A Recruiter's Guide to Candidate Interview Prep

by Charlotte Appel

Interviewing for a new job usually creates some anxiety.??

Whether someone is fresh off graduation, or interviewing for a leadership role, there is always a chance of a flobbed response, unforeseen technical issues, or things simply not coming off as smoothly as one would like. ?

As recruiters, though, we are uniquely positioned to prep and guide candidates through this anxiety inducing process. By providing comprehensive preparation, we can help jobseekers present their best selves and increase their chances of securing that next position.?

All it takes is a structured process and some preparation.??

The Prep Call?

A thorough prep call prior to the candidate’s interview is foundational to the rest of the prep process. Make sure to schedule a time to talk a day or 2 before the interview so it’s fresh in their mind.??

Thoroughly explain the role: The first step in preparing a candidate is a thorough review and explanation of the position. Here it’s often helpful to provide an overview of the company in general and why the need to fill this specific position. This sets the foundation for everything that follows.??

Break down the elements of job description: At this stage recruiters should walk the specific duties and qualifications outlined in the job description , line by line if necessary. Here it is also good practice to encourage candidates to integrate the key words of the job description into their responses for the interview. Discuss each point and how the candidate’s experience aligns with these requirements.?

Highlight Key Skills and Attributes: Building off the elements of the job description, it’s also important to emphasize the concrete skills that are most critical to thriving in this role. Ensure the candidate can articulate examples from their experience that demonstrate these qualities.?

Clarify Expectations: As you discuss the role, make sure you allow space for the candidate to ask any clarifying questions they might have. There shouldn’t be any confusion by the end of your call. Jobseekers should have a clear understanding of the role and what is expected of them in order to succeed in this position.??

Provide Details on the Interviewers: As a recruiter, you can significantly improve a candidate’s chances of securing an offer by providing some background info on who they’ll be speaking with. This doesn’t have to be incredibly detailed. But providing some general points like the interviewer’s name, their experience, and their role within the company can provide clarity and boost your candidate’s confidence. It can also provide a basis for engaging questions on the part of the candidate, which is always a plus. ?

Don’t Skip the Basics: Sometimes it’s the easy questions that trip us up during an interview. Make sure your candidates have some idea for how to describe themselves as it relates to the job, their strengths and weaknesses, and what they’re looking for out of this new opportunity. Be sure to remind candidates to have their resume nearby too. That way, we don’t confuse the basic details of our career journey.??

The Interview??

In addition to walking through the details of the job, it’s also best-practice to prep the candidate for the type of interview they’ll be having. Different formats require different approaches. As a recruiter, you can send a prep guide via email, or simply provide specific interview format tips during your prep call.??

Phone Interviews: Recruiters should advise candidates to conduct their interview in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Additionally, jobseekers should have the notes and/or their resume in front of them as a guide and reference.??

Virtual Interviews: By now most of us have some experience in the remote working world. Recruiters, though, should leave nothing to chance. Ensure your candidate has a working setup to minimize technical difficulties. Make sure also to communicate the importance of professional setup and appropriate attire.???

In-Person Interviews: Say your candidate has to go into the office? In this instance, attire and punctuality will be key to a great interview. Make sure you provide guidance on the company’s dress code and advise candidates to plan their route so they arrive reasonably early.??

By taking these steps to coach and prepare your candidates, you’re not only helping them succeed in their interviews but also reinforcing your reputation as a thoughtful and effective recruiter. Thorough preparation can make all the difference, turning potential nerves into confidence and helping candidates showcase their true potential. Investing this time and effort demonstrates your commitment to their success and can lead to stronger, more positive outcomes for both the candidate and the client.??

In search of a recruiter to help guide you through the job search? Feel free to reach out to me or?contact anyone at Planet Professional ?to get the ball rolling!?

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