Why a failed first interview is like a failed first date!!!  Having worked in Property recruitment for nearly two years, I often link property recruitment or indeed recruitment generally to dating… or in my case a matchmaker.

You do your searches, send a message, hope to get a reply, get to know and understand what each other are looking for, arrange a date and hope to either meet again or get a happy ending (but not the type you’re thinking of).

I often tell my candidates that going on a first interview is very much like going on a first date especially if they’re nervous and need a little extra support and guidance.

So here are my top tips for your first interview (or dating if you need help with that too)

1. Peacocking – This is a massive factor, first impressions are so important on a first date. The same can be said for an interview.  Turn up in your neatly pressed suit and scuff-less shoes with a portfolio in tow and smelling good and you’ll come across as professional and well put together.
2. Sell yourself – An interview is as much about getting to know each other as it is about your skills and experience otherwise recruitment would be Tinderised, you would swipe right and hope it’s a match! Your answers should always be professional but talking about experiences outside of work is a great way to show your personality.
3. Show an interest – There’s nothing worse than being on a date with someone who comes across like they don’t want to be there. The same goes for an interview. Make a connection with the interviewer. Ask questions, smile and be positive.
4. Have things to talk about – It’s easy to get a little nervous, and this can sometimes lead to you giving one word answers and not enough detail. This would not go down well on a date and the same is true for an interview.  Research the company, make sure you know all there is to know about them, research the interviewers on LinkedIn get an understanding about them and their interests which will come in very handy during the interview especially if you have things in common. (By this I’m not condoning stalking your date on Facebook before meeting them)
5. The Close – “So are we going to see each other again?” is usually how a first date ends if everything goes well. In an interview, if you really want the job, be sure that you have done enough to get a second interview. Ask the interviewer, “based on our meeting today is there anything that you’re unsure of?” This hopefully gives you a chance to overcome any reservations they have.

So here is my comparison on the recruitment process and dating… If you’re looking for your next job or looking for someone new to join your team, then get in touch with myself or the team at cherry pick people.  Unfortunately, we do not provide match making services of the dating kind.

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