How can you maximize your chances of success in the recruitment process?
In recruitment, every step is crucial for both recruiters and candidates.
A recruitment process is a meeting between a candidate and a company, where every moment should be carefully managed. So, what actions can maximize the chances of succeeding in a recruitment process?
Firstly, it is important for job seekers starting their job search to make a rigorous selection of the job offers they apply for. Good targeting aims to prioritize quality over quantity: not to “scatter” by accepting too many interviews simultaneously and thus take the necessary time to prepare each interview effectively.
Once the initial interviews are scheduled, the preparation work begins. A well-prepared candidate can make a difference by showing interest in researching the company they are meeting (its market, organization, news, financial health, etc.), the background of the people they meet, and of course, the position (the recruitment context, responsibilities, expectations, etc.). It goes without saying that you will find this essential information on LinkedIn (or through other social networks) but also in real life. For example, if you are applying to a retail company tomorrow, why not visit their store to discover their products? The same applies if it’s a service platform or e-commerce site. It will then be enough to transform your “user experience” into a “candidate experience.” This will allow you to create connections between an offer and your background and thus bounce back in discussions, show curiosity, and deepen by asking targeted questions.
An interview is a meeting, and it is also important to put all the chances on your side by taking care of the first contact: we only have one chance to make a good first impression! Prefer an in-person interview over a virtual one whenever possible. Even though video interviews have become a lasting part of our profession today, they should not become the norm, and offering a physical meeting is always more engaging for both the candidate and the recruiter. It is also important to be vigilant about practical details (presentation, punctuality, CV, taking notes, etc.), as well as a smile and enthusiasm, which can positively mark and facilitate creating a connection with a recruiter. Identifying and highlighting the key points of your background in relation to understanding the position in a presentation can make it more impactful. Don’t forget to ask questions and inquire about the next steps at the end of the interview to show your projection into the process…
After passing an interview, a good reflex is to write a few lines of thanks to the person you met: highlighting your understanding of the position, confirming your interest, and showing your projection onto the role. In a process, there will certainly be several people to convince (as we all see, paths are really tending to lengthen…), so it’s important to stay focused at each stage, take into account the information gathered throughout the exchanges, and not hesitate to ask for a debrief after an interview to see the potential areas to emphasize. Another sign of your commitment and willingness to see the process through!
