JOB INTERVIEW

The conversation with a purpose

The job interview is a strategic conversation with a purpose. Your goal is to persuade the employer that you have skills, background and ability to do the job, and that you can comfortably fit into they organization.

At the same interview, you should also be gathering information about the job, future career opportunities and the organization to figure out if the position and work environment are right for you.

You can strongly influence the job interview outcome if you realize that an interview is not an objective process in which the employer offers the job to the best candidate based on merit alone.

A job interview is rather a highly subjective encounter in which the interviewer offers the job to the qualified person whom he or she likes best. Personality, confidence, enthusiasm, a positive look and excellent interpersonal and communication skills count heavily.

One key to success is to use every means at your disposal to develop effective job interview skills: selective presentation of your background, thoughtful answers to job interview questions, well-researched questions about the organization and an effective strategy to market yourself. There is no magic to interviewing: it is a skill that you can learn and improve with practice.

A second key to success is careful research about the job and the organization, agency or company with whom you are having the interview, so you can talk effectively. You may request printed materials such as annual reports from the employer in advance or use library resources. You should also talk with your contacts in the organization or use your personal network to discover the names of current employers you might call before the job interview.

Knowing about the job will help you prepare a list of your qualifications so that you can show, point by point, why you are the best candidate.

Knowing about the employer will help you prepare an interview strategy and appropriate questions and points to emphasize.

Before receiving a job offer, you will typically have a series of job interviews with an employer, so familiarize yourself with job interview technique and interview tips do & interview tips don't.

The first job interview is a screening interview that could be conduct over the phone or at the place of employment. In screening interviews, many interviewers will spend more time describing their opportunities than asking you specific questions.

Screening interviews are rather brief, usually lasting 30-60 minutes. During that time, the employer will want you to elaborate on experiences outlined in your resume or application, and will describe the organization and available position. If the employer is impressed with your performance in this interview, they will invite you to a second (and perhaps third or forth) interview.

The second job interview process is longer, lasting anywhere from two hours to a whole day. It could include testing, lunch or dinner, a facility tour and a series of interviews with various employers. You should come away from the second interview with a thorough understanding of the work environment and job responsibilities and have enough information to decide on a job offer should one be extended.

Each job interview follows a rather predictable communication pattern of warm-up, information exchange and wrap-up conversations.

During the first few minutes of the interview warm-up, interviewer will be formulating a first and perhaps lasting impression of you. How you greet the interviewer, the firmness of your handshake, the way you are groomed and dressed, will all be a part of this initial impression.

To help you feel at ease, a practical interviewer might ask 'common-ground' questions about shared interests or acquaintances, or your travel to the interview.

Some interviewers might start by saying 'Tell me about yourself', an opening for you to concisely describe your background, skills and interest in a position.

The information exchange will be the primary part of the job interview. It is when you will be asked the most questions and learn the most about the employer.

If you are prepared for the job interview, you will be able to promote your qualifications effectively as you respond to questions. With practice, you will gain confidence and become more polished in your presentation.

Eventually the interviewer will probably say, 'Do you have any questions?'. The interviewer is moving this cue to the wrap-up stage.

Always ask questions because this demonstrates your prior research and interest in the job. Your questions should be direct and logical.

Do not ask specific questions about salary or benefits unless the employer broaches the subject first.

Check an article on salary interview question.

The interviewer may also ask you if you have anything else you would like to add or say. Again, having a response is best. You can use this opportunity to thank the employer for the job interview, summarize your qualifications and repeat your interest in the position. If you want to add information or emphasize a point made earlier, you can do that too.

This last impression is almost as important as the first impression and will add to the substance discussed during the information exchange.

Job Interview Info

Now to finalize your job search, if you received an invitation to a job interview, prepare yourself for a typical job interview questions, look at job interview tips and other job search skills.

Find out why people are not hired for available jobs.

On an international job interview page you will find useful info on how to behave on and dress for an interview in many countries.

Follow up the job interview with a thank you letter. Employers regard this as an indication of your final interest in the position.

Good luck with your job interview.