It Works Both Ways

How Companies can Benefit from the Interview Process

Job interviews are one of the most daunting aspects of the candidate selection process, both for the company and the prospective hire. While the emphasis is often on the preparation of the candidate, interviews are also a great opportunity for companies to cultivate brand awareness and foster good relations in the business community. In a world of fast communication at your fingertips, creating a positive experience for every candidate is vital.
At FRS Recruitment, we dedicate time to ensure our carefully selected candidates are well researched for the role, from the broad skill set required, to the finer points of the schedule and dress code. Every detail is important. Candidates want to put their best foot forward. Equally, every interview is a chance for companies to present their ethos and culture to new talent. This first impression lasts. Prospective employees will discuss their experience with us, as their recruitment agent and with their wider network. We can’t hire every candidate, but there are ways that companies can maximise the benefits from the interview process.

The Welcome Reception

In our pre-Covid days, the interview welcome reception was pivotal. This is your company’s first opportunity to make an impression. As we gradually return to one-on-one interaction, it is important there is a smooth transition, from the waiting area to the interview room. Ensure the candidate knows exactly where to go - from the point of arrival to departure – using signs if necessary. It is good practice to inform receptionists, or anyone in a greeting role, of the candidates’ name and arrival time. As candidates will typically arrive in advance of the interview, preparation at this point is key. Provide a comfortable, private seating area, and access to water if possible. Any delays must be communicated effectively. By displaying a well organised and efficient management of candidates and their arrival, the impact goes beyond a warm and friendly greeting. It shows the company has a professional ethos and strives to engage potential clients - and new talent - from the moment they walk through the door. This will have a ripple effect on the candidates’ wider network as they inform others of their experience.

The Interview

Candidates selected by FRS Recruitment will have undergone extensive interview preparation in advance of meeting with you. They must be able to display a keen knowledge of the sector and their potential role before we put them forward. We will advise all our candidates to carry out extensive research on your company in advance of the interview date.
In turn, it is vital that the interviewer – whether it is one person or a panel - has a keen interest in the potential employee. Interviewers must be briefed on the person’s career background to date, their achievements and suitability for the role. With your own research, you can uncover areas where the candidate is particularly strong and their skill set highly relevant to meet your needs. By showing a keen interest in the candidates’ abilities and how it could be applicable to your business, the interview procedure can be transformed into an informative conversation between professionals. Every opportunity is one that can become a learning experience - showing interest in the previous work experience of the candidate can make it a more engaging and rewarding experience for both parties.

Feedback is Key

Feedback is everything. We want to know what is happening and what has happened.
As recruitment consultants, your feedback will give us everything we need to know. In turn, this will allow us the opportunity to best plan for the future of your company’s hiring needs. Let us know how our candidate performed. Were they everything you were looking for?
Keep us posted on how many more candidates are left to be interviewed and when we can expect to hear back from you. We don’t mind if the news is positive or negative. By giving us feedback, we can keep the candidate informed if and when the timeline progresses to second or third round interviews.
At FRS Recruitment, we strive to build and keep relationships with our candidates, through open communication. In order to maintain this, we need to hear from you. By keeping the lines of communication open, we can deliver the best candidates for your business needs, while maintaining strong contacts with the job seeking market.
While the emphasis is often on the candidate during the interview process, it works both ways. This is an important opportunity for companies to create and maintain vital links to new and expanding networks by promoting your business in a positive way. By keeping the lines of communication open, the interview process can be rewarding for all parties.

Looking to add new talent to your organisation? Email us on info@frsrecruitment.com