Are you wondering what an Employer looks for during an interview, or what you should do to get him to like you?
While you’re in the interview hot seat watching for clues from your interviewer, he or she is busy watching you – looking for their own clues.
9 Things an Employer Looks for During a Job Interview
Employers look for things they want to hear in your answers, or ways you handle yourself during the job interview, or simply sign that shows them what you might be like if you worked for them.
An employer want to know if you actually answer the questions he asks
Preparing for an interview ahead of time is really important. By all means, spend time looking at the top 63 tough interview questions and best answers that works, then practice well.
But when it comes to the interview itself, listen carefully in the moment and answer the actual questions asked. So, listen to the whole question and respond naturally.
If you jump ahead to practice your answer in your head while the employer is still talking, that’s a big turnoff. Trust yourself and find your own words. Be conversational. It will help you connect with the employer, which is what you want to do.
Are you a problem solver?
Employers love this. Every company has a problem and they want to get it solved! Some people have come into interviews ready to fix the company with facts they’ve gathered. This idea would win them the job.
Stories about how you solved problems in the workplace are very good, but trying to improve the company while you’re still in the interview process – not good.
Employers want to know what your body language is saying
Slouching is bad. Sit up straight, looking professional and yet as natural as possible. Also, be aware of any fidgets or extraneous body movements (tapping your finger or foot, clicking a pen) that can distract the employer from your words.
If you’re nervous, don’t assume that’s negative. Job candidates are most times nervous. Just practice beforehand, be yourself during the interview and remember to meet the interviewer’s eyes with a warm smile.
Interviewers want to know if you have a deep understanding of the job you’re applying for
This may seem so obvious, because some people don’t seem to know what the job entailed, even though they applied for it. Of course, you can’t know everything about it.
Asking what the job is like on a daily basis is a valid question for you to ask at the end of the interview. But at the very least, review the job description and look up anything you aren’t completely familiar with.
5. They want to know if you did take time to learn about the company
In addition to researching the job, you need to research the company. What is the business all about? What are the specialties of the division / department you’re interviewing with?
Use the internet to find out all you can – even possible names of people who work there. Then put together a picture of who they are, as best as you can, again looking for ways that you and the company match.
One question employers like to ask is “What do you know about us?” (Look out question 3 in the top 63 most asked interview questions with best answers)
Your research will help you prepare for that, too, helping you shape your answers and even how you dress for the interview
Employers want to know if you know your Resume well enough
Not knowing your CV well enough is one of the 7 most common job interview mistakes. Going for an interview not having looked at your Resume in a while is a bad move. If you have to think a bit or pause for a long time when asked something on your own CV sends a negative message.
So, give yourself some time to look at your CV before you arrive at the interview. You should also review it carefully when preparing stories to help you answer interview questions.
They want to know if you’re initiative
While companies want you to work well with management, they also want to know you won’t just twiddle your thumbs and wait to be told everything.
So, interviewers are always looking for clues that the candidate can operate independently, while still respecting the management structure and coworkers.
Employers also want to know if you’re flexible
Employers often use behavioral questions to assess your ability to respond to new situations with ease and success. They ask you how you handled things in the past, situations you’ve managed, things you’ve improved etc.
If you’ve practiced to respond perfectly to those questions, you’ll present a picture of someone who does rise to the occasion without bringing their own rigidity into the picture.
Employers want to know if you’re someone who respects the management
A company wants an employee who will work well with managers and respect the company’s mission and culture. If your answers include stories about how you were smarter than management and saved the day, this won’t come across well.
Even if management was terrible, always tell your stories in a way that makes you look resourceful and capable, while not putting others down.
There you have it, those are my 9 list of things employers look out for during a job interview. Want to add to the list? Please use the comment box below.