INTERVIEW
Once you have submitted applications, the next step in your job search is the interview process. Although you hope to interview for every position you apply for, that is probably not going to happen. Your application and resume have indicated to the employer you have the skills and experience that fit the position requirements. The interview is where the employer will determine if you are a good fit for not only the position but also the company. An interview also gives you the opportunity to determine if the company is a match for your personality and abilities. Interviewing Every job opening requires an interview. An interview is an opportunity to promote yourself and to showcase your skills and experience to support the employer’s goals. You and the interviewer actually have the same goal—selecting the right person for the position. Thorough preparation for an interview can turn the experience to an applicant’s advantage. In most cases, people have more than one interview before getting a job offer. In this section, you will find information on the different types of interviews and also advice on how to prepare for each opportunity so that you will be able to present yourself as an ideal candidate. Types of Interviews There are several types of interviews, and each format is used for a specific purpose by the interviewer. Descriptions are provided for each interview type along with some strategies and tips for dealing with each different situation. Telephone Interview FOCUS: This type of interview is used to see if job candidates have the basic qualifications, and it helps to determine if you are a serious candidate. It is often conducted by someone other than the hiring manager. These interviews are usually less than 30 minutes in length and are designed to select candidates for face-to-face interviews. STRATEGY: Establish credibility quickly; talk employer needs and look for every opportunity to make key points. Prepare as though it is a person- to-person interview. Use good telephone etiquette; speak clearly and distinctly.
TIPS: Make sure that you schedule a time when it will be quiet and you have your notes and questions prepared. Dress for the telephone interview—you will sound different if you get dressed and have combed your hair rather than if you are wearing pajamas and have a disheveled look. After a telephone interview, you should follow up with a thank you to the person who conducted the interview. One-on-One Interview FOCUS: You meet with one individual from the company; this may be a Human Resources representative or a hiring manager. STRATEGY: Establish rapport with this person and address the person formally unless instructed otherwise. TIPS: Do not become too casual in this type of interview. It is also important to maintain eye contact with the interviewer and appear confident. During a one-on-one meeting, the interviewer is likely to pause and take notes, giving you a breather. This is natural for this type of interview, so do not become nervous or try to fill these short silences with continued talking. Panel/Team Interview FOCUS: A panel/team of people meets with each of the job candidates and asks each candidate the same series of questions. The panel/team may be made up of 2–10 people from different departments and positions in the company. This type of interview can give the company a more complete picture of you, and you may get a fuller picture of the organization and the job opening as well. Another advantage for the candidate is that you can avoid repeating the answers to similar questions posed in each of a series of interviews. Therefore, you may also have more time to provide greater detail in your answers. STRATEGY: Introduce yourself and shake hands with each panel/team member and politely ask for a business card. If it is a large panel/team, it may be helpful to organize the business cards in a manner that will assist you to correctly identify each person. Establish rapport with each person and direct your questions to a specific individual. Make eye contact with each person, particularly when responding to each person’s question. Probe for common problems and show how you can be a part of the solution and a valuable team member.
CCAC Job Search Manual 45
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