We asked every recruiter at Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For about their top tips for candidates trying to land a job at one of America’s top workplaces. Here, our favorite tips:
“We ask our receptionists for their impressions and direct feedback. Any hint of arrogance or condescension is considered unacceptable, and any candidate who fails our ‘receptionist test’ does not receive a job offer.”
—Cheryl Farnsworth, Talent Acquisition Manager, Baird
“It can be just as detrimental to show up to an interview at a small tech startup in a tailored suit as it can be to not show up in one for an interview with a big finance firm. Do your research and use your best judgment.”
—Beth Hoggard, Talent Acquisition manager, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
“We look for candidates who are interested and passionate about the position they are interviewing for. It can be a red flag if someone leads with compensation and benefits questions” too early in the process.
—SAS Talent Acquisition team
See more: Secrets From Best Companies All Stars
“No matter how awful your last company, job, or boss may have been, do not speak negatively of them! This is the No. 1 mistake I see constantly during interviews. There are ways of answering the question professionally without going into negative details.”
—Mitra O’Connell, Recruiter, Camden Property Trust
“Since most everyone has smartphones, the common practice for enthusiastic potential hires is to respond to emails almost immediately. It’s my recommendation to reply ASAP to stay ahead of the pack.”
—Tina Nguyen, Workforce project manager, Scripps Health
See more: How Delta Landed on the 100 Best Companies to Work for List
“Avoid swearing. While this may seem obvious, it happens more often than you’d think—and not only can it be offensive, but you can make the interviewer question your judgment with clients or customers.”
—Angela Niemiec, Recruiting Manager, Plante & Moran
“I love when a candidate can articulate their passion for the health care field and compassion toward the patients they serve. Some stories I have heard through the years have been very touching.”
—Amie Sorge, OhioHealth Recruitment Consultant
“Don’t put your picture on your résumé. Do make eye contact during the conversation. Red flag: talking more about what you want than what you can contribute to the firm.”
—Judy Wiens, Office Administrator, Baker Donelson
A version of this article appears as part of the 100 Best Companies to Work For package in the March 15, 2017 issue of Fortune.
