Interviewing

In an interview, an employer evaluates your knowledge, skills, abilities, and other factors (called KSAOs) for the vacant job position.  The goal of the interviewer is to determine whether you are a good fit for the position and the organization. Interviews provide a two way communication process whereby an applicant may learn more about job responsibilities, organizational culture, department, supervisors, and compensation. 

Although you may not be aware of it, employers pay special attention to more than your answers as you may be evaluated on such areas as how well you articulate answers, complex ideas, concepts, and general conversation.  Nonverbal communication will also play an integral part of the interview process. Body language provides clues that interviewers utilize to gain further information, thus you should be careful not to fidget, tap your feet, bite your fingernails, or cross your arms.  By demonstrating self-confidence and interpersonal skills, employer representatives will receive an indication of how you will interact with co-workers, superiors, subordinates, and clients/customers.  Interviewers will also look for other key elements, such as etiquette, ethics, and values.

Behavioral Based Interviews
Behavioral based interviews are founded on the theory that past performance is a good indicator of future performance.  In the interview process you will be asked to relate situations when you have demonstrated skills or traits that are desirable for the position.  These questions may begin with typical phrases, such as, "Tell me about a time when..." or "Describe a situation in which..."

An interviewer seeks to measure your ability to create innovations and solutions in a variety of situations. The best way to respond to a behavioral based interview question:  be specific in describing the example situation or problem, clearly state what you did to resolve the situation, and state the result of your action or intervention.   

Common Interview Formats
Interviews may be conducted using these various formats or combinations:  one-on-one, panel/group, observation, video and telephone.  The one-on-one interview is the traditional format where one employer representative meets with a job candidate. In a panel or group interview, two or more representatives and the candidate meet to discuss the job position.  An observation interview is performance based, where the job candidate is graded/evaluated on the completion of a task. A video interview utilizes technology such as video conferencing or PC webcams to accomplish the same goals as the previous interview formats.  Telephone interviews are often utilized first to screen applicants, especially if distance to a given location is a factor.  It is absolutely necessary to find a quiet area with no possibility of interruptions for a telephone interview.  Have a copy of your resume, cover letter, and potential questions for the interviewer present during a phone interview.

Personal Questions
Personal questions tend to be about “getting to know you.”  Sometimes these are the most difficult because people simply may not know where to begin when an interviewer says, " tell me about yourself."  Other subjects an interview may cover include your strengths, weaknesses, ideal job, role models, failures and how you learned from them, and interpersonal skills. Internet searches will provide you with long lists of questions typically asked by interviewers.

It is important to note; that employers do not have the right to ask any question they want – the questions have to be job related.  Questions of sex, race, age, national origin, or religion are illegal in an employment interview.  Some job applicants may go a step further to avoid discrimination by not revealing their marital status or even if they have children.  However, do not misconstrue this information to mean that it is permissible to lie in a job interview.  Falsification of any data or professional qualifications may be immediate grounds for dismissal.   

Education Questions
These are questions based on your degree field, such as what made you choose a particular major.  Expect questions about your academic performance, extracurricular activities, and favorite/least favorite classes.  Employers are looking for your academic accomplishments to illustrate a pattern of success, self-discipline, and ambition.

Work Experience Questions
Work experience questions will focus on skills gained in past job positions and how you work under pressure of deadlines while maintaining quality output.  Interviewers will also be interested in when you have created solutions to workplace obstacles, your likes/dislikes of previous jobs, and rationale for changing employment.  Again, work accomplishments will demonstrate a pattern of success, self-discipline, and ambition.

Questions About Your Career Goals
A check of both short and long-term goals will provide perspective employers with insight into your work preferences and career direction.  Work preferences may consist of;  teamwork vs. by yourself, travel vs. non-travel, large vs. small organizations, and micromanaged vs. autonomy. Large companies with the potential to expand, may ask about your feelings on relocation.  If you are unsure whether you want to relocate to a new area, it is best to give a neutral answer in the interview.  However, a willingness to relocate may make you a more attractive candidate to be hired by the company. 

Questions for the Employer
It is important to understand that an interview process consists of a two way communication process.  Please feel comfortable in asking questions related to; job duties, special assignments, job position objectives, travel, expected quantity of work output, how your performance will be evaluated: Questions about the company that show you understand the industry and business plan will impress the interviewer.  A discussion about the company’s products and services will help you understand what direction the company is going and if it matches your ultimate career goals.  However, it is important that you make the interviewer comfortable with your genuine questions and not as though they are being interrogated. 

Common Interviewing Mistakes
Mistaken beliefs about the interview process can be very costly to job seekers when applying for vacant positions.  Here are several common errors and how to avoid them.

1. The interview begins with the first question from the interviewer.
   Absolutely; not – it is estimated that first impressions are formed in 30-45 seconds of meeting new people.  Sometimes, other employees in the office may observe you and may initiate small talk, but don't become too relaxed during this conversation.  In most cases, you are already being assessed.
   
   
2. Just answering the questions correctly is sufficient.
   Interviewers may leave out anticipated questions.  Be sure to discuss why you are the best choice for this job position before the interview session has ended.
   
   
3. Giving a wrong answer.
   You must listen to the question and take a moment to gather your thoughts before you respond.  For example, an interviewer may emphasize that computer programming skills are necessary for the position, then ask what you like and dislike about the IT field.  If you respond that you dislike or have no experience in computer programming, expect the interview to prematurely end!
   
   
4. Discussing promotions and salary shows ambition.
   The only time it is appropriate to discuss compensation is when you have been offered the job.  The interviewer may think you are greedy and only interested in money when you bring up this subject prematurely.  And negotiating power increases when you wait until finally receiving the job offer.
   
   
5. The interview is finished when the questions stop.
   At the close of the interview, confirm the next step in the application process.  Remember to ask if you will be contacted by the organization and what is the expected time frame, for example, two weeks or within the month.
   
   
6. Not asking any questions.
   The best questions come from listening to what is said during the interview to express your genuine interest in the job position and the company.  Also, this is an opportunity to determine if the organization is a good fit.
   
   
7. Criticizing your past employers and co-workers.
   You never know what and how businesses may be interconnected.  Given a vast network of suppliers, customers, and distributors, the possibility exists that your previous employer and the company you’re interviewing with, may have business or personal connections.  A job interview is not the place to vent about past work experiences or supervisors that were “less than ideal.”