Everyone preparing for a job interview needs to read this

Everyone preparing for a job interview needs to read this

Getting ready for a job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but these top tips will help you nail it

By Lydia Cerguera

Your application has been accepted. Your CV has been read. Now you’ve been invited to an interview for the job of your dreams.

How are you going to give the best possible account of yourself in just a half-hour conversation?  

This is the moment when anxiety sets in. How are you going to give the best possible account of yourself in just a half-hour conversation? How are you going to make a good impression?

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of tips for interview success. Read them, and you’ll be ready for anything.

1. Turn up early

Apart from car crashes, train strikes, a national declaration of war, broken bones (you get the picture!) there is absolutely no excuse for arriving late to an interview.

Plan your journey. Check your petrol levels. Listen to the traffic news. Make sure you have parking money. Memorise the bus/train timetable.

Basically, do whatever is necessary to get there early. And by early, we mean half an hour at the very least.

That way, you have time to find the interview room, go to the toilet, calm down, drink some water, and get mentally prepared for the challenge ahead.      

Everyone preparing for a job interview needs to read this2. Do your homework

Find out as much as possible about your prospective employer prior to the interview. That enables you to demonstrate a real understanding of the company, which is sure to impress.

Another tip is to get some background on your interviewer, so that you can establish a rapport with them and show that you’re willing to go the extra mile in securing the job.

3. Read the job description. Then read it again

It’s surprising how many times interviewers have to remind people of what’s included in a job role, even though they’ve applied for the vacancy.

Read all the information provided in the job spec before the interview, and be sure to refer to it in your answers. This shows that you’ve thought about your application and what you can bring to the role. It may also help you work out if the job’s exactly what you want.

Your task is to show the interviewer that you can take direction and grow with the business, not that you want to take it over (yet).  

4. Manners maketh the man (and woman)

Good manners don’t cost anything and help you make a strong impression when meeting people for the first time.

Shake the interviewer’s hand at the beginning and end of the interview, make eye contact, thank them for their time, and sit up properly in your seat.

You may find that the interviewer is busy taking notes for a lot of the interview, so don’t worry if you can’t maintain eye contact while answering their questions. But be sure to look at them, rather than turning your face away. Even with their head down, they’ll be able to sense your engagement.

5. Be confident, but not too confident

Feeling geared up and ready to take on the world? Great, but don’t muddle that with sounding arrogant about your experience and knowledge.

Answer questions with grace, despite the fact you may think you’re perfect for the role. Your task is to show the interviewer that you can take direction and grow with the business, not that you want to take it over (yet).

Everyone preparing for a job interview needs to read this6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before the big day

Most job adverts offer a chance to contact the employer before an interview to ask any questions. These may be about things such as working hours, the location, or the benefits package. Or maybe you just want to clarify some detail about the job spec.

It’s a good idea to get this sort of stuff out of the way prior to your interview. That will give you a clearer understanding of what’s on offer, as well as showing the interviewer that you’re taking the opportunity seriously.

7. Remember to whet your whistle

Bring a bottle of water to an interview, just in case the company doesn’t provide a drink. There’s nothing worse than tacky-mouth syndrome, especially when you’re trying to impress.

Keep the bottle in a discreet place and remember not to gulp back the entire contents within the first five minutes. It’s probably not a great idea to interrupt your interview with an emergency trip to the loo.

...no interviewer wants to see a candidate wearing a creased shirt with ketchup stains down the front.  

8. Turn your phone off, and put it away

You wouldn’t have your phone on at the cinema, so why would you keep it on during a potentially life-changing interview?

While it may be tempting to look like a powerhouse with your phone on the interview table, avoid this at all costs – it just shows the interviewer they are not worth your time.

9. Dress the part

It doesn’t matter if you’re going for a job at a fast-food chain or a high street bank, no interviewer wants to see a candidate wearing a creased shirt with ketchup stains down the front.

Smart clothes, a well-groomed but not fastidious appearance, and a nice clean aroma are just the ticket.

The interviewer needs to know you’ll take the role seriously. If you can’t leave the house looking smart, they’re unlikely to have confidence in your abilities.

10. Think about your answers. Don’t rush in

It can be tempting to leap in when the interview gets going, but most employers prefer candidates to take their time in answering questions. Better to give a thoughtful response after a brief pause than to jump in with something ill-considered.

Of course, if you think about potential questions before the interview, you may find you have some well-prepared answers up your sleeve. And that’s sure to make a good impression.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: 
Weird interview questions you might get asked
Surprising jobs celebs did before they were famous

 

Published: 20 August 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

New job
Purchasing Supervisor
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC24
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing, industry-leading organisation in Ipswich to recruit a Purchasing Supervisor.

Working collaboratively within a fast-paced, team-oriented purchasing function, you will take responsibility for taking the highly successful Purchasing Team to the next level of procurement. Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, the emphasis of the role is to work with existing team members to build key skills and to improve current processes. It will involve resolving daily issues, building and maintaining supplier relationships and helping to build the future purchasing team.

Duties include:

  • Primary responsibility for the daily management of specific team members.
  • Provide structured training and guidance to proactively encourage individual and team development, ensuring team succession planning.
  • Empower the team to take ownership of their roles/responsibilities.
  • Responsible for managing up and organising updates/meetings with the Team Manager.
  • Actively work with other supervisors and management to ensure a consistent approach within the department.
  • Resolution of daily issues—including data collation of issues.
  • Manage supplier relationships and performance.
  • Lead on supplier lead time reviews and relevant internal updates.
  • Present data on monthly spend and KPIs, and non-conformance tracking.
  • Lead on-demand planning, working with the external Sales Team and suppliers to provide forecasting.
  • Participate in pricing reviews.
  • Deliver guidance and training daily to the team.
  • Proactively work on team engagement through coaching, mentoring and regular 1-2-1s.

Key skills/qualifications required include:

  • CIPS level 4 achieved or prepared to undertake.
  • Leadership skills.
  • Ability to develop and maintain commercial awareness, internally and industry-wide.
  • A proactive approach with a “can-do” attitude and the ability to motivate others.
  • Analytical skills with strong problem-solving ability.
  • Proven negotiation skills.
  • Good understanding of supply chain procedures.
  • Proven advanced level of Computer literacy - Microsoft Excel/Word/Access.
  • Sound Administrative experience. Knowledge of ERP.

Hybrid working will be available after successful completion of the probationary period (min. of 3 days in the office, up to 2 days at home).

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Brand Coordinator
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC23
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-regarded business based in Braintree who are recruiting for a Brand Coordinator to add to their team.

As a Brand Coordinator, you will manage the entire process from product development to customer delivery, including:

  • Product development and follow-up in collaboration with customers, Sales and Business Development Managers, and your international colleagues
  • Daily contact with customers
  • Daily communication with colleagues across multiple production sites
  • Creating and maintaining master data
  • Inventory planning
  • Monitoring KPIs such as delivery times and coverage

Role requirements include:

  • Strong commercial skills
  • Proactive, action-oriented and self-motivated
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and maintain an overview
  • Service-minded and skilled at building and maintaining good relationships
  • Working systematically and structured
  • Desire to advance your career within the company and build long-term relationships with customers and colleagues
  • Have more than 2 years of experience in purchasing or as a purchasing assistant

Working hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Sales Office Coordinator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC22
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Sales Office Coordinator to join a well-established company based in Ipswich.

You’ll be working within a busy, fast-paced, team-oriented, customer-focused Sales Office. The main emphasis of the role is to manage customer expectations by organising the pricing of materials to meet project deadlines. Previous experience in processing quotes, sales, purchase orders, and invoices is preferred.

The ability to problem solve and seek solutions is essential, as is the ability to control workload with varying demands, whilst applying attention to detail with a diplomatic and proactive approach. You will possess previous experience within a similar role.

Duties include:

  • Preparing project quotations.
  • Processing sales and purchase orders.
  • Preparing/checking customers' invoices.
  • Data validation/attention to detail checking customer purchase orders/project information.
  • Proactively managing customer relations with both approved contractors, suppliers and external sales teams.
  • Managing inter-departmental communications relating to project quotes/orders/deliveries/invoicing.
  • Co-ordination of project pricing, deliveries and problem-solving customer queries.
  • Ability to adapt communication style/approach to manage a diverse range of tasks throughout the project process.

Key experience required includes:

  • Previous experience in high-level administration, with strong attention to detail and excellent customer service skills
  • Experience within a sales support function would be advantageous.
  • A proactive approach to workload, rather than reactive.

Hybrid working is available after successful completion of the probationary period — a minimum of 3 days in the office and up to 2 days working from home

Hours: Monday – Friday (9:00am - 5:00pm).

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Warehouse Team Leader
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £27,000 - £30,000 per annum
Location: Earls Colne
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC21
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing company based in Earls Colne with the recruitment of a Warehouse Team Leader.

Duties include:

  • Overseeing and coordinating daily warehousing activities, including receiving, storing, handling, shipping, and inventory management.
  • Getting stuck in and working with the team on a daily basis.
  • Implementing and enforcing safety guidelines and procedures to ensure a secure working environment.
  • Scheduling and assigning tasks to warehouse staff, ensuring efficient workflow.
  • Assisting in inventory control to optimise stock levels and minimise discrepancies.
  • Ensuring the team is equipped with proper safety attire for their protection.
  • Preparing and managing the smooth transfer of stock to and from stores.
  • Leading and motivating a team of 6 passionate warehouse associates.

Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm.
During peak seasons, you may be required to work a Saturday.

Role requirements include:

  • Previous experience in a warehousing role.
  • Excellent communication skills to effectively manage a team.
  • Be able to prioritise own and team’s workload and use own initiative.

Please note that due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Sales Manager
Sector: Sales
Location: South East
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913721
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing Sudbury-based business seeking a Sales Manager to join their long-standing team.

Due to continued growth, this newly created role will play a key part within the sales and marketing team — delivering exceptional service to new and existing customers while managing ongoing accounts.

You’ll act as the vital link between customers and the technical teams, ensuring every interaction reinforces the company’s reputation for excellence.

The sales team is expected to know their clients, and therefore, a minimum of 50% of your time will be spent in front of customers.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Prospect and build a pipeline of winnable projects.
  • Negotiate and close transactions.
  • Provide outstanding customer service to new and existing clients.
  • Build and nurture relationships to drive customer satisfaction, retention, and repeat business.
  • Understand customer needs and effectively communicate product information, features, and benefits.
  • Support customers throughout the sales cycle, from enquiry through to delivery and aftersales.
  • Manage time and priorities effectively to meet deadlines and maintain high service standards.

Skills and qualifications include:

  • Proven experience in prospecting new clients, preparing proposals, negotiating and closing disinfection sales in the water and wastewater industry.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills — confident, clear, and customer-focused.
  • Strong ability to build rapport, listen actively, and translate customer needs into practical solutions.
  • Solid understanding of the sales process and relationship management.
  • Skilled at explaining technical products in an approachable way (training provided).
  • Effective time management, organisation, and follow-through.

This is an excellent opportunity to grow and develop within a successful team and business.

If you are a hungry and driven salesperson - this role is for you!

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Production Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £27,500 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913734
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established business on the outskirts of Colchester in recruiting a Production Operative to join their existing team. This role also offers an excellent opportunity to progress into a Team Leader position.

Working within a busy manufacturing facility, you will be required to work with the wider team to ensure production and business targets are met, and that clients receive the required products on time.

You will come from a manufacturing or production background - used to handling large, heavy products, although candidates with no experience and a great attitude will be considered.

Working days - Monday to Friday on a shift basis (6.00am - 2.30pm and 1.30pm – 10.00pm). Overtime is available as per business needs.

This employer is committed to investing in and developing its people — for every machine you’re trained to operate and for which you meet the required standards, you’ll receive an increase in your salary.

Free parking is available on-site.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Marketing Engagement Executive
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC20
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and results-driven Marketing Engagement Executive to join an exciting company based in Ipswich.

Reporting to the Marketing Manager, you will be required to create and deliver across all aspects of the marketing mix and client engagement programmes. This role requires a self-motivated team player with a can-do attitude who works well in an extremely busy environment. You should be professional, articulate and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills combined with the confidence to deal with people at all levels, both internally and externally.

You must be able to demonstrate a strong record of achievement in successfully developing, improving, and implementing all forms of marketing engagement across multiple platforms, collateral materials and content-driven marketing.

Duties include:

  • Work with a full understanding of the importance of maintaining the corporate brand.
    Create and deliver marketing activities in accordance with the company marketing plan.
  • Deliver all forms of marketing engagement campaigns and events, measure effectiveness and propose improvements based on outcomes and associated metrics.
  • Plan and deliver physical and digital exhibitions, events, internally-focused training videos and externally-focused client knowledge tutorials, bring online the delivery of live-stream events.
  • Assist in the delivery of PR programmes to match the company's marketing focuses.
  • Work with creative agencies, designers, suppliers, and providers to maintain the corporate brand within their deliverables.
  • Work with the marketing team in the development of collateral and content for presentations, videos, and other multimedia activities.
  • Liaise with the external sales team and product development managers to ascertain appropriate messages, projects and products suitable for external and internal promotion.

Key experience required includes:

  • A minimum of three years' experience in a marketing role.
  • Proven experience in maintaining and delivering marketing and client engagement strategies to meet company objectives.
  • Advanced knowledge of platforms and applications such as E-mail campaign and automation software (MailChimp), CRM and CMS platforms, as well as creative applications such as Photoshop, PowerPoint, and video editing software.

Hybrid working is available after successful completion of the probationary period (min. of 3 days in the office, up to 2 days at home).
Hours: Monday to Friday (9:00am - 5:00pm).

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more