The key questions of a recruiter – 6 secrets of a job interview

What questions does the recruiter ask and why?

Anyone who has ever looked for a caregiver for their child or pet knows how important it is to find a person who will meet a number of appropriate (often stringent) requirements. Before you entrust your child to someone else, you need to know if the sitter already has relevant experience (and if so, how much), why they took a break from work, what are their hours of availability. According to Angelika Śniegocka, author of the book "Job Interview" ("Rozmowa kwalifikacyjna"), with the same rules apply to a job interview.

Ask yourself two questions: who are you and who do you want to be in the interview?

While it might be argued that these questions should have the same answer, in fact it’s not the case. When the job you are applying for requires specific dispositions, you should create an image of yourself during the interview that highlights these skills. Recruitment is a clash of two different expectations and requirements, both on the part of the recruiter and the candidate. Appropriate answers to the employer's key questions can help in reaching an agreement.

What are these questions?

1. Does the candidate meet the formal requirements?

Carefully analyze your CV in terms of education, experience, and additional elements, such as volunteering or work in research clubs. A properly tailored job application is the first step to getting a dream-job.

2. What is your commitment and level of motivation?

The interviewer will probably see you for the first time, and you only have one chance to make a good impression—take advantage of it! If you show your motivation and interest, it will certainly increase your chances of being employed.

3. Are you the right fit for the company’s culture?

Companies bear the costs of introducing a new employee. These costs are lower when an employee naturally fits into the team. The work atmosphere in corporations associating IT specialists or accountants, for example, is different from the one in small marketing or journalism companies. If you already know where you intend to work, convince your employer that your characteristics match what they are looking for.

4. Can the candidate's financial expectations be covered by the budget?

Before stating your expectations, make sure that your proposal fits into the market realities. In doing so, take into account the average wages for a given or similar position, your level of experience, and salaries in the region where you are applying for the job. It is best to provide the salary range – be sure it’s not too wide.

6 secrets of a job interview

Fear is often nothing more than the fright of the unknown. A different view of the issue can often save you nerves and let you be prepared better. So what are the secrets of an interview?

1. It is...a conversation.

This, after all, is a banal point that brings us to trying to establish positive contact with another person. Being a nice and likeable person is the first step to success and easier continuation of the conversation.

2. The interview requires the skills of both parties.

Remember that the recruiter isn’t flawless. This awareness will help you understand that the headhunter may be unsure how to conduct an interview or may even make a mistake. By helping her/him, you gain extra points, thereby distinguishing yourself from other candidates.

3. There are no perfect candidates.

Everyone compromises, and employers are no exception. Usually, all you have to do is persuade her/him that you are qualified for the position.

4. A vacancy is a problem, and you are the solution.

If you approach the matter this way, your behavior during the interview will change completely. If the company didn't need you, it wouldn't look for an employee or respond to your CV. Try to understand the recruiter – even if he/she interrupts you in the middle of your speech, understand that he/she is signaling you are deviating from the topic. Let yourself be directed to the right path and show that you are the solution to the company's problem.

5. It is not the best one that gets a job

...but the one who has managed to convince the HR department that they are the best. The recruiter has never seen you in action – the only thing that he/she can depend on is your self-presentation, including appropriate clothing and vocabulary.

By speaking the language of the employer's benefits (and not yours), you significantly increase your chances of being employed.

6. The recruitment interview has its own etiquette.

What counts is the first good impression, clothes, and what and how you say. Try to show that you are a person full of energy, resourceful and not only money-driven.

Regardless of the result of the interview, remember that preparation and a positive attitude are always the key to success.

Sources:

• Angelika Śniegocka, "Rozmowa kwalifikacyjna", 2018.