INTERVIEWING WITH A RECRUITER? HERE ARE SOME TIPS
Interviews can be stressful, and it can be a challenge to know what to expect. Every organization has a different way of conducting interviews, and this can lead to some confusion when preparing for an interview. As Recruiters, we understand both sides of an interview; interviewing a candidate for a client’s position, and preparing the candidate to interview with the client directly. At Peak, we meet with every candidate face to face, giving us a lot of exposure to different interviewing styles and techniques, as well as the difference between interviewing with a Recruiter, and with the organization that will ultimately do the hiring. We do not think an interview with a Recruiter should be difficult or stressful, and it certainly should not be confusing.
A few tips from the team at Peak Associates for interviewing with a Recruiter:
- Be descriptive when describing your ideal position – we are in the business of finding the best fit for our clients and candidates. Our role is to assess skills, qualifications, and overall fit. The more information we have, the more we have to work with when considering you for opportunities. Withholding information may take away from your success long term. A big part of being descriptive is being honest and open about your history, and your career goals. A good Recruiter wants you to progress in your career through opportunities that will benefit you professionally and be aligned with what you are looking for. The more information you provide about your professional past and where you hope to be in your future, the better.
- Interview with a Recruiter the way you would interview at your dream company – the impression you leave on each and every person you interview during your job search is a vital part of the process. It is important to present yourself in the way you would like to be presented to the client, because ultimately that is what happens. If the Recruiter feels as though you are a strong candidate for the opportunity, you will be presented to the client as such. Be sure to be mindful of your body language, and eye contact. Being engaged and showing your interest are huge factors in how you present yourself.
- Be on time (which means a bit early)- this goes for every interview – ever. We recommend our candidates show up about 10-15 minutes early for an interview, to ensure they are covered in case something happens during their commute, or for any paperwork or introductions that may occur. It is always best to be early.
- Dress professionally – an interview is one of the most important first impressions, and one should dress to impress – literally. We recommend professional attire, and a groomed and polished look. Some things to avoid include: leggings, chipped nail polish, exposed shoulders, casual clothing, and sneakers. Ultimately, rely on the fact that being overdressed is appropriate, and being under dressed is not. Especially when interviewing with a Recruiter, keep in mind that how you present yourself is part of your overall candidate profile, for current and future opportunities.
- Be mindful – body language and eye contact are important when interviewing, no matter what. Try to avoid fidgeting with anything on the table in front of you, leaning over on your chair, or touching your hair or face often. Eye contact is huge – we can not stress this enough. When answering questions, engage in eye contact when speaking, and try to avoid looking around the room during the conversation. If you seem distracted, or disinterested, the interview may not go as well as you had hoped.
- Ask questions – if there are details you would like to know about the position you are being interviewed for, or the recruiting process itself, be sure to ask. Not all processes are the same, but at Peak we pride ourselves in being open and transparent throughout our recruiting process. We understand this is your career, and ultimately you need to be comfortable and excited about the opportunity. We recommend clarifying any information you feel you are missing, so you are able to make the best assessment of the opportunity for your career path.
- Relax and enjoy the process- meeting new people is a great opportunity, and speaking with them is a skill to master. When going through interviews, try to see it as a learning opportunity, and a chance to grow and develop your personal brand. We know it is easier said than done, but it really does make a difference to see an interview as an exciting opportunity, rather than something to just get through.
We have been successfully placing candidates in great careers for 35 years, and we are always looking to meet driven individuals looking for their next opportunity. Email your resume to resumes@peakassociates.com