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This article
describes how to prepare yourself for the Job Interview.
The
interview is one of the most important elements in the job search
process. When an employer invites you to an interview, he/she is
indicating an interest in bringing you on board. The interview gives
both of you the opportunity to exchange enough information to
determine if you are a good "fit" for each other. Think of an
interview as a highly focused professional conversation. You should
use the limited amount of time you have to learn about an employer's
needs and discuss the ways you can meet these needs. In many cases,
you will interview at least twice before being hired for a position.
Once in a brief screening interview and at least once again in a
more serious meeting when you may also speak with many of your
potential coworkers.
The
job interview is a strategic conversation with a purpose. Your goal
is to show the employer that you have the skills, background, and
ability to do the job and that you can successfully fit into the
organization and its culture. The interview is also your opportunity
to gather information about the job, the organization, and future
career opportunities to figure out if the position and work
environment are right for you.
Most
employers do not hire people based on merit alone. Personality,
confidence, enthusiasm, a positive outlook, and excellent
interpersonal and communication skills count heavily in the
selection process.
After your cover letter and résumé, the interview is your best
opportunity to wow the employer-regardless of your background and
experience. To do this, use every possible strategy to develop
effective interviewing skills. The best way is to prepare a
selective presentation of your background, thoughtful answers to
potential interview questions, well-researched questions about the
organization, and an effective strategy to market yourself. Also
consider your career goals and what the available job offers so that
you can discuss both of these topics with employers. Interviewing is
a skill that improves and becomes easier with practice. Check with
your school career center or your local Employment Service office to
see if it offers workshops and individual videotaped mock interviews
for practice.
Research
It is to your
advantage to carefully research the job and the organization. There
are many ways to do this. You can request printed materials from the
employer, such as annual reports and job descriptions. This is an
entirely appropriate request, so don't hesitate to make it. Use your
library and career center resources. Ask colleagues, friends, and
faculty about the organization, and about any personal contacts at
the organization they might have. Look at the organization's home
page. 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.
Practice, practice,
practice
Prepare a
succinct, clear answer to each of the questions in the interview
questions section. Practice answering questions with a friend, or in
front of a mirror. Ask your friend to give you constructive
criticism on your speaking style, mannerisms, and poise. As you
practice, avoid colloquialisms, such as "like" and "you know." Make
sure you don't script all your answers-you'll sound as though you're
reading cue cards! It's important to prepare yourself for talking
with complete strangers.
Find out the logistics
of the interview
The more you know, the more focused your answers will be. Find out
when the interview is scheduled, what to expect during it, and how
long you will be there. Also find out if you will be talking to just
one person, or to several.
Be prompt and
professional
Always arrive
early. If you don't know where the organization is located, call for
exact directions in advance. Leave some extra time for any traffic,
parking, or unpredictable events. If you are running late, call
right away and let someone know. The best time to arrive is
approximately 5 - 10 minutes early. Give yourself the time to read
your résumé one more time, to catch your breath, and to be ready for
the interview.
Once
you're at the office, treat everyone you encounter with respect. Be
pleasant to everyone as soon as you walk in the door.
Dress for success
Wear
a professional business suit. This point cannot be emphasized
enough. First impressions are extremely important in the interview
process. Women should avoid wearing too much jewelry or make up. Men
should avoid flashy suits or wearing too much cologne. It is also
important that you feel comfortable. While a suit is the standard
interview attire in a business environment, if you think it is an
informal environment, call before and ask. Regardless, you can never
be overdressed if you are wearing a tailored suit.
Be organized
Carry a
portfolio notepad or
at the very
least a manila file folder labeled with the employer's name.
Bring extra résumés and have the names, addresses and phone
numbers of references, in case the employer asks. Also, bring a
list of questions for the employer. You may refer to your list
of questions to be sure you've gathered the information you need
to make a decision. Do not be preoccupied with taking notes
during the interview.
Know yourself
You
will make the interview process easier for the employer if you
volunteer relevant information about yourself. Think about how you
want to present your strengths, experiences, education, work style,
skills, and goals. Be prepared to supplement all your answers with
examples that support the statements you make. It is also a good
idea to review your résumé with a critical eye and identify areas
that an employer might see as limitations or want further
information. Think about how you can answer difficult questions
accurately and positively, while keeping each answer brief.
Be honest
An interview
gives the employer a chance to get to know you. While you do want to market yourself to the employer, answer each question with an
honest response.
Be positive
Never say
anything negative about past experiences, employers, or courses and
professors. Always think of something positive about an experience
and talk about that. You should also be enthusiastic. If you are
genuinely interested in the job, let the interviewer know that.
Show your interest
One of the best ways to
show you are interested in a job is to demonstrate that you have
researched the organization prior to the interview. You can also
show interest by asking questions about the job, the organization,
and its services and products. The best way to impress an employer
is to ask questions that build upon your interview discussion. This
shows you are interested and paying close attention to the
interviewer. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions in
advance, but an insightful comment based on your conversation can
make an even stronger statement. At the end of an interview, it is
appropriate for you to ask when you may expect to hear from the
employer.
Save discussion of
salary for later
Find out as
much as you can before the interview about the salary levels for the
position you are seeking. Do not bring up the issue of salary during
the first interview. If the interviewer asks about your salary
expectations, give only a general answer, such as that your
expectations seem to be within, or close to their range.
After-interview notes
After the interview, take
time to write down the names and titles (check spelling) of all your
interviewers, your impressions, remaining questions, and any
information that may influence your decision to accept a position
with the organization. If you are interviewing regularly, this will
help you keep employers and circumstances clearly differentiated.
Always follow up
You should write a thank
you note within 48 hours after an interview, even if the interview
(or the interviewer) was not productive and/or you are not
interested in the position. It is important to say thank you for the
time the interviewer spent with you. This letter should be brief.
(Refer to the section on writing thank you letters.)
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