ASK THE EXPERT – SHINE AT INTERVIEW USING THE STAR

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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Whilst preparing for an upcoming interview, I’ve seen the STAR technique being mentioned; what is this and how can I use it to my best advantage?

Many interviews will include an element of competency or behavioural based questions to enable a potential employer to understand how you perform in particular 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 through and detailed answer.

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

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 need 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.

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.

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

Good luck!

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.