Can you land a job in the first interview? Is it possible? Yes, but before a job seeker lands their ideal job, they need to consider several aspects during the hiring process. 
Before you begin, put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes. Re-read the job description and then carefully take into account the following considerations:
• Job Skills: This may sound elementary, but do you have the skills that meet the job requirements? Does your resume state that? Don’t overstate or inflate your resume. Honesty will carry a lot of weight in the hiring process. Try not to underestimate that. If you have some comparable experience, and are confident you can step into a position, then state that and be sure to supply references to back that up.
• The Employer’s Needs: Have you considered what precisely the employer needs with respect to that open position? Job descriptions sometimes don’t offer the true story. They provide a general overview of needs. Try taking a more detective-like approach and uncover what the employer’s objectives are with their job search. Understanding what they need and being able to describe how you fit into the equation will drastically increase your chances of getting an offer. Take into consideration the team you’ll be working with, their goals, and the previous employee’s success/failures. It goes back to putting yourself in the employer’s shoes. See where you can fit in the eyes on the employer and then sell yourself in that position.
• Company Environment: Are you a good fit within the organization? Before your interview, ask the recruiter or hiring manager to describe the average team member in your department. What’s their turnover like? If it’s a small team, ask questions about the immediate supervisor. See what type of intel you can gain before your interview. And when you’re interviewing, take a good look at the business surroundings. Once you have a solid understanding, ask yourself if you see yourself working there. If you do, calmly and confidently mention that in your interview.
• Do you even want the job? Most hiring managers have extensive experience interviewing candidates and will be able to tell by the end of the interview if you want the job. What sort of body language do you have? What about confidence? Exuding confidence in a professional matter, can increase a job seeker’s chance during the interview. All this can translate to a candidate’s readiness and willingness to perform. If you don’t care for an offer, it will show.
Being prepared and making a great first impression are equally important, but in truth there isn’t a holy grail solution to the job hunting conundrum. In order to increase your chances, follow these simple suggestions and remember to act professional at all times.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Ingrid Moore
Ingrid Moore is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Resources of Illinois, an employment & staffing agency with over 20+ years’ experience located in Schaumburg, IL. Ingrid and her team assist employers with finding the right hire for their business. For more info, follow us on our LinkedIn Company Page, or follow us Corporate Resources of Illinois‘s Google+ page.
