Tips for a Successful Interview with a Recruiter
If you have never interviewed with a staffing company before, you may be tempted to treat the experience with a bit more levity than a “real” job interview. Don’t do it. This is as real an opportunity to land a good job as any other interview directly with a company, maybe even more so! Follow these guidelines for a successful experience.
1) Dress as you would for any job interview. The recruiter may seem so warm and friendly on the phone that you may think that your interview is more of a “get to know you better” session, which it is. But it is also a full on job interview, so dress the part. Don’t go casual. You want to seem credible, serious and worth consideration, and your attire should say that about you.
2) Have your resume ready. Have a few extra copies available too. Make sure it is accurate, updated, and addresses any gaps you may have in employment. Be prepared to answer questions about your time between jobs honestly. Don’t try to hide these gaps. If the recruiter later uncovers any inconsistencies with your version of your employment history, it will definitely count against you. A recruiter’s reputation is on the line every time they send who they believe to be a well-qualified applicant to one of their client companies. They will not risk sending you if they feel you may have been less than truthful on your resume.
3) Practice your interview skills before you go. Again, treat this as you would an interview for your dream job, because it may well turn out to be! Make good eye contact. Answer questions thoughtfully. Prepare some concise questions to ask before you go. Practice mock interviews with a friend if it’s been a while since you last interviewed. There is no preparation that is too much. All this work will make you more relaxed and confident, and better able to represent yourself.
4) Be a helpful source of information for the recruiter. The recruiter may not understand the ins and outs of the job they are trying to fill as well as you do. It is your industry, after all. You are in a unique position to offer some insight into the job their client needs to fill. And, your advice will be greatly appreciated because it will allow the recruiter to better perform his job. By striking this cooperative, mutually beneficial tone with the recruiter, you will help yourself because it is in the recruiter’s best interest to get you placed.
At ERG Staffing Services, our staff of highly trained professionals is here to place you in the job you are seeking. Contact us today so you can begin the process of landing your next position in a light industrial workplace.
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