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The Job Interview

Definition, Explanation

An invitation to an interview usually follows a successful written job application with CV and cover letter or an online job application. In some cases, an assessment centre is involved. This interview is the excellent opportunity to convince a prospective employer in such a way that employment can be the consequence. The invitation signalises that you were put on the short list and that the company is interested in you to a certain extent meaning the company wants to get to know you. Yet, there still are several other applicants you have to compete with. All the more important it is to make the most of this opportunity to present and "sell" yourself.

During an interview, you are confronted with 5 types of questions:

• Factual questions
  The clarification of details whereby short and precise answers are expected
• Discussing questions
  The objective is to find out how well you can get into a conversation with others and attract their attention
• Evaluative question(s)
  To see to what extent you can hold an opinion
• Estimative questions
  The objective is to give thought to trends and future developments
• Active questions
  The objective is to find out how you handle, analyse and solve problems. Expect "crucial" questions like about a pregnancy or your religion. Above all, this serves the purpose of finding out how you handle such questions and not the answers

The phases of a job interview are:

• Small talk or warm up
• An explanation of the order of events of the interview
• A description of the job vacancy and the company
• Getting to know the applicant by means of the CV
• The interview during which competences are ascertained
• More details about the vacant position with a description of objectives and tasks
• Clarification of deficits and discussion about how to acquire competences
• Negotiation of contract

Tips, Checklist

• Prepare yourself thoroughly. The information you need is about the company, the industry and the job
• Consider answers to standard questions about salary expectations, personal goals, strengths and weaknesses in advance
• Note down questions that are related to the company, the department, the company structure etc, to which you are not able to find answers on the internet
• Take your documents with you like the application, CV, certificates, information about the company and examples of jobs where possible
• Be punctual at all events. Be generous when considering the time needed to drive there
• Wear clothes appropriate for the job you are applying for
• Memorise the names of those interviewing you. If you did not understand them, ask again and note them down
• Remain authentic during the interview. There is nothing more farcical than playing a role. Remember that if your theatrical abilities do remain hidden and you are given the job, you will be perceived during the probationary period according to your actual personality. If this does not fit in, you will not survive the probationary period and will have lost valuable time needed to find a suitable job
• Try to come to grips with your nervousness. Being nervous in this kind of situation is normal. Take a deep breath and concentrate on the interviewer. If nothing helps, then picture your opposite on the beach, in the bath or on a football pitch. That will automatically calm you down and bring a smile to your face
• Adjust to your interviewer as much as possible and try to find mutual interests, preferences or friends. Many a job was assigned thanks to mutual hobbies or having attended the same university
• Answer all questions matter-of-factly and in a friendly and open manner. Hold your opinion when asked for it
• The interview demands maximum concentration. Thus give yourself time when answering questions and rather consider your answer a little longer before you spout out something without thinking
• Make notes
• Also, ask questions about the company and the job vacancy. In doing so, you show that you are interested, are given further information and a breather as you are now playing the role of the listener not the answerer
• Thank the interviewers for the interview and again in writing when you get back home. In doing so, you should refer to the interview in a personalized manner. Do not use a standard letter. Mention once again, why you are interested in the vacancy
• Should you not be given the job in spite of good preparation and a good interview, do not blame yourself. The objective of an interview is principally to ascertain to what extent applicants are suitable for the company, the management and the vacancy
• After the interview, note questions that came up that you were not prepared for and consider the answers for the next interview
• Draw up a memo and note down everything that attracted your attention as well as the contents. Among these, note how you felt the interview went, how you perceived yourself and what you want to do better next time

Articles

• 10 biggest job interview blunders; CNNMoney.ocm, November 18, 2009
• How to Handle "Inappropriate" Interview Questions; CareerSolvers, November 13, 2009
• Job Interview: Topics you should avoid; Brazen Careerist, September 18, 2009
• Interviewing 101: Time, Dress, Honesty and Confidence; Simply Hired Blog; July 17, 2009
• How do you explain getting fired to your next potential employer? HRM business

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Last update: 08/25/2010