It’s often the interview that gets you hired. Say, the recruitment process is down to five candidates with equally good credentials. One slot to fill. How you “feel” to the interviewer usually makes a difference.
Before anything else, remember that all job applicants are expected to know the basics. Do your research on the company you are applying for. Come on time for the interview. Dress appropriately. Be well-groomed. Have copies of your resume and bio-data. With those out of the way, here are a few tips from those who have been on both sides of the table.
- “The interview is a conversation” – It’s usually a question and answer type. Perhaps the interviewer has a list to tick off. But even if scripted, great interviews are usually stimulating conversations. When asked, give a relatively short answer. Know when to stop. If they want more information, they will ask for it. Many interviewees tend to talk and talk and talk – if not out of sheer nervousness, out of the desire to impress. Gabbing won’t do you good. Studies show that interviewers respond positively to candidates who let them talk MORE.
- “The first minute-and-a-half is crucial!” – 90 seconds. That’s all it takes for your interviewer to assess you. If she or he has decided that you are a good candidate, anything you say after that will further how they feel. If the opposite is true, then it’s downhill from there. So get your basics down pat. Dress appropriately, sit up straight. Smell good. Get rid of cigarette or food odors (or just have your fill when done with the interview). Stand when the interviewer enters the room. Make eye contact. Smile. Get rid of that chewing gum before you enter the premises.
- “Be conscious of your fillers!” – Like, you know, uhm, like its like… are verbal tics that can annoy even the most patient interviewer. You want a professional job, talk like a professional. Practice reading out loud. Better yet, practice answering questions in front of a mirror. It will help you get rid of the jitters.
- “Be confident. But not cocky.” – Beginning sentences with, “I think…” lessens the power of your message. For instance, when you’re asked “What role are you best suited in a team.?” Instead of saying “I think I work great as a leader.” SAY “I’m the leader. Or SAY “I work great as someone in charge of the nitty-gritty because I am meticulous.” Further, keep in mind that it’s easy to spot the difference between confidence and arrogance, as much as humility and false modesty.
- “Pay attention to even the littlest of details in the resume.” – You think the space for hobbies, interests, and special skills isfluff? Think again. These aren’t just conversation starters. These are a peek into your personality. Often your interviewer will begin by asking what you do outside of work. “So you collect coffee tumblers from countries you’ve been to.” Or “You’re a Tae Kwon Do instructor!” Or “You bake on the side?” Interviewers will find a common interest or even a shared experience. But more often than not, they are finding a variety in skillset and interests for their team.
With all these said, the process can still be subjective, maybe even biased. A person with a set of experiences and opinions is still behind that table, asking the questions. No matter how the interview goes, and for as long you know you did your best, it’s just an interview. Learn what you can. If you didn’t make it, prepare for the next one.
Tip from a head recruiter: “Do send a short email within 24 hours after the interview. It gives the impression that you are interested in the job.”
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NEARSOL is a US-based BPO and service company that offers clients custom-design solutions. It began operations in 2006 and has since gained a strong presence in the Latin American regions, the Caribbean, and the Asia Pacific, winning numerous awards for quality and service along the way. Most recent of which is its Great Place to Work-Certified™ Recognition
The Great Place to Work-Certified™ Recognition is a global accreditation that tells stakeholders what employees think of the company culture. In brief, it says a lot about the happiness and productivity index in NEARSOL. Certification means people are happy working here and that leadership trust is palpable and real.
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