Self-assessment - What is a resume?
The first steps in writing a resume - Elements of a resume - Resume Do's & Don'ts - Field Research - Writing a cover letter - The interview - Types of interviews - Avoid the pitfalls - Searching for a job
TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Interviews fall into two major categories: screening interview and a decision interview. The screening interview is usually a meeting designed to weed out the applicants. These interviews are generally conducted by the human resource office or outside search firm. The purpose is to find out whether your background matches the profile of the ideal candidate. Hiring decisions are rarely made at the first interview.
The second interview, or the decision interview, is normally conducted with the supervisor. During this interview you are more likely to be presented with more detailed questions related to the actual job description. Most supervisors are also interested to learn how you will perform these duties and whether your personality matches the work environment.
Many employers are not trained interviewers. They may not present you with highly structured list of questions designed to evoke certain responses. Often job applicants feel the need to ramble on about their entire work experience. Volunteering information can get you into trouble. Near the end of the interview most employers will ask "do you have any questions for me?" At this point you can probe to find out if your past work experience is a factor in the hiring decision. If you believe there is important information about your work experience that would play a role in the hiring decision you can address it at this time.
Standard Interview Questions
When preparing answers to these questions ask yourself: Is my answer a logical one? Am I addressing the question? Does my answer highlight positive personal characteristics? Is my answer well thought out? Listed below are several standard interview questions. In addition to these questions you should be prepared to respond to specific questions about your area of expertise. Answering questions effectively requires preparation.
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are you looking for in a job?
- What are your short-range objectives?
- Why did you leave your last employer?
- Why do you want to work for us?
- What interests you about the position?
- Why should we hire you?
- What do you know about our organization?
- What would your previous supervisor say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- What do you feel are your strongest points?
- What do you feel are your weakest points?
- Tell me about your greatest accomplishment.
- Where do you see yourself in five years? In ten?
- Have you been interviewing with other companies?
Tips on Answering Questions
- Answer only the question that is asked in a short concise manner. Don't ramble.
- Silence is often a technique interviewers use to get you to explain your answers. This can often get you in trouble. Don't be afraid of silence.
- Beware of interviewers who repeat the last four words of your response to a question followed by a period of silence. This is a technique use to get you to depart from your prepared answers.
- If you are faced with a question you don't have an immediate answer for, turn the question back on the interviewer to buy yourself some time.
- Maintain eye contact at all times and be aware of the messages you may be sending as a result of your body language, tone of voice and inflection.
After the Interview
Every interview should be followed up by a letter to each individual you meet. Use the letter to express your enthusiasm for the position, highlight areas where a match exists, overcome concerns and reconfirm the next step in the process.
Second Interviews
Rarely, if ever, will employers base hiring decisions on a single encounter with prospective candidates. Second meetings are usually held to obtain clarifying information, secure additional staff input and to make sure the "personality" match is appropriate.
Generally, the same principles that apply to the initial interviews apply to all subsequent meetings. You should, however, have gleaned sufficient information from your first meeting to enable you to make the match an even stronger one. Additionally, it is far more likely that serious discussions about money, time frames, relocation, references, etc., will be discussed. Consequently, you should be prepared to handle these questions. Once again, planning and preparation are the keys.
If you've been successful in your interview efforts there will come a point when the interviewer will attempt to "sell" the job and the company to you. At this point, as the buyer, you're in the driver's seat. You need to be absolutely sure that you're making an intelligent decision in your best interests, both short and long term. One way to do that is by asking protective questions.
Sample Protective Questions
Protective questions are designed to:
- Give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
- Keep you from making a bad decision.
Here are some protective questions:
- What happened to the last person who held this position?
- Who must approve my decisions?
- To whom does the position report?
- How and when is performance evaluated?
- To what position might I progress based on successful performance in this assignment?
- What is the career track within the company?
- What is the company's termination policy?
- What is the company's policy with respect to tuition assistance, military leave, maternity leave, etc.?
The answers to many of these questions may be provided during the course of the interview.
Self-assessment - What is a resume?
The first steps in writing a resume - Elements of a resume - Resume Do's & Don'ts - Field Research - Writing a cover letter - The interview - Types of interviews - Avoid the pitfalls - Searching for a job
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