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How to Ace your Next Interview with a Recruiter

How to Ace your Next Interview with a Recruiter

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How to Ace your Next Interview with a Recruiter

January 28, 2016

Some people are born for job interviews. Their CVs are impeccable, they shine during phone calls, and they project the right confidence during interviews. For some, all this is natural, but for most, myself included, it is something that you develop with practice.

Here are some tips and tricks fresh from recruiters that will help you make a strong impression the next time you are out there looking for a new job.

The CV

Constant Development: one of the first things I realised when I started researching recruiter’s tips is how important it is to demonstrate your constant evolution in your CV. The people who constantly ace interviews exhibit this trait, as they’ve enjoyed promotions with all their past employers.

Loyalty: There’s nothing wrong with seeking better opportunities, but you certainly don’t want to appear like you are constantly hopping from job to job. The best candidates often have at least two years spent in their previous job, and a limited amount of job-hopping over the years.

Professional First Impression: Your CV is often the first thing recruiters assess you with, so you should always make sure it is properly formatted and edited. No need to use fancy paper with all sorts of colourings, plain white paper will do.

Conquering the Phone Call

Be Clear: Being clear and straight to the point during phone calls is a good way to make a solid impression with a recruiter. Do not beat around the bush when explaining the reasons for your move, use clear phrases like, “The company’s values are not in line with mine,” or “The company does not have opportunities for advancement.”

Be Knowledgeable About your Potential Employer: The more you know about the firm you are trying to get a job with, the more impressed your recruiter will be with you. You will stand out from the pack if you are able to cite specific things about the company’s services, mission, and history.

Have a Unique Selling Point: Make your recruiter’s job a lot easier by making sure the person is aware of the things you bring to the table that no one else can. You do not need to be obnoxious about this, but you should drop that information into your conversation with the recruiter a few times.

Shine During the Interview

Absorb Questions, then Answer Clearly: Recruiters are often impressed when applicants use the STAR system when answering questions. This Acronym stands for, Situation, Task, Action, and Result. A great interviewee goes through these steps in proper order when answering a recruiter’s questions.

Maximise your First Impression: Sometimes, it comes down to who made the better first impression when choosing between two equally qualified candidates. Do not miss any opportunities to build rapport with your recruiter. Maintain eye contact, have a firm handshake, and stay away from common body language mistakes like slouching (which gives off a lazy vibe) or folding your arms (which makes you come across as confrontational).

Answer Questions: During interviews, make sure you answer each question thrown your way, and not your interpretation of what the recruiter was trying to get at. Doing this can make you look deceitful since it seems like you are avoiding questions from the recruiter’s point of view.

In Summary:

Making a strong impression during the interviewing process comes down to confidence and preparation, plus following these tips. If you have other tips or suggestions, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Sabrina Matuda

IT Recruitment Consultant
  • author
  • author

I am a real people person and spent over a decade in language studies, coaching and sales. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Languages and Literature, a Master's degree in English and a PhD in Translation studies (#nerd). However, a serendipitous event got me into IT recruitment. And I’m loving it! Why? Recruiting has allowed me to leverage my passion for building and maintaining rewarding relationships with my clients while remaining challenged to find the perfect candidates and, in my case, it has also allowed me to keep updated with all the technology trends out there. I take pride in ensuring that placements are a strong match for both parties. There’s nothing more exciting than helping smart people find their next challenge. If I’m not working, I’m probably learning a new language, enjoying a glass of nice champagne or traveling. Also, I love meeting new people and learning new things, so feel free to connect and share your experience. :) If you are looking at hiring or contemplating your next career move in IT hit me up on sabrina@citirecruitment.com.

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Meet the CITI Team


  • Adrian Spurrier - Head of IT Talent

    Head of IT Talent
  • Sabrina Matuda

    IT Recruitment Consultant

IT & Digital Recruitment Without Guesswork

"Our strength lies in understanding the complete client environment, which includes not only the technology but also the mindset of the individuals working in IT environments. We provide a hiring solution that serves both the needs of its clients and candidates. We provide a premium IT talent management service supported by well thought out business processes and operating methodologies." - Steve Wilson, Founder CITI Recruitment

  • Adrian Spurrier - Head of IT Talent

    I’ve successfully built up 8 years of local industry knowledge specialising in the recruitment of Infrastructure professionals with a focus on Open Source, emerging and Cloud Technologies and DevOps Engineers. Combining strong sales skills with excellent technical knowledge, I provide exceptional service to both my clients and candidates. Please contact me for more info - adrian@citirecruitment.com

    Adrian Spurrier - Head of IT Talent
  • Sabrina Matuda

    I am a real people person and spent over a decade in language studies, coaching and sales. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Languages and Literature, a Master's degree in English and a PhD in Translation studies (#nerd). However, a serendipitous event got me into IT recruitment. And I’m loving it! Why? Recruiting has allowed me to leverage my passion for building and maintaining rewarding relationships with my clients while remaining challenged to find the perfect candidates and, in my case, it has also allowed me to keep updated with all the technology trends out there. I take pride in ensuring that placements are a strong match for both parties. There’s nothing more exciting than helping smart people find their next challenge. If I’m not working, I’m probably learning a new language, enjoying a glass of nice champagne or traveling. Also, I love meeting new people and learning new things, so feel free to connect and share your experience. :) If you are looking at hiring or contemplating your next career move in IT hit me up on sabrina@citirecruitment.com.

    Sabrina Matuda

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