It has been said many times over, but the unavoidable truth in business is that job seekers that make it to the face-to-face interview stage are evaluated from the time they enter a room and, if they are lucky, a little while after they leave. HR and recruitment specialists have advice for those who need to stand out and secure a position.
Teryl Schroenn, CEO of Accsys and a recipient of a Businesswomen’s Association Award, says there are several stages – including first introductions, the conversation and Q&A, that form part of the interview process and applicants are screened and checked at every phase.
“For example, during the first meeting when someone enters a room and there are preliminary introductions, if someone does not stand up to greet the interviewer, that, for some people, will already have alarm bells ringing,” says Schroenn.
It is important for applicants to keep perspective on the situation. The interview is essentially a “getting to know you” conversation for both sides and if it is reduced to a ‘Q & A’ session by the interviewer, there is a danger that the candidate’s personality will not come through.
“In other words, you need to be ready to start a few topics yourself, without making the deadly mistake of taking control of the meeting,” Schroenn continues.
“And don’t always answer with the apparent right answer …try to differentiate yourself, so that you will be remembered. HR departments might be searching for multiple jobs, so you need to stand out in the conversation, too. Social responsibility or hobbies are key differentiators, so if you do charity work, mention it, and if you have a fun, interesting hobby, it is also worth highlighting.”
The question of questions
The issue of what questions to ask, if any, when, where and why, is one that has the potential to trip up the most confident of applicants.
Schroenn says it is specifically the second interview (or third or fourth) that makes this a challenge – especially if many or all of the normal questions have been asked in the first interview.
Her advice is to compile a list of five to ten general questions that could be tailored to suit a specific interview.
Aspects such as the link between the role being applied for and the broader objectives of the Company, as well as more information about those conducting the interviews, can be tabled.
“Not having anything to ask diminishes the impact of your presence,” Schroenn continues.
Persuasive engagement
Careful attention to the questions, those posed by candidates and those raised by interviewers, can help to tell a powerful, logical and clear story.
Schroenn adds this can be used to the applicant’s advantage. “If you ask the right questions, or listen carefully to theirs, you might be able to build a story line around what you would do once you start. This will put a picture into the interviewer’s mind of you in the role.”
Another very important piece of advice from Accsys’ CEO is the need to conduct thorough research prior to engaging any potential employer.
This entails not only knowing a company’s basic history, its position in the market and its competitors; it also pays to understand the general ins and outs of the relevant industry.
Schroenn believes first impressions count for a great deal more than people realise and because competition for positions is so heavy, candidates need to make a favourable first impression that will last long after they have completed the interview.
Interviews
Evaluation of candidates begins with initial introductions and continues throughout all phases of the interview process.
An interview is a “getting to know you” conversation for both sides – If it is reduced to a Q & A by the interviewer, your personality will not come over.
Do not always answer with the apparent right answer, try to differentiate yourself, so that you will be remembered. HR departments might be searching for multiple jobs, so you need to stand out in the conversation.
Not having anything to ask diminishes the impact of your presence.
If you ask the right questions, or listen carefully to their questions, you might be able to build a story line around what you would do once you start.
