USING THE STAR TECHNIQUE TO SHINE AT INTERVIEW

Maximising Workforce Flexibility: The Strategic Advantage of Transactional Temps

Why would a business utilise Transactional Temps? In the ever-changing world of finance, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial. Transactional temps offer a strategic solution for companies looking to navigate the ebb and flow of business needs with precision. Covering absences is just the tip of the iceberg; these temporary professionals can seamlessly integrate into teams to maintain productivity, even in the face of unexpected leave or secondments. They are the unsung heroes in backlog clearance, adept at diving into accumulated work and emerging victorious, thus safeguarding a company's operational continuity. During the inevitable rush of busy periods, transactional temps are akin to a cavalry charge, reinforcing your ranks precisely when you need it the most. Whether it's the end-of-year financial wrap-up or a surge in month-end processes, their presence ensures that your business not only survives but thrives under pressure. Moreover, their specialist skills are a huge benefit, filling gaps in expertise without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire, allowing for a nimble response to project-specific demands or a sudden need for specialised knowledge. Above all, the flexibility transactional temps bring to the table is unparalleled. In an environment where market fluctuations are as certain as the sunrise, the ability to scale your workforce up or down without delay is invaluable. This adaptability can be the difference between seizing opportunities or watching them pass by. For the finance teams of many businesses, transactional temps are not just a temporary fix but a key component of a robust staffing strategy, enabling resilience and competitive advantage in a landscape that waits for no one. What are the benefits of using a Transactional Temp specialist: This is where the expertise of a Transactional Temp specialist becomes invaluable. Unforeseen circumstances often arise, necessitating immediate and effective staffing solutions. A specialist Transactional Temp Consultant, with a deep understanding of your business and its culture, can ensure a swift and successful temporary placement, mitigating the risks associated with urgent hiring needs. The true strength of a specialist lies in their proactive approach. By maintaining a talent pool of thoroughly vetted and verified candidates, a Transactional Temp Consultant can guarantee not only a rapid response but also the highest quality of candidates. This pre-emptive strategy is crucial in a field where time is of the essence and the cost of a bad hire can be significant. Moreover, a specialist's intimate knowledge of the market allows them to screen and decide which candidates won’t work, going beyond mere CVs to identify the truly desirable candidates. Their consultative nature means they don't just fill positions; they provide tailored solutions, and sometimes even alternative approaches, to your staffing challenges. In conclusion, the benefits of partnering with a specialist finance and accounting Transactional Temp Consultant are clear. They offer speed, quality, and insight that a generalist supplier simply cannot match. In the fast-paced financial sector, such specialisation is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. Is hiring a temp a Cost or a value? The decision to hire a Transactional Temp is often met with hesitation, primarily due to cost concerns. However, a closer examination reveals that the value they bring can far outweigh the expense. Consider the alternative: the hidden costs of not hiring a temp. Overburdened permanent staff may suffer increasing demands and decreasing productivity, which can lead to costly errors or staff turnover. A Transactional Temp offers a solution that is both flexible and controlled, allowing companies to manage their workforce in response to fluctuating demands. This agility is a significant advantage in the any sector where market conditions can change rapidly. By paying only for the hours needed, firms can maintain operational efficiency without the commitment of a permanent hire. Moreover, the 'Temp to Perm' approach serves as a strategic 'try before you buy' model. It mitigates the risk of a permanent hiring mistake, which can be expensive and disruptive. In essence, a Transactional Temp specialist is not just a temporary cost but a strategic investment in the company's adaptability and resilience. By understanding the full spectrum of benefits, financial firms can make informed decisions that support their long-term success. Are you looking to strengthen your team with top-tier finance and accountancy professionals? At Sharp Consultancy, we excel in connecting your business with exceptional talent for temporary, interim, or permanent roles. With our well-established offices in Leeds and Sheffield, our experienced consultants are dedicated to serving businesses across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't leave your recruitment needs to chance—contact us TODAY and let's find the perfect candidates to drive your business forward.

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Many interviews will include an element of competency or behavioural based questions to enable a potential employer to understand how you perform in different situations.

These types of questions are often more complex and can usually be identified by their opening – ‘tell me about a time…’, ‘give me an example of…’ or ‘describe a situation where….’ – and require a well thought out and detailed answer.

The key to success is understanding what the interviewer is looking for in your response and by using the STAR technique, candidates can prepare and deliver an impressive answer to the even the most difficult of questions.

What is the STAR technique?

STAR is an acronym that gives you a straightforward method of constructing your answer and stands for:

S Situation: start your answer by clearing describing the situation, including any relevant information

T Task: What needed to be done, highlighting the reasons behind what was required

A Action: What did you do? Clearly outline the steps you took and why.

R Result: What was the outcome and how did you achieve it.

Preparation is key

It is vital that you are able to talk your interviewer through a potentially detailed scenario without losing your train of thought or leaving out an important element of your answer.

It can be difficult to come up with suitable examples on the spot so as part of your interview preparation, make sure you spend some time identifying suitable examples that you can draw upon. Interviewers will look to include questions that focus upon working under pressure, dealing with difficult situations, managing conflict, persuading others of the right course of action so have a few possibilities up your sleeve that you feel you talk through confidently.

Answer with ‘I’ not ‘we’

The interviewer is considering you for the job, not your current or former colleagues, so remember to deliver your answers by focussing on the role that you played and use the first person in your responses. Also, ensure that you give due attention to the result of your actions, look to end on a positive note and if relevant, try to quantify the outcome e.g., exceeding targets, improving productivity or reducing spend by X%.

With thorough preparation and following these simple steps, you will be able to master these potentially tricky questions and deliver an impressive interview.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today for expert advice on your next career move.