# 64 - Paul Clayton-Lea - How to Prepare for a Corporate Job Interview

Full Video: https://youtu.be/aS5t4r0QxZ0

Paul Clayton-Lea is a Director at Le Meas Executive Search, specialising in aircraft leasing recruitment.

What makes someone stand out in a job interview—and how do you build the confidence, communication skills, and relationships that move your career forward?

Paul Clayton Lea joins me on The James Hempton Show to share lessons from eight years in recruitment, specialising in placing qualified accountants within the aircraft leasing sector. We explore what employers look for beyond qualifications, why the questions you ask can set you apart, and how to communicate your value without pretending to be someone you’re not.

Paul breaks down his approach to interview preparation: knowing your CV inside out, understanding a company’s values, researching the people interviewing you, and preparing thoughtful questions for each person on the panel. We discuss body language, eye contact, tonality, and why an interview is also your opportunity to decide whether a business is right for you.

Behind that practical advice is a personal story of responsibility, entrepreneurship, and persistence. Paul became a father just two weeks before his Leaving Cert, later left university, and built two businesses before finding his way into recruitment. He opens up about the difficult early years, questioning whether to continue, and developing the skills that eventually helped him find his feet.

We also explore the connection between identity and competence, the strengths of introverts and extroverts, and how genuine curiosity about other people creates opportunities. Paul shares his experience of daily meditation, written goals, and the practices he uses to bring greater calm and direction to his life.

Along the way, we step inside aircraft leasing—from how the business model works to Tony Ryan’s role in pioneering its development through Guinness Peat Aviation, and why Ireland became such an important centre for the industry.

In this episode: • What separates a good candidate from an exceptional one. • How to prepare for interviews with confidence and purpose. • Why tailored questions leave a stronger impression. • Building a professional network through LinkedIn and real conversations. • Finding work that combines your strengths with what you enjoy. • Learning from rejection and persisting when progress feels slow. • The importance of kindness—you never know where someone’s journey will take them.

Whether you’re preparing for your next interview, changing direction, or building a business, this conversation offers practical lessons in backing yourself, connecting with people, and earning confidence through experience.

Connect with Paul Clayton Lea on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulc9/

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