How to Increase Your Chances of Landing That Job in 2022

It is undeniable that as time passes, sadly, I am morphing into the "get off my lawn" persona, which the kids in the neighborhood take joy in mocking. As it happens, I used to be one of those kids, therefore, I cannot ignore the irony.

Even while a laissez-faire attitude and mediocrity are becoming more and more common, I firmly believe certain foundational interactions should boast a level of formality.??In this regard, interviews are among the most notable.

As a business owner who reviews resumes and conducts final interviews, I am consistently astonished and incredulous at the noticeable lack of interview etiquette displayed by many candidates. This applies equally to those applying for entry-level positions as it does to retired law enforcement professionals with an impressive pedigree, vying for a position in executive protection or management.??

I am fortunate to have a capable team of Human Resources professionals who conduct the preliminary interviews and onboarding of new candidates; however, I make it a point to conduct the final interview.? Though I trust my team, I want to meet the individual who is likely to represent my brand and the brand of my valued partners.?In addition, I would like the candidate to meet me, ask questions, and fully understand the expectations my company and I have of them before accepting a position with us.

While some may consider this micromanagement, I view this as the most prudent and essential approach to ensuring a high level of quality when hiring for a responsible role, especially in today's lackluster employment climate.?When a company grows to a certain size, there is no doubt that the odds of the CEO/President interviewing the candidate decrease exponentially.??That is when a key stakeholder or a trusted senior member of the team steps in to fill the void.

Having interviewed hundreds, if not a few thousand applicants during my twenty-two years as a business owner, my interviewing method has been refined.??As a result, I can determine if an individual will succeed at my company within the first minute with a high degree of accuracy.? That decision is based on an individual's presentation, preparedness, response to my first question, and my "gut feeling".?There are indeed some individuals where indicators advise us to pass; however, I also wish to give people I see potential in, a chance to show they are capable of being successful.? While I wish I could say that strategy has been immensely successful, more often than not, it only confirms my instincts.? Though there has been some success, as evidenced by one instance we have seen in the last few months, and that gives me immense satisfaction.

To assist candidates with the interview process, I will be writing a series of articles outlining key phases of the process and how, in my opinion, to be prepared when it comes to that critical time.?Topics I hope to cover are Resume Guidelines, Resume Submission, Research and Preparedness, In-Person and Virtual Interviewing Etiquette, and Interview Follow-up.

Regardless of industry, I feel this series will benefit anyone looking to do their best in their next interview.

Stay Tuned.

Gerard Boniello, CPP is the President of Omnium Protection Group, a privately owned, Massachusetts-based security service provider specializing in luxury hotels, faith-based organizations, executive protection, secure ground transportation, and security consulting.?Gerard has been involved in the security industry for close to three decades and is the Vice-Chairman of The Board of Executive Protection Professionals, an organization focused on developing the first ANSI-certified Standard for executive protection.?

For more info please visit www.omniumpg.com or ?www.ep-board.org or follow their Facebook pages.