The Job Interview

The job interview is perhaps the most important component of the job search process. When an employer invites you to an interview, he/she is indicating an interest in hiring you.

Your goal is to show the employer that you have the skills, background, and ability to do the job and that you can successfully fit into the organization and its culture. The interview is also your opportunity to gather information about the job, the organization, and future career opportunities to figure out if the position and work environment are right for you.

Your focus should be on the employer and what you can do to meet their needs. Listen closely to what the interviewer has to say and you will probably learn some clues about what they are seeking in the person who fills the vacant position. In many cases, you will interview at least twice before being hired for a position. The first time, you'll likely interview with one or two people in a brief screening interview and at least once again in a more formal meeting.

Most employers do not hire people based on merit alone. Personality, confidence, enthusiasm, a positive outlook, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills count heavily in the selection process.

After your cover letter and résumé, the employment interview is your best opportunity to wow the employer-regardless of your background and experience. To do this successfully, use every possible strategy to develop effective interviewing skills. Here are some important preparation practices you need to investigate if you want to get a job offer.

1. Research the company so that you know what they do and how successfully they do it. Ask colleagues, friends, and faculty about the organization, and about any personal contacts at the organization they might have. Look at the organization's home page. Go to the library and ask the librarian to help you learn more about the organization. Knowing about the job will help you prepare a list of your qualifications so that you can show, point by point, why you are the best candidate.



2. Practice answering potential job interview questions prior to the big day. Prepare a concise, easy-to-understand answer to the most likely asked questions you expect to get. Don't try to memorize answers. Just practice until you have a ready recollection of your answers. As you practice, avoid colloquialisms, such as "like" and "you know." Think about how you want to present your strengths, experiences, education, work style, skills, and goals. Be prepared to supplement all your answers with examples (anecdotes) that support the statements you make.



3. Dress like you already have the job. Wear a business suit or a dress and avoid anything that might negatively affect the interviewer, such as bright red nail polish, heavy perfume/cologne or too much makeup. It's not a date. It's an interview. Be professional.

There is certainly more information about interviewing that could be discussed here, but that will be looked at in more depth in coming articles.

Interviewing is a skill that improves and becomes easier with practice. Of course, the best result would be to practice once, so well, that the job is offered straight away.

More Articles to Help You

In an effort to assist you become as prepared as possible, these articles have also been written for your benefit. They go into detail about specific areas that require preparation in advance of the job interview.

Interviewing Tips

Interview Thank You Letter

Job Interview Preparation

Phone Interview Techniques

Answering Interview Questions

Free Job Interview Tips

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