First impressions create a person’s mental image, so it is crucial to give your interviewer the best version of yourself. If you are one candidate in the pool of hundreds, how can you make sure that you stick out in that crowd?
Here, we share five ways you can wow your recruiter even before the interview starts.
1. HAVE AN ORGANIZED RESUME
Treat your resume as your identification card. This is your first introduction to your recruiter so ensure it is readable and informative.
Use one font for all text and make the document as straightforward as possible.
Ensure you have customized the application to exactly match the job you are applying for.
List your employment history in order, your skills and experiences, your interests, and your updated personal information. This will help your recruiter have the right information about you.
Have someone proofread your document for spelling errors. Attention to detail is one of the most important traits your recruiter looks for in a candidate.
2. HAVE A PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILE
Consider your social media as your virtual resume. Your social media profile can say a lot about you. If your profile is public, ensure that they’re professional-looking, and your posts showcase your experience and interests. It is also good to look through your previous posts and filter those that might turn off a future employer.
3. BUILD A STRONG ONLINE PRESENCE
There is a big chance your recruiter will Google you before your interview, so checking your online footprint might be a good idea. You might have shared a link, commented on a post, or posted something controversial that you may want to remove. It is best to build a strong and reputable online presence you would be proud of.
Creating a LinkedIn account if you haven’t yet is a great start. Here, you can sell yourself by filling it up with your work experience and skills. Linking your previous companies and references to your account makes you more trustworthy.
4. BE COURTEOUS AND QUICK TO RESPOND
Your recruiter will contact you either via email or phone if they deem you a great fit. Make sure to respond quickly, politely, and professionally. Responding right away is ideal. And if you are replying via email, make sure to do a quick spell check before hitting the send button.
If they reached out to you via phone and are unavailable, make sure to call them back the minute you are free and explain why you were not able to receive their call. Being respectful can go a long way.
5. BE PUNCTUAL AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK
If you are invited to attend an interview schedule with your recruiter, be there on time or earlier. Make sure you are presentable whether it’s a face to face, video, or audio-only interview. Find a quiet place to conduct the call and make sure your background scene is tidy. Use the best internet connection and sound gear available to you,
Research the company that is recruiting you so that you understand who they are and what they are looking for. This will help you stand out over other candidates. Employers like it when you have cared enough to understand them.
Acing your interview is important. However, setting a positive impression even before the meeting will make your recruiter like you more. And it helps to get extra points.
As Andrew Carnegie says, “You cannot push anyone up the ladder unless he is willing to climb.” You can’t be a passive job seeker when the market is competitive. Recruiters are looking for passionate people who show initiative.
Have you nailed an interview lately? Comment your best practices below!