You are (almost) graduated and maybe you are already busy looking at what you want to do next. Maybe you have even scheduled your first job interviews, including one with a recruiter. Such a first interview with a recruiter is slightly different than an interview with the company itself. Therefore we will give you tips on how and what you can best prepare for when you talk to a recruiter.
Applying for a job with a recruiter
You've been in touch with the recruiter and your interview is scheduled. Chances are, by then you won't know exactly which company you will be starting at in which role. As a result, you may feel a little uncertain about how to prepare. But don't worry, because there are plenty of questions you can ask and things you can say.
When you go on a job interview with an employer, you usually get a lot of information about the role, the team and the company you might be working for. Recruiter Carlo says: "The first interview you have with a recruiter is actually mainly about you. We really look at who you are as a person. Together we look at where your interests lie and what gives you no energy. It may well be that after two interviews you find out that your interests lie elsewhere than you first thought.
Do you find it difficult to think about what you excel in? Use the STARR method to prepare yourself.
Together with the recruiter, you look at what you did during your studies and what courses you took. You talk about what you are really proud of that you accomplished during your studies. In this way you can see together whether the role you are applying for is really for you. "So there is a joint search with you to see what suits you best."
Carlo continues, "I often speak to people who have just graduated. Therefore, I also look at what they have done outside of their studies. For example, I often ask about hobbies and interests. For example, I recently had a conversation with someone who had studied econometrics, but also fanatically maintained a vegetable garden. During our conversation about his vegetable garden, it became clear that he is a real go-getter who likes to roll up his sleeves."
What you tell about yourself
Think in advance about what you can tell about yourself. Don't worry if you don't have much work experience yet; that won't matter to the interview. Talk about your passions, your interests, and the sports you play, and what this says about you. Your hobbies don't have to be extraordinary. Carlo says, "When someone tells me that they went traveling for a period of time, I'm always curious about what they learned during the trip. What are things you found out you are good at? Maybe you connect easily with strangers, more than you thought before. And what did you struggle with? Maybe you found dealing with all the new changes much harder than you expected."
Travel may not be the first topic you thought of to talk about during a job interview, but it can actually provide many insights about how you find your way in a new environment. Carlo continues, "Sports also say a lot about someone. If someone plays a sport at a high level, you often see that mentality reflected in the workplace."
Share points of improvement
Talking about your hobbies and interests thus gives a good picture of who you are. This allows the recruiter to see which soft skills you already have and which ones you may need to work on. Do not be afraid to tell them what you find difficult and which skills you have not yet mastered. This shows that you are able to reflect on yourself. By being open about your areas of improvement, you can actually look more closely at what really suits you.
But there is more you can do to prepare yourself well. For example, pay attention to how you look. It's not necessary to show up in a three-piece suit, but make sure your clothes are neat, wrinkle and stain-free. And forget about those drinks the night before the interview. A recruiter will notice right away if you're not quite sharp.
What you ask about the job
In the conversation with the recruiter you really look at who you are as a person. Often there will then be a second interview to talk about different roles. The recruiter then explains what roles there are and which ones he or she thinks might be a good fit for you. This is not always necessary if you already know very well what you want.
If these interviews went well and both you and the employer are enthusiastic, it is time for the next step: the job interview with the employer. The recruiter will prepare you for this, so that you know exactly what to expect. The employer also wants to know a few things about you. But this is also the time for you to ask questions.
What do you want to know?
Consider what is truly important for you to know. For example: What is the work atmosphere like? What are the opportunities for advancement? What backgrounds do the team members have? Does the company offer hybrid working? Also, think about the type of manager you need. Every manager has their own leadership style, and it’s important that it suits you. Do you prefer regular check-ins and brainstorming sessions, or do you like to work independently and only consult the manager when necessary?
These preferences can significantly impact your job satisfaction and enjoyment, so it’s crucial to consider them. Think about how you want to be inspired by your manager. Maybe you draw inspiration from meaningful conversations, or perhaps from attending courses. Carlo says: “These are all important factors for feeling comfortable and fulfilled in your role. It’s best to ask these questions directly to the employer, as they are part of the company and the team.”
Ready for your first real job?
Are you (almost) ready for a job in the financial sector? Check out our vacancies in Finance, Risk, Data, or IT. Not sure which role suits you best? Get in touch with recruiter Julien for a brainstorming session!
