It's the meeting that could be the beginning of a great opportunity or the end of the employment road. The interview is a staple in the recruiting process, often determining who will be the lucky candidate to enter into the ranks of a company's employee listing. The ability of candidates to handle an interview could enable them to stand out from their competition.
Preparation is Key
Ask any recruiter and he'll say that it's obvious if a candidate has prepared for the interview. Interview preparation is key for an applicant's success. Before an interview, candidates should always do thorough research into the company they'll be meeting with. Knowing the company's approach to business could guide an interviewee on the proper way to approach many of the basic questions a recruiter will ask.
The employer's web-site is a good first stop to gain insight into a company's culture and environment. Pay particular attention to the mission statement and what's important to those in charge. This information will help applicants determine if the employer is a good fit for them.
Having questions prepared to ask the interviewer is another important strategy. Make sure that the questions are well thought out and relevant to the position. A good start is to ask about the company culture, or the recruiter's personal experiences with the employer. Preparing answers to commonly asked questions may also enable the interviewee to ensure a smooth meeting. There are quite a few resources out there to help a candidate navigate this task, like CareerBuilder.
During the Interview
Be attentive. Maintain eye contact, smile, and don't be nervous. Candidates should sell themselves and their skills. Even if those skills are not exact, applicants can match what skills they have with the company's needs – all it takes is a creative mindset, and showing the recruiter that they can handle the job.
Interview Don'ts
Responding to questions about a former employer, where the separation wasn't amicable, can be difficult. A mistake that is often made is for the applicant to bad mouth the employer or managers, hoping to gain a sympathetic ear. No matter how a work relationship is severed, never display the negative situation for the recruiter to see. There are ways to disclose the information needed without anger. This can illustrate a candidate's professionalism and ability to handle tense situations.
Though interviewing can seem like an intense and intimidating experience, by putting in the effort and preparation needed a candidate can ensure a smooth and successful process.
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