During the Interview
You are being interviewed because the interviewer wants to hire somebody, not because he/she wants to trip you up or embarrass you. Through the interaction that takes place during the interview, he/she will be searching out your strengths and weaknesses, evaluating you on your qualifications, skills and intellectual qualities. He/she may also probe you deeply to determine your attitudes, aptitudes, stability, motivations and maturity.
Some do's and don'ts concerning the interview:
- DO plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.
- If presented with an application, DO fill it out neatly and completely. If you have a personal resume, be sure the person you release it to is the person who will actually do the hiring.
- DO greet the interviewer by his/her surname if you are sure of the pronunciation. If you are not, ask him/her to repeat their name for you.
- Do shake hands firmly.
- DO wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair. Look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile.
- DO look a prospective employer in the eye whilst talking to him/her.
- DO follow the interviewer's lead but try to get him/ her to describe the position and the duties to you early in the interview so that you can relate your background and skills to the position.
- DON'T answer questions with a simple yes or no. Explain wherever possible. Tell those things about yourself which relate to the position. (Use the STAR principle: Situation, Task, Action, Result.)
- DO make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Keep in mind that you alone can sell yourself in the interview. Make him/her realise the need for you in the organisation. Smile.
- DO be prepared to answer typical questions such as:
What kind of job are you looking for?
What are your strengths?
What are you really good at?
Your weaknesses?
What are you doing about addressing them?
What do you know about our company?
Why did you choose your particular career?
What are your qualifications?
- DON'T lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and to the point.
- DON'T ever make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers or organisations.
- DON'T over-answer questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. Since this can be ticklish, it is best to answer honestly, trying not to say more than necessary.
- DON'T enquire about salary, holidays, bonsues etc at the initial interview unless you are positive the employer is interested in hiring you or raises the issue first. However, you should know your market value and be prepared to specify your required salary or range.
- DO conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing . Never close the door on an opportunity. It is better to be in a position where you can choose from a number of roles rather than only one.
Closing the Interview
If you are interested in the position, ask for it. Ask for the next interview if the situation demands. If the interviewer offers the position to you and you want it, accept on the spot. If you need some time to think it over, be courteous and tactful in asking for that time. Set a definite date by which you can provide an answer.
Don't be too discouraged if no definite offer is made or specific salary discussed. The interviewer will probably want to communicate with his/her office first or interview some more applicants before making a decision.
If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don't let your discouragement show. Once in a while interviewers who are genuinely interested in your possibilities may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction.
Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration of you. You have done all you can if you have answered the two questions uppermost in his/her mind:
- Why are you interested in this role and and this company?
- What can you offer and can you do the job?
Smile.
After the Interview
Last, and most importantly, call the consultant who referred you for the position immediately after the interview and explain what happened. They will want to talk with you before the interviewer calls them back. If you are interested in progressing further it will assist if your feelings towards the position are known, together with your perception of what the client's reaction is likely to be.
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