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What Hiring Managers Wish You Knew When Applying for a Job

What Hiring Managers Wish You Knew When Applying for a Job | FGS Recruitment

Don't Apply for a Job Unless You Meet the Criteria of the Job Description

This one is key! Not only are you wasting the hiring managers time but your wasting your own time. Quality over quantity is very important here. If you're a SharePoint Developer applying for a job as a Lawyer then it's unlikely that you'll hear back (unless you have a Law Degree of course, then it's possible). Similarly, if you don't have the qualifications that are marked as essential on a job description then there really is no reason to apply.

The good news is that you don't have to rule yourself out completely if you don't meet all of the criteria. As long as you meet the majority, about 75%, then it's fine to apply especially if the criteria is marked as desirable as opposed to essential.

Do Your Research!

This may seem obvious but it's surprising the amount of candidates that don't do this. We don't just mean looking at the about page of a company's website and remembering a few key facts (although this is useful too). Take the time to research the company on LinkedIn. Research your interviewer(s). What awards have they won? Have they won any big contracts recently? Anything that shows that you have taken the time to really get to know the company shows commitment and willing.

Be Prompt, but Don't Arrive Too Early to Your Interview

Whatever you do, never turn up late for an interview however turning up too early can be equally as damaging. It's best to arrive about 10 minutes before an interview and never anymore than 15. The main reason for this being that the hiring manager could be in the middle of something and knowing you are waiting might distract them.

If you're unsure where you are going then make sure you leave enough time to find the location and if you turn up too early, grab a coffee nearby or wait in the building reception and ask reception not to let your interviewer know you are waiting until 10 minutes before.

Come Prepared with Questions

Have you ever been to an interview and when it comes to the end, not had any questions prepared? Having a few questions to hand shows that you've thought about the company and done some research. Ask questions about subjects that you couldn't find out online such as growth opportunities, company plans for the future and employee culture.

Subjects I would avoid asking, especially if it's a two stage or more interview process, are questions around salary, benefits and holiday. By all means ask these questions however keep it to the second stage.

Close the Interview

Thank the interviewer for their time and if you are interested in the job then don't be afraid to say so. Find out what the next steps are and when you can expect to hear back. When you get home, send the interviewer a quick thank you via email. This very quick step can make you stand out from other candidates and demonstrates your serious about the position.


FGS Recruitment is a boutique recruitment agency specialising in recruiting sales and marketing jobs in our core markets of Digital Media, Learning & Development and Market Research. Keep up to date with our latest career advice articles and jobs by signing up to our newsletter and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

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Tuhoe The Street
Canterbury
CT4 7DU

t: 07595 238 158
e: info@fgsrecruitment.com

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