The search for work places us in front of many uncertainties about what to write in the curriculum, how to present ourselves, how to answer the questions of an interview, even how to dress for a meeting. Even when we apply for a specific offer and then know the company that hires and what profile exactly is looking for, the doubts remain all: how do I differentiate myself from the other candidates, what do the recruiter really want ? Here are some answers.
Let’s start with a fact: to the recruiter your curriculum will only be used to make a first selection among the applications, verify the correspondence of your studies, your experiences, your skills to the job position offered. The verification on paper allows to drastically reduce the number of people who will reach the stage of the interview. Remember then that it is useless to shoot your CV a bit randomly, it will end up in the trash in less than a second: your profile must be aligned with what the company looks for and in the curriculum, which you have to update and customize for each application, you must enhance the studies, experiences, facts of your life that make you ‘suitable’ for the job offer. In our article you can find several indications and links to how to manage and improve your CV.
Often the CV is not enough alone to reach the step of the interview. Now let’s pretend they’ve fixed you an interview. What do you think they will want to know about you that is not already written on the CV?
This is the moment when the recruiter seeks confirmation that what is written on the CV is truth and try to better understand if there are other qualities or defects that can emerge only in a face-to-face comparison.
Even the questions of an interview can be prepared, also because there are frequently asked questions in the job interviews , long ago we talked about it , 4 in particular that being in response ‘open’ can put in crisis:
- Tell us about yourself (or how would you describe yourself)
- Because you are interested in this job and in our company (or this is the job of your dreams)
- What is your strength and your weakness (or how do you manage stress? do you like working with others?)
- What makes you the ideal candidate for this position (or why should we hire you)
Before introducing you to an interview prepares the answer to these questions, but at the time of face to face, try to be natural and make the answer seem spontaneous.
Recruiters want to take on the best, the talent, and when their research is aimed at new graduates it is clear that work experience can be lacking or completely absent. For this reason, it is important for a new graduate to know how to play well the character card, the presence of soft skills.
Here are the 5 strengths that every recruiter looks for
1 – Problem solving skills
Knowing how to collect and analyze information, solve problems and make decisions independently (respecting its perimeter of action, of course). This means putting your head in what you do, whether it’s simple and trivial things (as may happen at the beginning) or more important and complex things. Almost every job today requires analysis and problem solving skills, because this allows the company to achieve its objectives (which must also be yours) and increase productivity. Showing to the employer that you can gather information, solve problems and make decisions independently, that does not need continuous assistance, that you have at heart the ultimate goal of your job but also the whole, it is very important for those who must hire you.
And do not forget that problem solving also includes creativity and lateral thinking.
2 – Knowing how to communicate
The skills of written and oral communication are essential for almost all jobs, you will deal with colleagues of all levels, with clients or suppliers, in informal and daily or more formal situations, you will find yourself presentations, talk on the phone, send e-mails, interact on various online and offline channels. In every situation it is necessary to be able to communicate effectively and appropriately. Your communication skills will be evaluated already in the written material and e-mail you use to apply for the job, but above all the interview will be the moment of truth.
3 – Be reliable
Employers want to know that they have reliable, responsible and professional employees. You must be able to present yourself on time and complete the job with defined deadlines. In the job interview you could ask questions about reliability, find good examples to share in your path.
4 – Be flexible
Many jobs today require a certain flexibility, which means that you may be required to manage multiple activities, i.e. to be multitasking on different projects; or to have flexible working hours. More and more companies are now thinking about evaluating your work for goals and not for stamped cards, many companies are experiencing periods where deadlines are accumulated and extra effort will be required. Employees must also be open to changes in their role at work and be able to adjust their work schedule, if necessary, to achieve goals.
Employers prefer to hire employees willing to do their best to get the job done and that react well to changes in the typical workplace routine.
5 – Being able to work in a team
Most of the work requires group work of some kind. Employers want candidates who are willing to work with others and can do it effectively. Hiring managers will be interested in both the way you worked as part of a team, and how you manage the teams.
