The job interview is an integral part of building a strong, engaged workforce. For both the interviewer and candidate, this can be a difficult process. Job candidates want to ensure they put their best foot forward and accurately represent their value to the company. And interviewers have to ensure they adequately assess not only the candidates’ hard skills and experience but also whether or not they fit the company’s culture.
For our February question of the month, we want to hear from you what characteristics or actions most improve a candidate’s chance of being hired during the job interview. Let us know by answering our poll question below!
I’m usually very unenthusiastic about the many candidates who, when asked why they’ve applied for this position, will say ambiguously, “I just want a job.” Such a candidate is really not giving any commitment to a potential employer, rather is asking to be “given” something. As if, giving a job will be owned and a space will be occupied. So rarely will they say, “I wanna work.”
I get more excited about the interviewee who shows true excitement and says, “I want THIS job!” I’m even more impressed by the one who says, “I want to work for THIS COMPANY!”
But my favorite candidate, will personalize it and say, “I want to work for YOU!”Bill
The top 3 things for me go as follows: Attitude, communication skills, and hygiene.
Also, is the candidate looking for what they can get? Or presenting what they can give?
It’s subtle, but it makes all the difference in the world.
When I was job hunting nearly 3 years ago, I ran across a job listing that could have been written for me personally. The job requirements fit my skill-set to a “T”. In researching the Company, I found that the culture truly mirrored my mindset. The location was only 12 minutes from my home. In every aspect, this was ideal. So, I researched the interviewing Manager (LinkedIn, Facebook, Google, etc.) and learned she was born & raised in the U.S.S.R.. After finding (and practicing) what I wanted on YouTube, I felt I was ready for the interview. About half an hour into the interview, the inevitable question came up: “What do you consider your greatest weakness?” My reply (phonetically) was: “Ya nyegga var yu pah Rooskie”, which is Russian for: “I don’t speak Russian”. She hired me on the spot.
That might be the best response to the infamous “What are your weaknesses?” question we’ve ever heard! When used the right way, social media is such a powerful tool that can truly be a game changer during the job hunt.
Great comment, Scott!
If a candidate says she left a prior position because there was no growth, I want her to be able to tell me what happened to make her think she couldn’t move ahead. I’m looking for a candidate who is prepared to show experience that led to her being right for this position and, if she’s looking to grow in a company, tell me the initiative she will take to be eligible to move forward.
Thanks for the comment, Anne!
We agree, personal initiative is a key indicator of how serious a candidate is about earning a position at a company.
Words only mean so much. Some people can say the right things in the right way but end up not being the great employee they claimed to be. I prefer hiring temp workers and actually seeing them in action. Spending time with them individually to see what kind of worker they really are. I prefer action over words. Can you get along with others? Do you come to work? Do you actually work? I don’t care what they say the answer is to those questions. I want to see them in action. That is the power of hiring temp labor. Trying before you commit.
Thanks for the comment, Diana!
We (Express Employment Professionals) have many clients who hire their core employees the same way through our “Evaluation Hire.” Express associates are placed with a client company for an evaluation period before a hiring decision is made. It’s a great way to not only assess hard skills, but also cultural fit.