Career Advice
8 Ways To Be The Best Possible Candidate At Interview
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | 6 Nov 2017
A recent Glassdoor survey* revealed that 9 in 10 hiring decision makers believe an informed candidate is a high quality candidate. The survey also highlighted that HR decision makers prioritised informed candidates above all other types, whether active or passive.
So, with organisations looking to sharpen up, make sure you do all you can to get the right role in an organisation of choice. We know that decision makers place importance on several key areas, so here’s what will turn you into an informed candidate and get you ahead of the crowd:
- Be prepared for the interview and ask pertinent questions (49%). It takes time and expense for organisations to recruit. Do your part and prepare well so you are not wasting your time or theirs. Preparation is key. Do your research on the company and be prepared to ask relevant questions when invited to do so.
- Demonstrates the right experience (48%). Your CV needs to highlight not only your experience but also your key achievements. Prepare for interviews by considering your experience and how you can succinctly explain it to demonstrate your technical and behavioural competence.
- Being knowledgeable about the job role (46%). Research all you can about the role and how it fits in. If there is key information missing, your pertinent questions at the end of your interview will enable you to fill in any gaps whilst also demonstrating that you have researched and prepared.
- Being knowledgeable about the organisation’s culture and values (36%). You can research the organisation’s website and also look for latest articles and press releases on the activity of the business. A company’s culture and values will need to support your personal values in order for you to feel good about working there, so a key element of your research is to make sure they match.
- Prepared so that they have the right expectations about compensation and benefits (32%). Be realistic and clear on the package and make sure what is on offer is acceptable to your requirements. Don’t leave that to the last minute, as if it is way off and you have no intention of taking the role. You are simply wasting everyone’s time.
- Engaged in their job search (29%). An active candidate is an easier hire for recruiters, so do all you can to get your CV out there and be fully engaged in your job search campaign.
- Relevant as they present a customised resume or cover letter (28%). If an organisation is asking for a covering letter or further detail than your CV, make sure you provide it. It may be part of the scoring and selection process so you will be missing out by excluding it. Focus on the requirements of the role and ensure your CV is focused and targeted.
- More thoughtful about where he/she works (27%). Be mindful as to why you want a certain role and why you want to join the organisation. Demonstrating you have given thought to your application and interview will demonstrate an interest and commitment to the organisation going forward.
Glassdoor Team
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Tags:Informed CandidateInterview Advice
