
Job seeking can be a long and nerve-wracking process. Many people question themselves at every step, wondering about the quality of their resume and more. One of the hardest things about the job hunt is the interview.
Even people who have been interviewed dozens of time find themselves nervous before meeting a recruiter. So what are the best things to know about what recruiters are looking for during your interview?
Know about the company.
When you show up for an interview, make sure you come prepared. This doesn’t mean knowing the whole history of the company, but it is important that you know about the basics of its business and how it operates. Just as you expect an interviewer to review your resume before you walk through the door, you owe them the same courtesy. You should also know the basics of the position you’re applying for. This ensures that you can answer questions about your experience in the context of that job. It also means that you can ask relevant questions about the position, which recruiters always like to hear.
Be honest.
One of the worst things you can do during an interview is to lie. For one thing, you are bound to be found out when hiring agents do some background research. Don’t lie about your experience or say that you know how to do something that you don’t. Instead, be honest about the ways that you are inexperienced but express a willingness to learn and get better. Your eagerness to learn new skills will stand out in a positive way than being the candidate who lied. Also, be honest when you are asked what your weaknesses are. Don’t attempt to turn the question into a positive by saying that you’re too much of a perfectionist or you work too hard. That will come across as dishonest and evasive, which are considered bad qualities in a potential employee.
Be up front about money.
Part of a job is the salary — you and your interviewer both know you are not working to kill time. Too often, interviewees are shy when it comes to discussing salary. This is incredibly frustrating for the person conducting the interview. They want to know that you are not wasting their time and can have a straightforward, up-front conversation about money. What is more, not being afraid to talk about money has another advantage for you: You may be able to negotiate a higher salary. Recruiters rarely give the highest possible salary at first offer. By being willing to talk about money, you are doing yourself a favor.
There are many more ways to make a good impression during an interview. The basics themselves — showing up on time, being polite, and having the right skills — go a long way. But these tips will do a lot to help you stand out in a recruiter’s mind in the best possible way.