Proven! Nuances Every Recruiter Looks At When Interviewing You

By Ruoro Kairu 

Recruitment managers form a significant part of the employment process. Ideally, all prospective candidates should pass through them before being secured for a job. I spoke to Prisca Kimaiyo –a top recruiter at Corporate Staffing Services, about the subtle cues that every job seeker should observe while attending an interview. Here are her top three verbal and non-verbal cues you should pay keen attention to in an interview room.

1. Maintaining eye contact

While many job seekers find the interviewing process menacing, you are advised to maintain eye contact with the recruiter or employer.

She reckons that eye contact is a great start to show that you’re professional and are well versed in your field. When you maintain eye contact, it leads the interviewer to be keen and attentive to what you’re saying. Looking away or downwards while you talk could easily be perceived as a sign of being dodgy and dishonest.

“For managerial positions, you must maintain eye contact. We need to know you can manage workers and not shy away from reproving them.” She opines.

2. Shaking the interviewers hand

Soon as you step into the interviewing room, there’s an aura of anxiety and unease. You forget most of what you had prepared and start a whole improvised stuttering routine.

As an interviewee, should you shake the hands of the interviewer?
“There are several factors to consider before deciding whether you’ll shake a recruiter’s hand or not. First, assess the general mood of the interviewer; some are warm, others just look disinterested. Secondly, if the interview consists of a panel, do not try to shake everybody’s hands. However, after the interview is over, if you feel you have you’ve created a rapport with the interviewers, you can shake their hands.”

If you do shake the interviewer’s hand, ensure you have a firm grip as it implies you’re a professional.

3. Placing your documents

You’ve shown up for the interview and you have carried along your bag or purse. This may be where you have put all your documents requested by the interviewer, but where should you place it when you get into an interview room?

Ideally, you should place it on the floor, besides where you’re seated.

“Occasionally, I see interviewees who place their bags on the table. This is one of the most unprincipled things you’ll see today.” Notes Prisca.

Quick read>>> Reasons Your CV is Not Getting Employers Attention

Recruitment officers make a living from interviewing candidates. They look at every detail keenly before forwarding the best candidate for a position. As a result, they know the nuances that reveal more about a job seeker. In case you’re looking for a job and get called in for an interview, keep the above details in mind and you’ll have increased your chances of acing the interview.