Interview questions come in all shapes and sizes and are asked for very different reasons. So what questions should you expect in your next interview and how can you answer them effectively?

The classics. These questions are wide ranging, and often simply involve the interviewer wanting to find out more about you.

Career Goal questions. These questions relate your future career plans and how you see yourself developing, as interviewers try to establish if you’re a good fit for their company.

What about your character? Character led questions reveal what you’re capable of achieving and give employers a real indication of your drives.

Are you competent? Competency questions indicate your ability to complete a job well and will often require you to give examples to show what you’re capable of.

The curveball. Questions such as “If you were an animal, which one would you be?”  do still exist. They’re designed to see how you can think on your feet, so make sure you take your opportunity to stand out from the crowd!

For more information about our current vacancies, or to find out how FS1 can support your business, contact us on 01908 787 560 or hello@fs1recruitment.com.

It’s nearly here! The most wonderful time of the year! But are you ready? Planning your marketing strategy for Christmas is not just beneficial—it’s essential. The holiday season is a competitive time, and only those with well-thought-out plans will stand out. So how can you go about planning your marketing strategy for Christmas?

Understand the market. During the Christmas season, consumer behaviour shifts significantly. Consumers are more inclined to make larger purchases and often look for gifts for loved ones. Understanding these trends is crucial. Key demographics such as families, young professionals, and retirees each have distinct purchasing patterns.

Have you done your research? Effective market research is the backbone of a successful strategy. Utilise tools like Google Trends and social media analytics to gather data on what your target audience is searching for.

What’s your message? Choosing a festive theme that resonates with your brand is the foundation of your marketing message. Decide whether your tone will be joyful, nostalgic, or humorous, and make sure it’s consistent across all your communications.

Storytelling is a powerful tool in Christmas marketing. Create narratives that engage customers emotionally. For instance, the John Lewis Christmas advert has become an annual event, known for its heartwarming stories. Look at successful campaigns and think about how you can tell a story that aligns with your brand and captivates your audience.

Don’t forget the discounts! Offering special discounts and deals can drive significant sales during the festive season. Consider various types of promotions such as percentage off, buy-one-get-one-free, or limited-time offers. Plan the timing and duration carefully to maximise impact.

Get those good reviews! Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews. Showcase positive testimonials in your marketing materials to build trust and influence potential customers. Positive feedback can significantly enhance your brand’s credibility.

For more information about our latest marketing vacancies, or to find out how FS1 can support your business, contact us on 01908 787 560 or hello@fs1recruitment.com.

Nostalgia is a great emotion to invoke when you want to connect with your audience. We all have fond childhood memories of different brands and organisations, and thinking about how to capture the best of your glory years is a great way to give your brand a boost today. Here’s how.

Get to your core values. When looking at branding and style, starting with your history and ultimately your values as an organisation goes a long way. Start with what inspired you in the first place.

Revisit the best of the past. Consider what made good design great and recapture those design principles to bring the past back to life.

What sort of era encapsulates your brand identity? It may be you don’t need to go to far back in the past to find the design era that really hits home for your organisation. Make sure whatever you do remains true to you.

But be warned! A re-brand and re-design is always a risk – particularly if you’re working with an iconic and well loved brand and logo. Do your research and make sure your work is in tune with your customers.

For more information about our latest marketing and brand vacancies, or to find out how FS1 can support your business, contact us on 01908 787 560 or hello@fs1recruitment.com.