Do your homework
If you've scheduled a call with a recruiter, plan accordingly
HOORAY. You’ve applied for a job, made sure you were aligned with the qualifications and the recruiter has reached out to you to schedule a call to talk about the job.
I’m so proud of you.
Now, what do you do?
Well, let me tell you what NOT To do.
Don’t get on that scheduled call and tell the recruiter, “I really don’t know much about this job/company, I’ve applied to hundreds of jobs, you know?”
Don’t start out with, “Hey can you tell me again which job this is and how much it pays?”
And please don’t lead with, “I can’t remember is this the job that’s remote or not?”
Those comments and questions are okay if I’ve called you out of the blue (although to be honest, they’re not optimal and show me that you’re not intentional in your job search).
Instead, when we start that scheduled call and I ask, “so what made you apply for this job?” lead off with something related to a) the company, b) your background in similar roles and c) where you see yourself going in a company like mine.
Frankly, just put in a little effort and you’re going to stand out among all those other applicants who answer with the “I don’t know which job this is” response.
Here’s how to do your homework:
Find the company page on LinkedIn and take a look around - where are they located, how many employees are on LI and what’s their messaging?
Check out how many people they have (if any) with the title you’re applying for and review their backgrounds - do you see any synergy with your own background?
Look for people with the company name in their LinkedIn profile. Whether they are current or past employees can show you a bit about attrition and growth.
See if you have any mutual connections with people who work at the company, and reach out and connect or ask your mutual connection to make an introduction or share any insights they have about the company with you.
Do a quick Google Search for the company - are they in the news for anything good (or bad)?
Take a look at the makeup of their employees, does this appear to be an organization that fits your goals for a comfortable place to work?
Re-read the original job description and pin-point where your background aligns with their must-have qualifications.
Now when you have your call with the recruiter you’ve got some great jumping off points for a conversation - whether about your ability to grow in the organization, their commitment to DE&I initiatives or the recent highlights in the news.
Remember, every interview is a conversation and an opportunity for you to interview the company as much as they are interviewing you.
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