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SELLING YOURSELF
Page 64
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You may be the ideal person for the job. But you need to convince your interviewer. Tim Maughan asked recruitment specialist Manpower for some advice.
Whatever stage you've reached in your career, finding a new job is never easy. Whether it's your first, or you are trying to develop your skills and salary, selling yourself in the marketplace is challenging. Choosing the right job, preparing for an interview, what to say or what not to say these things deserve careful consideration if you are to do yourself justice.
We consulted recruitment specialist Manpower for advice on some key points often neglected when trying for a position within the transport industry:
1. Remove expired endorsements
If your role will require you to be driving a vehicle, be upfront with regards to the number of endorsements you have on your licence.A driver's licence can be endorsed with a penalty ranging from three to 11 points.
Investigate whether enough time has lapsed for you to have points removed from your licence as this will stand you in good stead for the interview and improve your chances for the role. Removing your expired endorsements will require the completion of driving licence application form DI, and for you to send your current driving licence, together with the appropriate fee, to the DVLA.Visit www.dvla.gov.uk for more inforntation.Allow enough time before your interview to do this as your new licence may take some time to come through.
2. Brush up customer service skills
Truck operators are increasingly aware that employees, and especially drivers, with good customer service skills are vital as they are usually the only point of contact with the client upon delivery of goods. Bad manners and poor communication skills can potentially damage relationships with clients, especially if the client is difficult to deal with.
Before your interview, consider a few examples in your previous jobs of how you dealt with a situation so that, if asked, you are prepared to help demonstrate your customer service and communication abilities.
3. Appearance
Whether you are a driver or a transport manager looking for a new role, your appearance at the interview can have a real effect on the impression you are giving to your potential employer.First impressions last and are often made within 30 seconds of meeting.
Dress appropriately. If you are a driver, there is no need to turn up in a suit but something smart casual or a driver uniform is recommended.
If you wear scruffy jeans and trainers, don't expect your interviewer to take you seriously or trust you to meet their important clients.
Your appearance extends to the documents you are bringing with you to your interview. If you have a licence that has been through the wash or have a crumpled CV, this could be held against you.This could concern the interviewer in terms of how you would handle important client documentation.0 • For more tips visit www.manpower.co.uk