Today’s job interviews have little in common with the job interviews of yesteryear. Indeed, since the 2000s, management in companies has undergone significant changes. While company boards of directors are populated by individuals from Generation X, managers, for their part, are often from Generation Y, they are thirty-somethings who have the characteristics of mastering new technologies and being individualistic. Generations X and Z, you who are familiar with the economic and financial crisis, how can you seduce the generation of Y managers-recruiters during a job interview?
Before and After the Job Interview
It would be wrong to think that the job interview starts with the first question that the recruiter(s) asks you. Indeed, the recruiters contacted you because they liked your resume and your cover letter, in other words, they have a priori about you, they have formed an idea of your profile thanks to these two documents. And this priority is positive, otherwise, they would not have contacted you! Your mission is therefore to ensure that the positive priori is confirmed later.
Before the job interview
In reality, the job interview begins the moment you respond to the recruiter via email or phone call.
- To respond, it is best to use the same means of communication that the recruiter has chosen. If the recruiter wants to meet with you, and he lets you know by email, respond by email. If he contacted you by phone and you missed the call, call him back.
- Take care with your expression: If you send an email to the recruiter, don’t forget polite phrases such as “Madam, Sir”, “I thank you in advance for your response”, or “cordially”. Also fill in the subject line, because it makes it look more “professional”. Hunt down spelling mistakes, because an email without spelling mistakes can distinguish you from other candidates who do not master spelling.
- Respond fairly quickly: This shows your interest in the structure that has accepted your application.
- Prepare for your interview: Imagine the questions the recruiter might ask. Likely questions include typical interview questions like “introduce yourself,” “what are your weaknesses?”, and questions that are related to the industry.
After the job interview
Some professionals appreciate it when a candidate sends a post-interview email. However, it is not recommended to send an email the same day; you should wait a few days. This is not a follow-up but an opportunity to show your motivation once again and to keep in touch with recruiters.
Also Read: How to make good use of the internet to find a job quickly?
How to behave during a job interview?
- Outfit: Above all, don’t show up in casual clothes or jeans. Try to wear an outfit that flatters you, that matches the job interview codes and the company’s image if possible, and above all, one that you are comfortable in.
- Bring your CV and cover letter: Recruiters may ask you for these documents again because they did not print them, and also to test you, i.e. to ensure that you follow the interview protocol.
- Refuse coffee and other small cakes, they impair concentration and lead to more familiarity.
- Try not to lie too much: On the one hand, if you lie badly, recruiters will notice your scheming. On the other hand, your answers to other overlapping questions may be contradictory and therefore give you away.
So be yourself, but not too much. In other words, respect the protocol that generations X and Y love so much, be comfortable in your role.
