GET INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY YOU’RE APPLYING FOR
Recruiters pay much attention to your knowledge of the company and job position. So get ready and prepare notes that you read over before the interview.
It is unacceptable for recruiters to go any further with your application if you don’t know precisely what the company does. Although it’s useless to learn the complete wikipedia page of their history, you must know how to describe their activities in your own words.
Before the interview, make sure that you know:
● Origin of the company
● Date of creation, name of the CEO
● Activities
● If they work nationally or internationally
● Last events they were involved in (fusion, new products, new partners, new technologies)
You must know if the company is quoted on the stock exchange.
● Competitors and market positioning (if they are leaders, start-ups).
● Main strengths, what make them stand out from competitors (specific services, products, way of working)
● Clients
● Organisation and values
The company’s website will be your bible! At least, information is up to date and it also reflects their dynamic.
Ex: French company, more than 30 years old, leader on the market, working in 8 different countries, quoted on the stock exchange for the past 2 years. Medium-sized company divided into 3 departments: consulting, research and development and sales. It is settled in Spain where I am applying for. The portfolio shows the expansion of the company as there are partnerships with famous clients such as….
Since the company have been created, it offers a unique and ecological way of working (explain), which makes them stand out from competitors. Innovative products, I noticed that new products have been launched a few months ago, in line with the current market.
MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION
The first and last 20 secs are essential, and may even be decisive in the decision-making process.
Face to face interviews:
● Make good impression as soon as you step in the company building. Hostesses and people working there are often asked about their feelings towards potential newbies and their behavior. Take care of the way you behave: be respectful, polite, punctual, nice and don’t forget to smile!
● Be confident, steady gaze, natural smile, dynamic greetings
● Don’t forget the way you leave, it’s the last impression you give. Ask questions regarding recruitment process, follow-ups or any other topics.
Be professional by saying that offices are nice for example. It’d highlight your interest for the position while showing your communicative spirit.
On the phone:
Recruiters focus on your speech, your voice and the facts that you choose to highlight. More than in physical interviews, clarity and structure of your speech as well as dynamic tone of voice are essential. Presentation “Hi sir, I was waiting for your call, how are you?” The tone: be dynamic and friendly. Work on your speech beforehand. Don’t speak too slowly or too fast. You voice must be calm and loud enough. Don’t panic if there are blanks during the call, it’s not a big deal!
INTRODUCING YOURSELF
Even though it’s one of the most important part of the interview, it’s not the easiest. It’s therefore essential to practice it before. It must be clear and organised. You should start with a quick introduction (surname, name, age, where you are from). Then, speak about your studies and work experience. End up with hobbies and passions if you wish.
The most detailed part should be your work experience. Here is what recruiters must know about it:
– The length of each experience
– Functions
– What you have learned from it
– Objectives and results
– Why you want to leave your current job
– What you may improve
– What are your expectations regarding your superiors
You should link your past experience with the job you’re applying for is it’s relevant.
ANTICIPATE POTENTIAL TRICKY QUESTIONS
If there are gaps on your Cvs, you’ll definitely be asked about it. You’ll also be asked about yourself, your qualities, and what you should improve. Do not speak badly of your past employers. Even from bad experience, you may find positive feedback and show that you have learned from them. Auto-criticism is constructive and shows maturity. .
If you’re applying for a job with english, you may expect to speak it during the interview. There is nothing worse than being surprise and looking for words. Prepare beforehand and avoid stock answers. Be yourself, speak about what you like and your qualities. Imagine what your friends and managers could say of yourself. Be as honest as you can.
Regarding what you may improve, instead of saying that you’re a perfectionist (recruiters hear it everyday), turn your defaults into qualities: too curious or too challenging.
BE CHALLENGING
Nothing better to show interest than asking questions. Open questions are much appreciated as they turn interviews into constructive conversations.
Is the working atmosphere good within your team? What are the projects of the company in the next 5 years? Are there possibilities of career progression? What are the most important skills for this particular job position? What did you think about my interview? What may I improve? What is a typical day of work like?
