A hiring expert has pointed out that job-seekers are often missing a basic step in their interview preparation. Adriane Schwager, CEO and co-founder of GrowthAssistant, shared her insights with CNBC Make It. Adriane said she has observed a significant decline in job candidates’ preparedness over the past five years. With over 20 years of experience in hiring and conducting thousands of interviews, Schwager emphasizes the importance of being prepared for an interview. “I’m shocked at how many times people don’t do their homework,” Schwager told CNBC Make It.
Basic Preparation: Understanding the Company
Schwager points out that many candidates fail to research the company they are interviewing with, which she finds surprising. This issue, previously common among entry-level candidates, now affects even those at senior levels. Schwager suspects that candidates coming through third-party recruitment agencies are particularly prone to this lapse. “Either they’re not reviewing the prep materials, or perhaps they weren’t actively seeking the role,” she explains.
Importance of Demonstrating Genuine Interest
To avoid wasting time, Schwager advises candidates to conduct research on the company and express genuine interest in the opportunity. Mentioning relevant information from LinkedIn, X profiles, or other business sources at the beginning of an interview can set a positive tone. “That immediately signals to me that the candidate is engaged and sets a positive tone for the conversation,” Schwager notes.
Going the Extra Mile
Candidates who go the extra mile often stand out. Schwager recalls a recent leadership hire who listened to podcast interviews she had participated in beforehand. Additionally, reaching out to mutual connections or even contacting top executives directly via social media can demonstrate a strong interest in the role. Schwager appreciates when candidates show they are fully engaged and know exactly why they are applying.
