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Your paperwork is in order. You’ve met with your recruitment consultant, who understands exactly what you’re looking for in your career.
Now, you’re lined up for an interview for a job you really want, with a company that could really suit you.
Our next installment in the ‘Working with Recruitment Agencies’ blog series delves into the client interview and how best to conduct yourself before and after this crucial stage.
Before the interview
Before an interview with a client, regardless of the fact that you are working with a recruitment consultant, it is still vital that you make sure you properly understand the job description. Though your recruitment consultant can help you with advice and guidance, ultimately, it is down to you to ensure you have prepared properly for such things as how your skills and experience relate to the role. After all, they aren’t the ones sitting in front of the panel – you are!
Read through all the information that you have been given and do your research on the company and the person you will be meeting with.
If you are nervous or unsure about the interview, call upon your recruitment consultant. They will be more than happy to run through some questions with you, give you more information and to help you improve on your interviewing skills.
After the interview
After your interview, call your recruitment consultant – most will be watching the clock while you are interviewing! Providing an honest account of how the interview went is very important for both yourself and your recruiter. If you feel the interview went terribly, tell your consultant and explain why. If it was nerves, answering a question poorly, that you did not get along with a staff member, or that your false teeth fell out during your interview (this has happened before!), telling the consultant will only help you going forward. You can speak candidly with your recruitment consultant, which can help to alleviate concerns and worries, or just help you to vent and get things off your chest that you might not be able to do with friends and family. Often, candidates prefer not to tell their friends and families about potential jobs until they’re in the bag. This is where your recruitment consultant can step in and be the one you can speak to, whether you’re pleased or nervous about how the interview went.
However, one of the biggest reasons to have that chat with your recruitment consultant after the interview is because they are in constant communication with the company. This is extremely handy if, for example, you’ve realised that you answered a question terribly and would love to have another opportunity to provide an answer. Your consultant may be able to facilitate this for you.
The support that a recruitment consultant can provide throughout every stage of the job-seeking process not only improves your chance of landing that dream job, but it makes the journey a whole lot more pleasant!