The Job Interview From Start to
Finish
The questions you ask are usually used by the interviewer to
evaluate your fitness for the job. You should research enough
to be able to ask questions that are not found in obvious
places such as the organization's annual report. Find out about
the job and the company when it's your turn to ask questions.
Ask the questions you prepared in advance. Feel free to ask for
specifics about who you would report to and the duties involved.
Be prepared to ask at least three questions in areas concerning
the job, the company, the industry, external influences.
Do not ask questions that raise red flags
By asking "Is relocation a requirement?" the interviewer may
assume that you do not want to relocate at all. If you do not
mind relocating, try asking "I understand that most companies
like their executives to spend time at their various major
locations. Could you tell me how often I might be asked to
relocate over five or ten years?"
Answer a question with another question
If the interviewer asks you what salary you expect, try
answering by saying "That is a good question. What are you
planning to pay your best candidate?"
Rehearse your interview
Role play with a friend. You should be able to convey all
pertinent information about yourself in 15 minutes. Videotape
the interview to identify unwanted gestures. If videotape is
not available, use your telephone answering machine to record
an interview: listen to your diction and speaking speed.
Avoid negative body language
One purpose of an interview is to see how well you react under
pressure. Avoid these signs of nervousness and tension:
Frequently touching your mouth
Faking a cough to think about the answer to a question
Gnawing on your lip
Tight or forced smiles
Swinging your foot or leg
Folding or crossing your arms
Slouching
Picking at invisible bits of lint
Another purpose of an interview is to see how well you
communicate. Remember that communication is a two-way street;
you must both listen and talk. If you are talking too much, you
will probably miss cues concerning what the interviewer feels is
important.
Make a connection
The purpose of the interview is to see how well you might fit
into the organization. Successful interviews are one that
concludes as if you and the interviewer are long lost friends.
Tips to make a connection include:
Be optimistic and try to make others feel comfortable
Show openness by leaning into a greeting with a firm handshake
and smile. When appropriate, give examples through short,
interesting, and humorous stories about yourself. Try to
envision what functions you would perform that would benefit
the organization and discuss those activities.
Dress properly
One component of the interviewer's job is to make a judgment
concerning your ability to fit in the organization. One factor
influencing that judgment is the attire you wear for the
interview. Find out about the company's expectations for
personal appearance--dress expectations, hair length, facial
hair, etc.
Be on time
Most organizations look at hiring, at the entry level,
prospects who will become professionals. If you are a
professional, you work until the job gets done--which may be
longer than 8 to 5. Being on time (or early) is usually
interpreted by the interviewer as evidence of your commitment,
dependability, and professionalism.
Send a "Thanks for the Interview" note
After an interview, send a thank-you note. After the final
interview, time the thank-you note to arrive during the week
you believe the hiring decision will be made. These notes serve
as a reminder to the interviewer concerning your appropriateness
for the position. You may mention a topic discussed during the
interview.
When the job contact was made through the Internet or e-mail,
send an e-mail thank-you note immediately after the interview.
Mail a second letter timed to arrive the week before the hiring
decision will be made.
About The Author: Kryssa Lighthall is a writer for
http://www.careersinhouston.com. Find Houston Jobs at the
leading online resource for Houston Employment,
CareersInHouston.
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