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• 1. Self Assessment
• 2. Research
• 3. Decision-Making
• 4. Networks & Contacts
  • 4.1 Work Search
    • 4.1.1 Traditional Methods of Finding Openings
    • 4.1.2 Internet Sites Listing Job Advertisements
    • 4.1.3 Creative Methods for Finding Work
    • 4.1.4 Researching Employers
    • 4.1.5 Networking, Developing Leads and Making Contacts
    • 4.1.6 Networking Contacts
    • 4.1.7 Networking Diagrams
    • 4.1.8 Create a Job Seeker's Calling Card
  • 4.2 Resumes
    • 4.2.1 Preparing to Write Your Resume
    • 4.2.2 Major Sections of a Resume
    • 4.2.3 Types of Resumes
    • 4.2.4 Functional Resume
    • 4.2.5 Additional Resume Tips
    • 4.2.6 Action Verbs that Describe Skills
    • 4.2.7 Preparing an Electronic Version of Your Resume
    • 4.2.8 Resume Templates
    • 4.2.9 Resources on Resume Writing
  • 4.3 Letters
    • 4.3.1 Cover and Broadcast Letters
    • 4.3.2 Comparison of Cover and Broadcast Letters
    • 4.3.3 A Process to Develop Letters
    • 4.3.4 Creating Thank You Letters
    • 4.3.5 Sample Letter Format
    • 4.3.6 Resources on Letter Writing
  • 4.4 Interviews
    • 4.4.1 The Core of the Interview Process
    • 4.4.2 Selling Your Benefits
    • 4.4.3 Understanding Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication
    • 4.4.4 Approaches to Interviewing
    • 4.4.5 The Employer's Evaluation
    • 4.4.6 Tips for Effective Interviewing
    • 4.4.7 Your Rights in the Interview
    • 4.4.8 Resources on Interviewing
• 5. Work
• 6. Life/Work Planning

Step 4.4: Interviews

In this section you will learn to: Understand the art of interviewing Prepare for an interview Develop guidelines and skills for effective interviewing

The Purpose of an Interview

The interview is a mutual exchange of information between an employer and a candidate for a position. The primary objectives are to:

• Supply information about yourself that is not contained in your resume

• Show that you understand yourself and have a sense of direction in your career

• Enable the employer to evaluate your personality and attitudes in terms of the demands of the organization and the position

• Allow you to gain information about the organization and the job, which is not available through other sources

• Give you and the employer an opportunity to discuss the desirability of further contact or an offer of employment

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. ~ Abraham Lincoln

Preparing for the Interview

Know Yourself

To impress an employer you must be well prepared and understand the value of what you have to offer. To relate your assets to the position and the organization, you must know yourself. Review your self-assessment sheets from Step 1 of the Manual and your resume. Be prepared to substantiate all points with information. Rather than trying to determine only at what level you are currently functioning, some interviewers want to see how you have grown over time in areas related to their position(s) (e.g., interpersonal and work skills, motivation). Some interviewers will want you to talk about your mistakes to find out what you have learned to do differently.

Know the Company / Organization

You must be familiar with the position and the organization so that you can demonstrate how and why you will be an effective worker. Refer to the notes you made as you networked with people and reviewed print and online materials (see Section 4: Networks & Contacts).

Obtain information, if you can, on whom you will be meeting with and the schedule for the interview period. If you can find out about your interviewer(s) (e.g., name, title, background) in advance, you will be able to use this information during the interviews.

Knowing Job Description -

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Knowing about the Company -

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Doing Research First -

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Researching the Company -

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First Impressions

Your success or failure in the interview can depend on your appearance and the interviewer's first impression of you. If it is not good, it will be much harder during the rest of the interview to change the interviewer's mind. Look neat, clean and well groomed. Select proper clothing for the type of organization interviewing you. If in doubt, be conservative. It is also important to pay attention to details such as making sure your hands are manicured, making sure shoes (and handbags) are in good shape, and keeping accessories to a minimum. If you smoke, do not smoke once you are dressed for your interview and don’t drink coffee or eat odorous foods prior to your interview. Avoid wearing strong scents (e.g., perfume or cologne).

Greet each person in the company with respect and professionalism. Upon meeting the person interviewing you, give them the first opportunity to shake hands.  When you shake hands, include eye contact and a smile. Handshakes should be firm but not aggressive; try to match the grip of the interviewer.  Do not sit down until the interviewer invites you to do so.

 

To continue with Step 4.4.1, click here.