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What to expect in an interview

THE INTERVIEW

Preparation

The job interview is a method used to assess your suitability for the job. Usually, several persons are interviewed for the same job. In order to be able to show your prospective employer that you are the one best suited for the for the job, you need to be prepared both physically and mentally.

Before the day of the Interview

    1. Find out as much as you can about the job for which you are applying e.g. duties, responsibilities and the skills required. Find out about the organization or business e.g. products, services, customers, size, future plans, financial stability and the exact location of the office to which you are to report for the interview. Obtain brochures and reports if possible. Find out, if you can, the name of the interviewer or whether you will be interviewed by a panel of persons.
    2. Prepare yourself mentally by thinking of some possible questions you may be asked. You may think of brief answers to these questions as well. If possible, ask someone to assist you by going through a mock interview.
    3. Prepare questions to ask your interviewer. The answers to these will help you to determine whether you want the job. Asking challenging questions will make a positive impression on your interviewer.
    4. Think about the salary you would like to receive. It may or may not be placed in the advertisement. In order to determine what range may be acceptable to both you and the employer, check newspaper advertisements for similar positions, or ask someone who works with the company. If asked at the interview what salary you would expect to receive, give a range and not a fixed amount.
    5. Place all the information and documents to be taken to the interview in one envelope or file. You may need the following:-

You will also need a pen and notebook in which you would have written your questions, and in which you may need to write a note during the interview.
    1. Check the time, date and place of the interview and also check to see how long it will take you to reach the place for your interview.
    2. Find out the dress code of the work place, so that you will be appropriately dressed for the interview.
    3. Prepare your clothes (see appearance) early.
    4. Do not be late for the interview.
    5. Get a good night’s rest so that you will look and feel refreshed on the day of the interview.

 

 

QUESTIONS THE INTERVIEWER MAY ASK

Here is a list of questions, which are frequently asked during an interview.

    1. Why would you like to work for our company/organisation ?

    2. Why do you  like this type of work?

    3. Have you had any experience in this type of work?

    4. What jobs have you held? How did you obtain them and why did you leave?

    5. What skills/training do you have which would assist you in this job?

    6. What suitable qualifications do you have that make you feel that you will be successful in this field?

    7. What do you know about our company/organization?

    8. If you were to get this job, what salary would you expect?

    9. Would you be willing to move to another country where our company has other branches?

    10. How do you spend your leisure time?

    11. Do you get involved in any volunteer work?

    12. In what school activities have you participated, and which ones did you most enjoy?

    13. Do you like reading? What kinds of books do you read?

    14. Do you prefer working with others or on your own?

    15. Can you accept criticism or supervision without getting upset?

    16. Would your previous employer recommend you?

    17. Do you like routine work?

    18. Do you prefer regular hours?

    19. Have you any serious illness or injury?

    20. How do you feel about working overtime?

    21. What are your long-term career plans?

    22. Would you take further training if it were required for this position?

    23. Would you be willing to travel if requested?

 

 

QUESTIONS YOU MAY ASK THE INTERVIEWER

These are some questions you may want to ask the interviewers.

    1. What duties will I be expected to perform?

    2. What are the possibilities for promotion?

    3. Will I have to undergo further training?

    4. Does the company/organization provide training?

    5. Does the company/organization facilitate persons who want to further their education or receive further training?

    6. What is the starting salary? How often are employees paid?

    7. Does the company provide any benefits? What are they?

    8. With how many people will I be working? To whom will I be directly reporting?

    9. Is safety equipment (special tools) required and if so, do I have to supply my own?

    10. How may people does this company employ? Is the company planning to expand?

    11. What are the working hours? Will the person in this position be required to work overtime?

    12. Is there a company handbook for employees?

    13. When would the person who gets the job be required to report for work?

    14. When vacancies arise within the company, are employees the first to be considered?

    15. When may I expect to hear from you about your decision?

 

 

CREATING THE RIGHT IMPRESSION AT THE INTERVIEW

The following factors determine the kind of impression you create:-

Appearance: Dress neatly and appropriately for the work environment. If you are uncertain, dress conservatively. Avoid bright colours and out-landish styles. Coordinate your clothes and accessories, and have your hair properly cut and styled. Females should use make-up sparingly and males should wear socks. Be sure to follow the basic rules of good hygiene and good grooming. Use a light cologne – not one with a strong overpowering scent.

Punctuality: Be on time for the interview. You should arrive 5-10 minutes early so that you would have time to calm yourself before you meet your interviewer. You should go to the interview alone. Taking along a friend or a relative for support would not create the right impression. You would not appear as self-confident as you should.

Manners: Be courteous to everyone you meet. Approach the Receptionist politely with the appropriate greeting for time of day; state your name and your business. If you know the name of your Interviewer let the Receptionist know whom you came to see. When you meet your Interviewer, shake hands firmly, provided that he/she extends his/her hand first. Remain standing until you are invited to sit. Chewing gum, eating or drinking of any sort and smoking are not acceptable. The employer is not interested in your personal problems so do not raise them.

Attitude: In order to create a favourable impression, you must appear self-confident, positive and enthusiastic. Flippancy, over-confidence or over-enthusiasm, however, will work to your disadvantage. Be positive. Do not highlight your shortcomings or weaknesses.

Body Language: Much of what is communicated is done with body language (body movements, gestures, tone of voice, mannerisms); it plays a very important part in our contact with others, so awareness of it is important. The following will steer you in the right direction:-

Speech: Speak clearly and use standard English. Avoid slang or dialect. Do not argue with the Interviewer.

THE INTERVIEW – THE STRUCTURE

Knowing the structure/format of the interview will enable you to feel less threatened and to organize your thoughts. The interview may vary from 20-60 minutes. The actual interview may have approximately three stages.

Stage 1 - The Greeting and Introduction – Establishing Rapport

This is a very important stage of the interview where first impressions are created. Some interviewers may spend a few minutes trying to make you comfortable – "breaking the ice". Others may get down to business right away.

Stage 2 - Exchanging Information

This stage focuses on you. The interviewer will question you about your qualifications, experience, skills and knowledge of the job and company, in order to determine whether you are the right person for the job. This is also the chance for you to ask some questions about the job, in order to determine whether this is the job for you. Take careful note of the following:-

Stage 3 - Closing the Interview

  • This is the final stage of the interview. The Interviewer "wraps up" the interview at this point and may thank you for your time. You may be informed of when you will hear from the employer. If this is not done you may express your desire to hear from the Interviewer or employer soon, and you may indicate your willingness to call back or return. Thank the Interviewer for the time and consideration, and if a hand is offered, shake hands firmly. Leave promptly.

     

    • AFTER THE INTERVIEW

    It may be useful for you to do the following after an interview:-

      1. If you think that a "thank you note" is in order, make it brief and handwritten. Write the name of the Interviewer and thank him/her again for the interview.
      2. Keep a journal and make notes about every interview.
      3. After every interview, do a brief self-evaluation. This will enable you to improve on your next interview and so avoid mistakes.

     

    INTERVIEW SELF-EVALUATION

    After each interview, evaluate yourself in the areas listed below. Check the appropriate description:

    1. Punctuality:

    2. Posture:

    3. Handshake:

    4. Appearance:

    5. Composure:

    6. Conversational Ability:

    7. Comprehension:

    8. Job Information:

    9. Experience:

    10. Job Interest:

     

    You may also ask yourself these questions:

      1. Did I ask the type of questions that enable the employer to give a favourable response?
      2. Did I express my willingness to receive further education and training for the job?
      3. Did I indicate my willingness to be responsible, cooperative employee?
      4. Did I thank the interviewer for his/her time?
      5. What could I have done to improve this interview?

     

    Adapted from
    Patrick McGovern and Joan Brown
    "How to do a Job Search"
    (Toronto Senaca College of Applied Arts and Technology,
    Career Planning and Placement Centre).

     

     

    THE JOB

    Handling the Job Offer

    Acceptance of an Offer

    When you have been offered a job and you have decided to accept it, do so as soon as possible in writing. Let your employer know that you are happy to accept the job and will be prepared to report for duty at the time requested.

    Rejection of an Offer

    If you decide to reject a job offer, do so as soon as possible by writing in a tactful and sincere manner. Express your appreciation for the interest and the offer. In your letter, provide an honest explanation for your refusal of the offer since you may have to be in contact with that same employer again.

    Deciding Between Job Offers

    If you are fortunate enough to be offered more than one job, carefully evaluate them by determining and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the positions. You should consider the following:-

     

    TAKE TIME TO CONSIDER THESE FACTORS. DO NOT MAKE A HASTY DECISION, YOU MAY REGRET IT LATER.

     

    GETTING AHEAD ON THE JOB

    Congratulations! Your qualifications have been examined. You have had an interview and you have been offered the job. Your employer has therefore seen in you the kind of person who is probably right for the job. You now have to do everything in your power to maintain your employer’s confidence in your ability to perform. Your employers and seniors will be looking at you closely as far as your appearance, conduct on the job and job performance are concerned.

    Appearance

    Your first appearance on the job on your first day will leave a lasting impression on your boss and your colleagues. You should appear business-like and should dress appropriately. You should be neat and clean whether in your own clothes or in company uniform. Your appearance indicates the way you feel about yourself and your job.

    Conduct and Worker Relations

    Your conduct must be above reproach. It will be closely observed by your supervisors and other colleagues. It is better to make a good impression from the start than to try to improve a bad impression. The following are suggestions which would enable you to maintain an acceptable standard of conduct on the job:-

    1. Punctuality:

    Be punctual everyday. Being a few minutes early gives you time to prepare and start on time.

     
    2. Attendance:

    Be present everyday. Regular absences indicate irresponsibility or inability to cope with the job either mentally or physically.

     
    3. Good Manners:

    Exercising good manners enables you to get along with others. You appear more approachable to others.

     
    4. Respect:

    This is earned not demanded. Your behaviour and respect for others will earn you the respect of others.

     
    5. Tolerance:

    In any job which involves working with others, conflicts arise for a number of reasons. It is important to remain in control of your temper at all times. Accept other people’s criticisms and suggestions calmly. Use them for self- improvement. Give constructive and not destructive criticism.

     
    6. Consideration:

    Be considerate of others with whom you work. It is important to your relationships. You will enjoy your work more and get along with others better.

     
    7. Honesty:

    This quality is of great importance especially if you handle finances, classified, confidential or restricted materials. Admit your errors. Do not cover with lies or allow someone to take the blame. Your honesty is a sign of maturity and assertiveness.

     

    Peformance
    1. Responsibility:

    Accept any responsibility involved in your job. Be sure that you can handle the job that you are being paid to do. Do it to the best of your ability. Be conscientious, efficient, reliable and thorough.

     
    2. Initiative:

    You should seek ways to improve your job such as initiating more efficient systems and methods. Appropriate suggestions for improvement should be made and discussed with your Supervisor.

     
    3. Cooperation:

    Willingness to assist others, especially in areas outside of your immediate responsibility shows a co-operative spirit, and along with your other qualities may enable you to be considered for leadership positions in the future.

     
    4. Completion of and Presentation of Tasks:

    When performing your duties, you should be as neat as possible. Be sure to complete the tasks assigned to you and to undertake any tidying or cleaning necessary when you are finished.

     

    The above guidelines, if followed, will not only enable you to keep the job, but will be the basis for positive reports on you and will certainly help you to obtain consideration for promotion.

    Good luck and best wishes to you.

     

    HANDLING REJECTION

    You will receive some letters which begin "We regret to inform you ….." Use this positively. There are several reasons why you were rejected.