Question:
How would you advise potential logistics recruits to apply for jobs and prepare for interviews in the industry?
Expert:
Nigel Moore
managing director, Logistics Recruitment Middle East and Africa
Answer:
Quite often the first few minutes of an interview can decide whether the employer believes you could be a potential candidate. After all, you don’t get a second chance to create a good first impression. Your performance at the interview stage remains the most important step in attaining your goal – this new position.
In terms of preparation, it is surprising that applicants often arrive at interviews without giving the first thought to what they are going to say. Preparation is the key step towards a successful interview.
Be certain as to the date, time and address of the interview. The confusion arising from a misunderstanding will not benefit your application. Find out the exact name, correct pronunciation and title of the interviewer. Choose your clothes carefully to create a positive first impression. Be certain all aspects of your grooming are checked.
Interviewers look for interested, proactive candidates. Therefore, investigate specific facts about the company; the type of products or services they offer; location of offices and plants; company history and future prospects.
A number of publications and services are helpful in supplying pertinent information. For example, you can start by searching the internet and looking at past issues of trade magazines, such as Logistics Middle East.
Be prepared to be fully questioned as to your past and present positions. You will be expected to discuss all aspects of these clearly and dispassionately and describe your achievements.
Remember the interviewer expects you to ask questions as well.
The quality or aptness of your inquiry will demonstrate your qualifications for the position and potential to grow within the company. Possible questions are: Why has the position become available? What training programme is available? Is there a job description? What are the company’s future plans? Will the company foster further studies? What is the potential for progression in the company?
Make sure your resume is presented in a professional manner, listing your complete work history. It is usually desirable to start with your current position and work back and be sure to describe your achievements accurately.
The interviewer is likely to ask a number of questions, such as: What interests you most about working for our company?
Where do you see yourself in your career five years from now? In order to progress would you be willing to relocate? What are your major achievements/strengths? What management style suits you best? What do you most enjoy from your work?
When was your last salary increase and how much? Do you prefer to work alone, in small groups or as a team member?
These are some basic points when being interviewed; don’t be late. No matter what the excuse, it will count against you.
Check the correct pronunciation of the interviewer’s surname prior to the interview and address him/her in a clear voice.
Shake hands firmly. Present an enthusiastic interested image.
Smile at the interviewer especially when he/she smiles at you.
Maintain eye contact at all times. It is disconcerting to try and catch a person’s eye when talking to them. If you are with two or more interviewers, then ensure you have regular eye contact with each. Body language – let your manner demonstrate your interest in the discussion. Don’t relax. Listen to the interviewer’s questions and answer the actual questions, drawing on relevant experiences. Be truthful. Don’t comment negatively on your past employers. It will beg the question as to what you will say about this company.
Keep your answers to the point. Overelaboration can lead you into straying off the point. Maintain a positive approach to the position at all times, show yourself to be interested and alert.
Don’t discuss remuneration at the initial interview. You can “sell” yourself by tackling the areas of need in the organisation and addressing those needs to your abilities. Be truthful and don’t exaggerate. Reference checking will uncover the truth and candidates caught out rarely regain a positive position with a prospective employer.
Listen to the interviewer – you will pick up valuable cues to direct the conversation towards your areas of strengths.
Where appropriate, you can make a comment that indicates you have taken the trouble to conduct some research.
Don’t be hesitant, if you are interested in the position – make this known in a positive sense. Always appear positive. Be sure to thank the interviewer for the time he/she has spent with you and re-state your interest in the role. Inquire as to the next step – a second interview. If you are offered the position and have decided it is for you – accept it immediately. Sometimes you may feel it necessary to think it over. If so, politely ask for a time with a definite date to reply.
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