Interviewing Tips for Both the Job Seeker and the Recruiter

John Krautzel
Posted by in Career Advice


Interview preparation is a key aspect of making sure candidates are ready for the challenge while accurately and professionally selling their worth. As a recruiter, you, too, need to know the ins and outs of the job interview process to better prepare applicants. Learn about the important elements of an interview to rehearse with interview prospects to ensure he is representing the skills and personality desired by the hiring manager.

Evaluate Body Language

Happiness is contagious, which is why applicants should be prepared to show their enthusiasm and eagerness during a job interview. Focus the interview preparation on evaluating body language. Encourage candidates to smile often to bring a fresh and interested perspective to the meeting. Spend time practicing ways to look engaged with nonverbal cues such as a firm handshake, a knowing head nod, and a focused, yet casual, occurrence of eye contact when meeting with potential employers.

Eliminate Distractions

Prepare the candidates for a job interview by discussing ways to make a solid and professional impression. Applicants should avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes that can trigger an unpleasant or overwhelming scent in the office. Encourage recruits to avoid wearing accessories or jewelry that make noise or draw attention to clothing instead of the information being discussed during the meeting.

Control Nerves

It is no secret that a job interview can rattle even the most calm and collected candidate. Prepare a applicant for a potential case of anxiety and nerves prior to meeting with potential employers. Discuss relaxation techniques, such as taking a deep breath or relaxing the body, when nerves get the best of them. Practice interview questions and point out when a hiring prospect is talking too fast because he is nervous. Encourage recruits to slow down when being nervous, such as pausing for a few seconds, before answering a hiring manager's question.

Practice Interview Questions

Ensure candidates are making a good impression with thoughtful responses to interview questions. Spend time with the candidate researching the company and identify components of the job that line up directly with his skills and experience. Construct responses that focus on how the candidate can positively impact the firm and pull keywords from the job description and from the company's mission and goal statement. Teach recruits how to ask questions toward the end of the job interview that show interest and preparedness to ultimately impress potential employers.

Prepare recruits for the unknown prior to a job interview. It is your job to evaluate potential biases or hazards that can rattle the interviewee, and then use this information to help them overcome any potential obstacles before meeting with a potential employer to ensure a positive experience — and hopefully, a job offer.


Photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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  • KAREN K.
    KAREN K.

    I agree totally Sally !!! Never call the kettle black until you look at your own !!!

  • Sally R.
    Sally R.

    I shouldn't do this, but I'm going to point out that both Peter E. and Jeff C. used sentence fragments when criticizing someone else's grammar... If you are going to pick someone else's work apart, please make sure that your own work is exemplary!

  • Peter E.
    Peter E.

    Agree - lazy spelling and grammar are a Bozo No-no. Implies ignorance and lackadaisical attitude.

  • Jeff C.
    Jeff C.

    Gail F needs to learn to spell correctly. Not use abbreviations that are incorrect. That's just lazy and unprofessional.

  • Gail F.
    Gail F.

    Its so nice that thete r great people out there i work in the retail business for 34 years n wood like to move up n on im glad u n many more r out there to help

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