How to Survive an Interview?

Statistics show that one of the key factors in long-term success and financial stability is having a full-time job. For people who are in between full-time jobs, looking to upgrade from their existing full-time job, or are applying for a full-time job for the first time, the obvious starting place is finding that particular job in the first place. Some people undergo the job search process on their own and some people enlist the aid of a staffing agency by going online and typing "staffing agency near me" into the search engine. There is nothing wrong with searching for a job by yourself and in some cases it may be more efficient that way. But the advantages of working with a staffing agency to find the job of your dreams are many and obvious.

A staffing agency’s network of contacts that are people who make hiring decisions are typically much larger than the average job seeker’s network. Because getting people hired is what staffing agencies are specifically there to do, they are sometimes even privy to jobs that aren’t available to the public yet! Staffing agencies typically also provide benefits, paid time off, flexible schedules, and opportunity for travel.

But before you actually land the job you will have to go through the interview process. Staffing agencies do a number of things to help their candidates excel in interviews. First, having your resume in tip-top shape is highly important and staffing agencies typically proof/edit their candidates’ resumes to improve them. Related to that point, sometimes it will help a candidate to have a little extra something on their resume, such as a certification or recognition for completing some type of skills test.

Some staffing agencies offer candidates opportunities to complete such certifications/tests, either for free or a nominal fee. Next, one of the best ways to prepare for an interview is by practicing. Most staffing agencies offer opportunities for their candidates to go through practice interviews so they’ll be ready for the real deal. Because recruiters and staff at staffing agencies have so many years of experience with the hiring and interview process, they also generally pass on to their candidates tips on how to survive an interview, such as the ones below.

First, rehearse your answers to the most common interview questions or questions that will specifically apply to the type of position you are interviewing for. A simple internet search will help you find these types of questions. When the day of the interview finally arrives, make sure to dress appropriately for the job you’re interviewing for. You don’t have to dress like you’re going to a wedding but you should dress professional and clean.

Next, once you get to the interview, be aware that you start make first impressions as soon as you walk in the door, not just when the interview starts. Studies show that giving extra weight to first impressions has been hard-wired into people for a long time, so make sure you generate the best first impressions you can. Lastly, execute your answers just like you rehearsed try to be generally calm, patient with your answers.

Cary has been working on more than 20 years of expertise in job services. Nextaff is no stranger for employers or job seekers around the Overland Park area as they have been assisting with all staffing needs.