Topics covered in this snack-sized chapter:
An interview is important part of a recruitment process for right selection.
An interview is a structured meeting.
- Between you and the potential employer.
All interviews involve questions and answers.
Interviewing is a skill.
- You need to prepare and Practice.
- Just as you can learn swimming and driving you need to learn basic interviewing skills.
“This application will help you to prepare yourself for the Interview Process and provides basic guidelines, tips and strategies to ace your interview confidently.”
To find answer to your question:
- Is there a fit between your professional goals and the job?
To find answer to employer’s question:
- Does your skill meet the needs of the employer?
To get and give information
To assess the abilities/potential of a candidate for the job
To recruit
Can you do the job?
Will you do the job?
Will you work in the team?
Do I like this job?
Do I like the hiring manager?
Do I like this team?
Major corporations like Microsoft involve following 3 steps in the interview process.
- Used for screening the candidate
- Go/no go decision for next step
- Step 2: One-on-One Interview
- Conducted by hiring manager and a group of folks chosen by the hiring manager.
- Go/no go decision for next step.
- Step 3: As appropriate interview
- Interview done by “the Big Boss”
- Boss of the hiring manager
- Go/no go decision for hiring
A good resume is the single most important step to succeed in the interview.
- Tailored to the specific job for which you have applied
- Emphasize relevant work experience
- Emphasize academic qualifications
“An Interview is a two-way communication process.”
It is an opportunity for two parties to market themselves.
- The employer is selling the organization to you.
- You are marketing your skills, knowledge, and personality to the employer.
Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to gather information.
- The employer wants to know if you have the skills necessary for the job.
- You want to evaluate the position and the organization.
Introduction – The interviewer will attempt to establish a rapport with you.
Review – The interviewer will ask questions to know more about your background.
Discussion – The interviewer will discuss about the job and ask questions to determine your fit with the role.
Conclusion – Points can be clarified by both parties and questions asked and answered by each i.e.
- Interviewer may explain procedural matters.
- You can discuss how and when further contact will be made.
Unstructured or non-directive interview:
- An unstructured conversational-style interview in which the interviewer pursues points of interest as they come up in response to questions.
Structured or directive interview:
- An interview following a set sequence of questions across all respondents.
Qualitative interview:
- When the questions are not totally preset and the interview takes a conversational approach, it is often called qualitative interviewing.
Research and prepare
- Know what the team offers
- Know what the company offers
Choose Professional Attire
How the job fits into your employment plans?
What are your career goals?
Find out the dress code in advance and dress accordingly.
- You do not need a tie and a suit for interview with Microsoft (Don’t over dress)
- You will need a tie and a suit for interview with Goldman Sachs (OK to dress up)
- OK to ask the hiring manager
Practice the interview questions
Arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the interview.
Maintain right body language:
- Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake
- Maintain good eye contact
Show energy and enthusiasm
Appear Confident
Ask relevant and clarifying questions
Maintain a positive state of mind
Speak clearly and concisely
Write a ‘thank you' email or note.
Follow up with a phone call.
