Having worked in the front office of a couple companies, I have seen great and poor candidate check ins. Coming in disoriented, not focused, and all over the place is not a good impression. Company’s when hiring talk to the receptionist to ask how the candidate presented themselves and how they communicated. Here are some great tips from prior to stepping into the office, to leaving!
1. Know Who You Are Interviewing With
While scheduling your interview, you should be able to ask who you will be meeting with. This is a great piece of information because you can 1) Look up the person on LinkedIn (Researching the Interviewer is a great way to see if you have any commonalities to discuss during the interview), 2) Makes you more confident in conversations when you can incorporate their name, 3) Having the ability to know who you are asking for when you arrive in the office.
2. State Your Name and Appointment
When you come into the front office and speak to the receptionist make sure to speak clearly and direct. One of the hardest things as a receptionist is having a candidate or client come in and say, “I have an appointment at 1pm”. This sentence does not help the receptionist if their calendar is filled with multiple appointments at this time. It will make their job easier if you state your name and appointment time. “Hi, my name is Sarah and I have an interview with Bob at 1pm”. Concise and direct – the receptionist will love you!
3. Interview Questions
Prior to your interview draft 6 questions – 3 you will use and 3 for back up. Having questions for an interview is a great way to get to know the role a little better. But, asking questions that have already been asked can show a lack of listening or attention to detail. If during the interview your questions were answered naturally – great, if not, ask them at the end of the interview. Keep your questions direct and professional. A great rule of thumb is to ask questions that do not put too much pressure on the interviewer. Believe it or not, they are probably just as nervous as you are about being put on the spot. After 3 questions wrap up the interview. Too many questions might derail from the main point of the meeting.
4. Thank You Means the World
Following the end of your interview always thank your interviewer(s) as well as the receptionist. All participants gave their time for the interview, so showing thanks is very important. It would surprise you how many people walk out of the office without stopping and thanking the receptionist. Remember, when you are in the office, you are showing your best foot forward!
Good luck interviewing from everyone here at Emerald Staffing! If you have any questions about interviews, please do not hesitate to call our office 503.212.0000.
