Sell yourself... and do your research - top job hunting tips from Hudson Cooper

New research, from Southampton recruitment experts Hudson Cooper, reveals how many of us naturally shy away from self-promotion.

But this means we can harm our chances of moving up the career ladder or even getting a pay rise as we undersell ourselves, and fail to highlight strengths to potential new employers.

Lee Cooper, managing director of the Southampton accountancy and financial recruitment consultancy Hudson Cooper commissioned the research and isnít too surprised by the findings.

ìThe job market is tough and there is more competition for each vacancy but this makes it even more vital for candidates to stand out from the crowd,íí said Lee.

ìOur study of job seekers showed that many people remain naturally shy about elaborating their strengths despite the wealth of talent in the south.íí

He said people were concerned about coming across as arrogant ñ a very British attitude.

ìMy advice in an interview situation is to err on the side of arrogance, and be very confident. After all, if you donít believe in yourselves and feel positive about your strengths ñ why will a prospective employer be impressed?î

Lee, whose company specialises in recruiting all levels of financial and accountancy staff across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset, said people need to think of an interview as a chance to sell themselves. ìYou have a short window of opportunity to impress an interviewer, and you canít afford to be shy.íí

Lee continues ìThe research also showed that people would feel more confident if they have had chance to practice some interview questions and answers in advance, so it might be a good idea to do some role play with a friend and rehearse the key points you want to make.

ìAnd speaking of questions, there are certain ones you should anticipate as an interviewee, such as your short and long term career ambitions, strengths and ways you can illustrate your achievements.íí

At the end of the interview there will also be a time to ask questions about the new organisation. Lee says potential topics include opportunities for career development and objectives of the role on offer.

ìMy last tip for a successful interview is never forget to do your homework on the company you are being interviewed by. Remember the cringing moment in The Apprentice, when Paul Tulip had to admit he had never researched mentor Alan Sugarís company Amstrad? He lost all credibility with the interviewers. Make sure you donít too!î

For more information on interviewing tips or accounting and financial recruitment call 02380 302050 or go to www.hudsoncooper.com

Top 10 Interview Tips

1 Overcome any reluctance to talk about yourself ñ sell yourself positively and talk about how well you do things, not just what you do.

2 Make eye contact but donít stare ñ it helps builds rapport.

3 Use body language ñ mirror their posture.

4 Donít talk at your listener and avoid rushing words out ñ be assured, calm and remember sometimes less is more.

5 Ask open questions to get the interviewer talking and actively listen to their responses.

6 Aim to be both impressive and distinctive.

7 Think about what makes you different and stand out from the crowd ñ and play on it.

8 When talking of your skills, describe how you use them, rather than what they are.

9 Bring a portfolio of your work, if appropriate, so you can debate and they are reassured you can do what you say.

10 Make sure you have done research on your potential employer!