This is your chance to get a bit creative and stick a real bit of you under the interviewer's nose. The covering letter allows you to go into more depth about why the position is good for you and what your present situation is. Obviously avoid becoming too gushy, too pleading or too desperate. Your covering letter will give your prospective employers their first glimpse of you by the paper you use, the pen you write with and the type of handwriting you have. Here are some tips on how to make your personality shine out of the envelope

1. If you are quality, buy quality.
   Splash out and buy yourself some Verge de France paper or something similar – you can always use it for thank you letters later. Whatever paper you use will be a reflection on you, so veer away from the flimsy or cheap!
   
   
2. The right way to write.
   Preferably keep it handwritten. If you need to type it for email, again convert in into a PDF so there are no software compatibility issues or loss of formatting. If you do email it, although email etiquette tends to be more relaxed than post, still keep it formal.
3. Don't glide off at an angle.
   Writing straight doesn't actually come naturally to anyone. Although you want to be natural, you still want to be understood. Use the old trick of putting lined paper underneath to keep you on the straight and narrow.
4. Black or blue ink.
   No magenta, cyan or glitter gel – they are best kept for Christmas cards. Make sure your pen runs smoothly, with no splodges – you don't want to be rewriting it too many times.
5. Write a draft.
   Rewrite it however many times it takes until you are happy with it. Follow this structure:
   
   • A brief personal introduction and position for which you are applying
   • Where and when you saw the advert or heard about the position
   • Why you are applying – describe what appeals to you about the job
   • Your personal attributes and preferred working, communication and management styles
   • Why you are interested in working for them (you may want to research such aspects as their successes, involvements, values or clients)
   • If necessary, explain any anomalies in your experiences, such as a gap or career change
   • Thank the employer for reading and indicate your availability for interview
6. Keep it clean.
   No coffee rings or folded bits.
    
   
7. Faithfully or sincerely? Madam or Madame?
   Unless you are going for a job in the red light district, it is always Madam. Don't be over-familiar; stick to traditional letter etiquette. When the recipient's name is not known to you, address them as: "Dear Sir or Madam" and sign off as "Yours faithfully". When the recipient's name is known to you, address them as: "Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms XXX" and sign off with "Yours sincerely". Find out the recipient's name if you can.
8. Keep it brief.
   Try to fit it all onto one page only – dissertations are off-putting.
9. Tailor to fit.
   Write a new covering letter for each application. It may get repetitive, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
10. Get someone else to read it.
    To check your grammar and give honest feedback.

OK, so you have successfully prepared your CV, covering letter and made your job application which has resulted in you being called forward for an interview with a recruitment consultant or the actual company – well done. Now the hard work starts in preparing for the interview. Preparation can be endless however, below are some key points for you to cover the important ground for an FMCG Sales or Marketing interview

INTERNET RESEARCH

1. First of all, pour yourself a drink.
   Now start to search the internet looking up information on the company.
   
   
2. Visit the company main website.
   Also, look for related recruitment websites which will provide excellent information on the company size, structure, financial performance, culture, products and markets, etc.
   
   
3. Make notes or print out relevant information. Concentrate on the information which you feel you should know or be able to use during the interview – you may be asked "Tell me Sue, what do you know about the world of Apple?"
   
   
4. Search any Company related blogs.
   You can obtain Customer or Employee views/comments on the company which could be useful knowledge during the interview.

CATEGORY/PRODUCT RESEARCH

Although internet research is certainly important, at SmithCarey we feel that getting out into Retail Stores to see, feel and maybe try the company's products is vitally important. We suggest you visit 2-3 Retailers and spend a good 30 minutes in each store collating information – don't forget paper, pen and your camera !

1. Spend time looking at the company's product categories.
   Look at their brands and products as well as the competition. Note what is going on with share of space (facings) out of stocks, promotions, new products, pricing and the competition.
   
   
2. Watch a few customers buy the products.
   Maybe politely ask them about their choice and usage.
   
   
3. Ask to speak to the Department Manager.
   Enquire if he/she would be willing to spare you a few minutes as you are going for an interview – normally people will give you a small amount of time so have 3-4 questions ready on the company and key products, etc. Ask if you can take a picture of the display!!
4. When back at home.
   Review all of the "store audit" information together with the internet information – this will help you develop a number of pre-interview values as follows:-
   
   • Build up a strong picture on the company and job function vacancy.
   • Develop your confidence to attend the interview and the ability to provide strong answers to anticipated questions.
   • Prepare 3-4 really well thought out questions to ask at the interview, based on the company and the products / challenges of the job which you have thought through as a result of the store audits. These questions will help you to impress the interviewer!!
5. If you have to make a presentation.
   Make sure you read and re-read the brief and work strictly to any time limits. Prepare your information and thoughts to meet the brief and practice the presentation on a laptop or hard copy to a friend or yourself using a mirror – this will help build your confidence. Make sure you take the presentation on a memory stick, laptop or hard copy as directed by the brief.

When you have finished, double-check that your presentation fully meets the requirements of the brief.

Finally, make sure you are totally prepared for your interview, ideally the day before! Go for it – and good luck from the SmithCarey team.

So, you really want the job and you're bursting with bravado as you send off your CV. Finally the interview letter lands on your mat and suddenly you don't feel quite so big. What do you do? Make a run for it? Convince yourself to go back to flipping burgers and stop being so ambitious? Of course not! This is your chance to shine. On the positive side, being nervous shows that you really want the job but obviously being too jittery can hinder your ability to sell yourself. Here are some tips on how to turn those annoying doubts into positive go-getting energy

1. Get a good night's sleep.
   No boozing, no pungent garlicky meals or curries. You don't want unwelcome odours oozing from your pores in the interview. Any early, light dinner, relax with a cup of cocoa and take a book to bed. It may sound obvious, but getting a proper kip is probably the best thing you can do to calm your nerves.
   
   
2. Eat.
   Nerves are worse on an empty stomach. You may not want to but always have breakfast or lunch before the interview. Obviously don't have a huge pig-out, as you don't want to feel bloated and sleepy during the meeting.
   
   
3. Relaxation exercises.
   Try closing your eyes and breathing through your nose to the count of five, breathe out through your mouth to the count of seven and repeat. Make sure you do this before the interview – not during.
   
   
4. To drink or not to drink.
   Basically, if you are offered any refreshments and think you are suddenly going to go into a spasm and throw the cup three foot into the air, then decline. If you think you will be able to hold it steady, then take a glass of water – you will need it after you've been talking for an hour or so.
   
   
5. Take deep breaths.
   While the interviewer is asking you a question, take the opportunity to take a deep, chest-expanding breathe so the tension does not build up, but try not to be too obvious about it.
   
   
6. Smile.
   Grinning like a village idiot will clearly not help your case, but an easy smile at appropriate moments during the interview helps to relax your muscles and create an air of being in control.
7. Shaky hands.
   This is a really common problem for many people and there is not an instant cure. The best thing to do is place one hand on top of the other and, as the interview goes on, you will ease up and it will not be an issue.
8. Avoid unnecessary fillers.
   Words like "umm", "like" and "you know" indicate dithering. Try rather to gather your thoughts before each response. Also, if you have one, lose the dreaded Antipodean inflection – it makes you sound like you are always asking a question and are not sure of your own answers.
9. Role-play.
   Try running through an imaginary interview with a willing (try buying them dinner) friend or partner beforehand, so you are prepared.
10. Body language.
    If you look relaxed, you will feel relaxed. Sit up straight, don't perch on the edge of the chair, don't give off negative vibes by crossing your legs, keep your hands on top of your lap and don't overdo it with the facial expressions.

Let's face it, most of us find job interviews about as appealing as having root canal treatment, but you can't let it show. Being cool, calm and collected is the order of the day. Just to add to the stress of it all, it is a generally held belief that within 60 seconds the interviewer will have already made up their mind about you, so this is a vital time to shine. Here are a few key pointers to help you seal the deal

1. Don't show up late or too early.
   Many job seekers don't realise that showing up too early for an interview can actually create a poor impression. It's a dead giveaway that you may have too much time on your hands. Always arrive on time, but never more than 30 minutes early.
   
   
2. Never treat the receptionist rudely.
   David Brent (from The Office) does, so it's definitely not a good idea. Often the receptionist's job is to usher you into your interview and they can pave the way positively or negatively. The interviewer may even solicit the receptionist's opinion of you after you've gone.
   
   
3. Deal with a slippery grip.
   Don't rub your damp mitts on your suit before shaking hands. If you suffer from sweaty palms, and the best of us do, wash your hands and dry them just before the interview.
   
   
4. Perfect your handshake.
   The limp hand, or dead fish, gives the impression of disinterest or weakness, while the arm pump implies a questionable sincerity – much like an overly aggressive salesman. Find a compromise – something firm, confident and not lingering.
   
   
5. What not to wear.
   Assuming Trinny and Susannah aren't on hand, a bit of careful research is necessary. Suits are not always the safest option anymore. It's best to find out what the company's dress code is before you go, either from a friend or by carrying out some reconnaissance work – in other words, lurk around their office at lunchtime to get some hints. Whatever they wear, go one step smarter – employers like to recruit people like them.
   
   
6. Remember the five golden greeting rules.
   Smile, maintain eye contact, offer out your hand as soon as they introduce themselves, shake hands firmly and wait to be invited before you sit down. Don't maintain eye contact for too long though – you don't want to unnerve anyone.
7. Don't overdue the chitchat.
   Most interviews start with some light chat to ease into the situation. Take part but don't ramble on for too long. If they ask how your journey was, don't give them a blow-by-blow account of the points failure at Clapham Junction. Don't moan about how you got there, you want to be as positive as possible.
8. Do the checklist.
   Before the interview, nip to the loo and check your teeth, nose, zips, buttons and make-up. Who wants to walk out of an interview only to discover something unmentionable attached to the end of their nose? Also, avoid a quick squirt of anything before you go in, as overpowering smells are a no-no.
9. Try to match the interviewer's communication style.
   Mirror the way the interviewer/s treats you. If they seem all business, don't attempt to loosen them up with a joke. Be succinct and businesslike. If asked a direct question, answer directly, then ask if more information is needed.
10. Finally, check your breath.
    You don't want the interviewer to know you've just had a cheese-and-onion sandwich for lunch.

The interview is coming to a close, the interviewer asks you if you have any questions and suddenly your mind goes blank. Interviews should be seen as a two-way street as it is as much a chance for them to find out about you as for you to find out about them. You need to know everything about the position to make a considered decision if you are offered the job. Always prepare by drawing up a list of key questions that you genuinely want to ask. If you are not interested in asking questions, they will think you are not interested in the job

1. Why has this vacancy come up?
   A perfectly reasonable question and one worth asking if you want to be sure that the last person isn't leaving because the job is as dull as ditchwater or is limited in terms of promotion. If they sidestep the question or appear defensive, that is a clue that all is not what it seems.
   
   
2. Will there be opportunities to gain further experience and qualifications?
   As long as you're not coming to the job with the attitude that you know it all, then ask this question. It shows that you want to get ahead and leads neatly on to the next question.
3. Is there much scope for promotion?
   A fairly obvious one, but always worth asking as it shows you are enthusiastic and plan to go far within the organisation. Remember, they're looking for the next Richard Branson, not a Homer Simpson.
4. Can you give me some information on the training and development investment I can expect?
   Very important for your future career development is to understand what formal and on the job training a company will provide to help you grow your skill set and performance capacity in the job – both parties win with training.
5. If my application were successful, where would you see me in five years' time?
   Crystal ball time. A good question because it forces the interviewer to picture you in the job. It also gives you an indication of how fast careers move at the company. You don't want to swap a fast-track career for one in the slow lane.
6. Where does the company see itself in five years' time?
   This shows you have a genuine interest in the future direction of the company and you're looking beyond the confines of your own role. It will also mark you out as someone with vision. Sir Alan would be proud of you.
7. What is the top priority for this role over the next year?
   Another question that involves the interviewer imagining you in the job. It shows you're concerned about the key objectives of your role and don't want to get bogged down in day-to-day routine.
8. What are some of the more difficult problems encountered in this role?
   This shows that you are already thinking ahead and want to hit the ground running and fully prepared. It shows you're realistic and don't expect life to be a bed of roses.
9. How do you think these problems could best be handled?
   A great question because it shows that you want to draw on the interviewer's experience at the same time as drawing up some contingency plans for your day-to-day role.
10. Do you have any reservations about my ability to do this job?
    Assuming you haven't arrived dressed as a Court jester, this is a perfectly reasonable question to ask. If they say no, you're already in a great position. If they say yes, then ask them to clarify so you'll get a chance to dispel their doubts.
11. When can I expect to hear from you?
    Always end on this one. This shows you're keen and also gives you a great reason to get in contact if they haven't contacted you by the date mentioned. Don't overdo it though – just contact them once, with one follow-up call. You don't want them to think you're stalking them.

1. What will my salary be?
   Sure, you don't want to work for peanuts, but you also don't want the interviewer to think money is your primary concern. Concentrate on getting a job offer first, then you will be in a good bargaining position. There will be time to sort out the financial side later.
2. What holiday entitlement will I get?
   Allowing the interviewer to imagine you hopping off on the first plane to Barbados a week into a new job is never a good idea. The interviewer will often mention holiday entitlement when they are summing up, so leave it for them to cover.
3. I have to drop the kids off at school; is it OK to start at 9:30?
   So, you've got kids, no problem, but showing that they are dominating your thoughts will not look good. Your next employer wants your mind to be on the job, not whether you'll get the kids home in time for Teletubbies.
4. How long do most people take for lunch?
   Another no-no. This shows you are calculating how much time you can spend out of the office each day. The hiring manager wants you to be interested in the nature of the job, not the restaurants on the high street.
5. Will I have my own office?
   Hardly a team player – you need to come over as a sociable person who is keen to make friends and communicate with your colleagues. Asking if you can shut yourself away will not do.
6. Does everyone go for a drink after work?
   Keep alcohol out of it. Slackers who are off to the pub every day at the earliest opportunity are never popular. They want a sociable person, but let your bright personality show rather than your penchant for a pint.
7. How quickly could I become Chief Exec?
   Although they are looking for an ambitious person, they don't want a megalomaniac. Show them you are ambitious but not overly so.
8. How soon will I have staff that I can delegate to?
   Although on one level a question like this displays ambition, it also may give the impression that you want to delegate all your work to junior members of staff. Ask about reporting lines but never purely for delegation purposes.
9. What are the stress levels like?
   If the hiring manager has seen other employees buckle under stress, they should ask you now you handle stress. Anyway, level of stress is a subjective measure. You'd be better of asking a prospective co-worker this question.
10. Does this company monitor internet usage?
    This question casts doubt on your commitment to working on company business. It sounds like you're more concerned with your latest Facebook friend request than with hitting this month's targets. Besides, most of us can live with some restrictions on internet use.

Don't worry, you're not about to be wired-up to a computer and covered in electrodes. Psychometric tests may be a little scary but they needn't be – and if you are the right person for the job they will just reinforce that fact. Broadly speaking they fall into four categories: ability tests, aptitude tests, personality tests and motivation questionnaires. So here are some hints to keep you abreast of the tests

1. Find out what sort of test it is?
   You should be told that you'll be required to take a test, so don't be afraid to be nosey. Does it relate to ability, aptitude or personality? Is it verbal, written or on the internet? What is the name of the test and does the producer have a guide you can look at?
2. Undertake practice tests.
   I'm sure you've got better things to do, but using the internet to find out more about the test you'll be taking is a smart move. Go to the test producer's website or type the name of the test into a search engine. You should find some sample tests you can practice on.
3. Use a calculator.
   If it's a numeracy test, it's perfectly acceptable to use a calculator. It's not cheating, it's just common sense if you have limited time – and it looks better than reciting your seven-times-table aloud.
4. Keep calm and don't skim read.
   Don't panic because you've just had a flashback to your school exams. Sit down, keep your cool and follow all the instructions. Read thoroughly. If you skim read, you may misunderstand the way in which the test is set and end up answering questions incorrectly.
5. Don't spend too long on any one question.
   If you are unsure of a certain question, don't get flustered. If necessary leave it and go back to it later. If you finish early, return to any unanswered questions. If you still don't have a clue, guess. You might get lucky.

Assessment centres are another tool increasingly favoured by employers. You will usually take part in exercises such as role-play, team projects and group discussions while assessors observe the way you tackle the tasks.

1. Don't take over.
   So you're on your hands and knees with a bunch of people you've never met before, building the Taj Mahal out of matchsticks. Don't be over-officious or too bossy. No one likes a bully and that is how you'll come across. Be assertive and wait to see if the team appoints you as its boss.
2. Don't be too quiet and reserved.
   Making like a wallflower and blending into the shadows won't get you through. The assessors are keen to take down lots of revealing notes about your performance, so make sure you speak up and make a contribution.
3. Don't act a part.
   Pretending you are something you are not won't fool anyone. These tests can take anything from several hours to several days, so trying to make out that you're the next Bill Gates, when you're clearly not, simply won't work.
4. Don't argue with your team-mates.
   We've all seen Gordon Ramsay blow his top, but you can't. Try to discuss any issues calmly – it's easy to start getting frustrated if you find yourself clashing with another team member. Stay cool-headed and be diplomatic and professional.
5. Summarise events and keep the team focused.
   List what has been achieved so far and highlight the tasks remaining. This helps to keep the team focused on what remains to be done and it will earn you endless brownie points from the assessors. It shows you have the final objective in mind.

It's been going pretty well until the interviewer looks you squarely in the eye and says: "Tell me a story." Beads of sweat suddenly appear on your forehead and your collar starts to feel too tight. The easiest way to avoid the interview descending into a farce is to be prepared. Tough questions will always come up, so you need to have a strategy to deal with them. To help you, here are some tips on how to claw your way back from the brink

1. If they do ask you to tell them a story,
   they probably don't want Goldilocks and The Three Bears. Have something in your mind that is work-related or an interesting anecdote about your personal life.
    
   
2. Job hoppers.
   If you haven't stayed in a job long enough to get your seat warm, the interviewer will be concerned. "I had to change jobs to gain a fresh challenge" is a good response. Go on to say "I'm looking to settle in a company dynamic enough to keep me challenged."
    
   
3. Describe a difficult situation that you could have handled better.
   Criticising yourself is never going to be easy. The trick here is to use an example from a few years ago where the way you acted was forced upon you, such as "I had to change the deadline because our budget had been cut". Everyone makes mistakes – the important thing is to emphasise what you learnt from it.
    
   
4. What is your present boss's greatest weakness?
   Even if you work for a total Basil Fawlty, saying "far too many to mention" doesn't look good. Go for something like "They are good at their job; I'd be splitting hairs if I criticised them. "Being negative doesn't look great – the person you're talking to may be your next boss.
    
   
5. Sell me this paperclip!
   A total bolt out of the blue and the sort of question that some interviewers use to put you on the spot. Avoid describing the product – just stick to its benefits: "It's strong and lightweight." Maybe even throw a joke at the end: "There's a discount if you take 10,000!"
    
   
6. I think you're overqualified for this job.
   Oh dear, looks like those four Masters degrees weren't a good idea after all. Basically, they're worried you'll get bored and leave. If you do really want the position despite being overqualified, say something along the lines that you're sure a dynamic company like this will be able to keep you challenged and interested.
    
   
7. Why haven't you found a job yet?
   Avoid telling them you've spent all summer on the beach. Try saying: "It's important that I accept a job in a company that's right for me and where I can make a contribution." Let them know if you have turned down unsuitable offers.
    
   
8. What do you dislike most at work?
   Of course you live for work, but they don't know that yet. Avoid anything specific. Turn it into a positive and say "I dislike not having enough to do or not being challenged."
    
   
9. What motivates you?
   Your interviewer is not looking for an answer along the lines of "£100,000 per year and a Bentley Turbo!" Try to give a constructive answer, such as "I get a real kick out of completing a project" or "I get satisfaction at each stage of the project, knowing I will have made a contribution to the end result".
10. Draw up a list of tough questions.
    List the scariest questions you can imagine – or ones you or friends/colleagues have been asked. Jot down suitable answers and memorise them, so that you'll be prepared.