Why are some interview candidates successful and why do some fail? Here is a sample of recent interviews conducted by Susan Ford (the founder of Susan Ford Recruitment). The case studies, highlight some of the `successes and failures`. Under Latest Interviews, you will see up to date case studies of the most recent interviews conducted.
Successes
One of 8 applicants interviewed on the same day - applying for a trainee position was put forward largely due to the level of maturity shown - most of his peers, all University graduates, acted their age, he got the edge by being positively different - he was calm, relaxed and self assured.
One of over 200 applicants. Was successful in achieving interview (although, unfortunately not in securing a position) due to format of CV. It jumped out to me as it was printed in blue ink.
Failures
A candidate was not put forward due to the amount of times he laughed during interview! Even putting this down to nerves, he was not serious enough and I would never have recommended him for second interview.
A candidate was too rehearsed in the industry for which I was interviewing him. Every time I asked a question relating to the industry and why he wanted to move into it, he repeated the same stock paragraph - which at times was not appropriate to the question I was asking! He was clearly well rehearsed but did not understand a word he was saying!
Latest Interview
A recent candidate was rejected mainly as a result of her attitude towards being asked to perform an aptitude test. No-one likes doing tests but if you openly demonstrate this to your interviewer, only one question comes to mind ...."..why?"
Candidate was rejected on attitude grounds. He obviously thought the way to get past the female interviewer was to flirt with great abandon....sorry lads (or lasses) this does not generally work!
A recent candidate was rejected again on attitude grounds but most specifically because his mobile `phone went off during the interview - not a problem in itself, but the candidate then proceeded to have a fairly lengthy conversation in front of the interviewer. Leave your mobile `phones off during interview.
A School Leaver was rejected, once again, on attitude grounds. The candidate pointed out several times during the interview that she knew a client of the company conducting the interview - this was not meant in a threatening manner but such concentration on periphery simply leads to the conclusion that there is not much substance to the candidate.
A candidate was recommended for second interview and offered a job subsequently. The overriding attribute was the candidate`s honesty. She had suffered some illness with her previous employer, a condition which was fairly serious. The candidate gave a complete and honest account of her illness and current prognosis.
This enabled the company interviewing to consider this prior to offer - had they not known the detail, the candidate would have almost definitely been "queried" on medical grounds but ultimately considered dishonest by the company due to non-disclosure.
It is always better to be honest - people know, or will eventually find out, when you are not.
A candidate has recently been interviewed and is awaiting second interview as a result of the covering letter with her CV. The CV was average in terms of presentation and detail, but the enthusiasm and spirit demonstrated in the covering letter gave the reviewer no other option but to interview!
A graduate candidate has recently been interviewed and recommended for second interview. This candidate stood out to the interviewer not because he interviewed very well although he was satisfactory, but because of his approach having received a call for interview.
He contacted the interviewer thanking him for the opportunity of the interview and confirming that he would be attending. He then independently approached the interviewers secretary to make sure he had the right directions. On arriving for the interview he was very pleasant and courteous to the interviewers secretary.
All these actions particularly the last one scored bonus points - try and introduce them where you can. Note - candidates who have interviewed spectacularly have been rejected due to the attitude they had with interviewer`s support staff.
Source:
http://www.sfrecruitment.co.uk/case.htm
Successes
One of 8 applicants interviewed on the same day - applying for a trainee position was put forward largely due to the level of maturity shown - most of his peers, all University graduates, acted their age, he got the edge by being positively different - he was calm, relaxed and self assured.
One of over 200 applicants. Was successful in achieving interview (although, unfortunately not in securing a position) due to format of CV. It jumped out to me as it was printed in blue ink.
Failures
A candidate was not put forward due to the amount of times he laughed during interview! Even putting this down to nerves, he was not serious enough and I would never have recommended him for second interview.
A candidate was too rehearsed in the industry for which I was interviewing him. Every time I asked a question relating to the industry and why he wanted to move into it, he repeated the same stock paragraph - which at times was not appropriate to the question I was asking! He was clearly well rehearsed but did not understand a word he was saying!
Latest Interview
A recent candidate was rejected mainly as a result of her attitude towards being asked to perform an aptitude test. No-one likes doing tests but if you openly demonstrate this to your interviewer, only one question comes to mind ...."..why?"
Candidate was rejected on attitude grounds. He obviously thought the way to get past the female interviewer was to flirt with great abandon....sorry lads (or lasses) this does not generally work!
A recent candidate was rejected again on attitude grounds but most specifically because his mobile `phone went off during the interview - not a problem in itself, but the candidate then proceeded to have a fairly lengthy conversation in front of the interviewer. Leave your mobile `phones off during interview.
A School Leaver was rejected, once again, on attitude grounds. The candidate pointed out several times during the interview that she knew a client of the company conducting the interview - this was not meant in a threatening manner but such concentration on periphery simply leads to the conclusion that there is not much substance to the candidate.
A candidate was recommended for second interview and offered a job subsequently. The overriding attribute was the candidate`s honesty. She had suffered some illness with her previous employer, a condition which was fairly serious. The candidate gave a complete and honest account of her illness and current prognosis.
This enabled the company interviewing to consider this prior to offer - had they not known the detail, the candidate would have almost definitely been "queried" on medical grounds but ultimately considered dishonest by the company due to non-disclosure.
It is always better to be honest - people know, or will eventually find out, when you are not.
A candidate has recently been interviewed and is awaiting second interview as a result of the covering letter with her CV. The CV was average in terms of presentation and detail, but the enthusiasm and spirit demonstrated in the covering letter gave the reviewer no other option but to interview!
A graduate candidate has recently been interviewed and recommended for second interview. This candidate stood out to the interviewer not because he interviewed very well although he was satisfactory, but because of his approach having received a call for interview.
He contacted the interviewer thanking him for the opportunity of the interview and confirming that he would be attending. He then independently approached the interviewers secretary to make sure he had the right directions. On arriving for the interview he was very pleasant and courteous to the interviewers secretary.
All these actions particularly the last one scored bonus points - try and introduce them where you can. Note - candidates who have interviewed spectacularly have been rejected due to the attitude they had with interviewer`s support staff.
Source:
http://www.sfrecruitment.co.uk/case.htm
