23 Jun Think back to a time someone interviewed you for a job
Think back to a time someone interviewed you for a job opening. How well did the interview go? What might have helped it go better?
Focusing Your Learning
Official Course Competencies
• Prepare a résumé of employment credentials, and write an application letter to accompany the résumé.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Identify the types of interview structures.
2. Explain the steps in the interview process, explore effective responses, and identify legal interviewing practices.
3. Compose interview-related messages (application letters, follow-up, acceptance/refusal letters, resignation letters, requesting recommendations).
Key Terms
As you read your assignment for this lesson, pay close attention to the key terms and phrases PDF that are listed throughout the chapter. These terms and concepts are important to your understanding of the information provided in the lesson.
Approaching the Objectives
When you submit your résumé and application letter, most potential employers have you fill out an application form along with completing a pre-employment test. Some tests are very complex and are designed to screen you as a candidate for the role. In addition, the testing can help employers collect information about you to compare your qualifications with the job requirements and measure how you compare with other candidates. Read “What Job Candidates Should Know About Employment Tests” for some suggestions on how to tackle a pre-employment test.
Imagine you filled out an application and completed the pre-employment test along with your résumé and application letter a few weeks ago but never received a response. Its appropriate to follow up and convey additional details about your education and experience related to the job. You should end with a courteous request for an interview. This reminds the employer of your qualifications and reiterates that your application is on file.
If you are fortunate enough to get an interview, keep in mind that employers conduct different types of employment interviews, and you should prepare for each in different ways. Following are some tactics that will help you be an effective interviewee and establish ways to make the interviewer take note and consider you as a candidate.
Structured interviews are planned ahead of time and follow designated business procedures. The questions are preplanned and target certain characteristics and traits pertinent to the role for which the person is interviewing. In contrast, unstructured interviews dont have a set plan, and the interview moves freely from topic to topic. Finally, virtual interviews take place over the Internet and allow candidates from remote locations to apply for a position. Virtual communication often takes places via telephone and/or video.
Examples
A good example of a structured interview is a job fair where the interview questions are set in advance to establish whether the candidate will be asked for a second interview.
An example of an unstructured interview is an interview that occurs when a candidate submits an application for a restaurant position, and the manager asks the applicant to pop into the office right then and begins to ask questions in an unscripted fashion.
An example of a virtual interview is a scheduled video conference with a graduate student who lives in New York City and is interviewing for a position with a potential employer in Los Angeles.
In all interview types, interviewers commonly use behavioral questions. These questions assess your behavior and predict how you respond to change, pressure, challenges, team conflict, drive, ambition, logic, and creativity. The best way to approach these questions is to think them through, even pausing if needed. Also, stay professional when describing an examples, and try not to let any negative emotions spill into the response. Read “Free Sample Behavioral Interview Questions for Job-Seekers” to view examples of behavioral questions.
Here are a few tried-and-true practices to help you develop confidence in your interviewing ability and have a successful interview. Make sure to research the company where you are interviewing. You should know information about the company. Review what the company does, their history, financial reports, stock market details, and news articles to demonstrate your strong interest in a career with this company. You can find details about companies on social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, which have become popular information sources. In addition, a simple Internet search can also provide valuable information. Besides knowing about the company, you should take time to learn about the position you are interviewing for and become familiar with the role. Knowing details like the job title, qualifications, salary range, responsibilities, expectations, and the position of the role and whether it may lead to opportunities for advancement will help in the interview.
You should also analyze yourself as you prepare. Part of this process involves making certain your skills and abilities match the role you are looking to fill. Comparing your qualifications to the job requirements will allow you to speak to what things you can accomplish in the role during your interview. In addition, youll be able to directly tie your experiences from your résumé to those required to be successful in the role.
Before you head to your interview, youll want to plan what to wear in the interview and what will represent you well. Carefully planning your appearance will leave a good impression. According to “You Never Get a Second Chance,” the origin of the following quote is unclear; however, the message is important. “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Therefore, making your best effort is essential. Be sure your attire is appropriate for the role you are interviewing for. Also, arrive early and plan what you need to take to the interview. This may include a briefcase, materials to take notes, your research notes, any planned questions, your résumé, a reference list, and any written letters of recommendation you may have.
Example: Attire
If you are interviewing for a position with a sales firm, a dirty t-shirt and jeans is inappropriate attire. A business suit or dress pants with a shirt and tie for males or skirt with a dress shirt or pants suit for females is more appropriate. It would be wise to show up with a briefcase containing the items you need and to be there 10-15 minutes early.
On the other hand, if you are applying for a construction or maintenance job, wearing a suit and tie or dress might throw you out of the running! It would be more appropriate to dress in business casual with a polo shirt and khakis for males, and casual pants and shirt for females. It would be appropriate to bring a notepad with your notes, a pen, and your résumé. Also, arriving 10-15 minutes early is advised.
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