Outside of the Interview
Posted on 28/05/2020 by Breeanna Noske
We’ve written a lot of blogs recently about how to ace a job interview. But the recruitment process is so much larger than just your interview, and there are so many steps along the way in which you are being assessed – some that you might not even realise!
Communication prior to your interview
Any communication that you make with a Hiring Manager or Recruiter prior to submitting your application, such as an enquiring phone call, can contribute to the overall impression of you as a candidate. Asking about salary, location or other information? This interaction will be either noted or remembered and will form the first impression of you, so ensure you are polite and well-versed in the details of the advertisement. Additionally, your phone screening conversation, interview scheduling conversation, and email correspondence prior to your interview are opportunities to contribute to your case in selling yourself as the ideal candidate for this role, so be polite, prompt, and informed.
Arriving at your interview
As Recruiters, we see hundreds of jobseekers in a week. There are some definite do’s and don’ts when it comes to making a good impression outside of the interview room. Be punctual. And by this we mean 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment time. Arriving 30-60 minutes early for an interview does not show eagerness. Rather, it can be viewed as a little rude, both by making your interviewer feel rushed to meet with you early, or by meaning you are sitting in the company’s waiting room for so long. Arriving early to ensure parking and that you can find a building is recommended, but spend your extra time in the car or at a local café before heading in for your interview.
In addition to punctuality, your interaction with the Receptionist or person who greets you is noted! You mightn’t realise, but a Receptionist will alert an interviewer if they believe your greeting was disengaged, unorganised, or lacked warmth. Display the same kindness and professionalism in reception as well as in the interview room (a good tip for life, really!).
Lastly, your presence in a waiting room can portray an impression about you. You may be understandably nervous, but ensure that you are present and professional when in the waiting room. Do not bring a takeaway coffee or can of soft drink with you. Do not take a phone call. Do not scroll through social media. Sit and appear attentive – this can portray eagerness and professionalism!
Follow on from an interview
After your interview is completed, the assessment isn’t over. Recruiters or Hiring Managers might still be deciding between multiple candidates, and so might still be watching to assess your communications and interactions. If you are asked to provide referee details, complete tests or provide additional information, do so as promptly and as thoroughly as possible. If the deadline for a promised update has lapsed, follow up with a phone call to demonstrate your keenness – however not before! If you are told you will be updated on Wednesday, wait until Wednesday. And all email correspondence will be checked for appropriate spelling and grammar so spell check, spell check, spell check!
Sometimes it can be outside of an interview that a Recruiter or Hiring Manager can uncover the “real you”. Use each and every interaction as an opportunity to showcase your skill set and your suitability for this role. Give yourself the best possible opportunity to land your dream job!