The Interview

PURPOSE OF THE INTERVIEW:

The interview gives you the opportunity to convey to an employer your interest in a particular position and to present the skills you can bring to the job. The interview is a chance for you and the employer to get to know each other and to assess if this position and company is a suitable fit or match. In addition, the interview allows you to gain insight into the job and the organization, and it enables the employer to determine if you have the skills and abilities needed to be an effective member of his/her organization.

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW:

Before going on your first interview, there are several steps to take in order to prepare yourself.

Preparing for an interview is critical for a productive and successful interview. Organizations vary,therefore you must prepare for each and every interview. You need to conduct a thoroughassessment of both yourself and the employer. Mock interviews are a great way to ensure that youare conveying yourself in a positive and polished manner.

Know Yourself

� Know the information on your resume.

� Identify your three of your most valuable strengths, along with an example of how you have demonstrated each. Also consider your weaknesses.

� Be able to discuss decisions you have made and the thought behind them.

� Identify accomplishments you are proud of and be able to verbalize why.

� Identify situations you might have handled differently.

� Be able to give concrete examples of your skills and qualifications.

� Be able to articulate why you are interested in this field. Think about your long-term goals.

Know the Employer and the Field

� Review the nature and responsibilities of the position and be able to relate your past experiences to the position.

� Read current periodicals and trade journals to learn about current trends in the industry.

� Research the Employer/Key Facts to Gather:

� Company’s products/services, technologies and industries.

� Competitors and customers.

� Key people in organization.

� Size in terms employees.

� Annual revenue, annual net earnings, # of shareowners, annual assets, NYSE symbol.

� Facility locations.

� Organizational structure of company.

� View of company by clients, suppliers and competition.

� Latest news reports on company (local or national).

Review web site, mission statements, annual reports, and company literature to find the aforementioned information

� Nonverbal Communication Skills

Messages are conveyed during the interview by what you say and by how you say it. Positive nonverbal communication factors will reinforce your verbal message.

� Greet the employer with a firm handshake.

� Maintain steady eye contact with the interviewer.

� Sit attentively to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm.

� Display self-confidence.

� Dress in suitable manner to convey a polished, professional image (err on conservative side).

� SMILE!

� Verbal Communication Skills

� Be a good listener; be sure to answer the question that is posed to you. Don’t bring up

extraneous matters.

� Use clear, concise answers.

� Be prepared to put a positive – but not dishonest – spin on any negatives in your background.

� Don’t exaggerate and don’t be negative.

� Be specific. Refer to concrete experiences.

� Use proper grammar.

� Don’t say: uhm, uh, yeah or yup (instead of yes), y’know, like, okay, I guess, pretty good.

� Practice for the Interview…Practice Makes Perfect!

� Review interview questions.

� Do not try to dominate the interview, let the interviewer guide the questions.

� Consider doing a mock intervi

Courtesy: Imam Hossain

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