The interview allows a potential employer to evaluate you in person and thereby adds a human dimension to your credentials on paper. A typical interview lasts 20 to 30 minutes. You have the first four minutes to convince the interviewer that you are the best person for the job. Employers hire people, not degrees, union cards, etc. You must sell yourself and your skills/ideas. Be prepared. It is critical to getting the job.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INTERVIEW:

The interviewer’s main objectives are:

• to gather relevant information about the candidate’s qualifications for a particular job
• to assess how these qualifications match requirements of the position
• to present the company/agency positively so well-qualified candidates will be attracted to the position.

The applicant, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with selling himself/herself. For the applicant, the main objectives are:

• to communicate information and qualifications about oneself clearly and accurately
• to seek relevant information about a particular job, position, and employer. From this information the interviewee should be able to make a tentative decision about whether this position is a “good” match between personal needs and what the job can offer.

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS: There are as many kinds of interviews as there are interviewers because everyone does things a little differently. However, there are four basic types that can be identified.

The structured interview is the most common type of interview. The interviewer has a predetermined list of questions to ask the interviewee.

The unstructured interview is more informal. The questions are broad and general and will require that the interviewee do most of the talking.

In the group/committee/panel/board interview there is one interviewee and several interviewers. Each interviewer will have a few questions to ask from a list of predetermined questions. These are often used for hiring higher-level positions.

The stress interview is designed specifically to put the interviewee under stress so that behavior, responses and reactions can be observed. This type may be used when the position is a high-stress job.

 

STAGES OF AN INTERVIEW: In a job interview you can anticipate four stages. Allow for some variety as each interviewer has his/her own particular style.

1. OPENING AND INTRODUCTIONS: Your interview begins the moment you walk through the door. The initial conversation may appear to be meaningless chitchat; but at this stage, it is very important to develop a good rapport and a positive first impression.
   
   
2. DISCUSSING THE CANDIDATE’S BACKGROUND: This is the “why, how, when, where” phase of the interview. During this stage the interviewer will be asking questions which will give you an opportunity to talk about yourself and your background. This is the time for you to sell yourself. Be honest, straightforward, and articulate. Be specific. Tell the interviewer what you can do for his/her company and why you are the best candidate for the position.
   
   
3. YOUR TURN TO ASK QUESTIONS: During this stage of the interview you have the opportunity to ask for the information you need to know in order to determine if you want to work for this particular organization.
   
   
4. CLOSING: Ask for the job! Briefly summarize the interview verbally from your perspective and indicate that you want to work for that company. Also clarify the next steps of action or communication.

In job hunting, as in most other endeavors, persistence pays. The key to success is your ability to sell yourself--to communicate your assets to an employer.

FIRST IMPRESSION

Although most job interviews last 20 to 30 minutes, research indicates that interviewers tend to make an overall evaluation of the applicant within the first four minutes. Use your awareness of this to your advantage by making your initial impression on the interviewer a very positive one. Remember that nonverbal behavior is an important consideration. Here are some factors that affect first impressions.

NEGATIVE FACTORS IN AN INTERVIEW:

The following is a list of reasons employers give for rejecting applicants during the initial interview.

1. Poor personal appearance
2. Nervousness
3. Failure to look interviewer in the eye
4. Limp, “fishy” handshake
5. Sloppy application
6. Inability to express himself/herself clearly, poor voice, diction, grammar
7. Indefinite response to specific questions
8. Sarcasm
9. Appearance of hostility, overbearing, over-aggressive, conceited, know-it-all
10. Lack of interest and enthusiasm (passive, indifferent, apathetic)
11. Over-emphasis on money (interested in only the best dollar offer)
12. Unwillingness to start at the bottom; expectation of too much, too soon
13. Making excuses, being evasive, hedging on unfavorable factors in record
14. Lack of maturity
15. Lack of courtesy, ill-mannered, failure to express appreciation for interviewer’s time
16. Condemnation of past employers, no tact
17. Desire a job for only a short time
18. Lack of knowledge of field of work, no interest in company
19. Low moral standards, intolerance, strong prejudices
20. Poor handling of personal finances, marital troubles, poor personal life
21. Inability to take criticism, failure to accept instruction
22. Lack of appreciation of the value of experiences or education
23. Arriving late for interview with no good reason
24. Indecision about the job wanted
25. Lack of smile
26. Clock-watcher
27. Bringing friends or relatives to the interview
28. Arguing or disagreeing with interviewer
29. Failure to ask for the job

QUESTIONS MOST LIKELY ASKED IN THE INTERVIEW:

Most interviews take the form of questions and answers. The following are some examples of questions you can expect--and must prepare yourself to answer. Prepare for the interview by being able to answer these questions in a way that highlights your job qualifications. ALWAYS STRESS THE POSITIVE!! Even when you are asked tricky questions about your "weaknesses", turn them into positive answers.

1. How did you hear about the opening?
2. Tell me something about yourself.
3. In what position are you most interested?
4. Are you looking for a permanent or temporary job? Part-time or full-time job?
5. Why did you choose this career?
6. What personal characteristics are necessary for success in this kind of work?
7. Tell me about your professional training.
8. What are your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
9. Have you supervised people before? How many?
10. Are you willing to work overtime if necessary?
11. Are you free to travel? Would you be willing to relocate?
12. Do you prefer working with others or by yourself? Why?
13. How have you handled work pressures or deadlines?
14. What salary are you expecting?
15. If I called one of your instructors, what would he/she say about you?
16. How was your attendance at school/last job?
17. Is it all right to call your previous employers for references?
18. What do you know about our company and why do you want to work for us?
19. If you are hired, how long do you plan to stay with our company?
20. Would you be willing to attend any special training programs?
21. What are your career goals for the next 5 years?
22. Do you plan to start your own business some day?
23. Why should I hire you rather than anyone else?
24. What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
25. Is there anything else you would like to tell about yourself that may have been overlooked?
26. Do you have any questions?

Questions that seem inappropriate or simply none of the interviewer’s business are a touchy problem. The law disallows certain questions about your personal status and background, so legally you can simply refuse to answer. But a much better response for your purpose—Getting Hired!—is to bend both the question and your answer toward a positive note. Only you can decide how much to tell an interviewer who accidentally, or tactlessly, wanders into private background.

If you have negative factors or “skeletons” that need an explanation, be honest. Acknowledge the situation, briefly explain the circumstances, and move on. Be positive.

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

Behavioral questions begin with phrases like, “tell me about a time when,” or “give me an example of,” or “think of a situation where.” The interviewer wants to hear your real-life, work related examples. He/she is looking for a brief description of a specific problem or situation, what you did about it, and what were the results. Before you respond to this kind of question, take time to think about your answer. Use examples that may show how you will handle situations on the job. A few examples of behavioral screening questions are:

1. Give me an example of when you had to deal with an angry customer or client. What were the results?
   
   
2. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision. How did you go about making that decision?
   
   
3. Think of a time where you worked on a team. What was your role? What was the process? What were the results?
   
   
4. Think of a situation where you had a conflict with another individual. How did you resolve it?
   
   
5. Give me an example of when you had to deal with stress. How did you handle it?
   

SALARY:

Before you go to the interview, determine how much money you will accept. Find out how much is reasonable for the job in the particular location in which you are applying. This can be part of researching the company.

It is best to wait until you have been offered the job before you discuss salary. However, be prepared to discuss it if the interviewer brings up the subject. Discuss it in terms of salary ranges ($1,000 - $1,200).

These figures are before deductions. Plan on one-fourth to one-third of your salary in deductions.

EXAMPLE:
At $7.00/hour or $1,172 per month, about $879 – $786 will be your take-home pay or net salary.

QUESTIONS AN APPLICANT MAY WISH TO ASK:

It is important for you as a prospective employee to also ask questions. This not only shows that you are interested in the company, but allows you to get information that you need to make an intelligent decision about working for the company. Have five to six questions in mind before the interview. Be sure to tailor them to fit each situation. The following is a list of possible questions to help you.

1. What would my job duties be?
2. Where will I be working?
3. How many people will I be working with (co-workers, clients, patients, etc.)?
4. What is the company’s policy on promotions?
5. What are the chances for advancement?
6. Does the company have training programs for its employees? Please describe.
7. Have my basic tools from school. Will I need anything else?
8. What is the hiring process? Will there be a second interview?
9. When will you be making a decision?
10. Shall I check back with you about your decision?

Close the interview by asking for the job. Tell the interviewer that you are excited about the possibility of working for his/her company. Then thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration and shake hands.

(Note: Wait until you have been offered the job to ask about salary and benefits.)

INTERVIEW TIPS: DO'S & DON’TS

DO'S:

• Find out as much as you can about the company.
• Be prepared -- review your personal and professional qualifications.
• Arrive 10 minutes early. Have accurate address and/or directions.
• Telephone if delayed.
• Wear well-fitting, appropriate clothes. Be neat and well-groomed.
• Go to the interview alone.
• Be polite and considerate of all office personnel.
• Pronounce the interviewer’s name correctly.
• Maintain good eye contact.
• Be as natural as possible. Let some personality show.
• Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude about work.
• Answer questions completely, but be concise and to the point –no longer than 60 seconds.
• Ask relevant questions about the job and the company.
• Have résumé and/or a completed application, letter of recommendation, etc., with you.
• Have examples of work (if appropriate) or equipment for possible skill demonstrations.
• Ask for the job! Let the interviewer know you are interested in the position.
• Thank the interviewer for his/her time and shake hands.
• Follow-up with a thank-you letter or a thank-you phone call.
• Take a pen and small notebook with you.

DON’T:

• Park in reserved places or in front of loading zones.
• Sit down before you are asked.
• Smoke, chew gum or tobacco, or drink anything in the interview.
• Wear hats or sunglasses.
• Put arms, elbows, purses or other articles on interviewer’s desk.
• Use slang -- yeah, you know, na, huh.
  
  

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