Tips to impact the interview

An interview is a process where the recruiter or supervisor wants to obtain more information about the candidate who aspires to be an employee. So, this is the opportunity to look your best. Candidates often wonder why, if they have the necessary knowledge and experience for the vacancy, they are not selected. They may not be prepared properly for the interview. Interviewers not only evaluate the candidate's experience but also their behavior and their ability to communicate.

I share some recommendations that can be used to succeed in an employment interview without stumbling in the process:

1. Review your resume. The day before the interview, make a list of all the tasks you performed in all your work experiences. This serves not only to remember what you did in past experiences, but it is also ideal for you to have it fresh in your mind and thus avoid an awkward pause during the interview that may imply that you did not actually do it or you don’t dominate the skill.

2. Do not be generic. Answer all the questions the interviewer asks and never say "I wrote it on the application" or "it's in the resume." The questions and answers are part of an interview and the interviewers want to hear how you transmit the information. Answer the questions in complete sentences and prepare the answers. If the interview is only based on experience, you must be very explanatory with your duties and responsibilities. If the interviewer insists on asking you about specific tasks, take them through the process so you are sure you have the knowledge they are looking for.

3. Do not deviate. Again, answer the question they asked you, do not deviate from the question by telling stories not relevant to the interview. If you notice that the interviewer returns to ask you the question or change the question abruptly you are not giving the information they are looking for. You must be very careful not to talk too much, as it might give the impression that you do not know the answer and you are avoiding the question.

4. Do not forget to be polite. Something very important for many companies is the interpersonal relationships between employees, because companies must have a good work environment. So, they are always points in favor of the candidate when they project good personality. Always smile. Avoid being tense or nervous. Be prepared to have a conversation. Imagine that you are explaining to a friend your work experiences, without forgetting that you are in an interview.

5. Appropriate clothing. The first impression you give is important. Remember that "there is no second chance for a good first impression." Dress appropriately for the interview, no matter the job you are going to interview for. I always recommend office attire, dark and solid colors.

6. Punctuality. Of course, it is very important that you arrive at the scheduled time, with ten minutes in advance, it is more than enough. It is not good that you make the interviewer wait and it does not leave a good impression if you arrive late or too early. In case of an unforeseen event emerges, you should call and notify that you are going to be late and confirm if the delay does not impact the work schedule of the interviewer.

7. Practice the interview. If you are a recent graduate or you just finished a job after a long time, practicing the interview will help you not be nervous during the process and you can be more fluent when talking with the interviewer.

8. Thanks for the time. Some people send thank you emails, however for me it looks better when you thank the interviewer for the opportunity at the end of the interview.

In my experience as a recruiter, I have had cases where candidates were not selected for the vacancy that were interviewed for; however, were selected for other vacancies that were pending to be filled. Also, I had cases that I had selected candidates although they did not have all the knowledge we were looking for, but, by doing such a good interview, it identified other competencies that people with the knowledge usually do not have.

Always remember that preparing for an interview is important, you never know what the process can finally lead to.

If you still do not feel confident about how to prepare, want to practice and/or have feedback from an experienced recruiter, you can contact me.