Of course, landing the interview doesn’t guarantee you the job. You need to make a good impression to maximize your chances of being hired. In this article, our supply chain job recruiters offer their best tips for preparing for an interview.
Preparing for a job interview: upstream
The expertise of a recruiter will be invaluable in knowing how to properly prepare for an interview. It is important to consider the different aspects of preparation: the latter includes the before, the interview itself, and the after. Let's first look at how to prepare before.
Do your research
During an interview, recruiters will assess your level of interest in the company as a whole as well as your interest in the position. Managers want to hire someone who will integrate well, share similar values and uphold the company’s image.
Before your job interview, take the time to find out about the company:
- The products or services offered
- Target market
- Fundamental values and/or mission
- Recent projects and achievements
If you are well-informed, recruiters will undoubtedly be impressed by your level of interest in the company and your chances of being called back for a second interview will increase considerably. In addition, think about finding out more about the recruiter himself, so that you know who you are talking to.
Memorize your CV and cover letter
Most people apply for many positions when job searching and adapt their CV and cover letter for each one. If you have used a variety of CVs and cover letters in your job search, it’s a good idea to look over the ones you sent to the company to ensure that you and the recruiter will be on the same page during the interview.
Recruiters are sure to ask about the information you provided in these documents. If you memorize them, you’ll have an easier time explaining your educational background, work experience, skills and aptitudes and the greatest achievements of your career. It will also be the goal not to repeat yourself but to bring a real added value to the content already in the hands of the recruiter.
What answers to prepare for an interview?
When preparing for a job interview, the first step is to anticipate the questions you might be asked and come up with great answers. Recruiters tend to ask questions that will tell them more about your experience, motivations and interests, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the topics that are likely to be discussed during the interview.
Here are a few examples of common questions recruiters ask during interviews and good ways to answer them.
Why do you want this job?
This classic interview question gives recruiters the chance to find out more about your interest in the position and what motivated you to apply.
The best way to answer this question is to be honest. Just describe your reasons for applying—maybe the position would be a step in the right direction for your career, or perhaps you like the company’s values and want to work for them because of that. Think about what drew you to the job posting and why you took the time to apply.
Why did you leave your previous job?
When answering this question, it’s best to be vague and avoid going into too much detail, especially anything that might show you in a bad light. You should also avoid saying anything negative about your previous employers, because recruiters might take that as a sign that you will talk about their company the same way.
What are your greatest strengths as an employee?
Before the interview, take another look at the job posting and ask yourself which of your strengths and aptitudes make you a great fit for the position. These are the skills you should highlight in the interview.
What weaknesses do you want to work on?
When answering this question, think about aspects of your personality that you would like to improve and explain to recruiters how you plan to accomplish that. For example, you could say that you tend to put a lot of pressure on yourself, but you have tools to help you rationalize things and improve your productivity.
Avoid using the cliché of flaws that are actually positive qualities, like saying you’re “too punctual” or “too thorough”. There are better answers to the “what is your weakness” job interview question!
How to make a good impression at an interview
Now that you've prepared for your job interview, it's time to get down to business.
In job interviews, first impressions count for a lot. The recruiter’s impression of you plays a major role in determining whether or not you get the job, so try to put your best foot forward when you go for your interview.
Here are a few tips to help you make a good impression on the day of the interview:
- Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to demonstrate your punctuality.
- Turn off your cell phone when you arrive.
- Wear clean, appropriate clothing.
- If you’re nervous, try doing some breathing exercises before the interview.
- When you meet the interviewers, stand up, greet them and shake their hands.
- Look your interviewers in the eye and answer them directly to demonstrate your confidence.
- Let your interviewers lead the discussion.
Be relevant when telling your background
The key is to always be relevant. Don't talk for the sake of talking. If you are asked to talk about your skills, do so in connection with a previous work experience, for example, to show how you were able to demonstrate them.
Similarly, only mention work experience that is related to the position, or that has allowed you to develop what is required for the position you are discussing.
Demonstrate active listening
Stay calm, listen and take time to think about your answers. Recruiters know that the interview is a stressful time and understand that you need a few seconds to construct an eloquent response. That said, it is only through active listening that you will be able to understand your interviewer's intentions and respond in the best way possible.
Active listening also shows that you are a good communicator, able to understand and answer questions and requests effectively. Ultimately, active listening allows you to create a positive connection with the employer and show that you are an attentive, committed and competent candidate for the position.
At the end of the interview, you may be asked if you have any questions. Have a few questions ready and make a mental note of any that occur to you during the interview.
Documents to bring to the interview
There are important documents you may need during your job interview. Recruiters may not have the relevant documents on hand, so it’s a good idea to have them ready just in case.
Remember to print the following documents and bring them with you to the interview:
- Copies of your CV and cover letter for everyone who is at the interview (if you don’t know how many people will be there, 4 to 5 copies should be sufficient)
- A copy of any degrees or certificates that are required for the position
- Your portfolio, if applicable
- A list of your references and their contact information
- A pencil and paper to take note of any relevant information conveyed during the interview (the names of your interviewers, information about the next interview, etc.)
What to do after the job interview?
A short thank you email to the recruiter is usually advised. This helps you stand out. The recruiter will remember you and notice your genuine interest in the position if you take the time to do this.
In this email, if you think of adding something, do so. It could be that you really appreciated the company's values, and you can add how those values really fit yours, or mention one responsibility of the position that you would really enjoy and look forward to accomplishing.
Fed supply can help you find your dream job!
That concludes our list of tips for preparing for an interview. Job interviews can be stressful, but if you prepare properly, there’s no need to be nervous! 😊
Fed Supply is a recruitment firm that specializes in supply chain, sales administration, procurement, import export, and logistics and transportation. Every day, our expert consultants help professionals in the field take their careers to the next level by finding supply chain jobs that suit their needs.
Feel free to send us a spontaneous application or contact us to benefit from our services.
