Interview Techniques
The interview is probably the most important step in getting the job you seek. Often, the first direct contact you have with the person in charge of hiring is your interview. The first thirty seconds of an interview is when impressions are made. During an interview, the employer will try to evaluate your abilities and attitudes.
The success of an interview will determine whether or not you are hired. There are many things you can do to prepare for an interview. You will want to prepare thoughtfully and completely, since this will give you a better chance to get the job.
During the interview, the interviewer will try to evaluate your personality, attitudes and fit with the employer. An interviewer is aware of your background and abilities before the interview. The success of an interview will often hinge upon how well you have prepared.
Interview Patterns - Introductions and Conversations
During this first stage, you will introduce yourself, or be introduced to the interviewer.
Shake hands firmly.
Do NOT take a seat until invited
An experienced interviewer will lead you into a few minutes of light, informal conversation.
Pick up a clue of interest of the interviewer by looking around the office.
Pictures of children or trophies are items you can introduce as a topic of conversation.
Keep your comments brief.
The Business Stage
An interview is an exchange of information. You learn about a position and the hiring organization. The interviewer should discuss the job being offered, the company, and some of their expectations. Pay close attention and look for areas in which you can fit in and help them. They learn about your skills, abilities, experience, education and personality. [Back to top]
The Questioning Stage
During each interview, there is a time when it is appropriate for you to ask questions. At this point, you may ask your own questions about the job itself, the organization, or for clarification. Save any questions about salary and benefits until later.
It is important that you have prepared question to ask because:
(a) the interviewer expects you to ask some intelligent questions,
(b) asking questions indicate an interest in the job, and
(c) Gives you a chance to find out if the job is good for you.
Pay and Fringe Benefits
You should NOT ask about salary and benefits unless the interviewer brings it up or a job is offered. To ask earlier gives an indication that you are only interested in money.
When the time is right, you can ask if the company offers chances for promotion to those who show they can work well.
Also, you can ask for the salary range the company has in mind for this position.
Again, at the right time, you can ask what benefits the company offers to its employees.
The Focal Point
During the course of the interview, you and the interviewer will begin reaching some conclusions.
When you sense the interview is coming to a close, try to improve your chances and determine where you stand. You could ask the interviewer if there are further questions or doubts he/she still has.
Interview Questions
An employer will interview several applicants for a position. The job usually will be given to the person who makes the best impression. Although interview techniques vary greatly, there is a core of questions that most interviewers will ask at some point in the interview. Be prepared to answer these questions.
1. In which position are you interested?
2. What work experience have you had?
3. What were your grades during the past year?
4. Why did you leave your last job?
5. Why do you want to work for our company?
6. Describe your attendance in high school.
7. What qualities do you possess that will help us?
8. Do you have any questions about the company or the job?
9. What have you learned from the jobs that you have had?
10.Discuss Education. What are your strongest and weakest areas?
11.What are your career goals?
12.Have you ever been fired from a job?
13.Tell me something about yourself.
14.Why do you think we should hire you for this position?
15.What is your greatest personal strength? Weakness?
16.What are your short and long term goals?
17.What do you consider your major life accomplishment?
Interview Results
Each interview can have one of three results. The steps you take will be determined by these outcomes. Be sure to consider your options carefully
The interviewer may find you are not right for the opening. You Should:
Ask if there is another position for which you are better suited.
Ask if further training might make you more useful to the company.
If the interviewer doesn't offer a reason, ask why you weren't hired.
Even when you are rejected, you should send a thank you note to the interviewer for the opportunity and his/her time
The interviewer may want to schedule a second interview with a department head or supervisor. You should:
Set up an appointment, if you are still interested in obtaining the position.
Prepare as thoroughly for the second interview as you did the first.
Do NOT assume the information from your first interview will be passed along.
Write a note thanking the interviewer for his/her time and the opportunity to interview.
The interviewer may want to hire you on the spot. You should:
Request a day to consider your decision and evaluate the interview and the company.
Carefully consider whether this is the right spot in regard to your long term goals.
Write a note thanking the interviewer for his/her time and the opportunity to interview.
Follow Up Letter
In Regards to the thank you note, here is some tips on how to go about writing it:
Keep the follow up letter to 2-4 paragraphs.
Say something complimentary about the company - example- it's employees.
Have a statement that shows how well you would fit in.
Refer to something that happened in the interview which shows how well your background meshes with current company operations.
Indicate if you have sent or included any additional requested information.
Thank the employer for the time spent with you.
Either reaffirm your interest in the company; indicate that you are no longer interested in the company; or indicate that you are waiting for their decision.