PATH TO INTERVIEW SUCCESS

WHAT jobseekers do before and after their job interview may be as important for their success as what they do in it.

With competition for jobs so strong in many industries, jobseekers can stand out by putting their best foot forward well before meeting their interviewer and when also making contact again afterwards.

Entree Recruitment managing director Megan Nicholson says jobseekers should never be late for an interview.

If there is an unavoidable and unforeseen reason to be late, jobseekers should always call to advise their interviewer.

However, being stuck in traffic or not being able to find a carpark may not be good enough reasons.

“We might have interviews back-to-back, and as soon as that first one starts running late, it impacts the whole day and other people as well,” she says.

“We’re looking at current behaviour as an indication of future behaviour – are they going to be late for my client as well?

“If you’re running late, you’re going to be really stressed and that’s putting you off on the wrong foot.

“Aim to arrive 15 minutes early and sit in the carpark for 10 minutes if you have to.”

When jobseekers do arrive at the office, they should be mindful that even if the interviewer is not watching them in the foyer, someone else may be. Carrying a coffee cup or filling in time using a mobile phone “isn’t a good look”, Nicholson says.

Receptionists at recruitment firms or employer’s office often will tell the hirer if a jobseeker has been rude to them, or if they have been particularly nice.

Their pre-interview behaviour can be an indication as to whether a jobseeker will fit the workplace culture, as well as how they will treat its clients and co-workers.

After the interview, send the interviewer a follow-up email to thank them for their time and outline excitement about the role, to confirm enthusiasm.