Prime Candidate: What Employers Look for in an Interview

Understanding what employers are looking for in an interview can maximize your odds of employment . Candidates that know how to present themselves during an interview make themselves look better to companies who are seeking to hire and retain the best talent possible. Consider some of the qualities and factors that sway the typical employer's decision to hire you.

A Confident Candidate

One of the simplest things that employers look for is a candidate who is comfortable and confident. When a candidate is confident and engages well with others, it makes him or her look like a fine recruit. When you are sure of yourself, the entire process will flow more smoothly. Showing that you are confident also means doing the right things.

Giving eye contact and a firm handshake can go a long way in impressing the interviewer. Those who do not give eye contact may leave the hiring manager in suspense, and some may even think that the candidate has something to hide or is untrustworthy. Displaying body language that is positive is also important for projecting the confidence during the interview that they are looking for.

Special Combination of Skills

According to The Balance , employers are looking for a specific set of hard and soft skills in the ideal candidate. These skills change depending on the details of the job description and the company or organization conducting the interview. Those who possess the highest amount of must have skills are often hired. In some cases, you ability to convey that you have skill knowledge or if you use key terms helps to convince employers of your adept capabilities.

Your Ability to Mesh with The Culture and Show Dedication

Forbes reports that your ability to fit culturally and show agility at work are two factors that employers look for. In fact, many employers will hire someone who is a better cultural fit over someone who hold more skills and qualifications. Many times, the hours that you are willing to work may come up in the interview because employers are looking for flexible candidates.

If you offer to negotiate your hours, you can bet you will be more desirable to an employer than someone who demands more flexible hours if hired. If you can be great in one role but are willing to take on another position in the workplace if needed, then employers will also value your versatility more. Someone who vibes with the work culture and is flexible is a prime candidate for many employers.

A Solid Answer For Each Question

It is important to remember that the interview questions are used to gauge your compatibility for the position in many ways. Those who have good answers often fare well over those who do not. Taking the time to carefully construct your responses shows that you are thoughtful and not rushing through the process. Behavioral questions are also becoming more common to determine what a candidate may do in various situations before he or she is placed in a seat of influence or power as an employee.

In general, interviewers expect a truthful and rational response to any question asked. Never lie about your education, skills, job experience, or even participation in summer volunteer programs , or you may be penalized. If your answers during the interview do not coordinate with the facts, the employer may not select you. Keeping an eye out for candidates who provide exceptional answers those who deliver cookie-cutter responses is another job of the interviewer. Candidates who provide quality answers will outshine the competition by a long shot. Those that get trick questions or other questions requiring a strategic response correct may also win favor that leads to being hired.

A Neat Appearance

Any candidate who is well-groomed and polished is in a great position for hire. Your appearance during the interview gives the employer an idea on how you will present yourself at work once hired. If the position involved a lot of dealing with the public or power players, you can bet that the quality of your appearance will weigh in on the decision. Although you can show a bit of your personality on the way that you dress, make sure it is the aspect that you want the interviewer to see.

If You Fit the Description

Understanding that all employers are not looking for the same thing, even within the same field, is important to remember on your journey. Interviewers often use the job description and other qualifications sought by the employer as guidelines to evaluate candidates during an interview. Many hiring managers will develop preconceived notions about a candidate based on his or her application.

If they think that you are a strong candidate, then they extend an interview to get to know you in person. The Muse reports that it is important to convince the interviewer that your experience is relevant for the position to boost your odds. The interview process simply gives them the opportunity to learn if you are indeed the type of person you seem to be on paper, and if you are the right one for the job.

Determining if you are the ideal candidate involves a number of evaluation measures that require your full preparation and passionate participation during the interview. Many people whose applications are pulled may not have a successful interview that leads to a job offer. Putting your best foot forward during each interview and follow up have the best chance of getting hired. If you are offered a job after the interview, you may be asked to submit to a drug screening or a background check. When there is a good match between a candidate and an employer, the magic of recruitment happens.