The job interview is your first face-to-face
meeting with a prospective employer. It is critical that this
first impression of you is positive and it is almost impossible
to overcome a negative first impression. Being prepared for
the interview is the key to that positive first impression.
Below are some descriptions of different types of interviews,
interviewing preparation tips, do’s and don’ts of
interviewing, closing and interview follow-up suggestions.
Employers have different interviewing styles;
however, you are likely to encounter three basic types of interviews;
Structured, Unstructured, and Behavioral.
In a Structured Interview
the interviewer asks each applicant the same set of specific
questions. A very structured interview may feel rather rigid
and formal. A typical question in a structured interview might
be "What are your career goals and objectives?"
Unstructured Interviews are
more conversational. The interviewer usually has some general
questions in mind, but there will be more give and take of information.
An unstructured interview might open with the statement "Tell
me something about yourself."
In a Behavioral Interview
the interviewer will ask very pointed questions regarding how
you have handled specific kinds of situations, or how you would
anticipate dealing with the kinds of challenges presented on
the job. A sample question in a behavioral interview might be
"describe a situation where you had a difficult customer
or client and how you handled it” or "describe a
time when you had an issue or disagreement with a co-worker."
When answering these types of questions, be specific. Give a
specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic
in successfully solving a problem.
Remember, the objective of the interview is
to convince the interviewer that you are the most qualified
potential team member. Use a firm handshake and smile when you
meet people, address them by name, and maintain eye contact
during the conversation. Place yourself in the position of the
interviewer so you can listen and respond from his or her perspective.
Demonstrate interest in the company, the job, and especially
the interviewer. Remember, you are also interviewing the company.
Make sure it meets your needs. Below are some additional interviewing
tips.
Interview Preparation
Before
you walk into any interview, you should know as much about the
company and the position as you possibly can. Always go to the
employer’s website and learn as much as you can about
the employer. Let them know you did this somewhere in the interview
process. After you have studied the company, prepare a list
of questions to ask the employer.
No
one can predict the exact questions that an interviewer will
ask, but there are certain types of interview questions that
seem to be asked frequently.
To prepare for the interview, think about how you would answer
the following questions:
-
Tell me about yourself. Keep your answer in the professional
realm only. Review your past positions, education and other
strengths.
-
What do you know about our organization? If you've done your
research correctly, you should have no problem answering this
one.
-
Why
are you interested in this position? Relate how you feel your
qualifications really match the requirements of the job. Also,
express your desire to work for that company.
-
What are the most significant accomplishments in your career
so far? Pick recent accomplishments that relate to this position
and its requirements.
-
Describe a situation in which your work was criticized. Focus
on how you solved the situation and how you became a better
person because of it.
-
How would you describe your personality?
-
How do you perform under pressure?
-
What have you done to improve yourself over the past year?
-
What did you like least about your last position?
-
Why did you leave your previous employer or why are you considering
leaving your present employer?
-
What is your ideal working environment?
-
How would your co-workers describe you?
-
What do you think of your previous managers?
-
If it’s a management position, have you ever terminated
anyone? What was the situation and how did you handle it?
-
-
What are your goals in your career?
-
Where do you see yourself in two years?
-
-
What kind of salary/compensation are you looking for?
Interview
do's and don'ts
There are several common sense interview do’s and don’ts.
We have suggested some below.
Interview Do’s
-
Arrive to the interview on time.
-
Dress
professionally and appropriately. It is always better to be
over-dressed than under-dressed for a job interview
-
If presented an application, fill it out completely.
-
Bring
at least three fresh copies of your resume, even if you have
already sent one to the interviewer. Sometimes more than one
person will be meeting with you and will want it.
-
Be
aware of your body language. Sit up straight, don't cross
your arms or fidget with objects, etc. Always have good eye
contact with anyone interviewing you.
-
Show
enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
-
Answer
questions truthfully. Never lie.
-
Stress
your accomplishments and achievements relative to the position.
-
Use good listening skills when others are speaking. By listening
you will be able to pickup on the employers’ style,
body language and tone of voice. Once you understand how the
hiring authority thinks, pattern your answers accordingly
and you will be able to better relate to him or her.
-
Ask
questions. Learn about the hiring manager's top priorities
and needs. This will show your genuine interest in the company
as well as your importance of focusing on the company's needs,
and not just your own.
-
Always
ask questions throughout tine interview. An interview should
be a mutual exchange of information, not a one sided conversation.
Find out what the goals are for the position, and for the
company. Try to find out what problems they are tying to solve,
and let them know what your previous experience is in those
areas and how you can help if they hired you..
-
Consider purchasing a book on interviewing to further develop
your interviewing skills.
-
Don't
answer vague questions. Rather than answering questions you
think you hear, get the employer to be more specific and then
respond.
-
Never interrupt the employer. If you don't have time to listen,
neither does the employer.
-
Don't ramble. Long answers often make the speaker sound apologetic
or indecisive. On the other hand, don't answer questions with
a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever
possible.
-
Do not make derogatory remarks about your present or former
managers, co-workers, employers or companies.
-
Don't make excuses for unfavorable factors on your record
or resume.
-
Don’t
be or act nervous. The best interviews are when there is some
humor and laughter.
-
Don't
take notes during the interview. Jot down your notes immediately
after the interview.
-
Don't
emphasize money as your main interest in the job unless the
salary is based on commission and is used as a motivator.
-
Don't chew gum or place anything on the employer's desk.
-
Don't wear heavy perfume or cologne.
Closing
the interview
Too
many people second-guess themselves after an interview. By closing
strongly and asking the right questions, you can eliminate the
post-interview doubts that tend to plague most candidates. If
you feel that the interview went well and you would like to
take the next step, express your interest to the hiring authority
and turn the tables a bit. Try something like the following:
"After hearing more about your company, the position and
the responsibilities at hand, I am certain that I possess the
qualities that you are looking for in the (title) position.
Based on our conversation and my qualifications, are there any
issues or concerns that you have that would lead you to believe
otherwise?" You have a right to be assertive. This is a
great closing question because it opens the door for the hiring
authority to be honest with you about his or her feelings. If
concerns do exist, this is a great opportunity to overcome them.
You have one final chance to dispel the concerns, sell your
strengths and end the interview on positive note. Express thanks
for the interviewer's time and consideration. Ask for the interviewer's
business card so you can write a thank you letter as soon as
possible.
Follow-up
When
you leave the interview, immediately write down key issues uncovered
in the interview. Think of the qualifications the employer is
looking for and match your strengths to them. Call your recruiter
to discuss the interview. A "thank you" letter should
be written no later than 24 hours after the interview to the
employer.
Tips
for sending your follow-up letter:
-
Always keep your audience in mind. Address the issues and
the concerns that were mentioned during the interview.
-
Use
the thank you letter as a follow-up "sales" letter
to restate your reasons for wanting the position and remind
the interviewer why you're qualified.
-
Mention
anything of importance that your interviewer might've neglected
to ask in person.
-
Choose
your words carefully when using email. Email creates an instant
written record, so don't let the speed and the ease of sending
it blind you to the fact that you will be judged on what you've
said and how you've said it.
Sample
Thank You Letter
August
1, 2007
Mr.
John Smith
Human Resources Manager
ABC Company
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345
Dear
John,
Thank
you for the opportunity to interview for the “insert title
of the position here” position with you today. Our conversation
gave me a better understanding of ABC Company and the needs
of the department. I am confident that my experience and skills
can make a positive contribution to ABC Company.
I
am excited about the position, and I look forward to the possibility
of working with you and your team. Thank you again for your
time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you
in the near future.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
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