It doesn't matter which sector of the grocery business you work in. Whether you are approaching the first rung of the ladder as a potential graduate entrant or are a seasoned veteran, there are only really three criteria that you have to satisfy in the eyes of the employer before you are selected for a new job.

The first is 'can do': in other words, do you have the right skills and competencies for the role on offer? This evidence is partly contained in your CV, using companies you have worked for, jobs you have done and your academic and professional qualifications.

In an interview, there will also be questions relating to specific competencies that will often begin along the lines of, "Can you tell me about a time when you (eg initiated major change/were able to persuade senior colleagues/ solved a problem creatively )".

The second is 'will do': simply put, do you have the right level of motivation to meet the demanding requirements of the role on offer? The evidence for this will also come from your CV and through key interview questions, exploring reasons for choosing certain career paths, promotions and increased responsibility, any outside interests, and self-investment in terms of professional qualifications and courses, for example.

Now, here's the point: most people who get to the interview stage score highly on these two criteria, otherwise they probably wouldn't be going for the job in the first place.

But what separates you from other candidates on the shortlist and ultimately gets you the job on offer is one other factor, which is called 'fit'.

What is 'fit'? Well, it's the first 30 seconds of meeting you, it happens in reception when you arrive for the interview, it happens when you shake hands with the interviewer and it happens when you speak. And it really does decide your fate.

It's good old human chemistry: "Do I like this person? Could I see them in the team/with clients/at the social event?" and it all happens rapidly and subconsciously.

If you do get rejections from interviews, try to understand where you fell down. Use 'can do', 'will do' ­and 'fit' to help determine any area where you may have underperformed.

Did you not communicate to the interviewer that you had the right skills for the job? Did you not demonstrate enthusiasm and motivation? Or was it a question of 'fit'?

Go through this quick self-examination after each interview and think about how you could upgrade your overall approach.

Glenn Steward is a professional business coach and director of The Trading Edge Co.

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