It is nothing new that as a job candidate you must dress well, but it is perhaps not generally known that it is significantly higher on the HR manager’s list than the content. How do you deal with this and other facts as a job candidate?
Research figures
A report recently emerged (initiated by recruitment and selection agencies) that more than 24% of Dutch HR managers pay more attention to the appearance of the applicant than to the content of his or her story. Internationally the percentage is slightly lower.
In addition, the attractive applicant / employee earns more than the ordinary colleague with identical work and performance. The explanation given is that the employee is more concerned with appearance and is more self-confident. Being more concerned with appearance is less relevant, but self-confidence is important.
The same HR managers, more than 30%, also indicate that previous performance is massively overstated. In addition, according to them, more than half indicate a higher salary than what they actually earn.
The applicant also likes to talk about the reason why he/she is looking for a new employer, more than 30%, and tries to avoid his/her own weaknesses.
How do you as an applicant deal with these outcomes?
If you are currently entering the job market and wish to act in good faith in an interview, these numbers can be frustrating. But these results can also help you during a job interview.
Appearance
Of course you dress nicely, but don’t overdo it. If you already work in the industry, you know what is considered normal. Example: If you can walk around the office without a jacket, put it on during the conversation and ask (if you are warm) if you can take it off during the conversation. In addition to being polite, you were received with the correct clothing. It is
true that if you are well dressed for the interview and you look shabby once you start, this is not a calling card for yourself. When you join a new employer, take a good look at what your colleagues are wearing, both in the workplace and when you go to external appointments.
In addition to clothing, care is important, a pleasantly washed colleague comes across better than someone who has musty smells around him. Grooming does say something about someone and these are things that are included in the overall picture. Whether it is justified or not, it is practice, try to turn science in a positive way towards yourself.
Take the necessary self-confidence into this, because if you were not considered suitable for this position, you would not have been hired. Self-confidence is therefore appropriate.
Note! Don’t make the mistake that many make that self-confidence is arrogance. Self-confidence is having an idea of your capabilities and having the courage to express this. You know what you can do and what you do and you are good at it! this has nothing to do with arrogance.
Contents
Being enthusiastic about your work and happy to talk about it doesn’t hurt anyone, but try to channel this. If you have to go through your CV in a bird’s-eye view, do this in a bird’s-eye view and don’t dwell on each position for fifteen minutes. A desired in-depth step is really requested by the HR manager. The duration of a conversation is usually indicated in advance and try to present yourself as best as possible within the set timeline.
To avoid the impression that you are exaggerating, after all 30% of HR managers have this impression, give a small practical example of a certain performance. It helps if you can tell this realistically.
Salary
The salary is always a difficult point, because who says you are exaggerating or not. In certain industries, specific positions are often at a certain level and the HR manager can assess whether this is realistic. But if the option is there, you can also indicate what you want to earn. This is an open and honest answer and questions about a previously received salary are avoided.
Strong and weak points
Do mention your weaknesses. Everyone has weaknesses and strengths and if you have prepared well for an interview you can express this well. Please indicate what you are doing to keep the weaknesses under control or even turn them into an advantage. Example: Impatience can be a weakness, but if you get it under control it can become a pleasant trait for a position within, for example, a project (project leader/project employee). Think about it carefully, because not being able to get the words out during the conversation is clumsy and seems like you are making it up on the spot.
Nice application!