Kristina Angel

Prep, prep and more prep! Before any interview, you should be mindful of and confident in your strengths. If you don't know what these are, then ask those around you. There are also different strength based assessments that can give you additional insight. Once you have some key strengths identified, then think through real life scenarios in how you used your strengths in a work setting. This prep will help you detail your strengths during the interview, showcasing your value. Confidence in your abilities and the ability to provide concrete examples will make you a standout candidate.

Open your calendar for exploratory conversations. This approach can be a great way to engage passive candidates and introduce them to new opportunities. By offering a low-pressure, informal chat, you create a comfortable space for potential candidates to learn about your company and the role you’re hiring for. It's an effective way to spark interest and build relationships with top talent who may not be actively looking but are open to hearing about the right opportunity.

As a recruiter, I hear it all the time: flexibility often trumps a higher salary for many job candidates. Whether it’s the option to work from home, flexible hours, or a more adaptable vacation policy, today’s job seekers are looking for balance. Offering flexibility shows that you value your employees' well-being and trust them to manage their time effectively. This can be a game-changer in attracting and retaining top talent. So, while competitive salaries are important, don’t underestimate the power of flexibility in making your workplace more attractive and satisfying for potential hires.

Having a culture that actively celebrates success and hard work is incredibly contagious. When employees see their efforts recognized, it boosts morale, motivation, and engagement. This positivity spreads as it encourages colleagues to celebrate each other’s achievements. As a recruiter, it's fun to talk about examples of a recognition culture with candidates to get them excited about an opportunity.

When you're answering interview questions, be prepared to talk about your work history in detail, both chronologically and by topic. The best way to prepare for this is to practice talking through your resume with yourself and others. This will help you get comfortable answering questions about your work history. Recording yourself can be painful but oh-so helpful. Have a friend that can give you feedback on your delivery. Explain your job moves and the reasons behind them. If you have any gaps in employment, be ready to talk about them.

Always follow up. Always! In your outreach, be prepared to highlight your interest and the value that you bring to the role. First, see if you have any connections at the company and reach out to them to see if they would be willing to introduce you to the right contact or be a referral for you. Next, If you can locate the person who posted the job, it doesn't hurt to reach out directly to let them know of your interest. Finally, I would encourage reaching out to the possible hiring manager for the position to let them know that you've applied and are highly interested in next steps. Taking the time to research and connect with the right people can significantly increase your chances of landing the job. Good Luck!