Congratulations! You’ve made it over the first hurdle and are invited to come in for an interview with the hiring manager of your dream job! This is extremely exciting…that is until panic sets in. What kind of candidates will you be up against? How do you best prepare?
Let’s talk about the four types of candidates you will be competing with and how to surpass!
The Extreme Studier
This candidate has spent hours researching the company, job description, and preparing answers to every possible question under the sun. However, there is a couple of weaknesses with this type of candidate:
- He or she may come across as robotic without personable skills
- Will not be able to answer any questions for which answers were not previously prepared
You can compete against this type of candidate only by understanding your own skillset as it relates to the job instead of memorizing answers. By doing this, you will be able to answer questions more easily and sincerely. Think of past employment examples that demonstrate your qualifications.
Flying by the Seat of Their Pants Candidate
This type of candidate tends to be incredibly charming and is accustomed to being able to smooth talk anyone, including employers. This person typically doesn’t do any homework whatsoever and tends to fabricate answers. The key to beating this type of candidate is to do your homework. You don’t have to spend hours upon hours studying, but you should understand the company, its values, and the skill set the particular position you are interviewing for demands.
The Elite Candidate
This type of candidate attended elite schools and has worked for top-rated employers. He or she was born and bred for this job, and it shows on their resume. They have prestigious references and seem unbeatable! Don’t give up just yet! Just because a candidate looks great on paper, doesn’t mean that their personality will be a fit for the company. Show a strong work ethic and willingness to work your way to the top.
The Know-It-All Candidate
This is the candidate who knows the answer to absolutely everything or, so he or she thinks. Here’s the thing, employers aren’t looking for someone who knows it all. They are looking for a candidate who is willing to learn how their company conducts business. Employers would rather have candidates who are willing to learn than know-it-all candidates who have bad habits that will need to be revised.
Resource Staffing is Ready to Assist with your Resume Preparation
When it comes to helping candidates find jobs, Resource Staffing is one of the leading staffing firms in Texas. Our specialists are dedicated to helping you from start to finish. This includes helping you prepare for your big interview! Contact us today and walk into your next interview with confidence!