Interview Process
I. INTERVIEW PROCESS
A. Preparation
- Appearance
- Résumé
- Interview Style (see section III)
- Courtesy
- Conversation Style (see part C)
- Arrive early
- Review the questions you want to have answered by the time you come out of the building
B. Introduction
1. Good Delivery
- Smile
- Firm Handshake (not a bone crusher)
- Eye contact (says you're honest/sincere)
- start conversations with a cheery greeting and professional manner
C. Develop a Conversational Style of Communication
- Follow the information
- If you don't understand the question - ask the interviewer to explain or clarify, so you can give a focused answer.
- If you don't know the answer, say so. Tell the interviewer you will look it up when you return home or back to the office, and do so.
- Get names and positions, so they are mentally stored.
D. During the Interview Illustrate
- Skills
- Education
- Experience
Note: Match a need that has been identified in the exchange.
E. Closing
- State your interest. (company and position)
II. INTERVIEW INHIBITORS
A. Physical Manifestations. DO NOT:
- lean out of the chair
- no finger tapping
- lip biting
- toying with jewelry or hair
- adjust clothes
- cover your face
- chew gum or eat candy
B. Eye contact is so important, it establishes a bond between you and the interviewer. This usually takes about five seconds, so don't stare.
C. Take time to dress appropriately.
- Wear nothing that dangles or makes noise.
- Reduce heavy makeup.
- No heavy colognes, perfume or after shave.
- Wear clothes that fit you. Wear conservative style suits, clothes, shoes, ties, blouses and shirts.
D. Body Language
- Don't slouch or droop when you sit, stand, or walk.
- Don't talk too loudly, or so softly you can't be heard.
E. Conversation
- Keep religion and politics out of the conversation.
III. INTERVIEW TYPES
- Phone Interviews - awkward because neither parties can see each other.
- Behavioral Interviews: - based on the theory that past behavior is predictive of future success. Questions are about skills, character, and preferences, based on examples from past work or school experiences.
- Conversational Interviews: Preferred in today's marketplace.
1. Leads to more candid responses
2. Honest and forthright responses
- Competency-Based Interviews - More for technical and managerial job interviews. Based on scientifically and psychol