Category: Interview

Advance TRS provides the most up-to-date interview tips so that you know how to answer interview questions effectively. If you particularly struggle with structure or how to respond to competency-based questions, then this article is for you! Let’s dive into the STAR approach and how it is used to get the upper edge over your competition.

Competency questions are used by interviewers to determine how candidates would react to certain situations, by asking for real-world examples to support their claims. Therefore, by mastering the STAR technique, you show confidence in your answer by staying calm and giving a clear and logical response.

HOW TO USE THE STAR TECHNIQUE

The STAR technique involves 4 main areas to cover – Situation, Task, Approach, and Results. Using these steps together can help you create the perfect response for any competency-based question given.

Here is a detailed step-by-step process on how to use the STAR technique to answer competency-based interview questions:

S – Situation

Set the scene for your interviewer so that they understand the general context which leads to your thought process and solution.

To do this well, simply provide some background of the status of your company at the time, and what is expected in your role. Reference any names and dates where appropriate to help add credibility.

Example:

At Company Name Ltd, I was responsible for representing the firm at tradeshows. In my second year there, three regularly attended events were scheduled within a month of each other – generally they were spread out over a much longer period.

T – Task

State the task at hand and outline the logical solutions to overcome any occurring problems throughout.

To take your STAR approach to the next level, mention possible difficulties and variables that could affect the operation to demonstrate your situational awareness.

Example:

It meant a tremendous amount of work was compressed into a tight timeframe. These shows were a huge source of lead generation for the company, so it was essential we attended and presented our products in the best light.

A – Approach

What actions did you take to resolve the situation?

Outline the steps you took to ensure a successful outcome, without being tempted to take all the credit. Always keep in mind what specific skills the interviewer really wants to see and reinforce them throughout. Be sure to mention any teamwork, collaboration, or effective management that helped accomplish the task.

Example:

To effectively manage the assignment, I first analysed the events and broke down what would be needed for each. From here I could establish the workload and prioritised it, accordingly, bringing my team in to support where appropriate. I then worked up a detailed project plan with interim deadlines for each item so that I’d have all the materials I needed ahead of the event and could fully brief and prepare all other participating staff.

R – Result

Summarise the key outcomes in relation to your task, where possible use clear KPIs or measures of success.

How did the scenario play out? Explain the impact your actions had on achieving the desired result, this could include, testimonials, statistics, financial results etc. Make your happy ending quantifiable, and you’ll really have nailed your answer!

Example:

The events went off without a hitch and I was able to exceed our lead generation targets. One quickly resulted in a contract award, and the sales team were really pleased with the overall event. I was even awarded Employee of the Month in recognition of the event’s success.

USE THE “STAR” APPROACH IN YOUR OWN WAY.

Finally, impressing at a competency-based interview is all about the way you tell your story. Therefore, prepare by writing down any memorable experience which highlights your skills, execution, and character well. Just remember that this is only a structure, so express your answer in any way you like! Make it your own so it flows naturally as a response, and don’t be afraid to differentiate and mention what went wrong or what could be improved. Being realistic by showing we are all human and clarifying that mistakes happen to improve future situations is an honest yet relatable approach!

FIND OUT MORE ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW

If you seek more guidance with interview preparation or finding your perfect role, be sure to contact us today at 01483 361 061 or head to our contact us page to talk to one of our specialist recruiters, who offers a free confidential conversation about your place in the recruitment market.

We have other articles which can help support you in finding your next role! Depending on your recruitment stage, be sure to check out the best job searching tips in summer and how to optimise your LinkedIn page to maximise your chance of employment.

We are all guilty of reminiscing past summer memories and feeding our intrusive thoughts to simply kick our feet back, doze in the sun and delay our job search as it gets hotter. However, at Advance TRS, we encourage everyone to find that perfect work-to-life balance as the summer period has an impressive influx of new roles! Here are 5 of your top summer job search tips to get you started: 

1. Sticking To a Schedule 

We encourage a disciplined approach to having somewhat of a weekly structure, so leisure plans don’t interrupt your end goal. We know as the weather improves, fun activities start to flourish and suddenly distractions surround your job search. Summer is an opportunity to grab with both hands and get ahead of the curve. We recommend drawing up a realistic schedule for yourself and committing to achieving daily tasks to ensure you take any opportunities that come your way. 

2. Keep Your Resume and Job Profiles Up-to-Date. 

Your CV and profile are your marketing tool to advertise yourself to potential employers that you’re the right fit. It is crucial to keep this current, quirky, and effective to maximise chances of securing an interview! If starting fresh, then updating your CV is the very first step. Once completed, publish this on your LinkedIn profile and refresh this by checking if past work experiences and skills are included and relevant.  

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Once you have updated your CV, make sure to share it on the leading job boards in your chosen sector too. There are lots of specialist job boards out there and by registering for these and updating your profile, you can help recruiters and hiring managers find you!  

We list various job opportunities within the rail, water and construction sectors if you are seeking an Infrastructure role this Summer! 

3. The influx of Infrastructure Roles 

Due to many graduates returning from universities looking for entrant placements, many opportunities within the infrastructure sector will arise. At Advance TRS we do everything we can to help our candidates get the upper edge on the competition. Check out our other tips & tricks on our Advance Advice career page to secure a successful job hunt! 

Are you interested in being a part of our fun & friendly culture here at Advance TRS? With a wide, extensive selection of company benefits available and an opportunity to kickstart your career, head to our website to learn more about working life and vacancies available at Advance TRS. If interested, contact our Talent Acquisition Manager Jess, who is happy to help!  

4. Taking Advantage of Longer Days 

With the getting longer, getting up earlier and taking advantage of the extended days to get your job search efforts completed before the day begins is an excellent way to create balance and take steps forward to build the life you want. 

5. An Excellent Balance of Outdoor Activities 

We understand the employment process can be very tedious and draining. Hence why it is necessary to ease your mind and take a break throughout your job search. So, go on a beach trip, enjoy the sun and BBQs with friends as you encourage positive body language and improve on social skills for when your interview comes around! Another great value of any outdoor activities is the networking possibility since you never know who can help support your employment for your next role!  

We have a wide variety of live jobs regularly uploaded on our website for you to consider. You can also register for alerts to make sure you are the first to view our most in-demand opportunities. If stuck, please contact our team at 01483 361 061 to receive specialist advice on what opportunities are out there for you within the built environment. 

So, you have been interviewing for a new opportunity and have been offered the job! Hooray! But when you go to hand in your notice they offer you a counter offer to tempt you to stay.

How should you handle a counter offer?

Stop, Think, and Remember Why You Were Looking for a New Role in the First Place

Before considering the offer in front of you, take the time to think about the original motivation to move. Do they provide the solutions required for you to be satisfied? Do they offer the additional training, support, and stress relief that you were originally wishing for? Will the agreed changes be permanent or only a temporary fix? Do you honestly see yourself remaining with your current employer for the next 5-10 years?

DID YOU KNOW “80% of candidates who have received a counter offer tend to be back on the market within six months for the exact same reason!”

This is an important career and life choice for you. Take your time, don’t rush, and evaluate your options and think long-term before your big decision.

The Mask Behind a Counteroffer – What it Really Means

We understand that a sudden pay increase seems positive at first thought – You may feel like your value to the company is finally respected. However, don’t let this fool you! Often the purpose behind the counter offer may not relate to meeting your needs, but to simply avoid the potential cost and time to replace you in the short term. Employers often know what you want to hear, as there are many hidden intentions behind a counteroffer which you should be made aware of before you consider accepting a counter offer.

Consequences to Consider:

  • After accepting, your employer is aware of your unhappiness. Your loyalty will now always be in question, impacting potential promotions in the future.
  • Remember that the company that you chose to stay with only respected your worth when you threatened your own position. Hindsight for future requests.
  • Once word gets out, the relationship with your co-workers may not be the same.
  • If the business decides to downsize, your employer will begin the cutbacks with you.
  • Accepting a counter offer causes other employers to question your commitment knowing you were bought out of a move.
  • The same circumstances which now cause you to consider a change will likely repeat themselves in the future

Make a considered and informed decision that’s right for you

Remember that you now have an offer for a new start with new opportunity and the decision in your hands, you have come a long way to reach this point. Make sure you make an informed decision that makes the most sense for you.

Speak to your recruitment consultant if you are considering a counteroffer and discuss your options with them – they will have a strong understanding of the market, your value as a professional and likely know what upcoming projects are being awarded that can forecast future workstreams.

If your current employer is the one for you, it is for them to convince you of how your solutions can be met. With respect and honesty, you can ask the right questions and communicate with your employer to find out the reason behind the counteroffer. Why did it take the threatening of your own position to find change?

Lastly, considering the significance of either accepting or declining, don’t be afraid to ask for time to consider your offer! No matter the decision, it is always best to be polite, honest, and respectful. Take into consideration how it would feel for your new employer to receive initial acceptance, only for your offer to then be turned down later.

Contact Us for Support

If you seek more guidance with difficult career choices, contact us today at 01483 361 061 or head to our contact us page to talk to one of our specialist recruiters, who offers a free confidential conversation about your place in the recruitment market.

The First Steps to Career Change within Infrastructure

Have you ever felt stagnant, bored, or stuck during your work routine? Do you appear to ask yourself the “what if’s” and fantasize about a fresh start? We assure you that these thoughts are valued and relevant, as it is always healthy to reconsider the longevity of your current career path. We encourage you to listen to your mind and body when you desire a change, and this article will help assist in explaining how our friendly Recruitment Consultants can help convert your thoughts into fruition.

1. Ask Yourself First Why You Are Looking for a Change

Firstly, you should be comfortable in explaining the ideal working life scenario for you. Whether that is following your passion, progressing to a higher role, a fun working environment, or a desired location/setting. Being more self-aware of your need for a change allows your new role to align with your career goals.

Avoidance of doubt and regret to follow when decisions are made is our utmost priority, hence why Advance TRS always encourages you to think thoroughly so the step in the right direction is made. It also massively helps as a recruiter since we can then help find the best match and fit for both you and the employer. If you struggle with reasoning for the change, try speaking to a family member or a friend, since they can be a great advocate for you. A follow-up with one of our staff is highly recommended as we can identify your strengths and match your skillset and experience to an ideal career change.

2. Identifying your interpersonal and transferrable skills

Here, we advise you to list all the qualities, skills, and proud accomplishments that could potentially become beneficial for you in adapting to a new or improved role. This can help assist with generating ideas and push you towards a recurring theme or direction. “The great news is that you probably have the skills you need, you just don’t know it yet!”

In the engineering industry especially, you are well-educated on the different roles within projects, whilst also acquiring an engineering degree. Therefore, your expertise and cross-section skillset potential are much more attractive than the ordinary applicant. Hence why you see many power or software engineering entrants take on an assistant project managerial role. As not only do they see an improvement in responsibility and salary, additionally they develop all the qualities necessary to run as a project manager over time. To conclude, we understand that the process of planning a career change can be tricky, reason why this step has such significance as it is deemed as a great kick-starter for outlining your skills to infrastructure employers.

3. Visualize Your Future Self

The next step to planning your career path is to visualize your future self and where you want to be within a year, 5 years, or even 10. To get inspired, be sure to look through enticing job descriptions within your industry and observe the skills required. Then, compare the experiences you have today to see what is needed to be mastered for the future. Once you identify the gaps, you can develop those skills much easier. Remember, the learning curve for such tools and software in the “required” conditions is much easier than you think. Employers highly value external efforts to progress in their field/industry, not to forget that they also offer specialized training upon your arrival. Nonetheless, It is key to approach this task with high optimism and belief in yourself and your capabilities!

For more guidance as you consider your job change, take a look at our Advance Advice page. We have a variety of job searching articles available, from CV writing tips to interview techniques.

Be sure to contact us today at 01483 361 061 or head to our contact us page. Talk to one of our friendly & helpful consultants, who offers a free confidential conversation about your place in the recruitment market and what opportunities are out there for you.

While all interviews and interviewers are different, there are some common interview questions that are asked to find out more about the candidate and how they deal with certain situations. We’ve compiled a list of some of those questions and guidance on how to confidently answer them.

Tell me about yourself

Some interviewers will start the conversation by giving a little insight into the business and will then most likely ask you to tell them a little bit about yourself.

Give them a quick summary of who you are and what you have been doing and some insight on any experience you’ve had which is relevant to the job. It’s a great point in the interview to mention your top achievements and to say why you think you’d be perfect for the role.

The interviewer won’t want to hear your life story or about your family history here. Make sure to talk about experience relevant to the position instead. 

Why are you looking to leave your current role

Make sure you are honest about why you’re looking for work, but try not to talk too negatively about your current employer. Try focusing on something like you are looking for new challenges, possibly even highlighting aspects of the job you are interviewing for which aren’t available with your current employer.

Tell me about a tricky situation you have dealt with and how you solved it

When being asked this kind of question, the interviewers want to find out more about your negotiating skills or potential clashes with colleagues. The best way to approach these type of interview questions is to explain the situation, how you resolved it and what the outcome was.

Try to steer clear of describing a situation where you caused conflict as this might give them the wrong impression.

What are your weaknesses

Being asked this question can be quite daunting, but don’t let it scare you. We previously dedicated a blog to this question that you may find useful.

Talk about something you know isn’t your strongest point but which you are working on. Picking something that you can get training on and willing to develop will be the kind of answer the interviewer is looking for.

What are your career goals?

When answering these interview questions, it’s important to differentiate between your long-term and short-term career goals. Your long-term goals may be wider, overarching achievements that you would like to accomplish in the future. Whereas your short-term goals should be smaller, actionable objectives that may improve relevant skills or performance.

The salary question

Don’t undersell yourself here or say to the interviewer that you’re happy to take whatever they think will be best.

A lot of job adverts will include a salary band and if this isn’t the case, you can take a look at similar roles and get a good idea of an appropriate salary from those. There may also be some room for negotiation between you and the employer, so bare this in mind.

You can then justify what you are asking for by mentioning relevant knowledge and experience you will bring to the team.

Do you have any questions

Avoid asking about working hours and holidays here but instead, ask something about the business. Something you might have read about and you’d like to find out more. Maybe there is a new product or service they are launching which you can ask about. This shows the interviewer that you have done your research on the company. 

You could also ask what goals and objectives the company has over the next, 3, 5, 10 years etc. This will indicate your interest in their mission and longer-term commitment to the business.

Are you looking to take the next step in your career? 

Advance TRS is growing quickly and we are always looking for ambitious, driven people to join the team. Find out more about our current opportunities or for a detailed and confidential conversation, contact our Talent Acquisition Manager Jess.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” 

Benjamin Franklin

Never has the old adage been more appropriate than when thinking about interviewing. Many things about the interview process have changed or evolved in response to the global pandemic, including the inclusion and often used virtual interview. However, the importance of preparation remains a vital step. 

Whilst the interview is an opportunity to learn more about the role and your potential new employer, it is important to make a strong first impression.

Take a look at our helpful tips on how you can prepare for an interview and ensure that you stand out from the other applicants.

Understand The Job

Read through the job specification again and ensure you thoroughly understand any qualifications, qualities and background the employer is looking for. This will help you determine your previous experience and exactly what you wish to demonstrate in the interview.

Make notes on key points or where you have any questions about the role or company. 

Research

Look at their company website, key personnel, social media platforms and note down any relevant information to have with you for the interview. Find out about:

  • Vision / Mission / Values / Purpose 
  • Key selling points and differentiators 
  • Key specialism and area of expertise
  • Service offerings
  • Geographical coverage 
  • Key milestones achieved 
  • Key messaging on social media / current campaigns

Your CV 

To help you prepare for an interview, it’s good practice to read through your CV. Do this prior to the interview and make sure you are aware of the information you have included. The interviewer will likely ask you to talk them through your CV. Decide which areas you wish to focus on and which parts can be skimmed over if less relevant to the role.

Questions 

Come to the interview with some well prepared questions that demonstrate your interest and intent for the company and role. An employer will often ask if you have any questions, so make sure you have a list of about 3-5 questions (possibly more depending on the situation).

Pre-Preparation

Face to Face: Plan your journey beforehand and leave plenty of time to get there early. If you are unable to demonstrate good timekeeping, you will be on the back foot for the rest of the interview. It is better to arrive early, be able to grab a coffee and mentally prepare yourself for the interview ahead.    

Depending on your mode of transport, there are some great journey planner and travel apps to assist your preparation.

Telephone: Make sure you are somewhere quiet with good phone reception. Set up a space where you can focus and have a surface where you can keep any documents to hand or write notes. Make sure any other devices are on silent/do not disturb and make sure you pick up the first call.   

Video: Test your camera and microphone set up before your meeting. Do a couple of test runs with the specific software being used to become familiar with the software. Often you can open the interview link early to test your camera and mic. Make sure you are in a quiet location with strong wifi signal and good lighting so you can be clearly seen. Make sure your background is suitable and you are well presented. Click the link in good time to make sure you do not miss the meeting. 

First Impression 

First impressions are key in all walks of life, especially interviews. Ask the employer or recruiter (if you’re speaking with one) what the dress code is so you can dress appropriately. If it is face to face, be early for the meeting and enter with a firm handshake whilst maintaining eye contact throughout the interview. Non-verbal communication can be just as important as anything you say, so use confident, accessible body language. Smile frequently, maintain a good posture and stay relaxed.

If the meeting is virtual, even though you may not be able to be seen, your posture dictates a lot about how your voice is perceived. Make sure if seated, you are comfortable, and sitting upright (not slumped).

Consider your answers

Though it’s hard to know exactly what questions you’ll be asked, you can prepare for your interview by considering how you will answer. Ensure you respond truthfully, tying your answers back to any key skills and accomplishments. Keep your answers short and focused on the question you’ve been asked, to avoid rambling and going off topic.

As much as possible, avoid speaking negatively about your current or former employers/colleagues. Your new employer will be looking for a positive approach and ability to overcome challenges. Even if you’re feeling discouraged, try to explore the good things, what you’ve learned and what you’ve gained from your experience.

Closing 

The final part of the interview is a great opportunity for you to close the client/sell yourself so don’t be afraid to ask how they felt the interview went. Did they have any reservations? What are the next stages? These will give you clarity and further opportunity to shut down any of their reservations.


Advance TRS

For more helpful interview tips, and job search advice check out our other Advance Advice articles.

We have a variety of opportunities available on our job boards and a team of talented consultants to speak to on 01483 361 061.

“Do you have any questions?” It’s asked at the end of every job interview, and your answer should always be yes. if you haven’t prepared for this interview question, it can catch you off-guard.

When preparing for an interview, you should always come up with a list of questions to ask the interviewer. They help to make you come across as interested in the business and the role, enthusiastic and engaged. Come up with about 5-7 questions to ask, just in case they have already been answered during the interview.

When preparing your list try to avoid asking questions that only require a yes or no answer, and steer clear of questions around salary and holiday allowance, at least for the time being – those points can be discussed once you receive a job offer. 

If you need some inspiration, we have listed some good questions to ask at an interview below.

Where do you see the company heading in the next five years?

Asking this should give you an insight into the company’s progression plans and its place in the market, and possibly give you an idea about any major upcoming projects. Asking this question shows a real interest in the organisation.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the role?

Asking these questions provides you with an opportunity to gain an insight into what skills and experience are needed. It will also give you an idea of what the employer’s expectations are, and ultimately help you decide if the role is right for you. 

Are there opportunities for further training? 

This shows that you want to expand on your knowledge and demonstrates that you’re serious about your career.

What are the opportunities for progression within the company?

If you are looking for a long-term career within the company, asking this question will help you find out whether this is the business for you. 

Can you tell me more about the culture of the organisation?

A good working environment is important and asking this question will give you the opportunity to find out whether you’ll fit in.

How could I impress you in the first three months?

This is a great one to ask at the end of a job interview. It shows potential employers that you’re eager to make a positive contribution to the organisation.

Join us! 

As a rapidly growing recruitment business, we have fantastic opportunities for career development. We pride ourselves on rewarding success and promoting from within. However, we are always looking for new talent to further strengthen and expand our teams.

As recruiters, we really understand that talented and motivated staff is the key to any successful business. To help us develop our team into the best they can be, all staff receive invaluable mentorship from our experienced senior leaders and are able to shape a clear career path bespoke to them, mapping out potential routes of progression within the company.

Our dedication to creating a fantastic working environment was recognised at the 2018 Toast of Surrey Business Awards when we were announced as Employer of the Year and Leadership Team of the Year.

With the global pandemic, times have changed and so has the working world. With many of us working remotely we have become very familiar with Zoom, and not just because of the weekly family quiz nights. 

Businesses have had to adapt certain processes to ensure their employees’ health and safety, and one of those processes is the way interviews are conducted. 

Many companies have opted to hold job interviews via video call, which is a great way to ensure social distancing rules are adhered to, however, can bring different challenges for the interviewee. We’ve got some pieces of advice for you if you have a video interview coming up.

Dress for the job you want

Even though your potential new employer might only be able to see your top half, make sure to dress smart head to toe, rather than wearing a blazer and tracksuit bottoms. This will help put you in the right frame of mind, too. 

No matter what job you’re applying for, it is always worth dressing smart, rather than looking too casual. 

Do your research

Whether the interview is held in person or via video call, you should always be well prepared. Make sure to look up the business, find out as much about it as you can and also look up your interviewers. That way you can find out how long they have been with the company for and ask them about what they like about working there.

If you don’t know who is interviewing you, you can ask your recruiter or the person you have been in touch with to confirm the names. 

Switch off notifications

Whatever device you use for the video interview, make sure to switch off any notifications during the call. Having a constant beep of notifications coming up can be distracting for you and the interviewers.

Make use of your screen

You can write some notes about the company and the job on Post-Its and place them around your screen. It can also be useful to have some bullet points on answers to difficult questions you might be asked. We previously published a blog about commonly asked interview questions and how to answer them. You can read the article here. 

Disrupted signal

We’ve all experienced this – occasionally signal might drop and your screen freezes for a short period. If that happens during your interview stay calm, apologise and carry on with the interview.

Find a quiet space

While it is best to find a space without any disruptions for the duration of the interview, that might not always be possible. In case you have children or pets at home who can occasionally be heard in the background, apologise, briefly explain the situation to the interviewers and carry on.

Ask questions

Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview to show you are genuinely interested in the business and the role. Again, you can write these on notes and stick them to your screen.

Are you looking to take the next step in your career? 

Advance TRS are growing quickly and we are always looking for ambitious, driven people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Jess Wells, our Talent Acquisition Manager.

While all interviews and interviewers are different, there are some common questions that are asked frequently. This is to find out more about the candidate and how they deal with certain situations. We’ve compiled a list of some of those questions and some guidance on how to answer them.

You can read more of our interview tips in our Advance Advice section.

Tell me about yourself

Some interviewers will start the conversation by giving a little insight into the business. They will then most likely ask you to tell them a little bit about yourself.

Give them a quick summary of who you are and what you have been doing. In addition, some insight on any experience you’ve had which is relevant to the job. It’s a great point in the interview to mention your top achievements and why you think you’d be perfect for the role.

The interviewer won’t want to hear your life story or your family history here. Make sure to talk about experience relevant to the position instead. 

Why are you looking to leave your current role?

With this common interview question, you should consider how you word your answer. Here, it is important not to talk negatively about your current employer. Focus on mentioning that you are looking for new challenges. You could even highlight aspects of the job you are interviewing for which aren’t available with your current employer.

Tell me about a tricky situation you have dealt with and how you solved it

When being asked this kind of question, the interviewers want to find out more about your negotiating skills or potential clashes with colleagues. The best way to approach this question is to explain the situation, how you resolved it and what the outcome was.

Try to steer clear of describing a situation where you caused conflict. This might give the impression that you are a trouble-maker and might not be a good fit for their team.

What are your weaknesses

Being asked this question can be quite daunting and we have recently dedicated a blog post to it which you can read here.

Talk about something you know isn’t your strongest point but which you are working on, for example, your presentation skills. This is something you can get training on and will be the kind of answer the interviewer is looking for.

The salary question

Don’t undersell yourself here and say to the interviewer that whatever they think will be great. 

A lot of job adverts will include a salary band and if this isn’t the case, you can take a look at similar roles and get a good idea of an appropriate salary from those. 

You can then justify what you are asking for by mentioning relevant knowledge and experience you will bring to the team.

Do you have any questions

Avoid asking about working hours and holidays here but instead, ask something about the business. Something you might have read about and you’d like to find out more. Maybe there is a new product or service they are launching which you can ask about. That also shows the interviewer that you have done your research on the company. 

Are you looking to take the next step in your career? 

Advance TRS is growing quickly and we are always looking for ambitious, driven people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website

Or, for a discrete conversation, contact Jess Wells our Talent Acquisition Manager.

A question that is often asked during interviews and that can be difficult to answer: what are your weaknesses? This blog is dedicated to exactly this question, to give you some guidance on how to answer it professionally. 

Firstly, remember that there is no “one size fits all” approach to answering this question. We suggest you find the way that works best for you. When you prepare for the interview, sit down and tailor the answer to yourself. 

For more interview tips and other useful guides, take a look at our Advance Advice section.

Where to start

A good way to start is to describe your weakness to the interviewer(s). For example, you could start by saying “My big weakness is sometimes doubting my work.”

You don’t want to eliminate yourself from the race by mentioning something too negative. However, you also want to show that you’re human, and nobody’s perfect. 

Put it into context

This will help the interviewers understand why you perceive this particular habit to be a weakness of yours. You can also demonstrate whether or how it affects your daily work. So using the above-described example of a weakness, you could say “I hold myself and my work to a high standard and want to make sure that everything is done right. Sometimes this means that I don’t come forward with an idea or that I take more time to finish a task I have been working on.”

Your learnings 

Lastly, explain to the interviewer how you are dealing with this weakness and what you might have learnt from it. In the above example, it might be that you’re working on worrying less and voicing your ideas more often, while still putting a focus on delivering high-quality work.

If you go into the interview prepared, having come up with a suitable answer for you, then you have nothing to worry about. Remember that the main focus for the interviewers is to find out whether your skill set and personality are the right fit for their team. 

Are you looking to take the next step in your career? 

Advance TRS is growing quickly and we are always looking for ambitious, driven people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Jessica Wells, Talent Acquisition Manager.

Going for an interview can be a daunting experience, however, a little practice can make you feel much more prepared and at ease. Below is a list we collated of some of the interview dos and don’ts that go beyond doing your homework and researching the company.

What you should do

Arrive early

We recommend being at the place of the interview around 5 to 10 minutes prior. That shows that you have good time management skills. Be mindful that arriving too early can come across just as bad as being late.

Pay attention to your position

Make sure that you face your interviewer and are sitting up straight, not slumped in your chair. This will automatically make you feel more confident and help the interviewer form a positive opinion on you. It is also a good idea to make eye contact throughout, however, don’t overdo it.

Consider your answers

While you shouldn’t leave too long a gap between a question being asked and giving your answer (to the point where it gets uncomfortable), do take time to consider what you want to say and how to word it.

Be authentic

The interviewer, your potential new manager or colleague, needs to be able to get a feel for whether you will fit well into the company not only because you have the right skill set, but also the right personality. Be approachable and take time to smile.

Dress appropriately

If you’re not 100% sure what the dress code will be, it is always a good idea to dress smart. It is an interview after all, even if you will be able to wear more casual clothes on a day to day basis.

What you shouldn’t do

Don’t stress yourself out before the interview

Most people find interviews to be nerve-wracking, however, try not to stress yourself out too much before your appointment.

Don’t fidget too much

Try to keep your hands visible rather than starting to click a pen under the table. Interviewers will understand that you are nervous but fidgeting too much might not give a good impression of yourself.

Don’t forget that anyone you meet could be your future colleague

So be kind to everyone you encounter at the company.

Don’t speak ill of previous employers

It never comes across well to speak negatively about previous colleagues, managers or employers.

Don’t make up answers

If you don’t know the answer to a question it is better to admit it rather than trying to come up with one.

For more interview tips and techniques take a look at the Advance Advice section on our website.

If you’re a driven individual currently looking to take the next step in their career then we’d love to hear from you. Advance TRS is growing quickly, so we are always looking for new people to join the team. If you are interested to find out more about our current opportunities, visit our website or for a discrete conversation, contact Paul Metcalfe, Advance TRS CEO on 07793 554 413 or email pme@advance-trs.com.

If you are well organised and have planned for your interview, your confidence will increase ensuring that you stand out from other candidates. So, before the interview process, ensure that you:

Know your CV

Familiarise yourself with your CV just before you meet with the interviewer. You are likely to be asked to qualify decisions that have led you to joining organisations on your CV. Make sure you highlight any achievements that will make a positive impression so you are able to emphasise these to explain how you will add value to the company.

Dress to Impress

Pick your outfit and try it on before the interview. Make sure everything fits well and is comfortable. Look the best you can, in attire that is appropriate for the role you are being considered for. If you can feel comfortable and confident in how you look, then this will show in how you present yourself.

Research the Company

Familiarise yourself with information of your potential employer, their culture and work ethos. Research any issues or opportunities within the industry and understand fully how you can contribute positively to assist in resolving or implementing them. As a general rule, the more famous the brand, the more the interviewer will expect you to have done your homework. Researching the company shows that you are serious about the job.

Know the role/job description

When it comes to interview preparation, the job description is your best friend. Not only will a thorough examination of the duties and required personal qualities help you to understand more about what the role entails, it’ll also help you to recognise exactly what the employer is looking for. Then, you can tailor your answers accordingly – coming up with tangible examples that prove you’re the best candidate for the role.

Plan your journey

Confirm the time and location of your interview the day before. If you are taking public transport, make sure you have an up-to-date timetable. If you are driving, allow time for delays and parking. If possible, you may wish to check the journey time by doing a trial run ahead of the interview.

Make a positive First Impression

The importance of making the right first impression cannot be overstated, particularly in the first 30 seconds. The interviewer will begin to form an opinion of you from the minute you arrive. Be punctual and greet the interviewer with a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile, but do be careful not to crush their hand! A little more pressure than they give is a good guide.

“A job interview is not a test of your knowledge, but your ability to use it at the right time”

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Knowing how to answer competency questions can often be your key to success at an interview. Whilst we can’t provide you with the exact response you’ll be able to use, we can make sure you approach each one the right way, and it’s all about the technique.

What is STAR?

The STAR technique is designed to guide you through competency-based interview questions, often questions starting with ‘Tell me about a time you did X’.

Competency questions are generally used to find out how candidates would react to certain situations, by asking for real-world examples to back-up their claims.

Don’t let their open-ended nature fool you. There is a formula you can apply to keep your answers on track, which is where STAR comes in. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach each letter:

S – Situation

Think of this section as ‘setting the scene’. Provide the interviewer with a bit of background about the questions and give them some context. Try and be specific by including names and dates wherever appropriate, to help add credibility.

Example:

At Company Name Ltd, I was responsible for representing the firm at tradeshows. My second year there, it just so happened that three events we usually attended, were scheduled within a month of each other – generally, they were spread out over a much longer period of time.

T -Task

Build on the background you’ve given and outline the task at hand. Specifically, how did the situation relate to you? What were the major tasks you needed to undertake to resolve it? Include how important or difficult the situation was to overcome, as well as any constraints you came up against.

Example:

It meant a tremendous amount of work was compressed into a really tight window of time. These shows were a huge source of lead generation for the company, so it was essential we attended and presented our products in the best light.

A – Approach

Translation: What did you actually do to resolve the situation?

Outline the steps you took to ensure a successful outcome, without being tempted to take all the credit.

The key to effectively incorporating the ‘approach’ part of your answer is to identify what skills the interviewer really wanted to see and reinforce them throughout.

Example:

I hate to say I can’t take something on at work, but I took a long, hard look at the situation and realised preparing all three up to the standards I’d want was going to be impossible. So I sat down and prioritised the events. One, I realised was much less relevant to us, so I scheduled a meeting with my manager and we agreed to focus on only two events. Once that was settled, I could draw up a detailed to-do list with interim deadlines for each item so that I’d have all the materials I needed to really represent the company well.

R – Result

Finally, it’s time for the pay-off. What was the outcome of the situation? Remember, everyone loves a happy ending and recruiters are no different. Make your happy ending quantifiable and you’ll really have nailed your answer.

Example:

The two events were run effectively and I was really happy with them as no problems occurred. I was able to bring several really solid leads back to our sales department. One of them actually resulted in a £100,000 contract, so in the end, I was pleased I’d made the call to eliminate one event.

Final Note

It’s particularly important to prepare for this sort of interview. Put some concrete, quantifiable details down on paper, which could fit a range of situations. All jobs involve difficulties. The interview is trying to figure out how you’ll handle them.

STAR is a structured system, it can help guide your answers and calm your nerves, but don’t follow it too rigidly – you’re not a robot! Make sure your responses flow naturally.

Read more of our interview tips and other advice by clicking here.

Have you got a job interview coming up? Thinking of looking for a new job in the New Year? Haven’t been to a job interview for a while? Is it your first interview?

If you’re not sure where to start with preparing yourself, or you’re not sure it’s possible to prepare yourself, here are five tips for making sure you are ready for that all important day.

1. Make sure you know the company

If you don’t know much about the company, start reading up on them before the interview. A good place to look first is on their website.

2. Have background knowledge of the Industry

If you already think you know a lot about the industry, then try to sharpen up your knowledge.

If you don’t have much knowledge about the industry because you’re making a career move – do some research! You can do this by speaking to people in the industry or you can do some online research.

3. Think about your strengths and weaknesses

This is a question that most interviewers ask. Some people become a little bit stuck or are nervous about what to say about themselves. It’s sometimes hard to tell someone what you’re good at and let’s face it, you don’t want to tell them that you’re not so good at anything, it’s a job interview after all! The interviewers are going to appreciate honesty. If you come across honest, they will appreciate it.

Think about what strengths you will be bringing to the table if they decide to hire you! These might be organisational skills, timekeeping, knowledge of the industry, knowledge about the job, experience, decision-making skills etc. If there is anything within those skill sets you aren’t 100% confident with, have a think about that too. Make sure that if the interviewer does ask you what your weaknesses are, you say, for example, ‘I would love to improve my decision-making skills’ rather than ‘I’m not very good at decision making’

Always keep it positive!

4. Make sure you know your CV

The only thing the Interviewers know about you is the information that is on your CV and on your application you filled out for the job. Make sure you know what experiences on your CV are relevant for the role you are applying for. This will help you prepare for any questions they might have for you.

5. Write down any questions you have

This might be about the job or even about the company. The interviewers will be impressed that you want to know a bit more about what they do as a company, and they will also appreciate that you have questions about the job you are applying for!

A few other things to think about:

  • First impressions are vital – dress smartly.
  • Plan your travel to be early to your interview, not just on time!
  • If you have any work or evidence that would support your application, bring it with you.
  • A good handshake is always a positive start.
  • Relax, smile often, be friendly and try to calm your nerves.

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So you have an interview, congratulations, you are one step closer to securing your next job. Now, preparation is key, so follow our step by step guide to maximise your opportunity.

Step 1. Know what you’re wearing – dress for success!

First impressions last, so what you wear for an interview is essential.  Make sure you are aware of the company dress code before you arrive, some businesses prefer their staff to dress formally whilst others take a more casual approach. If you are in doubt over what to wear then always err on the side of caution and dress smartly. It is better to be overdressed for an interview than underdressed.

Step 2. Practice your performance

If you were an actor you wouldn’t go to the opening night of a big performance without having learnt your lines. Treat your interview in the same way; we advise rehearsing with a friend or family member the night before so you are fully prepared for being put on the spot.

Step 3. Do you know about the company? Research, Research, Research

There is nothing worse for a hiring manager than a candidate who knows nothing about his or her company, it demonstrates either a lack of care or regard for the job or just pure laziness.

Before you go to the interview make sure you have read the company website and taken the time to understand the size of the business, its services or products, history and mission statement. It is also worth printing out any material that could be of particular interest.

Know who you are meeting, search the company website and LinkedIn to get as much information about your interviewer as possible.  This will help you to anticipate what he or she will be looking for in an employee.

Step 4. Where are you going and how will you get there?

Always check the route and how long it will take, then plan on arriving early. If you are using public transport make sure you buy tickets in advance to save cost, time and hassle on the day of your interview. If you are driving, find out where you will park; having to walk miles unexpectedly could make you late and appearing flustered will not create the best first impression.

Step 5. What to take with you

At advance we recommend our candidates take three items with them to any interview:

  • A copy of the job description, use it to refer to during the interview.
  • Two copies of your CV, this demonstrates organisation and could assist the interviewer if they do not have a copy to hand.
  • And finally, a notepad and pen. Ask if you take notes, this demonstrates interest, shows you are eager to learn and take the job in question seriously.

Step 6. Questions and Closing

Prepare 10 questions.

This is where most people get caught out. Don’t be afraid to challenge the interviewer on why you should join their organisation.  If appropriate ask why they joined the company.  This demonstrates that you value your own worth.

And finally…

Ask the interview panel if they have any reservations about your capabilities, this gives you the opportunity to address any concerns they may have.

Good luck!