How to get an edge at job interviews

Do you really ever know why you got or didn't get a job? There is always a combination of how far you meet the employer criteria and the impression of whether you are the right fit for the job or not. While the first part might be based on your experience, background and remuneration expectations, the second is often personal — and therefore can be influenced.

It is hard to quantify what makes one person a good fit in a particular company. But this does not mean that there is nothing to be done to win in this area. Generally speaking, employers look for professional attitude and the ability to adapt with co-workers. But they also look for someone who is right for the corporate culture and able to integrate smoothly and make the transition as short as possible.

In short, hiring managers, when they screen candidates, they look for who they and their teams can work with on a daily basis. This is something to keep in mind during job interviews and definitely throughout the whole hiring process. The way you present your ability to become a member of the team is as important as your technical background, and it can give you an edge over other candidates when a selection is being made.

Here are a few tips that can put you ahead of the pack.

Speak the language

As early as you can, pick up the employer's tone in communication. If a hiring manager is being casual in correspondence for example, try to be less formal — without being personal. More importantly, if the hiring manager is uptight and formal, don't try to become personal or introduce humour. This can cost you the job.

Additionally, scan the company's website and familiarise yourself with its internal jargon, when you begin to use the company's terminology in a job interview or in correspondence, you appear to be more accessible and with a similar background — even if you're not.

Make an impression

Hiring managers have one common concern: making the right decision. While they can verify your experience, check your references, and so on. Judging your professionalism is an area that is left to their discretion. Make their live easier by dressing properly, exchanging professional emails, and handling yourself well. Remember, this goes beyond the job interview and the first impression. Any contact between you and any prospect employer must be courteous and professional.

Do your homework

It depends on the size and scope of the employer. If you are applying for a major company, you might be able to find out about the details of the hiring process by networking with current and previous staff. This will give heads up on the process and what to expect in the job interview. It will also make you aware of what the employer is looking for. Be clear when you approach someone that you are not looking for specific answers to interview questions, but you are looking to better understand the vacancy and its circumstances. This insight can help you even decide for yourself whether the job is right for you or not.

Listen

During the interviewing process, hiring managers may be dropping clues on what they expect and the job specifics. Listen carefully and try to draw conclusions that lead you to understand their expectations of the person who will be selected to fill the opening. Your focus should be on the specific traits that can make a candidate the right choice for the job in their view. If you are still unable to make a clear picture of these points, your last resort is simply to ask. A hiring manager may list points related to working conditions, attitude and ability to learn and working with others. While you can follow up on the answer with your own view of where you stand on each of points, don't go overboard so you don't lose credibility.

Prove it

Hired! The journey does not end here. Employers often continue to monitor a new hire's performance and attitude to make sure they made the right choice. While you need to be yourself, do your best to continue to fulfil the employer's expectations in terms of committing to the job requirements and the corporate culture. This is the only way to keep your job for the long run.

Rania Oteify, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is currently a journalist based in Seattle.