Expert recruiters reveal main trait you need to show in job interview

It’s important to put your best foot forward once you land an interview for your dream role. Three experts share their best advice.

If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of interviewing for a new job, you’re not alone.

It’s important to consider how you can put your best foot forward and truly stand out from the crowd once you make it to the interview stage of your application.

Even if you don’t have all the technical skills required for the job, you can win over the hiring manager with your personality and passion.

According to SEEK research, hirers value a good attitude in job seekers, which includes qualities like motivation, willingness to participate and a capability for self-directed learning.

SEEK also found that two out of three employers would prefer to hire someone who has passion for a role but limited experience, over someone who’s fully qualified but lacks enthusiasm.

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Hirers value a good attitude in job seekers, which includes qualities like motivation. Pictured: iStock

What employers look for in a standout interview:

Model Co CEO Shelley Sullivan told news.com.au that when interviewing candidates, she looks for someone who demonstrates their ability to be agile and multi-task while thriving in a fast-paced environment.

“Someone with an in-built entrepreneurial flair, a go-getting attitude who is ambitious, full of ideas and is going to chase opportunities and really give themselves 100 per cent to the role,” she said.

Ms Sullivan revealed that during an interview it’s the candidates ‘time to shine’ and show they’ve done their research and are interested in the company.

“The best interviews are when I can tell the person is really passionate about our brand and has a clear vision of what they want and where they want their career to go,” she said.

Passion vs experience:

When applying for any role, it’s important to consider the required technical skills unique to the position.

Ms Sullivan said while a solid ‘understanding of the social media landscape is essential’ for Model Co candidates, their passion for the industry can set them apart from other applicants.

“At the end of the day we are a beauty company so you do need to be beauty-obsessed or at least interested in the business or beauty and the industry as a whole.”

But Ms Sullivan revealed she’s hired people who ‘may not have had the perfect resume’ but they showed they are passionate about beauty and they’re a fan of the company during the interview.

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“You can teach someone specific skills, but you can’t teach passion or self motivation.”

Hays Regional Director of Recruiting Eliza Kirby said it’s ‘extremely common’ for candidates to land a role based on their passion and enthusiasm over those who are more experienced.

“Candidates that walk into an interview with a positive mind set who can demonstrate their ability to take initiative and a desire for learning and growth will generally outshine other candidates,” she said.

While Ms Kirby emphasised that while ‘skills are easier to train than attitude’, it’s best to be honest with your interviewer about the technical skills you’re lacking.

“Provide examples on how you expect to bridge the skills gap. For example, research and enrol in short courses that align with the skills required.”

Most memorable interview:

Ms Sullivan revealed her most memorable interview was for their current PR, Communications and Content Manager who was a former journalist and had no prior in-house brand experience.

“She told me she had been planning to pivot into beauty for a long time and has been wanting to work for an Australian, female-founded beauty brand,” she said.

“It impressed me that she had done her research and was very clear about what she wanted … I felt like she was taking the words out of my mouth.”

This comes after SEEK research found 90 per cent of hirers were happy with their decision to hire an enthusiastic candidate ­– even when the job seeker didn’t originally have the relevant qualifications or experience.

Ms Kirby from HAYS said they always hear positive feedback from employers when candidates are well prepared for their interview.

“Ask well considered questions at the end of the interview and build a good rapport with the interviewer,” she said.

90 per cent of hirers were happy with their decision to hire an enthusiastic candidate. Pictured: iStock

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How to best prepare for an interview:

Interview coach Leah Lambart said job seekers should do their research and ‘spend some time understanding what the company is all about’ before their interview.

“Think about why you want to work for that company. Is it because of the products or services they sell? Are your values aligned?,” she said.

She also recommends preparing your responses for any questions the hiring manager could ask by being across your resume.

“90 per cent of organisations now use the behavioural method of interviewing and ask a very specific example of when you have demonstrated your skills in the past and have been successful,” she said.

“You also want to make the interview become more conversational by asking open-ended questions about their key priorities or the team you’ll be working with.”

But proving your enthusiasm and willingness to learn in the role will ultimately help put your best foot forward.

“It’s showing you are committed for the long term as companies don’t want to hire people who are going to take off and leave,” she said.

This article was created in sponsorship with SEEK