A Q&A with Felicity Ambler, Head of the Temporary and Contract Division

Felicity Ambler has been part of VWA since 2018, and she now heads up the Temporary and Contract Division. Earlier this week, she caught up with Miriam Templeman, one of VWA’s Associates, (in the currently very sunny Green Park) to discuss her career journey so far, and share advice for candidates looking to develop their own.

What was your journey to becoming a Consultant? How did you get here?

Completely by accident! I graduated from uni and was exploring several different graduate routes. I didn’t have a specific calling at the time, so I was open to considering a range of options. I was recommended VWA as a place to temp to figure out what sort of office environment might suit me. I registered with VWA and a couple of competitors, and VWA really stood out for their thoughtful questions and genuine human approach. When a previous MD suggested I apply to a Management Consultancy that he didn’t even work with (but knew someone at), I realised they really genuinely do care about your career and what you want to do. A few weeks later, when the opportunity came up to interview for an internal job, I thought, why not? And here I am, seven and a half years later!

How did you prepare for your interview?

Oooh, that’s going back into the archives! I remember looking online at possible interview questions, as well as competency or situational questions, so I could prep for both. I already knew of the STAR* technique from previous interviews, so I did some prep for particular questions but then tried to ‘unlearn’ them, so that I could learn the technique but didn’t come across robotic or ‘too prepped’. I researched the company, too! I had had a few interviews but didn’t have a lot of life experience, so I researched how to present myself, and prepared some questions to ask the interviewer.

As a Consultant now, what do you look out for from candidates hoping to work with us?

From an interview perspective, I look for someone who comes across naturally. Smiling, conversing, and making conversation are all important things. For me, the most important thing is someone who is self-aware – someone who can genuinely give a weakness when asked for one (and not just say they are a perfectionist!), and what they learnt from it. Someone who doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics, such as a potentially awkward reason for leaving a job. There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as it’s explained properly and professionally – don’t cover it up! Finally, lots of people don’t treat recruiter interviews as job interviews – if you can already show that you can present yourself well, it puts us at ease with your interview technique and how you will come across with a client.

What do you look out for from CVs?

The most important thing is consistency! Layout, full stops on bullet points, tenses, dates – these all need to be consistent. A key thing is to make sure you update your whole CV, not just add your latest role. A big bonus is quantifying things – not for every bullet point, but giving a sense of scale where you can is a big plus. Try and SHOW your key skills under a job, instead of just listing them. And finally, do not write in third person ever. EVER.

What is the biggest piece of advice you give candidates ahead of the interview?

Prep questions to ask, but aim not to save them to the end – try and pepper them throughout the interview. It’s fine if you have used up all your questions by the end! After your round one interview, call your Consultant immediately! It means we can show that you are keen and give our client some instant feedback – it highlights your engagement. After that, write down what you discussed in the interview. Everyone always forgets as soon as they leave the room, but if you are lucky enough to get to round two, being able to reference or remember your discussions in round one will make a huge difference.

What do you think are the biggest interview dos and don’ts?

• Do look immaculate. Invest in a lint roller.
• Do turn up on time, but don’t turn up too early. Five or ten minutes before is fine. Fifteen, tops. Do make sure you’re in the area early though, in case of any transport issues.
• Do stand up when someone walks in the room and shake their hand.
• Do smile. BIG ONE!
• Do make eye contact.
• Don’t be negative about your previous company, but do address your reason for leaving honestly and in a professional manner.
• Don’t swear. Never swear.
• Do offer to put your mug or glass away at the end.

What is the dress code for a corporate job interview?

I would always recommend wearing a blazer. Make sure everything is ironed, that it fits well, and that you feel comfortable in it. But definitely wear a blazer.

What should you put on your CV if you have had a break from work due to personal circumstances?

Add it in, but use top level, professional language. No need to go into detail, but do add it in. Equally add in if something is temp or contract.

What is a Consultant’s role in supporting a candidate throughout the application process?

Our role is to provide support to the candidate as an independent advisory. Ask your Consultants questions – use them! We know our clients very well, so can answer all your questions, from dress code to interview style. We are a knowledgeable extra pair of hands! We are here to get the best out of you.

What is one thing that would surprise candidates about the interview process?

According to Albert Mehrabian’s study, 55% of how we are seen is through body language. Vocal tone contributes 38% and the actual words spoken a mere 7%. Crazy!

Thank you! And finally, what is one thing you wish you could say to candidates in an interview?

Smile. Genuinely. SMILE!

*STAR Technique – STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It's a valuable framework for answering competency-based interview questions clearly and confidently. To learn more about how this approach can enhance your interview performance, read VWA’s full guide here: