The Interview Process An interview is the most significant tool that companies use in assessing your suitability for a job. How well you do in a job interview will depend on how well you can elaborate on your accomplishments and qualifications as they relate to what the employer wants and needs. Let’s consider what employers are looking for in a job interview and what your main objectives should be.
What employers look for n n n n n n n n
Qualifications Positive attitude Interest in the company and position Stable work history Clear sense of purpose Communication skills High performance standards Soft skills
What you should look for n A
job offer. This is your number one goal. An undecided or uncertain attitude has no place in a job interview. Leaving an employer with the impression that you are just shopping around is a critical mistake.
Preparing for the interview
Proper preparation can make the difference between receiving and not receiving a job offer. n Do
some research about the company because this will make you feel more comfortable during the interview, and it shows that you have genuine interest in the company. n Have a clear overview of the industry. n Familiarize yourself with the industry trends, main competitors and the growth pattern of a specific business. n Know the exact place and time of the interview, the interviewer’s full name, and his or her title. n Be prepared to ask questions during the interview because questions allow the hiring manager to evaluate your professional and personal needs. n Think of insightful questions to help both of you determine if your relationship will be mutually rewarding. n Avoid irrelevant questions and questions that relate to salary, working hours, benefits, vacations, and retirement. Concentrate on questions that help you assess the training and further development of the employees in the company or the reporting structure in the organization. n Plan to arrive exactly ten minutes before your actual appointment. n Dress appropriately. Plan how you will dress for the interview, remember that there is only one chance to make a good first impression. Men should wear a dark suit, white shirt, a solid or striped tie, and black shoes. Women should wear a knee length skirted suit or tailored dress with matching jacket, neutral-colour sheer tights, and a minimum of make-up and jewellery. n Be positive and set other concerns aside and focus on what you are going to accomplish at the interview. n Relax.
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