Job interviews should be treated in a similar way to the popular TV programme Dragonsí Den, and applicants need facts at their fingertips to stand a chance of securing that key position in sales, according to Bristol specialist recruitment agency First Selection.
Detailed research on the company that job hopefuls want to join is as important as a good CV, and will avoid that awkward silence, which makes viewers freeze when a person is caught off-guard with a question that he or she cannot answer.
ìApplicants must do their homework before the interview so that they know as much as possible about the company and its rivals,î said Jerry Harper, managing director of First Selection at Berkeley House, Richmond Park Avenue, Clifton.
ìThis detective work will provide the applicant with all the information they need to answer questions with confidence and will show the interviewer that the applicant is keen and committed.
îAlthough the people in Dragonsí Den are looking for money to finance their business, the principle is the same. The interviewers want to invest in you by providing you with a job. It is also the case when you get to a second interview and employers look for a presentation from you.î
The first step is to call up the company website on the internet, which will provide the applicant with valuable information on the companyís history, size of business, scale of operation, growth plans and how the company regards itself in the marketplace.
You should then visit the offices or showroom and ask for a brochure or annual report, as well as speaking to the manager of the relevant department to find out about working conditions and what promotion opportunities are available.
More advanced preparation should be carried out to gain a deeper understanding of the companyís background, plus glean any inside information. This would include the applicant calling the company and introducing themselves, asking about key clients, finding out directorsí names, numbers of staff and turnover.
Further information, such as share prices, circulation areas, readership or product portfolios, should also be obtained. Extra knowledge of the company and its history is beneficial for all applicants as it shows willingness to learn and enthusiasm - all of which is helpful towards nailing second interviews.
ìThis kind of initiative will not only impress the potential employer, but will also provide the applicant with the necessary answers to counter those awkward questions that interviewers can ask when they want to put the applicant on the defensive,î Jerry Harper said.
ìApplicants need to be confident and assured if they are going to sell themselves to future employers, and not knowing answers to obvious questions is not an option if they hope to land the job.î
Nearing the end of the interview, any reservations should be overcome and the chance for a second interview should be in the applicantís mind. Ways to try to secure a second interview are by including comments that show the keenness for the opportunity, and may also include questions such as asking the date of when they would be held.
By showing further interest in the company and the interview process, the employer will be impressed with the enthusiasm the applicant has for the position. This can be expressed with a simple question such as asking what the next step will be and how the candidate should proceed.
Another important thing to remember is that people only get one chance to make a first impression, so applicants should be smartly dressed, friendly and polite to staff.
ìThey should be business-like, give firm and friendly handshakes, maintain eye contact, and be confident and enthusiastic without appearing too relaxed or arrogant,î Jerry advised.
First Selection say applicants should:
Switch off mobile phones before entering the building.
Break the ice by commenting about the positives of the company, i.e. the busy atmosphere, helpful staff, any eye-catching pictures on the wall, good location, etc.
Prepare a list of around 12 questions about the business including promotion opportunities, targets and what a typical day is like.
But:
Donít drink alcohol or smoke before the interview because this will give a bad impression.
Donít criticise previous employers as this will reflect badly on you.
First Selection is Bristolís only specialist sales and marketing search and selection recruitment agency. Further information is available on their website at www.firstselection.co.uk.
Turn detective to land that job as a Salesman
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