How to Get the Job You Really Want - 5 Quick Tips

One of the most important parts of my role as an experienced Consultant, is setting my candidates up for success when applying for a new role. There are many of you out there who don't know how to approach an interview process, and I believe people when they say to me just how daunting getting a new role can be. For this reason I thought it a good idea to write some basic guidelines down to take with you. No matter whether you are a mid level management candidate, or a C-Suite Executive, these simple steps will help prepare you for an interview process.

1. Research the business you are applying for

This may sound unbelievable to some of you out there, but I continue to be amazed at the amount of people (again at all levels) who do not put the ground work inbefore meeting the hiring manager. As a Consultant, we should have already met you and talked to you about 
the business and role you are applying for. After this meeting, it is key that you go online and research the business you may one day work for. Visit stores and talk to staff, mystery shop to assess their service levels and ask staff questions. It is amazing how much they may share with you about the business they work for. This not only will show the hiring manager that there is genuine interest in knowing more about their business, but it may also become a conversation point in the interview process.

2. Read the Job Description

Most likely the Consultant will have been given a Job Description as part of their brief from the client. They will share this with you and it is vital that you take the time to read through this thoroughly. Most of the key criteria on that Job Spec will be what your interview will be based upon. Go through the Job Description systematically and think of live examples where you were able to put each of these points to good use.

3. Write down important information and questions

I am certain we can all think of times where we have left an interview and thought to ourselves, "I wish I had said that", "I forgot to ask that really important question". One of the recommendations I share with candidates is to prepare a list, in bullet form to take with you to your meeting. If anything, again, this will show the hiring manager your interest in the business and the role, so I would not be concerned about taking notes in with you. Write in bullet form your key strengths, and some key leadership points that for you are important to share. Also, write down a couple of questions that you would like to know about the company/role. Sometimes nerves can take over your brain when in an interview, so having the ability to refer to these notes will really help.

4. Dress code

I am writing this down as an important point, as all retail businesses are different, and again, no matter at what level you are applying for, your first impression to the hiring manager is important, and if you look the part, it is easier to see you already in the business. Ask your Consultant about how you should dress for your meeting. They should know their client and be able to assist.

5. Cross Check

We should now be well prepared for the interview and setting you up as best we can for a successful first meeting. My last recommendation to candidates is always, at the end of the interview, ask these questions to the Hiring Manager - "Is there anything else you would like to know about myself or my career history?", and finally "Based on our meeting just now, and the role you are recruiting for, do you feel that my skill set is aligned to what you are searching for?"

Take these points with you and ensure you tick these off. You will find that you will be on your way to securing that job you really want!