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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Salary: £28,600 - £30,000 per annum
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913640
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a Design Technician for a manufacturer based in Tiverton, Devon, to join their Research and Development team.

This role may suit you if you are looking for a job in research and development and have gained some experience in an office-based role with some practical engineering experience.

This exciting and interesting development opportunity will focus on:

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Qualifications/Experience required:

  • Good working knowledge of physics and mathematics.
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  • Some understanding of Design for Manufacture (DFM).
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You need to have served a recognised Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship or similar discipline.

Hours of work:

Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.
35 hours per week.

 

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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Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £37,618 - £42,320 per annum
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Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
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About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a CNC Sliding Head Setter/Operator for a company based in Braintree, Essex.

You will be working on a 37 hour week, rotating early and late shifts.

Early shift: Monday to Thursday, 06.00 to 14.00. Friday, 06.00 to 13.30.
Late shift: Monday to Thursday, 14.00 to 22.00. Friday, 13.30 to 21.00.

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Experience required:

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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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Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £26,000 - £28,000 per annum
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
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Hours of work:
Monday to Thursday: 7.30am to 4.00pm.

Friday: 7.30am to 3.00pm.
39-hours per week.

 

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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Salary: Competitive
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Role: Full Time
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Key requirements for the role:

  • Proactive attitude
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  • Free refreshments
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  • Staff discount
  • Employee Assistance Programme (including free counselling sessions)
  • In-house Mental Health First Aiders
  • Annual Christmas gift
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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: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
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Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
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In order to be considered for this role you must have previous cleaning experience within an industrial setting.

Working hours are:
Monday to Thursday, 2pm to 10pm and Friday 1pm to 7pm

This is an excellent opportunity to join a great company, offering great benefits!

 

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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Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
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About the role

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This role is ideal for someone who is highly organised, a strong communicator, and passionate about marketing and project management!

You will need to be a strategic thinker with strong project marketing skills, a deep understanding of marketing processes, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

You will also help to oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of marketing campaigns and initiatives.

This role is central to ensuring cross-functional collaboration, timely project completion, and alignment with business goals.

Key knowledge and skills:

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Proven experience required:

  • Development of marketing plans for products.
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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: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: North
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913632
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a market leading manufacturer, looking to recruit a Field Service Engineer to cover the North East area.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for the installation, commissioning, service, repair, breakdown and maintenance of the company’s range of equipment in various medical environments.

Key duties include:

  • Installation, commissioning, maintenance, and fault finding of a wide range of different manufactured and third-party equipment.
  • Provide user training to end clients when required.
  • Provide feedback to customers on any issues raised during a commissioning, maintenance, or fault-finding visit.

To be considered for this exciting role you must be able to demonstrate a background working in a field service or technical support role, gained within a capital equipment environment. You should be qualified to a minimum of HNC level or above in electrical installation/ engineering/maintenance or another relevant technical discipline.

An electrician with an electrical test and inspection background would also be considered.

Applicants are welcome from a wide range of equipment backgrounds.

You must have impeccable customer service skills and a confident and professional manner in customer-facing environments.

Key requirements include:

  • Previous experience of performing in a technical field service team.
  • Clear and concise written and spoken communication skills.
  • Ability to present information in a structured and balanced way.
  • Good working knowledge of Word, Excel.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Positive ‘can-do’ attitude.
  • Problem solver - ability to engineer solutions on the job.
  • Ability to work and manage in a high-pressure environment.
  • Work autonomously, taking initiative to resolve customer issues.
  • Willing to travel and work unsocial hours when needed.
  • Some overnight stays are required.

What this role offers:

  • You will be rewarded with a competitive basic salary. overtime, company van, expenses, phone, pension and healthcare package.
  • You will be continually challenged as you are exposed to new technologies. You will receive constant support and guidance from senior management, and your technical knowledge will be furthered through training courses.
  • For those with the desire there are opportunities to progress your career within the department and into the wider company.
  • In return, you will benefit from dedicated product training, recognised by the industry, which will run on an ongoing basis as new products are introduced.

 

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
Business Support Assistant
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913633
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with an innovative company to recruit a Business Support Assistant for their team based in Ipswich.

The Business Support Assistant reports to the Operations Director and supports the respective business unit with administrative resources and organisational and departmental functionality.

The ability to manage diaries and coordinate travel requirements is essential, as is the ability to maintain a high level of integrity, communicate, prioritise workload, and handle multiple tasks with a proactive, accountable, efficient, and organised approach.

Duties include:

  • Arrange and coordinate diaries for meetings and booking meeting rooms.
  • Set up meeting facilities, organise refreshments/lunch requirements and IT equipment.
  • Organise and coordinate travel arrangements; flights, hotels, parking and transportation.
  • Organise and coordinate restaurant bookings.
  • Compile general correspondence as required.
  • Day-to-day administration support to business teams as designated.
  • Management of department spreadsheets.
  • Maintain credit card records.
  • Production of documentation as required within the business area of responsibility.
  • Support other members of the Business Support Team as and when required and cover during periods of absence.
  • Order department stationery.

Job specification:

  • Strong administrative abilities.
  • Ability to work to deadlines.
  • Ability to always apply discretion, together with a high degree of confidentiality.
  • To work as part of a busy integral team.
  • Extensive liaison and strong communication abilities.

Key experience:

  • Previous experience within high-level administration.
  • Previous experience with the full Microsoft Office Package.
  • Previous experience with diary management and coordination, and meeting and travel coordination and bookings.

Hours: Monday to Friday (9.00am to 5.00pm).
Hybrid Working is available after successful completion of the probationary period (min. of 3 days in the office, up to 2 days at home).

 

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
Head of Business Development
Sector: Sales
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913631
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with an innovative company to recruit a Head of Business Development for their team on the outskirts of Colchester.

This is an exciting role to help shape the future of the business by getting involved as the business advances on a growth strategy. You will need to be a team player as well as be self-motivated, striving for improvements across the business. You will also be highly organised and capable of managing a dynamic workload whilst relishing working with internal and external stakeholders.

Key duties include:

  • Managing the existing global distributor network across North America, Japan, and Europe, including strategy development, regular reviews, and general support.
  • Developing new direct business with various associated organisations.
  • Developing new direct B2B opportunities for ‘bricks & mortar’ retail sales and distribution in the UK and other regions.
  • Developing a strategy to access the ‘other’ markets.
  • Responding to regular inbound business enquiries.
  • Monitoring and responding to complex RFI’s, RFQ’s and other tender opportunities.
  • Managing the company’s CRM platform.
  • Working closely with the Head of Marketing to develop imaginative lead generation campaigns.
  • Working closely with the Head of Marketing to support the global e-com strategy.

Key requirements for the role include:

  • A good understanding and experience of global account and channel management.
  • Experience in responding to complex RFP’s.
  • A good understanding of the role of global e-com, particularly Amazon and Shopify.
  • An experienced, strategic and creative new business developer.
  • Solid global experience.
  • Flexibility to work to global time zones.
  • Financially numerate.
  • Experience with Hubspot or a similar CRM platform.
  • Ability to work as part of a small management team to drive the business forward.
  • Ability to quickly understand and demonstrate technical products.
  • Excellent interpersonal and written skills.
  • Tenacious, persistent and hardworking.
  • Team player.
  • Ability to work under demanding deadlines.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm - with some flexibility required.

22 days holiday plus bank holidays.

This role offers a competitive salary and bonus package.

 

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