Interview Preparation: A Corporate Recruiter's View

I've looked at your resume and hundreds of others for this position.

Most of the candidates who submitted their resumes weren't qualified or as we say in the world of recruiting "not a good fit."

I like the way your resume and cover letter are written. Your years of experience and education are well presented. Either you are a good resume writer or you chose a good writer. I am selecting you and a few others to screen for a telephone interview.

The hiring manager is calling or coming down to my office on a daily basis to see if I have found any candidates that meet the vacant job criteria. The hiring manager seems to think that this job is the only one I have to fill in the whole company!

I call you to conduct a brief pre-screening interview. You did okay. I didn't expect you to do well. After all, you weren't prepared for my call.

You come in for the scheduled interview with me. You're a little nervous.

You see me and wonder why you were nervous. I have one of the nicest smiles you've seen on a recruiter in a long time and my professional demeanor is non-threatening and even friendly.

I begin the interview. You answer the questions. I make you feel so relaxed that you almost feel like you're talking to someone you've known a long time.

After a few more questions, I end the interview.

I shake your hand while saying, "I have a few more candidates to interview before deciding who comes back for the second interviews with the hiring manager. I've enjoyed meeting you. Thanks for coming in. You will be hearing from us."

You tell those close to you how feel good about this interview. One week later, you get a rejection letter from me on behalf of the company.

You feel awful. You thought you aced the interview. What happened?