At our company, we pride ourselves on being a world-class distributor of architectural products. Our company began over 60 years ago and today operates a network of 84 regional customer service centers across North America and employs approximately 3,000 employees.
Over these 60 years we have acquired 6 different flagship brands: Hardwoods Specialty Products, Rugby Architectural Building Products, Frank Paxton Lumber Company, Novo Building Products, Mid-Am Building Supply, and Woolf Distributing which together, cover the majority of the United States and Canada. Our corporate office is in Langley, B.C., Canada.
When you join one of our brands, you become a key part of North America’s largest distributor of doors, windows, kitchen cabinets, architectural decor panels, decorative surfaces, high-grade hardwood lumber, sheet goods, architectural millwork and non-structural architectural grade building products to the residential and commercial construction markets.
At our brands, we ensure our employees have just as many benefits, memorable moments, and opportunities as the customers we serve. Whether working in one of our warehouses, out in the field directly servicing our customers, or behind a desk contributing to the successful operations of our company, we will invest in your development and wellbeing to help you reach your full potential.
How to Prepare for an Interview
Mastering Your Job Interview: What Hiring Managers Look For
Landing a job interview is an exciting opportunity, but standing out among other candidates requires more than just a polished resume. Hiring managers assess candidates from multiple angles to determine if they’re the right fit for the role and company. By understanding how employers evaluate candidates, you can better prepare for interviews and increase your chances of success.
What Hiring Managers Assess in an Interview
During an interview, hiring managers look beyond just your qualifications on paper. They evaluate a range of factors, from technical skills to personality traits, to ensure you’re the right fit. Here’s what they focus on:
- Technical Skills
Your ability to perform the job’s core tasks is crucial. Expect targeted questions that explore your knowledge and proficiency in key technical skills relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your expertise.
- Soft Skills
Employers want to know how well you communicate, collaborate, and adapt to different situations. Common soft skills assessed include:
- Teamwork and leadership potential
- Adaptability and problem-solving abilities
- Handling pressure effectively Prepare for questions that ask about past situations where you demonstrated these skills.
- Cultural Fit
Every company has a unique culture, and hiring managers want to ensure you align with their values, work style, and team dynamics. Research the company’s mission and values beforehand and be ready to articulate how you connect with them.
- Problem-Solving Abilities
To assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, hiring managers may present hypothetical situations or real challenges you might face in the role. Think through your responses logically and explain your decision-making process clearly.
- Behavioral Interview Questions
Many employers use behavioral interview questions to understand how you’ve handled specific situations in the past. These questions often begin with “Tell me about a time when…” and require detailed responses that demonstrate relevant skills and experiences.
How Employers Assess Candidates
Hiring managers use structured methods to ensure fair and objective evaluations. Here’s what to expect:
- Structured Interviews
Many companies ask all candidates the same set of questions to maintain consistency and fairness. This means your responses should be well-prepared and impactful.
- Scoring System
Employers may use a rubric to rate your responses based on predefined criteria. Providing specific examples and quantifiable achievements will help you score higher.
- Taking Notes
Interviewers often take notes to compare candidates later. Make sure your answers are clear, concise, and memorable.
- Follow-Up Questions
Expect interviewers to dig deeper into your responses. If they ask follow-up questions, take it as a good sign—they want to understand your skills and experiences more thoroughly.
Other Important Factors Hiring Managers Consider
Beyond your answers, employers evaluate your overall demeanor and attitude. Keep these factors in mind:
- Confidence: Display a positive and assured attitude without sounding arrogant.
- Body Language: Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and avoid fidgeting.
- Enthusiasm: Show genuine interest in the role and company.
- Handling Pressure: Stay composed and professional when faced with challenging or unexpected questions.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how hiring managers assess candidates allows you to approach your interview with confidence and strategy. Prepare by practicing common interview questions, refining your responses, and demonstrating both your technical expertise and soft skills. By presenting yourself as a capable, confident, and culturally aligned candidate, you’ll increase your chances of landing the job!
Standout with these Resume Tips
Optimizing Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Did you know that before your resume even reaches a recruiter, it often has to pass through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)? These systems scan and filter resumes based on specific keywords and formatting rules. If your resume isn’t optimized for ATS, it could get lost in the shuffle—even if you’re a perfect fit for the job! To make sure your resume stands out and makes it to human eyes, follow these essential dos and don’ts.
General Resume Tips for ATS Optimization
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume slightly for each job application by incorporating keywords and phrases from the job description. This helps your resume match the specific criteria the ATS is scanning for.
- Vary Your Action Words: Instead of repeating the same verbs, use a range of strong action words such as “managed,” “developed,” “implemented,” “increased,” and “led” to highlight your accomplishments.
- Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers and percentages to illustrate your impact. For example, “Increased sales by 20%” or “Managed a team of 10” provides concrete evidence of your success.
- List Relevant Experience First: Arrange your work experience in reverse chronological order, ensuring your most recent and relevant positions are listed first. Keep bullet points concise and impactful—ideally, no more than five per job.
- Choose an Easy-to-Read Font: Stick to professional fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, ensuring readability. Keep margins and spacing consistent to maintain a clean layout.
- Proofread for Errors: Spelling and grammar mistakes can make a poor impression on recruiters. Always double-check your resume before submitting it.
Essential Resume Sections
To make your resume ATS-friendly and easy for recruiters to review, be sure to include these key sections:
- Contact Information
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Professional Summary
- A brief, impactful overview of your skills and experience relevant to the position.
- Skills
- List both hard and soft skills that align with the job requirements.
- Work Experience
- Include previous job roles in reverse chronological order.
- Highlight key achievements using action verbs and quantifiable results.
- Education
- Include degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework.
Resume Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic Statements: Avoid vague descriptions like “responsible for” or “proficient in.” Instead, be specific about your contributions.
- Too Much Information: Keep your resume concise and focused on the most relevant details to avoid overwhelming recruiters.
- Unprofessional Formatting: Steer clear of decorative fonts, inconsistent spacing, or overly complex layouts that can make your resume difficult to read.
- Personal Details: Do not include unnecessary personal information such as age, marital status, or unrelated hobbies.
Your resume is your first impression and making it ATS-friendly ensures it reaches the right people. By following these best practices, you’ll not only improve your chances of getting noticed but also demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail. Invest the time to refine your resume, and you’ll be well on your way to securing your next great opportunity!