The Art of the Interview
The interview is the most important step of the hiring process. It offers
both you and the employer the opportunity to meet one another, exchange
information and decide if this is the right "fit" for both of
you.
The interview is a two-way process. You evaluate the employer while he/she evaluates you. Since there is no one way of interviewing, you will have to develop your own style. In the short amount of time that you will spend with a potential employer, you will either be screened in or screened out, so you must project yourself in a positive, enthusiastic manner.
1. Research the Employer
Preparation is a critical success factor for the interview. Spend time researching the company to get a sense of who they are and what challenges they face in the marketplace. A well-prepared and informed applicant will always outshine the competition. Some of the information you will want to know includes:
- size of organization
- location of facilities
- structure of organization - by product line, function, past, current & potential growth
- types of clients
- product line or service
- potential markets, products, services
- price of products or services
- present price of stock
- who the competition is
- recent items in the news
- others you know in the organization
2. Prepare Yourself
- Know the name, role, and level of responsibility of each individual with whom you are to meet.
- Know exactly how to get to the organization and be prepared to arrive early and stay late.
- Dress to project an image of confidence and success; your total appearance should be appropriate to the job and company culture.
- Analyze your strengths and weaknesses and know exactly what you want to say and do not want to say during the interview.
- Evaluate problem areas in your record and be prepared to offer a strong case for these during the interview, if necessary. Do not volunteer negative information about yourself or a former employment situation.
- Prepare to bring additional materials to the interview such as copies of your resume, a list of references, samples of your work or transcripts.
3. The Interview
During the interview be aware of your body language as well as your verbal language. You will want to convey sincerity, a dedication to achievement, confidence and a high energy level. These attributes are communicated through your attitude and actions as well as your ability to answer the interviewer's questions. Here are a few things to remember:
- You should be thinking positively. (If you don't think you are the best candidate for the job, how can you hope to convince the employer you are?)
- Attempt to create a comfortable atmosphere, establishing a common ground.
- Be courteous, initiate discussion; be open to develop personal small talk.
- Make eye contact.
- Sit up straight. Maintain good posture throughout the interview.
- Know your nervous habits and practice controlling them.
- Your speaking voice should be firm, warm, and relaxed.
- Pause- take a minute after questions to formulate your thoughts.
- Practice active listening skills.
- Answer all questions with a "strong answer". Back up a statement with a specific example. Share your role (the challenge and accomplishments), outcomes or solutions. Summarize your skill set to emphasize your strengths.
4. Closing the Interview
- If you are interested in the position, ask for it, or ask for the next interview if the situation demands it. The interviewer will be impressed with your enthusiasm.
- Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration of you. If, and only if, you had already told them why you are interested in the company and what you can offer.
5. After thoughts of an Interview
- Whether you are interested or not in the position, immediately write a letter of appreciation. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration. If appropriate, reiterate your interest in the opportunity and your ability to add value to the organization.
- Take a few moments to think about the questions you were asked and write down how you could have answered them better.
- Last and most important, call your Reardon Associates consultant immediately after the interview and relate what happened. Timely feedback is important if you're interested in the position. Your Reardon Associates Consultant will do whatever they can to help you get it!
The 30 minutes to an hour that you spend with an interviewer may determine your future. Consider the successful job interview an indispensable step towards meeting your career goals.