Interviewing still remains a top problematic and stressful aspect of job hunting for a majority of job seekers. While we have an understanding that practice makes perfect, it’s often difficult to determine which areas of the interview to practice for and how to go about it. As you prepare for your upcoming interview, keep in mind these interview tips from top recruiters in order to ensure success in your job search.
Make a positive first impression with everyone. The recruiter may be the person sitting across from you asking questions about your professional experience and educational background, but you can bet that he or she is also going to ask others in the office about their interaction with you. The receptionist that you were rude to when you first arrived? Guess what. That’s the first person our recruiter is going to talk to. The bottom line is this: no one wants to work with a jerk so be civil and friendly to everyone you come across because you never know who may be asked for their input on you. And by the way, this article shouldn’t be the first time you’re realising that you should treat all people with respect.
Don’t fake or force your enthusiasm. Interviewees want to make a good impression from the moment they walk in, but top recruiters are quick to pick out those who are insincere, trying too hard, or just plain faking their enthusiasm. You want to be personable by making eye contact, smiling, and allowing your unique personality to show, but overdoing it by laughing too hard at small jokes, being too quick to agree, or paying too many compliments is a major turn off for recruiters. Do your research and find something about the company you’re applying with that is of genuine interest to you so that you can make sincere statements when it comes to your interest in being employed there.
Take your time to respond. Obviously, you don’t want to take too long to respond to the questions your interviewer gives you, but pausing to contemplate your answer demonstrates your thoughtfulness. A pause ahead of a smart response is preferred by most recruiters than a quick canned response that doesn’t quite address the original question. If the silent pause makes you nervous, you can simply say that you need a few moments to consider the question. Do the same when the interviewers asks if you have any questions for him or her. Instead of asking a generic question or saying that you don’t have any, try to come up with a unique question that directly addresses or connects back to a topic that you two discussed earlier.
Have common sense manners. Recruiters are surprisingly shocked at how often interview candidates forget to use common sense manners during the interview. Turn off your mobile phone before walking into the building and never, under any circumstance, put it on the table in front of you, face down or otherwise. Always offer your hand for a handshake when introducing yourself. At the conclusion of the interview, smile and extend your hand again for another handshake. Use names whenever possible, but be sure to use the name offered during the introduction. If someone introduces themselves as a Christopher, don’t shorten it to Chris. If someone is a Miss Smith, refer to them as Miss Smith until they tell you otherwise.
Send a handwritten thank you note. Although some may consider this an old-fashioned tradition, most recruiters will still appreciate the gesture. Be sure to send your handwritten, personalised thank you note as soon as possible, but at the very latest, within 48 hours of your interview. The few recruiters who may think this an unnecessary deed won’t fault you for it so there’s really no reason to not do this, especially since the power of interpersonal connection and people skills is so highly valued in the workplace.
