Tips and Advice for your application

Getting started

It is always exciting when, following the recruitment process, the employer returns to you with positive feedback and a job offer. But the decision can be stressful. Here are the things to consider before accepting a job proposal, including what to look for when evaluating a job offer.

WHAT DOES A JOB OFFER LOOK LIKE?

The job offer is a document issued by the employer and represents its commitment towards a future collaboration. It contains the essential information, which will then be found in the employment contract. It is often transmitted both verbally and in writing and requires a response within a limited timeframe.

When we extend you an offer to join the Michelin team, the offer will include the following information: your name, address, identification data, classification, internal position name, department, job-specific risks (if the case), responsibilities, evaluation criteria, the start date, the duration of the employment contract, the number of vacation days, the monthly base salary, other bonuses (if the case), benefits, duration of legal notice, duration of work (number of hours worked per week), and length of probation period.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A JOB OFFER?

Before accepting the collaboration proposal, evaluate it carefully so that you can make an informed decision. The last thing you want to do is make a rushed decision, which you might regret later.

If you have two offers to consider, use a comparison list with pros and cons to help you decide which one to accept.

Weigh the pros and cons and take the time to analyze the offer, to be sure that the position is right for you.
There can be very good reasons to give a negative answer. It is perfectly acceptable to ask the employer for more time to think if you are unsure, and to ask for additional information.

Here are some things to evaluate before accepting:

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

Make sure you consider the entire compensation package, not just the salary.
The base salary is essential, and during the previous steps of the recruitment process, you have probably discussed the salary with the recruiter, even if in general terms. Therefore, there is a good chance that the salary offered will be close to what you are looking for. It can be useful for you to know what jobs with the same responsibility pay in similar industries.

Benefits are part of the compensation package and can make a difference if the salary is lower than expected. This is especially true when it comes to health insurance / medical service subscription, transportation costs, reimbursement of certain expenses, meal vouchers and so on.
If you are unsure of the benefits, ask for additional information or clarification.

THE ROLE

Did you understand the responsibilities of the job – specifically what you will do in your role?
Make sure it will allow you to use the skills that are most important to you. Evaluate the trust you have in the company and its products / services. Be convinced that you want to contribute to the results of the organization and that you will enjoy working with the people you met during the recruitment process.

Is this role a lateral move or a promotion? The role / function is a subjective consideration, but it is important that it is aligned with your professional training and expectations.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

If you want to develop your skills, make sure the organization focuses on developing its talents through training, mobility and internal promotion. Evaluate whether training will be available or not. Identify existing development paths and what will be needed to pursue them.

In today's labor market, no position is forever. With every step you take you need to follow your career plan. Find out what the real chances of promotion are and be open to lateral moves that can bring significant improvements to your skills.

CULTURE / ATMOSPHERE

It can be difficult to assess the work environment until you actually work there. But interactions with the future manager or colleagues should be a good enough indicator. Make sure you ask questions about the most important aspects for you. You can also learn a lot from looking for former company employees in your network or from their reviews on dedicated sites.
Find out about the company's reputation and be convinced that you identify with its values.

Once you have identified the most important elements of the job offer, compare the list of advantages and disadvantages with your current job. If one outweighs the other, the decision will be easier.

Regardless of the choice made, whether or not you will accept the job offer, inform the employer about your decision in writing, politely and concisely.

Preparing your CV

Writing your resume can be a challenge, whether you are at the beginning of your professional journey or you already gained experience. The resume is the first step in looking for a job. Done correctly, it will increase the chance of viewing and implicitly of being for the interview. Done incorrectly, it will make you wait a long time for the desired job.

A recruiter usually spends 6-8 seconds scanning each resume. If he/she manages to identify the relevant information, he/she will go further, otherwise, your CV will be rejected.

Every resume is different because it must describe you, your professional history, your skills, and achievements, but they all follow a similar structure.

You will find a lot of models online; choose one that is structured and easy to edit. The job platforms and career pages of employers provide you with relevant, simple, and efficient models.

Contact details

The first part of the resume should contain your name, current position (e.g. Financial Analyst), location, and contact details.

Location - mention if you are in the employer's city or surroundings, if you are moving in the near future or if you want to relocate.

Phone number - make sure you include the country code if you are applying outside the country.

Email address - the email should be professional, ideal [name] [first name] @ email.com.

Objective & professional experience

Start writing your resume your professional goal: there should be no more than 2-3 sentences. If you have more than 2 years of work experience, choose a summary (years of work experience, achievements, relevant responsibilities, or what you can offer to the company). If not, choose a goal: what are your career plans?

Your professional experience is the main section, representing the decisive factor in the recruiter's decision to contact you.

Mention the jobs you have had so far in reverse chronological order, from the most recent job to the job in the past. For each one, specify the job title, the period of collaboration, company name, key responsibilities, achievements, or skills acquired.

Skills

Try to limit yourself to 4-6 skills related to the job you are applying for, including professional skills (hard skills) and personal skills (soft skills). Don't exaggerate your skills, because you will have to prove them in the interview.

Examples of professional (technical) skills: digital skills, programming languages, systems, and software.

Examples of personal skills (soft skills): customer orientation, communication, analytical thinking, attention to detail, etc.

If you apply to a multinational company, do not omit the assessment of language skills. Be honest in your self-assessment, and only mention a foreign language if you are prepared to take a test. If the answer is yes, then grade the level of knowledge: beginner, intermediate, or advanced, depending on the criteria: spoken, written, and read.

Education & certifications

Just like the experience, education must be mentioned in reverse chronological order, from the most recent studies to the most distant in time. Each specifies the name of the educational institutions, the years of study, the diplomas obtained. Similar in the case of certifications, for professionals who are a little further in their career or who have many certificates in their portfolio.

Personal projects

If you think that your resume does not have enough information, you can improve the content by adding a personal projects section. This can help you show how well you can fit into the organization. Where relevant, personal projects can compensate for lack of experience.

Volunteer experience

Volunteering experience is relevant because it can enrich your skills. Describe the activity and briefly list the responsibilities and results.

Hobbies

Here you can reveal a little about your personality, what makes you unique and what your interests are.

Through your hobbies, you can demonstrate discipline and commitment to an activity, and you can include personal achievements.

It is not enough just to list them, add details to support those mentioned (e.g. writing a blog - provides a link, participating in the marathon - provides a name, year).

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. First be honest - most employers will test your knowledge and skills, ask you for references, seniority certificates, etc. All information must be true and easy to prove;

2. Be concise - do not get lost in the details of studies or experience and do not exceed 2 pages;

3. Structure and provide relevant information - the resume should be easy to read and contain only the information necessary for the role you are applying for;

4. Use a standardized format - no matter what format you decide to use, make sure it does not change during the document;

5. Customize the resume;

6. Adapt the resume to the job for which you are applying;

7. Use keywords - which you can find in your job posting. More and more employers are using automated resume scanning systems;

8. Supports achievements with numbers;

9. Use strong verbs - such as “I made”, “I applied”, “I launched”, etc.;

10. Make sure it is spelled correctly - grammatically and orthographically.

TO AVOID:

1. Don't exaggerate with the details - stay concise in describing the responsibilities, skills or hobbies;

2. Do not use clichés or jargon - try to avoid industry-specific language, the initial reading is made about the recruiter, his/her knowledge may be limited;

3. Avoid personal details - information such as home address, age, religion;

4. Do not provide confidential information - salary level, data, formulas / recipes used by the previous employer;

5. Avoid negations - or words with negative connotations;

6. Do not copy the job description from the job description - this description is much too concise;

7. Don't overdo the text format - limit yourself to two fonts;

8. Do not mention the experience that is not relevant;

9. Do not use a complicated format;

10. Do not rush to apply - check the document again before applying.

Writing a resume seems complicated, tedious, and time-consuming. But this is a small price to pay for getting the right job. By creating an almost perfect resume, you are investing in yourself and your future.

After graduation, planning your career should be exciting. But adjusting to life outside the university sometimes turns out frustrating: you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to gain experience. Luckily, you can get a job even with limited or without professional experience. Candidates often rely on transferable skills when applying to a job outside their expertise area. And this is what you can do, too.

Think about your resume as a business card. Here’s some tricks to make it catchy, easy to read and impressive!

SKILLS - FIND YOUR STRONG POINTS

Reflect on your strong points; there are several tools for self-assessment: SWOT analyses, online assessment tests. We presented some in the workshop What would Michelin Man do?, here. Use the results of your assessment to write a summary statement; include your professional goal and the skills that recommend you for the role.

CHOOSE THE BEST STRUCTURE FOR YOUR Resume

Opt for a template that is easy to fill-in, showcases your skills and has an easy-to-read, clean structure. You can find various resume templates online. Keep in mind that in your resume, recruiters should see these details: a header with your contact, a summary statement, education, experience and skills. Whatever resume format you decide to use, be sure that it remains consistent throughout the document and is no longer than 2 pages.

PLAY UP YOUR DEGREE

You can list the most important courses that you attended, if they are related to the job you’re applying for. You can also mention the name of your thesis, to point out that you are preparing for a certain domain.

I am interested in HR, but I studied economics and management. So, with the help of my professors, I found some interesting themes for my thesis:
Bachelor’s degree in Economics Science: How multinational companies reward employees (HR related: reward and recognition process; Economics related: company presentation, financial analyses)
Master’s degree in Business Consulting: Mentoring and coaching as educational tools for boosting performance (HR related: mentoring and coaching as educational tools; Business Consulting: measuring KPIs).

A.L.

VOLUNTEERING? INTERNSHIPS? TRAINEESHIPS?

Yes! In college, you can volunteer or do internships, then present the experience you gained in a professional manner. Point out the activity, the responsibilities and the results.

I coordinated the team that organized a fundraising for Christmas. How does this translate into skills?
Marketing skills: I designed a promo campaign (target audience segmentation, message creation, social media/internal channels plan).
Planning skills: I made a calendar for actions, identified the stakeholders and assigned responsibilities, I set a goal and a deadline for activities, using a Gantt chart.
Management: I coordinated a team of 5 people, with clear responsibilities and tracked their progress.

A.L.

USE KEYWORDS

To boost your appearances in a recruiter’s search, use keywords relevant for your domain. The best place to find the suitable keywords are the job ads. Read job ads from your field of interest and identify the keywords to include in your resume. You can place them in the educational section or the skills section - what is important is that they fit in naturally.

At the end of the day, the perfect resume is the one that gets you the dream job. At Michelin, we can help you gain experience; draft up your perfect resume and apply for an internship or a traineeship here.

The interview phase

Job interviews have many common characteristics. First of all, a CV that you write as well as possible, a motivation letter that is interesting and, of course, the discussion with the employer. Apparently, all interviews are similar to each other, but the reality is more different than you might think. Discover tips to prepare for any interview!

Type of interview: face-to-face, online or over the phone
How to dress for a job interview
How to prepare a job interview speech
How to answer certain interview questions

TYPES OF INTERVIEW: FACE TO FACE, ONLINE OR PHONE

Today's modern and technology-focused companies prefer to support their hiring processes with online interviews, at least as a first step. However, face-to-face interviews are especially important to many employers because, after all, physical encounters define us as people.

There is also the possibility of mixed interviews. For example, the selection can start with a simple phone interview, of a few minutes, but very important, as a first impression. Then, either an online or a "face-to-face" interview can follow, respectively with a physical presence at the company's headquarters. The latter can also be final interviews, but this does not always happen.

Let's see together how to successfully prepare for each type of interview.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE FACE TO FACE INTERVIEW

The face-to-face or physical interview at the company headquarters is a classic one, which you are most likely already used to. Initially, the meeting may be with the HR person designated by the company or, more recently, to streamline the hiring process, the department manager may also be present.
Each employer has its own recruitment strategy, so you may have one or more interviews for the job you applied for, if you successfully pass each recruitment stage. For example, at Michelin you have a unique recruitment experience.

Keep the following tips in mind when having a face-to-face interview:

Make sure you have location details. By the time of the interview, you will receive by e-mail the details regarding the location of the interview. Search the internet and see what are the easiest routes to get there. In addition, it asks for details ahead of time if everything is not clear enough.
Arrive early. If you are very clear about the details of the location, calculate the arrival time so that you arrive 10-15 minutes earlier, for example. You will be able to settle comfortably in the interview room, without rushing.
Voice and body language. It is excellently observed in this type of interview. It's not easy to give a flawless speech, after all, you're not at TED Talks, but you can control your voice and body language to successfully end an interview. Be calm in your speech, take short breaks, keep a moderate tone towards the interlocutor. It adopts a comfortable and at the same time elegant position on the chair. Sit with your hands and feet relaxed, otherwise you will convey signs of restlessness, excitement, impatience, etc. Maintain contact with the interlocutor when speaking.
The art of selling your skills. The truth is that selling is an art. In an interview, you have to manage, in a limited time, to sell your skills in an honest, not modest way. You can resort to various tricks for your personal branding, but remember that what you say can later be reflected within the company. So, talk about your real skills, demonstrated in the past, that can help the employer in the future.
Thanks. Whether they left a good or bad impression on you, thank the employer for their time and interest and ask them to send you some feedback, even if it's negative. Until then, all you can do is be patient.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE ONLINE INTERVIEW

An online interview can be less stressful for you than a physical interview because you are in your comfort zone, at home or any other familiar place. But remember, online interviews are just as important as in-person interviews.

Employers use specific tools to test candidates. For example, Michelin uses the structured recruitment interview. We care about you and it is very important for you to know that we focus on the accuracy of the information you give us during the interviews, i.e. we measure all candidate answers with the same scale. We're also interested in your professional experience and skills, so we'll prepare with some questions in this area as well. It is a win-win situation in terms of efficiency, fairness and integrity of the process.

Do you find this way of online testing interesting, and more than that, have you found a suitable job on our job vacancies page? We invite you to apply and get to know us online!

HOW TO ARRANGE THE SPACE IF THE INTERVIEW WILL BE ONLINE

Choose a room without noise, and if necessary, close the window and the door. If there are other people in the house when you schedule the online interview, make sure they know you're going to be doing an interview and that they'll keep you quiet. It also prepares a room with a very good brightness. In addition to this:

Equipment. Make sure that the audio-video equipment (laptop, headphones, etc.) you use during the interview, as well as the typical conference programs (Skype, Zoom, etc.) are working properly.
Internet. Check the status of your primary internet connection, and if you have a backup, such as a mobile data hotspot, activate it so you're ready to go.
Comfort. You can sit at the desk or on an armchair, if you don't get confused by the equipment necessary for the proper functioning of the interview. The position must be a natural one, in which the video camera captures you from the bust up. Remove unwanted objects and products from the frame. Prepare for the online interview 10-15 minutes before it starts.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE PHONE INTERVIEW

When you're looking for a job, it's important to be prepared for the phone interview, as many employers start the recruitment process with a phone call. Its purpose is to assess your skills against the requirements of the position you have applied for. The recruiter will select only those candidates who will go to the next stage, which can be a test or even the final physical interview.

This interview can be scheduled in advance, by email/phone, or it can be a call where you can be held for a few minutes. Whatever the situation, this first interview can give you an edge over other candidates if you follow these tips:

Do your research on the company. You can access the employer's website, social media pages or read employee testimonials. Familiarize yourself with the industry, the field of activity, the products and the services offered. This will help you provide personalized answers and ask questions. If you know the interviewer's name, you can look up their LinkedIn profile to start documenting from there. Prepare answers to any questions related to education, certifications, work experience, and other skills identified in the job posting. Don't forget to prepare 2-3 questions to ask at the end.
Open your CV and role description and make sure you have them with you at the time of the interview. Due to emotions, it is possible to forget certain details, but in this way you will have the necessary information at hand. Take the time to match your qualifications to the job description so you can tell why you're a good fit for the job opening.
Choose the right seat to give your full attention to the discussion. Make sure you're in an area with good cell phone signal, where it's quiet enough to hear the conversation clearly. Avoid places with background noise, the presence of other people or anything that might distract you. If you're in a public place, try moving to a quieter area or using headphones. Do not hesitate to politely request to reschedule the interview if the time is not right.
Maintain a professional tone, be polite, speak clearly, answer concisely and with reason. Listen carefully to the interlocutor and do not rush to answer until he finishes asking the question. You can find additional details to those in the job advertisement, regarding tasks, recruitment process or benefits. Last but not least, smile! Although the recruiter can't see you, remain upbeat and smiling throughout the interview, as this comes across in your tone of voice.
Show enthusiasm and interest. One of the biggest mistakes candidates make in the phone interview is lack of energy and motivation. Ask about different aspects of the job and express your genuine interest in the opportunity. As the interview draws to a close, make sure you find out what the next steps in the recruitment process are and when you might receive feedback for this first stage. End the conversation on a positive note - it will help you stand out and show that you are genuinely interested in the position.

HOW TO DRESS FOR A JOB INTERVIEW

In the view of most employers, the rules of dressing for an interview are almost standardized. It's about a simple and effective principle to keep in mind: dress decently. This will do nothing but help you make a good impression on the company you want to work for.
Therefore, adopt an office, casual, smart-casual attire. You can't go wrong with these styles. In addition, take into account the profile of the company, if you want to impress in a pleasant and creative way, from the point of view of the outfit. It can be a company with formal or informal business rules. For example, a video game company might appreciate a t-shirt or shirt that capitalizes on the spirit of gaming. Analyze a little photo albums with the team, from social media, or certain interviews given by managers in the company, who can communicate a certain dress code that they appreciate in their employees.

HOW TO PREPARE A JOB INTERVIEW SPEECH

A day or two before the job interview, you can prepare a speech to revise on the day of the interview. It's ideal to do this before you leave home, because on the road is a good time to get into a relaxed state. Discover the three important steps to consider:

Remember the job requirements, or re-read the job ad you applied for. Practically, along with your CV, it is the starting point of an employment speech.
Look for additional information about the company, in case you still need it and have any doubts. If you have this opportunity, carefully read the speeches or interviews given by the company's managers in the press. Don't skip them, as they can contain valuable information that you can include in your speech.
Think about your qualities and how you can highlight them within the company. Sooner or later, you will end up talking about them, and you need to not only list the qualities, but detail them, with experiences and situations you have been through. The detailing of the qualities is not seen by the employer in the CV, therefore, it is the time to make the most of your personal presentation. Pay attention to the length of the speech, which must be relatively short, without going into details of no importance to the employer.

HOW TO ANSWER CERTAIN INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Fear of interview questions (and how to answer them satisfactorily) is perfectly normal, but you need to know that everything revolves around the job you're applying for.

5 OF THE MOST FREQUENT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS, WITH IDEAS FOR ANSWERS

WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF

This question seems so simple that you might think you have the perfect answer. Although it's an interview ice-breaker question, the bottom line is that the employer wants to know something about you that might interest them. If you start narrating your resume, as many tend to do, you will be stopped. That's not the point. A little secret is to keep in mind the job description you applied for.

For example, for a job in marketing you need to score about creativity, dynamism, innovation, etc.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR THIS JOB

A question you don't have to hesitate at all. In principle, good answers are those directed to skills. They can be practical (hard skills), i.e. what you actually know how to do in such a way as to bring value to the company, or soft (soft skills) - these have become more and more sought after by employers. It refers to skills such as adaptability, communication and interpersonal skills, analytical thinking and creativity. Prepare yourself with some examples or situations you have faced at your current job or in the past.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK WITH US

We recommend that you think about the values and mission of the company, because from there you will be able to gather essential information. With them you will be able to give an answer that emphasizes your motivation to work in the company you applied to. For example, you have in mind the business model and the organizational culture, two aspects in which you must also find yourself. Otherwise, the employer may consider that you are not quite the right person. Additionally, consider what the company offers you. Within Michelin, you have the chance of a career path to develop your full potential.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU AT A WORKPLACE

It's no secret that you work to earn money. You need money, but don't under any circumstances say that money motivates you in a job. The employer wants to know, in fact, what makes you enjoy coming to work. You can very well talk about your personal development, which will contribute to the company's successes, you can talk about the fact that you find yourself working in a team or that you like helping people, especially if the company is a service provider.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS

The question can refer to both your professional and personal plans. From a professional point of view, you can answer with the job you applied for in mind. If you want to get involved and grow in the chosen direction, the employer will be able to consider that you are thinking about a stable, medium and long-term job. In short, it can count on you, because you're not just passing through the company. On the other hand, the personal plan dreams about your passions and concerns beyond the job. Talk about the aspects that motivate you, in the idea of becoming better.

Every interviewer is different, but regardless of the industry, it is essential to look beyond the technical skills of each candidate. Soft skills are just as important as professional (technical) skills. If professional skills can be trained, social skills are an inherent part of character and are difficult to acquire in the workplace.

In their recruitment processes, employers assess the basic, measurable technical skills and personal skills. The latter are more difficult to measure according to a scale, but they are observable; during the interview, the recruiter evaluates them as they are a predictor of your way of working and of your future interaction with the team members.

If you have accessed the employer's website, it is not necessary to memorize the financial results; the recruiter just wants to see what are the things that caught your eye and you remember.

It is important to know the position for which you are applying, to be able to say how the job advertisement caught your attention and why you are interested in a certain field of activity. Ask questions, because you can find additional information that will help you make the final decision.

Look carefully at the interlocutor, give him/her time to ask questions and really listen. Adopt an understanding attitude, approve with a nod, maintain eye contact, and, if the interview is online, look into the camera.

Organizations are constantly changing, so it will be good for you to show that you have learned from past experiences, that you are interested in acquiring new skills, or that you want to improve those already accumulated.

If you already gained experience and you are a specialist in your field of activity, in addition to technical skills, the recruiter wants to see interpersonal skills in the interview. These will be a predictor of interpersonal relationships, how you manage various situations at work and how you will collaborate with your colleagues and partners.

Communication, problem solving, responsibility, assertiveness or decision making will always be appreciated by recruiters, regardless of the role you are applying for. Choose practical examples to highlight them, provide details about the situation, the tasks performed, the actions taken to solve the problem and their outcome.

For a new manager to be able to successfully coordinate a team, we are looking for a multitude of skills, and in the current context, attention to team members is particularly important. You must show that you are a good listener, that you have empathy and the ability to help others develop professionally. A manager will inspire others through attitude, actions, communication and feedback. These leadership qualities become intrinsic practices that build commitment, growth, productivity and success in a positive environment.

The first job interview may seem demanding, and the pressure of external factors can influence your behavior when you are a candidate for a position. The success of a job interview depends on a mix of factors, from your training as a candidate, to how you convey the information and get actively involved in the discussion.

The job interview does not just mean that the employer asks the questions and the candidate answers. It will be much appreciated if the competitor asks questions meant to clarify certain aspects.

In most cases, the interviewer will invite the candidate to ask questions about the vacancy. If the employer does not issue the invitation to ask questions, you, the candidate, can request this, in order to clarify the issues that are not clear enough.

The decision to fill a certain position belongs to both the employer and the candidate. The candidate can accept or reject a job offer, and this decision must be made on the basis of solid information, which the company provides in the interview.

WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO ASK QUESTIONS DURING THE INTERVIEW?

The interaction during an interview should be as natural as possible, free from rigidity. The employer is interested in finding out useful information about the candidate, indicating to what extent he / she fits the vacancy. On the other hand, the candidate must also obtain information about the job for which he / she is interviewing.

In principle, candidates must ask questions in order to create a clear picture of what that job entails, as the choice will be made by them as well. The work environment and the organizational climate can significantly influence a person's career, and choosing the right job that will allow them to grow and develop is extremely important.

Moreover, when a candidate asks relevant questions about the position presented, it denotes an active presence in the discussion, confirming to the employer the alignment with the job requirements and the level of clarity obtained as a result of the discussion.

In other words, asking the right questions not only serves to clarify certain issues for the employee, but also to validate his/her ability to understand and assimilate. An employer can be convinced of the candidate's involvement, considering him/her suitable for the vacancy, in view of the questions he/she asks.

QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEWER - WHEN SHOULD THEY BE ADDRESSED?

Generally speaking, your questions should be asked in the last part of the interview, at the end of the talk. The series of questions initiated by the employer should not be interrupted, as it usually follows a predetermined structure.

If, however, there are any doubts that you want to clarify at the moment, take advantage of the part allocated for the answer you have to provide, and at the end, ask the employer to allow you to ask him/her a question.

In most cases, the interviewer will assign a stage in the last part of the discussion, intended for questions from the candidate. If this invitation does not take place, you can ask for some time for questions.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND HOW TO ASK THEM?

Usually, your questions, as a potential employee, should be prepared from home, after studying the job advertisement, the company's website, the projects in which it was involved. There are a wide variety of interview questions and these largely depend on the specifics of the job, but also on the clarity with which a job advertisement is written.

The wording should be as clear and concise as possible so as not to risk receiving vague or off-topic answers. If your curiosities are related to the company and its actions, you can also specify the source of the initial information. Your motivation to seek information about the organization is generally appreciated, denoting seriousness and involvement.

WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK IN AN INTERVIEW?

It is important to mention that the questions you can ask depend, first of all, on the complexity of the discussion and the information that the interviewer provides. If complex information about the employee's responsibilities or the work team has been offered, the questions should no longer cover such topics. Therefore, the list of questions must always be adapted according to the topics covered in the discussion.

However, a candidate may ask the interviewer questions such as:

1. HOW WILL MY WORK PERFORMANCE BE MEASURED?

Evaluating an employee's performance is an extremely important step in the work process. The values obtained will influence salary increases, promotions, assignment of new tasks and much more. Therefore, it is important for a candidate to be able to anticipate the demands that the future employer has on his performance, knowing which of the aspects to focus on.

The performance indicators must be communicated to the candidate together with the requirements of the post. Only in this way will the potential employee be able to perform and improve his work.

2. HOW DOES THE COMPANY SUPPORT THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF ITS EMPLOYEES?

Professional development is an issue pursued by most employees. A company that invests in the development of its employees and in improving their performance is a company that values human resources and an employer for which it is worth working.

Thus, in order to find out how the company can support your professional evolution, it is recommended to ask during the interview if training sessions or workshops are organized, if the company supports the promotion of employees and so on. You can suggest to the employer to give you some of the latest examples of such initiatives.

At Michelin, career opportunities are presented in the candidate's first interaction with the organization, so that he understands that employees are valued and their development is important.

3. WHAT WILL A COMMON WORK DAY LOOK LIKE FOR ME?

This question applies if the description of the employee's responsibilities was brief, without too many details. It is absolutely necessary for a candidate to know what the daily duties will be, in order to decide knowingly whether the position suits him/her or not.

The interviewer may omit to give details, but these are especially important if the candidate has no experience in the labor market. Therefore, ask the employer to describe in detail a normal working day, with all the details and responsibilities that the job will entail.

4. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS YOU WILL GET FROM THIS COMPANY?

You can ask what are the benefits that the employer offers. If your interlocutor has failed to mention such issues, you may be interested in whether you will benefit from meal vouchers, health insurance, additional days off, etc.

Depending on the organizational culture and financial capacity of each company, employers offer such benefits to employees to keep them motivated. Knowing this list of benefits, the decision to accept or not to accept a certain role can be much easier.

In Michelin, from the first discussion, the salary expectations of the candidate are also surveyed, to check if they are aligned with the company's salary policy.

5. WHAT ARE THE FOLLOWING STEPS IN THE SELECTION PROCESS AND WHEN WILL I RECEIVE AN ANSWER REGARDING THE INTERVIEW?

The candidate may request the communication of a response period from the company to which he/she has applied, as well as the mention of the channel through which it will be offered.

If, for example, the employer has stated that they will reply by the end of the week via e-mail and this has not happened, the candidate may request a written response.

For a unique candidate experience, Michelin documented the entire recruitment and selection process, making it available to potential employees in each recruitment announcement. In this way, the candidate knows all the stages that take place during recruitment.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE YOUR QUESTIONS FOR A JOB INTERVIEW?

The above set of questions is indicative. The candidate should build their own questions, based on the previous interaction with the organization or the complexity of the job advertisement. The questions can be noted and selected at the time of the discussion, so that there is no risk of repeating certain topics previously discussed.

If you do not know what questions to ask in an interview, it is a good idea to analyze all the materials received from the employer, but also the resources available online, noting your curiosities. Perhaps some of these will be clarified along the way, while others will need further discussing.

There may also be more specific questions about organizational culture, teamwork, how to report or distribute tasks, and so on. And these are worth discussing, especially because, at some point, they will become defining aspects of the work.

If the candidate is at the beginning of his / her career, it is important to mention that the questions addressed to the employer are an important resource of information and represent a confirmation of the fact that he / she is actively involved, validating his / her compatibility with the vacancy.

A set of questions for the job interview is extremely useful for the interviewer as well, giving them the opportunity to communicate things they missed and helping them to form a solid opinion about the candidate.

As we already know and see, our life has changed, and safety is now essential for us. Nowadays, the internet has become one of the most important tools we can use in our professional lives, to help with social distancing and with keeping us safe.

In Michelin, we have changed the way we are doing things such as working, socializing, having fun, buying presents for our colleagues. Therefore, ordering a pizza, buying a laptop, sharing a moment with a colleague, sending a picture over our instant communicator or having an interview – they are all possible in an online environment.

If you are a looking for a change in your career and you want to apply for a new job in Michelin, you just need:

WHAT DOES AN ONLINE INTERVIEW MEAN AT MICHELIN?

Rather than having you travel to our office; we are more than eager and open to get to know you through video. But remember, online interviews are just as important for us as in person interviews. Even though we are not meeting in person, there are still some things you could do to prepare before the interview, such as:

An online interview can be less stressful for you than an in-person one, since you are in your comfort area, at home.

When it comes down to technicalities, in Michelin we are using an important tool: the structured recruitment interview.

WHAT DOES A STRUCTURED INTERVIEW MEAN?

We care about you and it is very important for you to know that we put an emphasis on the accuracy of information you provide; we measure all the answers from the candidates with the same scale.

We also care about your professional experience and your competencies, so we will prepare some questions from this area, too.

It’s a win – win situation in terms of efficiency & effectiveness of the process and of fairness and integrity.

So, when planning your next career move, if you’re applying to a job in Michelin, bear in mind that we may get to know each other through a structured, online interview. Now you know how you can start preparing for this.

The telephone interview is that stage in the recruitment process in which the recruiter contacts the selected candidates following the CV analysis.
It is an essential step and should be treated as seriously as the standard interview.

When searching for a job, it is important to be prepared for the telephone interview, as many employers start the recruitment process with a call. The purpose of this is to assess your skills in relation to the requirements of the position you have applied for. The recruiter will select only those candidates who will go to the next stage, which can be a test or even the standard interview.

This interview can be scheduled in advance, by email/phone, or it can be a spontaneous call to be held for a few good minutes.

Regardless of the situation, this first discussion can give you an advantage over other candidates, if you follow the following advice.

1. Do your research regarding the company. You can access the employer's website, social media page, or look for employee testimonials. Familiarize yourself with the industry, field of activity, products, and services offered. This will help you provide personalized answers and ask questions.

If you found out the interviewer's name, you can search his/her LinkedIn profile and start researching from there.

Prepare answers to any questions related to your studies, certifications, work experience, and other competencies identified in the job advertisement. Don't forget to prepare 2-3 questions to address at the end.

2. Open your CV and job description and make sure you have them in front of you at the time of the call.

Due to emotions, it is possible to forget certain details, this way you will have the necessary information at hand.

Take the time to match your qualifications with the job description so that you can tell why you are suitable for the position.

3. Find a quiet place in order to pay full attention to the discussion. Make sure you are in an area with a good cell phone signal, where it is quiet enough to hear clearly. Avoid places with background noise, the presence of other people, or anything that can distract you. If you are in a public place, try to go to the window or to a wall, and use headphones. Do not hesitate to request re-scheduling if the time is not right.

4. Speak professionally, be polite, speak clearly, answer concisely, and offer argued answers.

Listen carefully to the interlocutor and do not rush to answer until he/she has finished asking the question. You can find additional details to those in the job advertisement, regarding tasks, recruitment process, or benefits.

Smile! Although the recruiter cannot see you, you remain positive and smiling throughout the discussion, this is felt in the tone of voice.

5. Show enthusiasm and interest. One of the biggest mistakes that candidates make in the telephone interview is the lack of energy and motivation. Ask about different aspects of the job and express your real interest in the opportunity.

As the conversation comes to an end, be sure to find out what are the next steps in the recruitment process and when you will receive the feedback for this first stage.

End the discussion on a positive note, followed by a thank you email. It will help you stand out and strengthen the fact that you are really interested in this position.

THE START OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY

As you set out on your career journey, you probably ask yourself how you can become more competitive and valuable, how you can set yourself apart.

First, let`s understand what skills mean and why they are so important:

Skills or competencies are the proven abilities that you develop through learning and experience. It is important to have a range of skills, as each of them will help you in different activities. As your career advances, you can measure your progress by looking at the skills you acquire and their complexity.

How to acquire new skills? Let’s take a 5-step journey:

STEP 1. PREPARE FOR THE JOURNEY: KNOW YOURSELF!

Assess your capabilities, ask yourself how you can become better. What are your Strengths, Weaknesses? What are the Opportunities and the Threats on the market? That’s right, do a SWOT analysis for yourself!

You can: use online tools*, ask for feedback from your colleagues, teachers or career advisor. (*examples here and here)

Michelin does: assessments during recruiting (language, cognitive competencies, Excel etc.). Once hired, you have a development plan, with access to resources and training, and the opportunity to put into practice what you learned.

STEP 2: BECOME A KNOWLEDGE MASTER!

Define your goal! Choose a professional field and discover how you can build a career.

You can: set clear professional goals, with specific deadlines. In a world full of choices and options, we sometimes fail to turn plans into reality. A clear deadline will drive you to take action.
E.g.: By the end of the year I want to learn how to create social media campaigns for CSR projects.

Michelin does: We organize frequent feedback sessions with your managers and you can also assess your own competencies periodically. Based on the results, the training that you need and the projects that will help you grow are chosen. We encourage our employees to be the ones who manifest interest to learn and advance their careers.

STEP 3: BECOME DIGITALLY SAVVY!

Train your mind to learn and to adapt quickly to new tools and systems, as companies are becoming more and more digital.

You can: do a research about what tools and programs are used in your field of interest and try to learn how they work.

Michelin does: We use all sorts of solutions to simplify our way of working. We love automation and we ask our colleagues to put forward progress ideas. This makes our work more engaging; it takes the strain of repetitive tasks away from the people and lets them focus on the activities that bring added value.

STEP 4: BECOME A SOCIAL ENGAGER

People skills and personal skills such as adaptability, teamwork and collaboration are very important, because we work with people all around the world.

You can: as a student, take part in local or international projects organized by universities or NGOs; internships and volunteering are also good options. All these experiences will help develop your social intelligence.

Michelin does: We have a very diverse, multicultural and inclusive environment. There are 18 different nationalities in our office in Bucharest and we work in 24 foreign languages, across regions. You will interact with different cultures and the experience will enrich you as a person.

STEP 5: BUILD YOURSELF A SUPPORT NETWORK

It will help you track your progress and give you feedback. They can also give you referrals and support through tougher times, when your motivation can dwindle.

You can: choose a mentor or a coach, share your goals with a learning buddy, become a member of formal or informal networks, groups or associations of like-minded people.

Michelin does: we create and foster an environment where you get the support you need, when you need it. From step one inside the company, you get an onboarding buddy and a technical trainer for the job. With various projects, you will be a part of cross-functional teams, thus meeting more colleagues. Work aside, you can take part in our engagement events or volunteer for CSR activities that will bring you closer to people who share your passions.

And last but not least, put everything into practice!

Theory is nice and so is advice. But for it to work, you need to step out of your comfort zone and take action. Prepare yourself, make a plan, seize the opportunities that come your way and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!