Salesforce Interview Tips - We've got you covered!

An interview can be nerve-wracking, no matter how many times you have been interviewed throughout your Salesforce career. 

Yet no matter what role or level you are applying for, every interview will follow similar principles and tactics that can help you secure your future Salesforce career.

Before the start of this decade, a majority of interviews were conducted face-to-face with only a handful online. But due to COVID and the rise in flexible and remote working many businesses have had to adapt their processes, and now online and phone interviews are a staple in the recruitment journey. 

However, how you prepare can vary depending on the business interview process and how it will be conducted. We’ll discuss the best Salesforce interview tips and actions you should take to ace your interview, how we can assist in your preparation, and help you land that dream Salesforce job from the first interview through to accepting your employment offer!

Interview Types

Today employers conduct interviews in more ways than ever before. You may have to participate in multiple stages and through different mediums, so it’s important to know the different ways an interview can be conducted.

Face-to-face: As more people return to the office there has been a huge increase in face-to-face interviews once again. This is a great way for both employer and candidate to understand each other and for the candidate to see the office's location. They’ll usually last for about 45 minutes to an hour and can lead to a second face-to-face or online interview with a task (if required).

Online: Now one of the most popular forms to conduct an interview, especially with a high number of Salesforce roles either a hybrid or remote model. Online interviews allow more candidates to be interviewed across the country. Again, these can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and can be in multiple stages.

Phone: Usually the first form of contact in conducting or booking an interview if successful, but some employers may conduct the full interview depending on the circumstances of the Salesforce candidate and/or employer.

How to prepare

It doesn't matter how many interviews you've had in your career or the experience and skills you have accumulated, if you do not prepare properly it can cost you the interview.

Of course, not every interview will be the same. You may be asked to produce a portfolio of work or complete a task to bring in and discuss. Some interviews can be more of a discussion about the company and your role, while others may be strictly question-and-answer. These areas are (of course) important to a successful interview, but they aren't the only important ones. 

So what steps do you need to take to prepare successfully?

1. Finding your next opportunity with us: This may be a bit upfront, but working with us, the leading Salesforce recruitment agency in the UK, is the first step to nailing your interview. We understand what it takes to assist in your preparation to nailing your interview. We will guide you through all the steps (including the others in this list) and ensure that are ready to take the next step. 
2. Research the company: Hiring managers are looking for employees who not only take an interest in the job but the business itself. We will give you an in-depth description and history of the company you are interviewing for and guide you to where to find out more. But don't just research its history or products; go further by looking into its culture and successes such as awards and announcements. By doing so, you will be able to better understand the company's values and what they expect from their employees. 
3. Read the job description thoroughly: We will give you a full rundown of the role and advise if we believe the position matches you. Make sure you review the job description to ensure that you understand the requirements and qualifications and be ready to explain how your skills and experience align with the position.
4. Prepare answers to common interview questions: If this isn't your first rodeo, then this is a step you have most likely taken many times when preparing. But maybe you need a refresher or have struggled in the past with this part, this is where we will help. Some employers may send over sample questions that can be asked in the interview which we will provide and run over. Practice answering questions with a friend or family member to improve your communication skills and build confidence. Our consultants can help with this too! And be ready to give examples of how you have demonstrated certain skills in the past. 
5. Don't rush: There is nothing worse than rushing in the morning, especially on the day of the interview. The night before, make sure you have everything prepared and ready to go. Rushing around in the morning can make you feel more anxious any you may forget something or feel unprepared. We'll also give you a call before the interview to make sure you're ready or have any last-minute questions.

How to Conduct Yourself

Now you’re prepared and ready to go, the next step is about understanding how to conduct yourself professionally during the interview.

• Look professional – even if you know the business is more relaxed, still go looking presentable. You may not need to go wearing a suit or pencil skirt but research the company to understand its culture and what is appropriate.
• Keep composure – When you’re nervous it’s hard to sit still and you end up messing with your hands or moving in your seat. Employers will pick up on this, so take deep breaths before the interview. This can help with regulating your nerves and reduce the amount you fidget. 
• Take off your coat/jacket – Even in the winter, take off your jacket before you sit down. Keeping it on will give the impression that you’re looking to leave or don’t want to be at the interview.
• Take your time to answer – The thought of fumbling over a question is enough to give anyone anxiety. But employers can understand this and are happy for you to offer the best answer in time rather than rush. Need the question repeated or worded differently? It’s okay to ask. Some employers are also happy for you to bring in notes regarding your potential answers. 
• Don’t badmouth previous employers – When the interviewers ask about previous employers and why you moved on, it’s best not to badmouth them during the interview even if you had bad experiences. Instead, discuss how their paths no longer aligned with yours, that you felt ready to progress, etc.

However, if you’re having an interview online or over the phone, you need to ensure that the environment you are in is suitable for the interview itself.

• Select a quiet location – At home is the most preferable especially if you have a home office. But if you are in a different location e.g., on holiday or in the city, plan where you will do the interview such as the hotel room or in a secluded location.
• Bring headphones – If you know that your location may have some background noise, wearing headphones will allow you to be clearer when answering questions.
• Still dress accordingly – For online interviews especially. Make sure you look presentable and not wearing loungewear. Just because you’re sitting behind a screen doesn’t mean you’re safe from looking smart.
• Turn your camera on – Not only does it look unprofessional it’s also rude to keep your camera off and it’ll dampen your chances of going any further.

Ways to Stand Out

Highlight your achievements - This could be regarding issues you resolved at your current or previous jobs, certificates and qualifications you've gained or personal goals you've hit in your career. Employers also like to hear about personal achievements that have helped you to get where you are today, so don't be afraid to 

Demonstrate your knowledge – For any Salesforce role you need to demonstrate your knowledge of the platform. You could bring in examples or a portfolio of work (if possible) as a visual aid, and go into as much detail as you can about any certifications or Trailheads you’ve completed.

Show enthusiasm - Going into an interview with little enthusiasm or optimism is obvious to the interviewer and will give the illusion that you’re not that interested in the job at all. Discuss why working for the business is a great opportunity, how this role will benefit your career, etc. 

Ask questions - At the end of the interview you’ll be asked if you have any questions. This is a great time to learn more about the company’s values, more able the people, and any ways to progress.

Follow-up

You've completed the interview, but that doesn't mean your job is done. Following up on your progress is a great way to show your appreciation and eagerness for the role and a great way to keep you in mind. So here are some helpful tips to follow up:

1. Send a thank-you email - After the interview, send a thank-you email to the hiring manager/interviewers, thanking them for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position. But if you’re unsure what to say, our Salesforce recruiters can assist!
2. Ask for a follow-up - If an employer has interviewed multiple people and been busy with the hiring process, they can sometimes neglect to inform of any updates or feedback on the interview. Send a follow-up email to ask about your progress. This will remind them to be in touch and let you know if there will be any future steps.
3. Stay in touch - If you do not get the job, stay in touch with the company. You don’t even have to do this just through email! LinkedIn is a great way to see what’s happening in the business and with the people behind it. You never know when another opportunity may arise.

Conclusion

In short, preparation is key.

Without the proper understanding of the business and the Salesforce position you’re applying for, then you are more likely to set yourself up for failure. With the help of our Salesforce recruiters, we can assist you in your preparation and ensure that you’re on the road to success. But even if you are unsuccessful, we’ll be with you every step of the way and guide you through future interviews.