6 things to do before any interviews with a recruiter
Posted at 28/09/2021
Your CV may be very good, but if the interview goes badly you are unlikely to get the job you want. Preparing properly for the interview can make a difference by boosting your confidence, reducing anxiety and helping you make a good first impression. Find out what you should do before the interview and how you can prepare in advance for the trickier questions:
Research the company
With all the information easily available to you nowadays, do a good research about the company. Access the website and read the available information, namely "About us", Mission, Values, Services, Clients, latest changes in the organization, etc. Check the social networks where the company has a presence and research everything that has appeared in the media recently. Make sure you are up to date with the organisation's current affairs. If available on the internet, also read the annual report of the company you are applying for. Do not forget that the recruiter will ask you why you would like to work in the company and you should give a convincing and reasoned answer. In this research do not forget to analyse who the main competitors are.
Research the recruiter and other employees
When scheduling the interview details, it is important to know the name of the interviewer. Find the profiles of who will interview you on Linkedin and Google to find out their professional background and interests. It will then be easier to direct your conversation, and address issues in your speech that might catch the recruiter's attention. Whenever possible, also try to search and learn more about your teammates, namely through the company's website or through LinkedIn.
Review your CV for the interview
Know your CV thoroughly so that you can talk calmly about your professional experience and main projects, achievements and results. However, you should focus on the most relevant aspects for the position you are applying for, both in technical and personal skills. Select what will make the perfect match with the organisation, i.e. how your skills and experience fit with the job description. Highlighting the right part of your resume can make all the difference.
Practice answers to common questions
A good strategy is to practice your answers to the most common interview questions. This way, at the key moment of the interview you will be less nervous and will be able to have a more fluid speech.
Your answers should not be vague, long or inconclusive. Prepare them in advance and be authentic. This will give you the edge and set you apart from other candidates. Know the most common questions you should know how to answer.
Practice
Ask someone you trust to help you by simulating interview questions and practise out loud. Communicate your thoughts and practise speaking clearly and succinctly.
Be prepared to ask questions
It is common at the end of the interview to be asked if you have any questions or if you want to ask any questions. This is a great opportunity to impress and also to find out more about the company. We recommend that you prepare insightful questions that show the recruiter that you have prepared 100%. Some good topics to cover: what are the training possibilities? What type of management is desired? What are the expected KPI's for the position? Typically, what are the days like at the company? Include career questions show your willingness to learn and evolve. Interviewers are often impressed by candidates with a more enthusiastic attitude, especially when they realise that extra effort has been put into interview preparation.
But what really makes the difference between many equally competent candidates?
- Demonstrating passion for what you do.
- Fitting your profile into the corporate culture.
- Recruiters understand that you have done your homework and prepared for the interview.
- Have resourcefulness and initiative, the ability to discover things for yourself.
- Willingness to learn is crucial.
The interview is the moment for the company to get to know you, avoid negativity, be positive, show confidence and transmit that you are the ideal candidate for the job. Put on a smile, maintain constant eye contact and a friendly tone of voice. Create empathy and make a good first impression.
In short, the key to a good interview remains candidate preparation. Put these tips into practice in your next recruitment process. Apply for the Fed Finance opportunities that suit your profile.
Luck is a lot of work!
