Brits who went on a summer holiday 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.

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Banish ServiceNow Interview Nerves For Good

Posted on by Farrah Wells

Banish ServiceNow Interview Nerves For Good

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.

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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 info@linkinghumans.com and we will get back to you with any relevant positions. 

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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 interviews 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. 

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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!

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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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