 
The purpose of an interview between
you and an employer is to exchange information. You have
qualifications to offer and the employer has needs to fill.
Are you an individual who truly
believes "first impressions do not matter?" If you
fall into this category, you need to do some soul searching and
rethink your beliefs concerning first impressions. As incredible
as it seems, first impressions can make the difference between
obtaining that dream job or failing miserably in the interview.
An interviewer will have a number of indelible impressions within only
six to 11 seconds after meeting you. These impressions include
the way you look, walk, and act when coming into the interviewer’s
office.
This section discusses ways
prospective employees may control their own destiny. You have control
over all variables in the interview process except the attitude of the
interviewer and the questions he/she will ask. By learning to
control these important variables, you greatly will enhance your
chances of landing the right job.
Four
Phases To An Interview
- Introduction. This is
your opportunity to introduce yourself by telling your background,
qualifications, experience, and interests.
- Questions and Answers.
The employer will ask you about your skills and experience to
determine if you meet the company’s needs.
- Summary. This is your
chance to highlight your qualifications and strengths in terms of
the company’s needs. You also should be prepared to ask any
questions you have. Be sure to ask when you can expect to hear
from the employer.
- Follow-up. Always,
always, always follow-up with a thank-you letter, reinforcing your
strengths.
Types Of Hiring Procedures
- Screening. The screening
is an initial process that helps decide whether an applicant
should be invited to the next step of the hiring process, i.e., an
interview. This may be done by phone interview or an application
or resume review.
- Interview. The interview
usually is conducted at the work location, and is used to help
make the decision whether or not to hire an applicant. This is
more formal than a screening, and usually means that there is
interest in you as a potential employee.
- Second Interview. This
interview is typically for final decision-making. You often will
meet with other interviewers.
Types Of Interviews
Traditional
one-on-one interview
The
hiring manager or someone from the Human Resources department conducts
the interview. Sometimes, several one-on-one interviews may take
place; for example, a staffing manager may conduct the first
interview, the hiring manager may conduct the second interview, and a
member of upper level management then may conduct a third. Typically,
the traditional interview may last 30 - 60 minutes.
Board
or panel interview
A
panel of three to seven individuals conducts the interview. The panel
members usually are drawn from departments with which the prospective
employee will be working. Each panel member is given an opportunity to
ask the interviewee questions about job-related experience, work
history, skills, and abilities.
Team
interview
This
interview frequently is used by team-driven organizations, i.e.
organizations divided and operating in various work teams. After
the initial screening or interview takes place, team members, either
as a group or individually, interview their prospective team
member. In most team-driven organizations, team members make the
final hiring decision.
Peer
interview
Some
organizations designate first-line employees to participate in the
interview process. These individuals work in positions similar to the
one for which the candidate is interviewing. In most cases, peer
evaluation of a candidate is a valuable consideration, and used by the
hiring manager, who makes the final decision. Peer interviews
may be similar to a panel interview, with several individuals
interviewing the candidate.
Interview Preparation Steps
To
prepare effectively:
- Research the company, business, or agency where you are
interviewing. Find out as much information as possible about the
interviewer. The Internet, public library, annual reports, etc.,
may be helpful in your research.
- Match your strengths to those needed by the company.
- Prepare questions you might want to ask the employer about the
company, and include these in your opening presentation.
- Prepare answers to difficult questions.
- Practice your interview skills aloud.
Know your employer
One
of the reasons employers give most often for not hiring someone is
that the applicant was not interested enough in the company to find
out anything before the interview.
Do
a good research job. Some of the things you might want to know are:
- What does this company do?
- How long has it been in the area?
- Does it have other offices, plants, stores or warehouses?
- Is the company large or small?
- What kind of jobs does it have that you could do?
Where Can You Get This Information?
You
can get this information from a number of resources, such as:
- The library
- Company annual reports
- Million Dollar Directory (Dunn & Bradstreet)
- Call the company; ask the receptionist
- County and City Industrial Guides
- Chamber of Commerce
- Standard & Poor Register of Corporation, Directors and
Executives
The
computer is a growing resource. Try the following Internet addresses:
DOs’ For The Interview
- Conduct thorough research on the company (know what the company
does, how long it has been in business, what kinds of jobs it
has).
- Be on time for the interview (10-15 minutes early is standard).
- Be polite to everyone you meet. Be positive, enthusiastic, friendly
and sincere. Practice helps. Never complain about anything,
the traffic, the weather, your car, etc.
- Greet the interviewer by his/her last name unless told to do
otherwise.
- Always maintain good eye contact.
- Wait until offered a seat before sitting down. Smile, shake
hands firmly, look the interviewer in the eye when talking, and
maintain good body posture (look comfortable and relaxed and sit
up straight and lean forward slightly).
- Sell yourself (know who you are and things about you that will make
someone want to hire you).
- Listen carefully so your answers/comments are appropriate (do not
interrupt).
- Speak at an appropriate level with confidence. Avoid monotones and
end sentences clearly. Watch yourself for "hmms and
huhs."
- Follow the interview’s lead, but also try to get as much
information about the position so as to highlight your skills.
- Ask well-thought-out and relevant questions (make a list
beforehand).
- Discuss matters related to the job.
- Stress your qualifications and interest in the job. Keep everything
positive.
- Thank the interviewer for his/her time and find out when you may get
back to the interviewer.
- Write a thank-you note and mail immediately to the interviewer.
- Dress appropriately. Neatness is very important. (Also see
Appearance).
Don’ts For The Interview
- Do not act nervous by twisting your fingers or hair or drumming your
fingers on the table/desk.
- Do not talk about personal problems.
- Do not say negative things about former employers or employees.
- Do not smoke, even if offered by the interviewer.
- Do not chew gum.
- Do not wear dark glasses.
- Do not slouch, lean over desk/table or let your eyes wander around
room.
- Do not use inappropriate humor.
- Do not use slang or profanity.
- If interview is at a restaurant, refrain from alcoholic beverages
even if the interviewer chooses to.
- Avoid conversation about benefits and salary until an offer has been
made, if possible.
Interview Turnoffs
There
are some things considered a turnoff during the interview process;
however, most of these turnoffs can be corrected with practice. Human
resource managers say the following are immediate "no hire"
or red flags.
- Poor verbal communication/presentation skills
- Arrogance/cockiness
- Lack of knowledge about company/industry
- Early discussion about salary/benefits
- Unprepared for interview and making excuses
- Tardiness or no-show for interviews
- Abrasive/rude behavior
- Dishonesty/fabricated answers on resume or application
- No career direction
- Lack of skills, experience, education or ability
- Poor professional appearance
- Unrealistic goals or grandiose career and job expectations
- Lack of enthusiasm
- Poor listening skills
- Loud, rambling, talks too much
- No initiative; too passive
- Poor academic record
- Evidence of weak or poor leadership skills
- Negative comments about former employer or employees
- Poor quality/mistakes on resume or application
- Poor writing skills
- Adverse body language
Things To Remember
Remember...employers
are looking for:
- Ability
- Dependability
- Enthusiasm
- Efficiency
- Honesty
- Initiative
- Helpfulness
- Cooperation
- Good attendance
Questions Most Employers Ask Themselves
- Are you able to do the job?
- Are you willing to be a team player?
- Are you going to fit in? Will they be comfortable working with you
daily?
- Do you understand their expectations?
Turn Your Career Liabilities Into Assets
The
interview offers an opportunity to turn what may seem to be your
liabilities (weaknesses) into strengths for the company.
YOU
ARE NOT A LEADER.
Most jobs require people who are able to accept guidance and carry out
assignments. The fact that you are a capable follower is a good
strength to have.
YOU
ARE YOUNG.
Most careers begin at a young age. You have the important energy and
enthusiasm that goes with youth.
YOU
ARE INEXPERIENCED.
Newcomers have an open mind, a willingness to learn, are flexible, and
don’t need to "unlearn" habits formed on another job.
YOU
ARE SHY.
People who are shy tend to listen carefully and perform well because
they can follow directions better than most.
YOU
WERE FIRED FROM YOUR LAST JOB.
Emphasize what you learned. Every job is a learning experience and
helps make you a better employee.
YOU
HAVE A DISABILITY.
Explain how the job requirements are within your abilities. You
want the job and are determined to do well at it—both for your sake
and the employer’s.
YOU
ARE APPLYING FOR YOUR FIRST FULL-TIME JOB. You are prepared to learn what to do and work within the
employer’s guidelines. You are excited about this new opportunity.
YOUR
GRADES ARE NOT GOOD.
Explain that school was only a part of your life, and much of your
learning took place during outside activities, on volunteer jobs, and
through community organizations.
Typical Interview Questions
Here
are some typical interview questions. Be prepared. Keep
your answers brief, positive and truthful.
- Can you tell me about yourself?
- Salary questions, early in the interview:
- What
did you earn last year?
- What
are your financial needs?
- What
is the minimum you would accept?
- Why do you have an interest in our company?
- Do you prefer to work with people or alone?
- Why should we hire you?
- What skills do you feel you could bring to our organization?
- What are your short term/long term goals?
- May we contact your former employers?
- How well do you accept criticism?
- What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
- How do you handle stressful situations? (Can you cite an example?)
- What did you like best/least about your last position?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- Why are you interested in this particular kind of work?
- Are you considering other job opportunities at this time?
- What type leader are you?
- What is the most difficult decision you ever had to make?
- Is this a career switch?
- How long do you expect to work for us?
- If you feel you have any weakness with regard to this position, what
would it be?
- How do you feel about working extra hours?
- Where do you see yourself in three years? In five years?
- How would you handle this problem?
- What does success mean to you?
- What have you done to improve yourself during the last year?
- How do you spend your spare time?
- If you could relive your last 10 years, what would you change?
- Are you willing to relocate?
- What do people criticize about you?
- What else should we know about you?
- What is your philosophy of life?
- Can we check your references? What will they say about you?
- What kind of people do you find difficult to work with?
- What is the biggest mistake you ever made?
- Are there questions you would like to ask? (This is usually the
signal that the interview is coming to a close.)
Legal or Illegal?
The
legitimacy and legality of the following is questionable, but they
continue to be asked. Respond to them in a positive and non-defensive
manner.
- Are you married?
- Are you planning to have more children?
- What childcare arrangements have you made?
- How do you feel about working with men/women?
- Tell me about your family?
- What does your wife/husband do?
- What is your age?
- What church do you attend?
Closing The Interview...Questions You Should Ask
You
should be prepared to ask the following before the interview is over.
This information helps you determine if this job is the right one for
you.
- Does the company have a policy for promoting within?
- Is there a problem with turnover?
- What problems do you hope to resolve by hiring a new person?
- How long has this job existed?
- Why did the last person leave?
- Are there any unusual demands?
- Tell me a little about the people who I would work for or with.
- Could you describe the job in more detail?
- If you feel I have any weaknesses with regard to this position, what
would they be?
- What criteria will be used to evaluate my performance?
- When can I expect to hear from you?
- If I haven’t heard from you by ________, may I call?
More
Interviewing Tips
Salary
Negotiating
After
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Long
Term Planning
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