Interview Skills

No doubt everyone you speak with will have advice about how best to interview. We have seen many people utilise a variety of approaches successfully, some very conservative and others highly risky. However, on the whole there are a few basic rules you can follow that will ensure you are best placed to do well and secure the position.

Rule 1 – Presentation

It may seem obvious, but this is where many people get it wrong. Always wear a dark suit, light business shirt, plain tie and black polished shoes. Even if you know the company has a dress down policy, it is better to be over dressed and conservative in your appearance.

Remove any and all Jewellery and keep your hair neat and tidy. Even if you normally wear you hair spiked up brush it don for interview. Once you have the job you can assert your personality – don't risk it before you know for sure it is acceptable!

Rule 2 – Prepare

We are constantly amazed at how little some people prepare for their interview. You are going for a Sales Job. You wouldn't go on a sales meeting without knowing something about your prospect, the same applies to interviewing.

Additionally, make sure you know what your own CV has on it and that you understand your figures from previous positions. There is nothing that destroys an interview quicker than the candidate that can't relay basic information about previous roles. Make sure you know your targets, what you achieved, how much you earned, your activity levels, who your clients were, length of sales cycles and anything else that demonstrates what you have done and how successful you have been.

Rule 3 – The first Impression

As the saying goes you only get one chance. Look good, feel good and believe you will be successful. Use a firm hand shake (even the ladies) and thank your interviewer for the opportunity to meet with them. Don't forget to smile – it relaxes everybody. Often your interviewer may be just as nervous as you.

Rule 4 – 2 Ears, 1 Mouth – Use them in proportion

Sales is about gathering information in order to identify the need and formulate the solution. Therefore use the interview to get information about the interviewer and their business. Try to make the meeting a business discussion rather that a question and answer session. Remember, most people like talking about themselves and their achievements so ask your interviewer questions about themselves and their role. Their answers will give you a flavour of what type of person and company you

Rule 5 – Avoid the Cliché

Whilst often a cliché best describes a situation, try to avoid using them in an interview environment. You want the interviewer to find out who you are and what you can do for them and therefore you need to voice your ideas, not regurgitate someone else's.

Rule 6 – Close Close Close

Regardless of whether you are going for a sales director's role or a trainee telesales position you must close the interview. If, when you leave the interview, you don't know what the interviewer thought or whether they had any concerns you haven't done the job properly. Use your closing skills to establish the next step in the process and clarify whether you will be included. No Sales Manager or Director will mind being closed – in fact they expect it. If you don't feel comfortable closing at interview then you are looking at the wrong job.