INTERVIEW MISTAKES THAT YOU DON’T WANT TO MAKE

Meet our Transactional Temps and Interim Specialists

Why is it that so many people and businesses in Yorkshire trust and rely on Sharp Consultancy to support their temporary and interim financial recruitment strategies? Sharp Consultancy is Yorkshire’s largest, most experienced and best-connected independent company committed exclusively to financial recruitment. We’re the true specialists. Unlike so many other firms, financial recruitment is all we do - so we’re probably the most focused and knowledgeable company in the region. And in Yorkshire, no other specialist Temporary and Interim Finance Recruitment team enjoy as many years of combined finance sector experience. Therefore, both our Transactional Temps and Interim Specialists divisions are the most knowledgeable in the region. Karen PitchforthKaren Pitchforth has over two decades of recruitment experience, dedicating more than half of that to Sharp Consultancy and is pivotal to our Interim Specialist division. Dedicated to South Yorkshire businesses, Karen has a vast network of part-qualified, fully qualified, or qualified by experience interim finance specialists in the region.Karen's Company ProfileKaren's LinkedIn ProfileColin MolyneuxColin Molyneux’s career spans almost 25 years and now in his second stint with Sharp Consultancy has been a key component in our Interim Specialist division. His expert focus on sourcing and placing Qualified Interim professionals across West Yorkshire and has a concrete commitment: whether it’s days or hours, he’ll meet your deadlines. Colin's Company ProfileColin's LinkedIn ProfileStuart DouglassStuart Douglass has been an integral part of our Interim Specialist division since 2016, building on a career spanning over 25 years. He focuses exclusively on senior interim roles within West and North Yorkshire and covers Part Qualified, Qualified by Experience and Qualified requirements. His deep understanding of the finance market means he is a trusted advisor to many clients. Stuart's Company ProfileStuart's LinkedIn ProfileDeanna CrosbyDeanna Crosby has established herself as a leading Transactional Temps expert in South Yorkshire. She focuses predominantly on the Barnsley, Doncaster, and Rotherham areas supplying variety of Transactional Temps including, Finance/Accounts Assistants, Credit Controllers, Sales and Purchase Ledger Clerks and Payroll. Dee provides a rapid response to meet her clients’ needs. Deanna's Company Profile Deanna's LinkedIn ProfileLiam O'FlahertyLiam O'Flaherty has over 20 years of finance recruitment experience. Now in his fifth year with us, Liam specialises in Transactional Temp recruitment throughout West Yorkshire. His deep understanding of the local market, combined with his consultative approach, ensures that both clients and candidates receive unparalleled service and support. Liam's Company ProfileLiam's LinkedIn ProfileTom TurnerTom Turner is now in his sixth year in recruitment, and entering his 3rd year with Sharp Consultancy, where he has quickly established himself as the go-to transactional temp specialist in the Sheffield market. Covering all aspects of transactional finance, Tom is the person to find the right fit when it comes to temp Finance Assistants, Accounts Payable Clerks, Accounts Receivable staff and payrollers. With shrewd judgement, he makes precise recommendations.Tom's Company Profile Tom's LinkedIn ProfileSo, with circa 100 years of combined Transactional Temps and Interim Specialist recruitment experience, and more than a third of that within Sharp Consultancy itself, the real question is not why is it that so many people and businesses in Yorkshire trust and rely on Sharp Consultancy to support their temporary and interim financial recruitment strategies? But more why would you choose to go anywhere else? Our aim is to earn your trust by providing a superior experience. To discuss how Sharp Consultancy assist you and your business speak to one of these leading experts in their field on 0113 236 6300 or 0114 261 1700.

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A job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience and it can be all too easy to come out of the meeting and feel that you have blown your opportunity. There are some common interview mistakes which are easy to make, but thankfully, when you know what to look out for, straight-forward to avoid.

Here are our top five interview trip hazards and our suggestions for how not to fall foul of them:

1.Lack of preparation

The single biggest mistake you can make is a lack of preparation ahead of the big day. It is vital that you do plenty of research into both the job role and the company and there is a wealth of information that can be found by looking at websites, social media platforms and LinkedIn profiles of current employees. It is also essential that you fully familiarise yourself with your CV, understand how your knowledge and experience matches the key criteria outlined in the job role description and review answers to questions that you are most likely to face. And do not overlook some basic preparation steps; make sure that you know when and where your interview will take place, check your journey time if it is in person or ensure that you have the correct log in details and set up if it is to be held remotely.

2.Not being confident

It is important that you demonstrate confidence in your interview and convince your would-be employer that you are absolutely the right person for the role. Ensure that you come across in the right manner – you do not want to appear arrogant or that you believe the job is already in the bag. Communicate your confidence not only in the answers that you give but also through positive body language such as eye contact and appearing enthusiastic and engaged in the conversation.

3.Being dismissive of your current role or employer

It is understandable that you are looking for a new role because you are unhappy with at least some aspects of your current position whether that is lack of promotion or progression opportunities, a poor relationship with your line manager or desire of a better salary package. However, it is important that you take a positive approach and communicate your reasons for seeking a new role in a professional manner.

4.Not selling yourself strongly

It can be difficult to strike the right balance between demonstrating your suitability for the role and coming across as a bit of a know-it-all. One of the biggest failures is leaving the interviewer unsure about what your personal contribution is to a particular project or success – an easy way to rectify this is to make sure that you use the word ‘I’ rather than ‘we’. However, make sure that you clear on what part you did play and do not try to take credit for work that you had little or no involvement with – a small amount of careful probing from an astute interviewer could soon see you come unstuck!

5.Failing to make a lasting impression

It is important you stand out from the crowd (for the right reasons!) and when interviewers are faced with a decision between two of more candidates that demonstrate similar skills and experience, it can often be personality that will tip the balance in favour of one individual over another. Demonstrating that you are the right fit for a company’s culture and values as well as the team you would be joining is just as important as showing that you have the technical attributes needed for the role. Be sure to let your personality, as well as your experience, shine through.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today to discuss your recruitment needs with a member of our team.