How to be successful in interviews

How to be successful in interviews

The day of your interview has arrived, you really want, you need this job. You’re nervously waiting in reception with all the other candidates for the interviewer to call your name, you’re thinking “are they more experienced than me? They look confident, they look like they are ready to go”. They may have what it takes to do the job, but can they smash this interview like you can?

Just like everyone else in their working life, we all have to attend at least one dreaded job interview. If you want to succeed in the business world you have to climb the career ladder, having rivals at each interview, everyone wants that ‘great opportunity’ and to be successful. With almost all industries being highly competitive how do you stand out from other candidates and steal that job from under your competition's nose?

With almost all industries being highly competitive how do you stand out from other candidates...  

Just Recruitment has made a name for itself over the last 40 years, we aren’t just a recruitment company that helps people get a job, we get individuals the job. We provide candidates with CV and interview preparation tips, we provide them with the skills they need to get the job.

Here at Just Recruitment, we want you to succeed therefore we have detailed below the information you need to sail through the interview and secure that job.

Self-Image

Self-image is becoming increasingly important within the life of business, but on a scale of 1 – 10 how much thought do you put into creating a positive first impression?

In today’s fast-paced society, it only takes a couple of seconds for interviewers to judge your personal image and to know if you are the right person for that role. Typically, 60% of an interviewer’s decision is based on how you present yourself, 25% is your handshake, that leaves just 15% for the words we use.

Your CV may have gotten you through the door but now it’s time for your personality to shine.

We believe that projecting the correct corporate image is a definitive moment for all employers and in fact recruitment agencies too. First impressions are key, now that you are through the door you have to emphasise your “wow” factor.

Communication Skills

How you communicate is crucial. Soft skills and good communication are just as, if not more important than the qualifications you have presented to the interviewers.

How to be successful in interviewsKey things you need to remember during the interview:

  • Be clear and concise (try not to mumble or waffle on, get your point across).
  • Do not rush your words, take it slow.
  • Remember who you are talking to.

Perception

How do you want to be perceived? Think about how you are coming across when meeting new people.

What do you stand for? Do you know what your values are? If you are unsure, or you just presume that you make a good first impression, get your friends and family to test you and remember to get feedback.

Preparation

First things first, be prepared. Your interviewer is a skilled business person, they know what they are looking for in a candidate.

It is astounding to know that many people show up to their interviews not prepared, not knowing the name of the potential employer, not doing their research. Here are some points to help you prepare.

  • Know your potential employer, company and interviewer.
  • Make sure you know where you are going so you aren’t late.
  • Research the company, what they do, what its values are, what services do they provide, what and who is their target market.
  • Know the job specification that you are being interviewed for.
  • Be ready for questions, conventional and unconventional, they may ask about your work ethic, your functions in your current employment or how you approach tasks.
  • Ask questions, it shows that you are inquisitive, you are keen about the job and the company.
  • We understand that you want to ask about the benefits of their company such as; holiday, salary, bonus’ but you need to be patient as these questions should be asked on the second or final interview.
  • Always speak positively about moving forward.
Research the company, what do they do, what its values are, what services do they provide...  

Attitude

Have a can-do attitude. It’s never a good start if you don’t look or sound happy to be there, a smile does go a long way.

Ensure you are punctual, arrive at least five – ten minutes early. The interviewer tends to keep people waiting, it’s one of their many tactics so don’t sweat it.

If you are going to be late, let someone know as soon as possible whether it be your agency or the client themselves.

Positives

From the start of your application you are portraying who you are, therefore when you complete your application form ensure everything is filled out neatly and to the best of your ability. Don’t be lazy.

Again smile. A little smile never hurt anyone.

Make eye contact when speaking with your interviewer(s), try not to let your eyes wander.

Conduct yourself as a strong individual and you are there to secure the job.

You are there to sell yourself, accentuate your positives. Make the interviewers aware of the positives you can bring to the company if you were to secure the position.

When answering questions, ensure you are giving truthful answers and not eccentric lies, they will figure it out.

Lastly, remember you are selling yourself, you are marketing yourself and alerting them that your skills, attributes and your experiences are all relevant to the position and the culture of the client’s business.

Negatives

Try your best to avoid answering questions with closed answers, instead of answering with a ‘yes or a no’ try and expand on your answer, engage with the questions.

Never insult or make derogatory remarks about your current or past employers.

Turn your phone on silent or switch it off! The dreaded ‘buzz’ of a ringing phone will dash any hopes of a second interview.

Dress Code

There’s no such thing as overdressing for an interview. Go in your best bib and tucker and you’ll never feel anything less than a decent candidate who’s keen to impress.

Always wear your smartest clothes, this demonstrates to the company and interviewer how keen you are on the job, you’re showing them that you know how to behave in their world.

Avoid. Avoid. Avoid!

  • Don’t lack enthusiasm, don’t sit there acting as if you don’t care about the job. They won’t hire you if you’re not interested.
  • Overbearing, aggressive, arrogant or a ‘know-it-all’.
  • Weak handshake.
  • Don’t disrespect your previous colleagues or employers.
  • Failure to keep good eye contact.
  • Try not to talk about the salary too much.
  • Don’t forget your manners, a lack of maturity or courtesy is a big no, no and it will not be appreciated if you come across rude.
  • Do not show up looking scruffy as discussed above, dress to impress.

Closing interview

Now the interview is coming to an end, if you are interested in the role it may be time to ask about the next interview stage(s) if applicable. If you are offered the job on the spot you don’t have to accept it right away, you can ask for time to think about your decision, it might be a good idea to ask them if they can wait until a certain date.

Don’t be discouraged or panic if you haven’t got a decision from the recruiters immediately, they probably have other interviews booked or they would like time to make their decision, after all they need to pick the appropriate candidate for the role.

Sometimes you may get the impression that you haven’t got the job, or you get the feeling that you haven’t impressed the recruiter, however, you may be surprised that interviewers don’t always convey their emotions and you may have successfully landed the role. Patience is a virtue.

Finally thank the interviewers for interviewing you and giving you this opportunity.

Now relax you’ve got this!

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
Banish interview nerves: a four-step plan
Five goals to achieve within your first year at a new job

 

Published: 29 January 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

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Stock Administrator
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913657
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing business on the outskirts of Colchester—an industry leader in its sector—to recruit a Stock Administrator for a 12-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave.

Please note: this is a part-time role—25/30 hours per week and is fully office-based.

The key purpose of this role is to manage the stock administration throughout the business, from start to finish.

Key duties include:

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  • Assisting with the year-end stock count
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Key role requirements include:

  • Well organised with the ability to multitask
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to problem solve, working through queries in a logical manner
  • Able to communicate clearly and concisely
  • Aware of at least basic Excel functions, such as pivot tables and lookups
  • Excellent verbal and written skills
  • Confident and positive attitude

This role offers a competitive pay rate and excellent company benefits as well as a good working environment. This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation on a 12-month fixed-term contract basis.

Free parking is available on site.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Transport Planner
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 per annum
Location: Earls Colne
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913656
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Just Recruitment is partnering with a transport and logistics business based on the outskirts of Colchester to recruit a Transport Planner for their existing team.

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Please note: Due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Fitters Mate/Labourer
Sector: Property and Construction
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913655
About the role

Just Recruitment seeks a Colchester-based Fitter/Labourer for a nationwide manufacturing-based construction company known for high-quality solutions and excellent customer service. With extensive industry experience, they prioritise delivering top-quality products to clients.

This role involves travelling to sites to support the Team Leaders and will involve a lot of heavy work such as digging, lifting and manual labour.

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Benefits include:

  • Competitive salary, basic salary plus overtime
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This is an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant company on a full-time, permanent basis.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Account Executive (Marketing)
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913654
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a well-regarded organisation, based on the outskirts of Colchester, looking to add an Account Executive (Marketing) to their existing team.

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You must be supremely organised, have excellent communication skills and a keen eye for detail.

Training will be provided for the specifics of the role.

Key duties include:

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  • Work closely with the media planning and buying team to track media schedules and flag up coming bookings.
  • Ensure campaign assets are created on brand, to the required specification, with the right message for the right purpose and to deadline. For example, this could include press advertising, direct mail and digital advertising.
  • Create templated emailer campaigns through platforms such as Spotler, Beepro and MailChimp.
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  • Basic understanding of SEO in terms of the importance of how relevant content affects the growth and success of organic search traffic. This will include working with an Account Manager to implement content improvement recommendations, based on SEO reports provided by our in-house experts.
  • Project support as required, this may include typing documents, briefing client amendments, proofreading, research, image sourcing and promotional item sourcing.
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Required essential skills and attributes include:

  • Well organised with the ability to multitask.
  • Excellent verbal and written skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Deadline driven.
  • Able to cope under pressure and work under tight deadlines.
  • Able to communicate clearly and concisely.
  • Able to develop relationships with colleagues and clients.
  • Comfortable with working as part of a team.
  • Can work independently and use initiative.
  • Willing to learn new skills.
  • Confident and positive attitude.

Health, wellbeing and benefits include:

  • 20 days holiday, plus B/H..
  • Company pension.
  • Health Cash Plan, cash back on dental, optical, and other health care costs such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, reflexology, and acupuncture.
  • Life assurance.
  • Electric car purchase scheme, via salary sacrifice.
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • Outstanding training and progression, including access to LinkedIn Learning and Group Learning Management System.
  • Share purchase scheme.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant team, offering further development and progression, as well as a great package and free parking.

Please note: This role is office-based based Monday to Friday.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
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Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Earls Colne
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913653
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a well-established and successful business in Earls Colne, looking to recruit a Warehouse Administrator to join their team.

The role of the Warehouse Administrator will be to provide general administrative support for the warehouse department to ensure effective and efficient service levels are being delivered and maintained.

Duties include:

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Please note that due to the location, you will need to drive.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Wordpress/React Developer (12 month fixed-term contract)
Sector: Information Technology
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913652
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing, well-established and market-leading organisation, based on the outskirts of Colchester, to recruit a Wordpress/React Developer to their existing team, on a 12-month fixed-term contract basis.

The key purpose of the role is to assist with new projects, as well as working on the maintenance and development of existing projects.

You will work closely with the wider business team on all projects.

You must have the ability to accurately code design layouts. The end result should be pixel-perfect, accessible, responsive, secure, and performant.

As the WordPress Developer, you will be expected to develop WordPress sites using the internal starter theme.

Required skills for this role include:

  • Knowledge in creating WordPress-based websites.
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  • Proficiency in modern JavaScript features (ES6+).
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  • Have experience working in an agency environment.
  • Experience with Version Control systems (Git).
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  • Can work to deadline and juggle competing priorities.
  • Willingness to take ownership of projects.
  • Experience using build tools (Gulp, Webpack, Sass).
  • Experience with automated deployment.
  • Experience integrating third-party APIs.
  • High attention to detail.

Desirables:

  • Proficiency in React & JS frameworks.
  • Exposure to Web Security principles.
  • Exposure to Docker and Kubernetes.
  • Exposure to ThreeJS.
  • Exposure to GraphQL.
  • Understanding of unit and integration testing.
  • Know your way around XD.

Other required abilities for this role include:

  • Have Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Have the ability to communicate without jargon.
  • Enjoy variety and have the ability to switch technologies.
  • Have an active interest in web technologies.
  • Have an eagerness to learn.
  • Keen to mentor and share knowledge with other developers.
  • Always strive to make things better.

This role offers a competitive package, as well as a great benefits package.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a thriving business.

Please note: This role can be home-based for 4 days a week with 1 day working from the office in Colchester — you will need to live within commutable distance of Colchester.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Web Developer (React)
Sector: Information Technology
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913651
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing, well-established and market-leading organisation, based on the outskirts of Colchester, to recruit a React Web Developer to join their existing team.

The key purpose of the role is to assist with new projects, as well as working on the maintenance and development of existing projects.

You will work closely with the wider business team on all projects.

You must have the ability to accurately code design layouts. The end result should be pixel-perfect, accessible, responsive, secure, and performant.

As a React Developer, you will be expected to develop bespoke WordPress themes (not a theme modification).

Required skills for this role:

  • Knowledge in creating WordPress-based websites.
  • Exposure to server-side JavaScript, APIs.
  • Proficiency in modern JavaScript features (ES6+).
  • Strong experience in HTML and CSS.
  • Experience with Version Control systems (Git).
  • Development in line with accessibility standards compliance and SEO best practices.
  • Can work to deadline and juggle competing priorities.
  • Willingness to take ownership of projects.
  • Experience using build tools (Gulp, webpack, Sass).
  • Experience with automated deployment.
  • Experience integrating third-party APIs.
  • High attention to detail.
  • Proficiency in React & JS frameworks.
  • Exposure to Web Security principles.
  • Exposure to Docker and Kubernetes.
  • Exposure to ThreeJS.
  • Exposure to GraphQL.
  • Understanding of unit and integration testing.

Role requirements include:

  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • The ability to communicate without jargon.
  • Enjoy variety and have the ability to switch technologies.
  • An active interest in web technologies.
  • Eagerness to learn.
  • Keen to mentor and share knowledge with other developers.
  • Always strive to make things better.

This role offers a competitive package, as well as a great benefits package.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a thriving business.

Please note: This role is office-based for 4 days a week, 1 day working from home — you will need to live within commutable distance of Colchester.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Forklift Driver
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £13.50 per hour
Location: Hadleigh, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAD-FD-0425
About the role

Just Temps is looking for Counterbalance Forklift Drivers on a temporary ongoing basis for a company based in Hadleigh, Suffolk.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a prestigious manufacturing company on a temp-to-perm opportunity position.

The working hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

You will be responsible for supporting the Warehouse Supervisors with a range of key tasks, including order picking, loading and unloading vehicles, operating a counterbalance forklift, put away stock, and stock control/management. You will play an active role in ensuring the warehouse operates efficiently, safely, and professionally. This position involves working closely with the line manager and the wider warehouse team, providing assistance across all aspects of warehouse operations.

Skills, knowledge and expertise required:

  • You should have a strong work ethic, take pride in delivering high-quality work every day, work well as part of a team, and be flexible with tasks.
  • You will have previous experience in a warehouse.
  • Hold a valid Counterbalance FLT / Forklift licence.
  • Be conscientious and pay attention to detail.
  • Communicate politely and efficiently with clients and internal staff.
  • Be self-motivated and able to work without supervision.
  • Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Be enthusiastic and driven to achieve targets, objectives, and procedures relating to health and safety within the company.
  • Take ownership of problems that may arise with a plan to tackle them as deemed appropriate by the business.

Essential:
You must have your own transport.
Have experience as a Counterbalance Forklift Driver.
Energetic, enthusiastic and flexible personality.
You must be eligible to work full time in the UK.

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Customer Account Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Location: Earls Colne
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913650
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a dynamic and client-focused company based in Earls Colne and is seeking a Customer Account Administrator.

This business is founded on strong core values: putting clients first, delivering the highest quality service, and fostering a supportive, collaborative team environment.

Duties include:

  • Assisting with the onboarding of our new clients, working closely with the management team
  • Assisting management with client account health on our in-house system
  • Support managers to build and maintain the client relationship
  • Assist the management team with new client campaigns and procedures to ensure successful implementation and delivery
  • Processing daily system errors
  • Uploading spreadsheets to internal systems
  • Providing software templates to clients
  • Providing clients with regular carrier and courier updates, and updating internal software to reflect the changes
  • Escalating issues to the relevant managers

Other responsibilities will include:

  • Answering the telephone
  • Replying to emails
  • Meeting and greeting site visitors

Experience and requirements include:

  • An ability to learn new skills
  • A desire to expand your work-based knowledge
  • A desire to work in a team environment
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
  • A passion to deliver outstanding customer service
  • A strong willingness to be helpful to clients and an eagerness to solve any problems
  • A can-do-attitude, with a hands-on-approach
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, and Web-based systems
  • Ability to escalate issues using your own initiative
  • Self-motivation
  • Knowledge of order management software

Hours: 08.30 to 17.30, Monday to Friday, full-time, 40 hours a week.

This is an office-based role, and due to the location, you will need to drive.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more