How can you stand out from other applicants
and secure your dream job? Your Carrington
West recruitment consultant will help you
every step of the way, but there is sometimes
a lot to consider. In this guide, we’ll help
you. You’ll first explore strategies for finding
opportunities that align with your skills and
passions. Next, we’ll cover how to write a
compelling CV and cover letter. Finally, we’ll
help you perfect your interview technique to
seal the deal and secure that competitive job
offer.
The Interview Process
Interviews are not just a way for employers to assess whether you have the necessary skills; they are also an
opportunity for you to determine if the company and role are the right fit for your career aspirations. Whether
you are a permanent employee attending an interview for the first time in years or an interim contractor who
attends interviews more frequently, it’s essential to be well-prepared.
In interviews, you should focus on:
Researching the Company
Before your interview, it’s essential to research the company thoroughly. Understanding its reputation, financial
health, culture, competitors, and industry trends will give you a competitive edge during the interview.
Key areas to focus on:
• Reputation: look into the company’s history, reputation
in the industry, and customer reviews.
• Financial health: understand the company’s financial
stability and future growth prospects.
• Company culture: is the company’s work culture
and values aligned with yours? Find out how the
company treats its employees by looking at social
media.
• Competitors: know who the company’s competitors
are and how they differentiate themselves in
the market.
• Industry trends: stay up-to-date on the latest
developments and trends in the industry by looking
at business or industry press and government statistics.
Interview Etiquette
The way you present yourself during the interview plays a crucial role in forming a positive impression. Here are
some etiquette tips to ensure you make a good impression:
Types of Interview Questions
During interviews, you may be asked different types of questions designed to assess various aspects of your
personality, experience, and capabilities. These questions typically fall into one of the following categories:
1. Situational Questions
Situational questions are designed to understand how you would handle hypothetical situations. They often
begin with “How would you...” or “What would you do if...”.
Examples:
• How would you react if a colleague undermined you in front of your manager?
• Response tip: focus on how you would remain calm, address the issue diplomatically, and work towards
resolving the conflict in a professional manner.
• What would you do if you were asked to manage a project with limited resources?
• Response tip: explain how you would prioritise tasks, make efficient use of available resources, and
communicate effectively with the team to meet project goals.
2. Behavioural Questions
Behavioural questions ask you to provide examples from your past work experience. They are designed to
assess how you have handled situations in the past and predict how you might approach similar situations in
the future.
Examples:
• Describe a time when you disagreed with a colleague about a project. How did you resolve it?
• Response tip: use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your response. Describe
the situation, what you needed to achieve, the steps you took to resolve the disagreement, and the
positive outcome.
• Tell me about a time you faced a major deadline challenge. How did you manage it?
• Response tip: highlight your time management skills and ability to stay organised and focused under
pressure.
3. Competency Questions
Competency questions focus on the specific skills required for the job. These questions may ask you to
demonstrate your expertise in a given area by providing examples of past work or discussing how you would
apply your skills in the role.
Examples:
• How do you ensure quality and accuracy in your work?
• Response tip: explain your attention to detail, methods for double-checking work, and any processes
you follow to maintain high standards.
• What project management tools and techniques have you used to successfully complete a complex project?
• Response tip: talk about any relevant tools you’ve used (e.g., MS Project, Jira) and specific project
management methodologies you’ve followed (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
Using the STAR Technique
The STAR technique is a powerful method for structuring your answers to interview questions, particularly behavioural
and competency questions. STAR stands for:
Example of STAR response:
Question: “Describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a colleague.”
• Situation: “In my previous role as a project manager, I was working on a team project where two team members
had a disagreement regarding their roles.”
• Task: “My task was to resolve the conflict quickly to avoid delays in the project and maintain team morale.”
• Action: “I arranged a meeting with both colleagues to understand their perspectives. I facilitated a discussion
where they could openly express their concerns and find common ground. I then clarified roles and responsibilities
to prevent further confusion.”
• Result: “The conflict was resolved amicably, and the team was able to complete the project ahead of schedule
with improved collaboration.”
Presenting a Portfolio
If you’re applying for a technical or creative role, presenting a well-organised portfolio can set you apart from
other candidates. A portfolio allows you to showcase your work, skills, and accomplishments in a tangible format.
• Choose the best format: a PDF or PowerPoint presentation is easy to share, while a website can offer a
more interactive experience.
• Structure your portfolio: include a title page with your details, a summary of your qualifications, and
sections for each project or accomplishment.
• Highlight key projects: select 3-4 projects that demonstrate your technical expertise and problem-solving
abilities. Make sure to explain the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
Tailor your portfolio to the job you’re applying for by focusing on projects that align with the employer’s needs.
This shows you understand the role and can contribute to the company’s goals.
.jpg)
