INTERVIEWS
Preparing For The Job Interview
Interviews are critical to the job search process; it is unlikely that you could get a job without one. An employer wants to know the “real You” (not only the one described in your resume), and get the full picture of your skills and personality, as well as see how you handle yourself in a formal business setting.
After finishing your interview preparation, you will be ready to answer commonly asked questions confidently, and get your own questions answered. Remember, the person who gets hired is not necessarily the best qualified individual, but the person who most effectively presents his/her skills in an interview. Earlier in discussing the career process, we mentioned can do, will do, and a fit. From your resume, introduction statement you have established your skills, can do, and from your work history, including your accomplishment statements, you establish the will do. In your interview you interact with the interviewer and establish whether or not you are a fit. It may be you who determines you do not fit into what the interviewer establishes or it may be the interviewer who decides you do not fit for what they are looking for at that time.
There are two types of job interviews. Screening and Decision.
Screening interviews often work from a general job description supplied by the hiring manager, who may want to see only a few applicants. They need enough information about you to decide if there is a broad “match” between you and job before passing you on the hiring manager. They are also looking carefully for reasons to screen you out; therefore, be brief, maintain a positive attitude, and don’t volunteer information that could be used to eliminate you! Negative or superfluous information can make it difficult to get beyond the screening interview.
Decision interviews usually are conducted by the prospective supervisor who is rarely a trained interviewed, and may interview infrequently. The interviewer may be even more nervous that you are! You will do him/her a favor by being at ease, answering the questions and asking questions of your own. This will keep the interview going, and you will make a good impression.
The boss has three main concerns:
CAN DO: Do you have the basic skills to do the job?
WILL DO: Are you motivated to the job?
GOOD FIT: Will you fit in with the company culture/people.
Everything you say should reflect positively on what you can do, will do and how you would fit in.
You may be asked to attend a second decision interview with the boss’s superiors or the department head. Don’t worry: the decision to hire you has probably already been made, and the higher-ups just want to formally approve the decision.
Getting ready for the interview:
Dress Professionally for the Interview
Decide what suit to wear. That way you don’t have to scramble, even if you get a last minute call for an interview. Try everything on ahead of time so you don’t have any last minute fashion disasters. Pay attention to detail – your hair, nails, shoes, should all look polished and professional. Research the company (and the job) ahead of time.
Research the company before the job interview when you’re looking for a job, it’s important to always have one or two good questions for the interviewer.
Use sites like Glassdoor, Vault, and Google (Google the company name) to find information about the company, its management, and the jobs the company typically hires for.
If you’re a member of professional networking sites, use your connections to get inside information that will help show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable about the company, its mission, and it employees.
Prepare for the Interview
Plan your interview, request time off from work if you’re employed, plan the logistics of getting to the interview with plenty of time to spare. Print out extra copies of your resumes and a list of references.
Practice Interviewing
Practice interviewing by having a friend or family member run through typical questions with you. And also come up with questions of your own, because you will be asked if you have any at the end of the interview. Having one will show you’ve done your homework and are truly interested in the job.
Stay calm and know that you’re ready to do your best. You’ve spent time practicing and preparing, so you’ll be ready to interview effectively.
http://video.about.com/jobsearch/Preparing-for-a-Job-Interview.htm
Telephone interviews:
Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. They are also used as a way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates.
While you’re actively job searching, it’s important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moment’s notice. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk. Review these tips, then take a look at our phone interview tips video for more advice on how to pull off your phone interview without a hitch.
Be Prepared to Interview
Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular interview. Compile a list of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typical phone interview questions. In addition, plan on being prepared for a phone conversation about your background and skills.
1. Keep your resume in clear view, on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall near the phone, so it’s at your fingertips when you need to answer questions.
2. Have a short list of your accomplishments available to review.
3. Have a pen and paper handy for note taking.
4. Turn call-waiting off so your call isn’t interrupted.
5. If the time isn’t convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives.
6. Clear the room – evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door.
7. Unless you’re sure your cell phone service is going to be perfect, consider using a landline rather than your cell phone to avoid a dropped call or static on the line.
Practice Interviewing
Talking on the phone isn’t as easy as it seems. I’ve always found it’s helpful to practice. Have a friend or family member conduct a mock interview and tape record it so you can see how you sound over the phone. Any cassette recorder will work. You’ll be able to hear your “ums” and “uhs” and “okays” and you can practice reducing them from your conversational speech. Also rehearse answers to those typical questions you’ll be asked.
During the Phone Interview:
Don’t smoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.
Do keep a glass of water handy, in case you need to wet your mouth.
Smile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
Use the person’s title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.
Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
Take your time – it’s perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.
Give short answers.
Remember your goal is to set-up a face-to-face interview. After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person.
After the Interview:
Take notes about what you were asked and how you answered.
Remember to say “thank you.” Follow with a thank you note which reiterates your interest in the job.
More Interview Tips:
Interviews are often stressful – even for job seekers who have interviewed many times. Interviewing can be even more stressful when you are expected to eat and talk at the same time. Here’s how to survive a lunch or dinner interview.
Interview Questions and Answers
The key to successful interviewing is to review these typical interview questions and prepare your answers. Also be ready with questions for the interviewer – here’s a list.
Winning Interview Skills
So, you’ve landed an interview for a seemingly wonderful job! Now what?
Interview Resources
Interview Question and Answer Samples
What to Wear on an Interview
What Not to Do on an Interview
http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/phoneinterview.htm
Additional sites
http://www.bis.gov/opub/ooq/2000/Summer/art02.pdf Olivia Crosby
http://www.kellyservices.us from home page click careers, then landing a job and then find an interview checklist. Go from there. There is a cover letter tool also and tips.
http://www/jobweb.com/Resources/Library/Interviews Read article for favorite questions and answers.
http://www.career.fsu.edu/ccis/guides/second_inter.html 2nd interview
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/jobs/content/shared_custom/nti/index.shtml interviews
