How To Nail The Interview: Tips From A Recruiter.

Here at The Talent Mill you would have seen us touch on prepping for interviews once or twice (or ten times) This topic is a worthy discussion and it’s always a nice little refresher for those active in the Job market - if that’s you, keep reading!

Prepping even on the little things can make you feel less nervous going into an interview and can make all of the difference as to whether a candidate progresses to next steps.

Having someone there to support you is a great perk and when you partner with a recruiter, we assist in making the interview process smoother for you. Together we navigate many things throughout, but ultimately you are the one sitting in the interview, so you need to make sure you are as prepared as you can be! 

I've spent many years interviewing retail candidates - coming from a senior leadership role within retail and now as a recruitment partner - I have honestly seen it all! (Even the most skilled candidates not proceeding to the next stage of the interview process, simply because they haven’t taken the time to prep for their interview)

So with all that being said, here are some top tips to help you nail your interview and not be nervous.

1. Research! 📖

When interviewing for a Fashion Brand, It helps if you have visited a store prior to your interview - this shows effort and interest. Doing this can help give you some talking points on product, environment and make you feel more confident.

Look at the company's website and social platform to get an understanding of their values, who the customer is and background of the company.

2. Plan your outfit - first impression, make it count. 

Groomed hair, neat nails, clean dress. Dress according to the brand you are applying for. Think about what the store team are wearing? Do you own something of that brand that you could wear? When all else fails better to not wear logos (unless it's the brand you are interviewing for!) and 'Dress for the role you want.’

3. You can never be too early. 

Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes before your interview. Do you know how you will get there? Where will you park? There's nothing worse than being flustered. Same prep goes with virtual interviews - check your device and that the link is working. You want an area that is noise-free and a background free from clutter - somewhere you can give your undevoted attention. 

4. Half of our communication is non-verbal. 😃

Use confident open body language. Shake hands on first meeting and make eye contact. Put your phone away. This eliminates any distractions.

In virtual interviews you still want to create a warmth and a connection even though you're not there in person. 

Maintain eye contact, eliminate all distracts, active listen and ask questions. 

5. Know your Resume. 📜
This will help you stay specific. You are then able to answer any questions about your resume that may pop up with confidence. Make sure your resume has a clear timeline of your work history with months & years worked listed. That way if there are any gaps, they are easily seen and you can talk to them. 

Candidates time with each interviewer is limited, so be mindful of rambling. Things like key achievements in your role, portfolio sales turnover, team sizes you have led, if you have opened stores and what relationships you played with key departments are always a good thing to touch on.

6. As much as a company is interviewing you, you are interviewing them!
Prep questions, this shows your continued interest both in the brand and the person you could be working for!

7. Be Authentic! ❤️
It's important to not answer how you think the hiring manager wants you to answer - if you come across as too scripted, then people may not think they are getting the authentic you. Link your answers back to experiences you have encountered.
Better to be specific in how you grew a business or impacted change rather than speaking generalized.

Hope this helps & Happy interviewing! 💕

If you’d like to connect with Sharna to take the next step in your career, or you are a client wanting to connect, email sharnav@thetalentmill.com.au today.

By Sharna Vantarakis // Edited By Shannon Parsons