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Job Interviews

Objective: To help you prepare for successful job interviews.

The interview is a two-way communication process between a recruiter and an applicant. At this stage in the selection process, credentials, personality and performance are equally important. For this reason it is important to differentiate between various types of interviews (screening interview, telephone interview, second/site interview, case interview…)

An interview is the opportunity to prove your fit with the position your want, but it is also the time to get information you could not find anywhere else.

General Guidelines:

• Prepare for the interview: Do your research about the company/position, and if possible about the interviewer. Bring a file of company information and check it during the interview if necessary. Prepare extra copies of your CV. If you feel it can help, bring samples of your written or published work and research. Be selective however: don't show up with a five-inch portfolio.
• Be friendly without being familiar. Stress any points you may have in common with the interviewer: a common interest, skill, experience. Interpersonal and communication skills matter a lot.
• Go in with a clear goal and keep it in mind. This will help you relax and listen more carefully to what the interviewer says.
• Show in-depth knowledge of the industry/company, and highlight your own skills.
• Be positive, be alert, display professionalism.
• Be sincere, but not naive. Do not offer more information than required, particularly on your weaknesses.
• Ask the right questions at the right moment. This is your opportunity to determine whether you really want that job.
• Manage your time and respect your interviewer's time.

Preparing for The Interview

In your advance preparation, make sure you understand the company's line of business, activity, organisational structure, current developments and competitors.

The more you know about your target industry and company, the more comfortable you will feel during the interview.

Here is a list of questions which recruiters are likely to ask:

• What is your professional objective?
• Why does the industry/company interest you?
• Why should the company be interested in you? What is special about you? What can you bring to our company?
• How does this job compare with others you are interested in?
• What are your strengths/weaknesses?
• Describe yourself in three adjectives.
• How do people describe you?
• What kind of people would you feel comfortable/uncomfortable working with?
• Where do you see yourself five or ten years from now?
• Describe your ideal job.
• Why did you decide to study at .... or work for ....?
• What salary and benefits do you expect?
• In your last job, what did you spend most of your time doing and why? What did you enjoy most/least?
• Describe a difficult situation you had to deal with.
• Which other questions would you have liked us to ask?

The interview is also your opportunity to check your fit with the company. Make sure that you ask questions that have had remained unanswered during your research. Here are a few examples of questions to ask:

• How would you describe your management philosophy?
• What distinguishes your company in the industry?
• Describe a typical day.
• What are the avenues for advancement?
• Where do people go after they leave your organisation?
• What do you expect from me?
• Whom would I be reporting to, or working with?

During The Interview

Personality, confidence, enthusiasm, a winning attitude and excellent interpersonal skills are essential qualities to display during the interview. You are there to sell yourself; make the interviewer understand and appreciate your skills and achievements.

Credentials and qualifications were probably assessed earlier on, what is measured during the interview is personality and performance.

• Mind your appearance and body language. They are an important aspect of your style and personal fit within the company's culture.
• Manage the interview time. You are there to answer questions, but also to listen carefully. Take cues from the interviewer. Find the right moment to ask questions; express interest; stay focused.
• Demonstrate your fit with the position. Emphasise any points which you feel may sway the recruiter in your favour.
• Control the finishing touches. It is generally a good time for asking your own questions. You may also be asked whether you wish to add anything. Clarify when you expect to hear from the company.

After the interview, take time to write down your impressions and what you have learnt. Check the names and titles of those present at the interview. Keep a record of the interview; it will help you make a final decision.