Summer is upon us and I know that there are many graduates fighting to the bone to get interviews for their dream jobs. Whether you’re applying to become a bio chemical engineer, a nurse or even a teacher, the following tips will surely get you on the right track to winning over the recruiters. We've even got a special insider from an expert recruiter.
Tip 1: Do your research
It’s crucial that whatever job you apply for, you must do some research on the company/firm/institution/organization. It’s almost guaranteed that they will ask you whether or not you know about where you want to work.
My top 5 things to research about the company are:
- When the company started
- What they stand for
- The growth potential
- Some stats compared to other companies
- Any major changes within the company in the past 3-5 years
I know that it seems like you’re doing a research essay, but trust me, this will certainly gain you some brownie points when the question comes up. If it doesn’t, make sure you put this information in some of your answers as it will let them know how serious you are about working for them.
Tip 2: Prep for it
Seriously, make cue cards or jot down some questions on a sheet and ask a friend, colleague or significant other to question you. This will ensure that you have an answer ready whenever a question is asked. You will also be able to determine how many times you say “um”, “like” and “yeah”. (PS: “Yeah” is not an answer.)
Here are some questions/topic I always prep for:
- Tell me about yourself
- Name 3 qualities and 3 faults about yourself
- Why did you leave your last employment
- If you were any animal, what would you be and why? (Trust me, I’ve gotten this before.)
- What’s your 5 year plan? (Similar to: Where do you see yourself in life?)
- Tell me about a professional accomplishment
- Tell me about a time you had a conflict/problem at work and what you did to fix it
- Tell me what you know about the company
- How do you normally organize your priorities?
This seems like a lot, but I always want to be prepared and have an answer for any of these questions. I find that prepping for my interview gives me more confidence in my answers and keeps me a bit ahead of the game.
Tip 3: Dress it up
Dress appropriately. Leave the sweatpants, Lululemon, short shorts, mini-skirts and cleavage at home. Ensure that you are wearing something nice, comfortable and business professional. This is the absolute first thing anyone will see. (posture and body language definitely comes to a close second.) I’m not saying that if you are applying to the new position as a school janitor to show up in a suit and tie. For that I’d probably select dark jeans and a button up shirt. (Not too much, but just enough to make an impression) For a corporate job, my go-to outfit is a knee-length black dress, a coloured cardigan and some pearls. I also tend to stick with flat shoes to be more comfortable. (I’ve heard that flats can trigger people’s minds to instinctively think you’re flexible and reliable, ready for any obstacle – I also can barely walk in heels, so it works out)
Secondly, hygiene is very important. Shower before, brush your hair and teeth and don’t put too much perfume/cologne (some people are allergic) Oh! Don’t forget deodorant!
Tip 4: Ask questions
9 out of 10 times, recruiters will ask “Do you have any questions for us?” Please, for the love of whomever, prepare at least one! It doesn’t have to be a complex, but it shows that you, as a potential employee, have initiative and aren’t afraid to show it.
Here are some great questions to ask a recruiter:
- In your opinion, what makes this team or company strive?
- What impact have the recent changes had on the company?
- What are the phases for growth potential?
Expert Recruiter Insider
We've asked a few questions to expert recruiter Daniel to get the inside scoop for us. So here it is!
Q: Is there a general process for an interview?
A: There are different types of interviews. Nowadays, the most common kind is Behavioral based interviews. Behavioral type of questions force candidates to stay honest as they are asked to share professional experiences. As an interviewer, one must probe accordingly to determine how candidate's past behaviors may influence future behaviors.
Q: What is your favorite question to ask in an interview?
A: One of my favorite questions is "there's always room for improvement, what are some of your own current skills you have challenges with and what are you doing to improve?". I believe this question allows an interviewer to find out many important things about a candidate such as overconfidence.
Q:If you could describe your perfect candidate, during the interview they would be…
A:I don't expect perfection on a candidate. I think a good interviewer should get rid of any biases while interviewing. Having expectations before the interview can distract you from identifying the important competencies you need them to have. Ideally though, a good candidate will show interest in the company as well as express how the company will benefit from them and not how the company may help them.
Q: What is the most memorable question you’ve been asked by a potential employee?
A: I've interviewed many smart and talented candidates in the past. Perhaps a good question that comes to mind was when a candidate asked me if i liked my current job and what was it about my new job that was better than my last job.
Q: What is the worst response you’ve been given to a question in an interview?
A: I've had one too many of those as well, [hahaha]. How about? "2 weeks in August (the job was scheduled to start in early July), 1 week in October and December all month as I'm going away on an already booked trip." The questions was "are there any requests for accommodations for your schedule for the next 6 months?". Granted I asked for it, i just never expected the candidate to be so unavailable.
Q: Can you recognize when someone is nervous? Does this normally influence the outcome?
A: Always! however, a good interviewer must create a good environment conducive to a successful interview. Ice breakers, explain the process of interview at beginning, even ask candidate to relax and be as friendly as possible. Being nervous alone should not influence the decision unless the candidate was unable to display any good skills at all.
Q:How do you normally determine who gets the job if two candidates have the same experience?
A: If two candidates have the same skills, then it comes down to the assets. What assets do the candidates bring to the table and assess carefully which asset is more important.
Q: What advice could you give for someone who is being interviewed for their first “big” job?
A: The first advice I give is always show interest in the company. Do research about the company, research your interviewers if possible by looking in LinkedIn, get familiar with the job description of the job you're seeking before the interview. Be friendly and confident but not arrogant. Always have one or two questions for your interviewer at the end. Finally, convey why you would be a valuable asset to the company and how the company would benefit from you.
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