Shel Myeroff, President of DRI

At Direct Recruiters, Inc., we take time to prepare you for the job interview and provide you with the best possible information and interview tips available. I personally share the following steps with candidates the night before their interview.

As a veteran recruiter and experienced interviewer, so many times I am asked how to turn a potentially good interview into a great interview. First, I mention that a candidate who is recruited is at his/her greatest point of strength. Then, I share my simple philosophy: A candidate should think of the process as exploring the opportunities rather than looking for a job.

When approaching an interview, do not show a desperate need for the job. It is important to think of it as not running away from your current position, but rather investigating or running to a potentially better opportunity.

During the interview process, display self-confidence but do not come across as arrogant. Communicate your confidence through a handshake, eye contact and posture but most of all through good solid questions. After 5-10 minutes of letting the employer take control of the interview by asking questions while you provide short concise answers, lead the employer down the path of answering your questions through topics he loves to talk about: himself, his company and his idea of the perfect candidate. The more the employer is encouraged to speak, the more information you can obtain to evaluate whether the job is right for you.

Moreover, the more an employer talks the better you look. Why? Well the more you get an employer to talk, the more you will learn and the more he will notice that you are actively listening and sincerely interested. In turn, the more he will sell his company and job opportunity to you and the more he'll want you as the candidate.

I would also like to point out that by allowing the employer to take the floor, the less you talk. There are definite advantages to your silence. The less you speak, the less chance you will have of tripping up and therefore, the greater chance of leaving a favorable lasting impression. Gain additional points at the end of the interview by telling him that you liked what you heard and that you would like to go forward to the next step. Proceed even if you are unsure about the job. Remember that you cannot turn down what you do not have.

Finally, contact your recruiter at Direct Recruiters, Inc. and share your experience and results. We can help you to formulate your next plan of action.