A couple of weeks ago, I discussed resumes and what I, as an employer, have found that would make me more likely to interview a job applicant. If you recall, twice this year, I have gone through the hiring process, once for an open position and once for a new position at our law firm. I have seen a couple of hundred resumes and telephone or in-person interviewed dozens of candidates.
When I was interviewing candidates, there were many things that I saw that encouraged me to consider an applicant.. Other items made applicants unattractive to me and would make it less likely that I would think about hiring the applicant for the position. If something was to make me more likely to consider a candidate, I suspect it would also make it more likely for other employers to consider a candidate. However, other employers may be looking for other things.
When I am interviewing an applicant, I am trying to get a mental picture of the candidate and how he or she would do the job and fit into our team. As I stated a couple of weeks ago, I can’t say I am an expert in the field of job hunting. However, having recently gone through the process a couple of times, I thought I would give my thoughts on some of the items that I look for as an employer when interviewing candidates.
Be on time. Punctuality is important. If an applicant is late for the interview, what is the likelihood of punctuality on a daily basis for work. Do not be surprised if your prospective employer does not meet with you immediately at your appointed time. I will intentionally let an applicant wait, for two main reasons: firstly to gage reaction to waiting, and secondly to give the applicant an opportunity to strike up a conversation with our team member at the front desk. This is part of the interview process.
Be courteous to everyone you meet. Be nice to all persons met during the interview process. Everyone that you meet will likely be asked their opinion of you. They could be your future co-workers or supervisors.
Research your prospective employer. The internet and Google are wonderful tools. When you have prior knowledge of the company with whom you are interviewing, it shows your interest in the job and your prospective employer. It also shows initiative and follow-through, two qualities that I look for in a job candidate.
Be prepared for background and drug tests. If the job requires background and/or drugs tests, make sure that you can pass them. I do not like surprises and suspect that few prospective employers would. Give the heads-up to your prospective employer to any issues with your credit or criminal history.. Matters like youthful indiscretions or medical bills in collection can usually be explained away.
Be familiar with your resume. Make sure you are familiar with everything on your resume. If you use acronyms or abbreviations, know what they mean. You can look real silly to a prospective employer if you are asked a question about your resume and you do not know the answer.
Dress appropriately. Most employers have dress codes for their place of work. If you dress up in evening clubbing clothes for a professional office interview or torn jeans and a faded t-shirt to seek a position at a fine jewelry store, you likely will not fare well compared to other candidates who dress appropriately. For example, when my son Luke was in high school looking for a fast food restaurant job, he dressed up in a in a coat and tie when he was putting in his applications. He got a job, while his friends didn’t.
Do not wear scents. Many people, myself included, have sensitivity to scents. You should not want to put off your interviewer or make him or her uncomfortable because of your perfume or cologne. Especially, don’t slather it on. My wife’s aunt, who had dealt with the public for more than a half-century during her lifetime working years, had a saying for persons with heavy perfume: “She must have a mighty powerful stink.”
Be truthful about your job skills. If you list that you specific job skills, such as with certain software programs, make sure that you have those skills. If you are given a keyboarding or other test during the interview process and the results of the test do not agree with your resume, it will raise questions about the truthfulness of everything else on your resume.
Bring reference list. Have your list of references with contact numbers with you to the interview. You will look more prepared if you are asked to provide your references. Contact your references and get permission to use their names and be assured you will get positive references. It is very disconcerting to me when I call a reference and either he or she did not know that the applicant was going to use him or her as a reference, or the person gives a negative reference.
Use thank you notes and courtesy calls. If you send a thank you note after an interview, it may set you apart from other candidates who do not. It also shows your interest in the position. If an emergency arises or you otherwise cannot make an interview, it is only common courtesy to let your prospective employer know. It also shows your respect for the company.
These are just a few items that I, as a prospective employer, found helpful when interviewing a candidate. I hope they are helpful to you also. Good luck and happy job hunting.
By: Matthew M. Wallace, CPA, JD
Published edited September 8, 2013 in The Times Herald newspaper, Port Huron, Michigan as: First impressions are key to landing a job