Introduction
In a selection process, each interview is an important step in assessing compatibility. In an ideal scenario, interviewer and interviewee prepare for this chat, both to expose the main attractions of the company and the position worked on, and to explain the main qualifications and differentials of the candidate.
In our Tips for Effective Interviews article, we had the opportunity to share with recruiters some of the practices we adopt here at Good Bridge. Now, our audience will be you: the interviewee. We'll share important tips that even mature and very experienced candidates need to consider.
It is common for our team of hunters, as well as colleagues from other companies, to share situations in which - candidates who are highly qualified in their areas of expertise - made mistakes during the interviews and, for this reason, were not approved for the next stages of the selection process.
Thinking about these situations, we prepared this brief article with valuable tips so that your qualifications are shared positively with the interviewers. To assist in your planning, we have divided the tips into 3 moments: before, during and after the interview.
Before the Interview
1 - Carefully read the position description and evaluate each item.
The job description contains valuable information for the candidate. If you identified that you meet all the prerequisites and qualifications requested, be prepared to expose in detail practical situations that prove each one of them. The interviewer needs to be sure that the requirements are actually met by the candidate, both to direct him to another interviewer and to the next stage of the process, and to integrate him into his own team.
2 - Seek information about the company and also about the interviewers.
Studying the company that offers the vacancy and also its interviewers is essential for you to prepare your "presentation". Knowing about the company's history, products, services, goals, mission, values, geographic presence and more will help you not only decide to apply, but also align your responses to the context of the position.
3 - Simulate questions and answers.
With the position description and information about the company and interviewers, it is possible to think of questions that will be asked during the interview. Our suggestion is that you list all of them and prepare answers that, in a simple and objective way, address each one of them. Try to practice with someone who understands the context.
4 - List your main doubts and questions.
Raising your main doubts about the company and/or position shows that you are interested and engaged in the selection process. Search for relevant questions and give preference to those that are directly linked to the position.
5 - Dress appropriately
It is worth looking on the company website and on social media for the way in which employees in general dress in the workplace. If you've applied for a senior attorney position and the team at the office wears only a shirt (no tie), this would be an interesting dress tip.
6 - Be available at least 15 minutes in advance.
Interviews can take place online or in person. In both cases, our suggestion is that you are 100% available 15 minutes in advance, that is, if you are present at the interview location and if you are online, be ready with all the equipment ready to start (webcam, microphone, among others).
7 - Be cordial and a good listener.
Anyone with whom you have contact at the company you applied for will be able to pass on information about your behaviour. The suggestion here is to always be friendly. During the interview, it is worth the rule to be a good listener, avoiding interrupting the interviewer. In addition to demonstrating warmth, this practice helps to reduce anxiety.
8 - Connect with the interviewer.
Being pleasant will make the conversation flow in a positive way, and that will count in your favor. It's really important to stay positive and have what we call a "smile in your voice". The interviewer will have a good impression of you and this will add value to your profile.
9 - Give answers connected to your skills.
Always try to answer questions objectively and connected to your skills. It is worth avoiding distancing yourself from the topic addressed, as this may prolong the interview and convey a feeling of insecurity to the interviewer.
10 - Don't make negative comments.
This is an extremely important tip. If you applied for a certain position, it's because it makes sense for you and your goal is to be approved.
A relevant point is to remain positive throughout the selection process and away from negative points. Avoid any kind of pejorative comment about: workplace, employer, colleague, contact persons, among others.
To exemplify, a highly qualified candidate that we selected for one of our clients was not approved in the process because, in the last interview with the company's partners, he made a negative comment about a former co-worker. And it is worth mentioning that the company's recruiter himself already considered this candidate for the position, and the interview would be just to get to know each other.
11 - Show interest in the next steps of the process.
Showing interest in the next stages of the selection process will help the interviewer understand that the position made sense for your professional moment and that you are ready to move forward. If you don't have the interviewer's contacts, the end of the interview is a good time to ask, and thus keep in touch.
After Interview
12 - Thank you message.
Send the interviewer a message of thanks for the opportunity to participate in the process. If during the interview you forgot to mention something relevant, you can take the opportunity to inform that too.
Conclusion
Being approved in a selection process depends on numerous factors. Doing "homework" and staying positive throughout the process will certainly add value to your qualifications. Good luck and success!