What we think
This is where you can peer into our minds and learn a bit more about us as recruiters, consultants and humans. Expect plenty of insight into Consumer, Retail, Recruitment, and life in our Leeds and London spaces. Some tips from the top and the odd guest appearance. Enjoy and please feel free to leave us a comment!
Got an interview? Read this.
4th August 2025
Got an interview coming up? Great news! But walking in without solid interview preparation can unravel things fast. The good news is, preparing the right way isn’t complicated and it can make all the difference between a “thanks for coming” and a job offer.
Here are our top 5 interview preparation tips to help you feel confident, focused, and ready to impress from the moment you walk in.
1. Do your research.
Basic? Maybe. But essential? Absolutely.
Before you even think about joining the call or walking through the door, make sure you know:
- What the company does
- Who their competitors are
- Any recent news or press
- Their values, culture, and tone of voice
- Who you’re meeting (LinkedIn is your friend)
Strong interview preparation isn’t just about rehearsing answers. Hiring managers can spot a half‑hearted candidate a mile off. Doing your homework shows you’re serious and that you care.
2. Know your CV inside out.
If it’s on your CV, expect to be asked about it.
That big achievement from your last role? Be ready to talk it through. That short stint at a company? Expect a question. You need to be able to walk through your experience confidently and clearly without waffling or backtracking.
And if you’ve forgotten what that role from 2022 involved? Go back and refresh your memory. This is a simple but powerful part of effective interview preparation.
3. Prepare smart questions.
You will be asked: “Do you have any questions for us?”
This is your chance to show you’ve thought seriously about the role and that you’re not just there for the salary.
Ask about things like:
- Team structure
- Performance expectations
- The reason the role is available
- What success looks like in the first 6 months
Remember, interview preparation isn’t only about your answers. It’s about demonstrating genuine interest and treating the interview as a two‑way conversation.
4. Use the STAR technique.
When answering competency based questions (and there will be some), keep things structured. We recommend the STAR method:
- Situation – What was going on?
- Task – What needed to be done?
- Action – What did you do?
- Result – What happened as a result?
This approach keeps your answers relevant, focused, and easy to follow. This an essential part of smart interview preparation.
5. Don’t underestimate first impressions.
People make quick judgements, fair or not.
So make sure yours is a good one:
- Be on time
- Dress appropriately
- Be friendly and professional
- Show interest
- Stay positive, even when talking about past roles
No one wants to hire someone who bad mouths their last company or looks like they just rolled out of bed. Interview preparation also means thinking about the small details that can make or break that first impression.
In need of interview coaching or looking for your next role?
Effective interview preparation isn’t just about knowing your stuff. It’s about feeling confident, making a great impression, and showing you’re the right fit.
We work with candidates across FMCG, retail, and consumer sectors, helping them find roles that actually fit and supporting them through every step of the process.
Browse our live vacancies by clicking here, or contact the team for a confidential chat.