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Facing
Interviews |
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The Importance of an
Interview The interview
is normally the last step of the hiring process--and probably the
most important. It offers both you and the employer the opportunity
to meet one another, exchange information and come to tentative
conclusions about working together. Depending on the organisation
you may have to face one or several interviews. |

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The interview is a two-way process. You evaluate the
employer while he/she evaluates you. Since there is no one way of facing
an interviewing, you will have to develop your own style. In the short
amount of time that you will spend with a potential employer, you will
either be accepted or rejected, so you must project yourself in a
positive, enthusiastic manner.
The interview gives the employer the opportunity to
meet you in person and to evaluate the "complete" you. This includes your
attitude, appearance, personality, confidence, knowledge about yourself,
and knowledge about the company, as well as suitability and basic ability
to do the job. |
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Before the
Interview |
Before appearing for the interview
you should extensively research the company you have applied to. This
creates a good impression and shows your keeness to work with the
organisation. Get hold of a balance sheet of the organisation. You will
find a wealth of information in the balance sheet. Some of the information
you should know includes:
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- size of organization
- location of facilities and offices
- structure of organization - by product line,
function,
- past, current & potential growth
- types of clients
- product line or service
- potential markets, products, services
- price of products or services
- present value and structure of assets
- recent items in the news
- who the competition is
- training provisions
- vision of the CEO
- others you know in the organisation
- stock price
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It is also important to research
issues, trends, problems, and buzz words of the industry. Such information
can be obtained from people in the field, company literature, trade
journals, newsletters, business magazines, and directories. Prepare a list
of well-researched questions for the interviewer.
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Be Aware of
Yourself
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- Analyse your strengths and weaknesses and
accordingly decide what you want to say and do not want to say during
the interview.
- Think and write out answers to possible questions
from the interviewer.
- Evaluate problem areas in your track record and be
prepared to offer a strong and convincing reasons for these during the
interview, if necessary. Do not provide negative information about
yourself unless asked for.
- Request a friend or relative to conduct a mock
interview.
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On The Day of the
Interview |
- Ensure that you know the name and designation of
each individual with whom you are to meet.
- Know exactly how to get to the organisation and
arrive at least ten minutes before the interview
- Dress to project an image of confidence and
success; your total appearance should be appropriate to the job. Carry
with you additional materials to the interview such as copies of your
resume, a list of references, samples of your work, or your degree and
certificates.
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During the
Interview |
- Before you are actually asked to enter the room
where the interviews are being conducted do not get impatient or
restless, wait for them to call you.
- When you are asked to proceed, knock on the door
and wait to be called in the room.
- Greet all the people inside the room
- Do not sit down unless asked to.
- Thank the interviewer/s after sitting down.
- Before the interview you should have decided what
you are going to communicate and how you are going to get your
communication across. What you will want to communicate are: personal
qualities, functional skills, your achievements and special areas of
knowledge that relate to the particular interviewer or organisation. How
you are going to get your communication across will depend on your
choice of words, non verbal gestures and your attitude.
- Have an open attitude that is sensitive to the
interviewers style.
- You should be thinking positively. (If you don't
think you are the best candidate for the job, how can you hope to
convince the employer you are?)
- The non-verbal behaviours which contribute to
rapport are: dress and posture, eye-contact, handshake, voice level, and
gestures.
- The verbal behaviours contributing to build rapport
with the interviewer include: courteous observations and proper choice
of words.
- Be positive in your choice of words and choose
words that are affirmative and indicate your level of determination and
dedication.
- Back up your statements with concrete examples and
achievements.
- Summarise your strengths before finishing what you
have to say.
- If you are not able to answer some question, admit
it, do not try to fudge an answer.
- Listen to the question carefully, let the
interviewer complete his question before you reply.
- If you have not heard the question clearly ask the
interviewer to repeat the question.
- When the interview is completed, thank the
interviewer before leaving the room.
- Set up the next contact by asking "When should I
expect to hear from you" or "When should I get back to you?"
- If you have any questions or clarifications, you
can ask the interviewer after the interview is complete.
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The
Importance of Body Language |
- Pay attention to your body language and non-verbal
communication. Your body language should exude confidence, sincerity and
high energy level.
- Your words and gestures must be in
agreement.
- Maintain eye contact with the interviewer while
answering or listening to the interviewer. Do not look at your shoes or
the floor.
- Do not fidget in your seat or fiddle with your tie
etc.
- Keep your hands relaxed and use them to animate or
express interest
- Maintain an erect posture, do not slouch in the
chair.
- Keep your facial expression pleasant, it can add or
deduct sincerity from your words.
- Keep your voice tone firm, well modulated and
relaxed.
- Be aware of the things you do when nervous and try
to keep them under check.
- Actively listen to the interviewer.
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After the
Interview |
- Use the interview as a learning experience. Take
notes on what you would like to improve after you leave the room.
- Send a follow-up letter to thank the interviewer,
and stress points in your background that qualify you for the
position.
- If you are not contacted within the specified time,
call to restate your interest.
- It is usually best not to accept a job offer on the
spot; state your interest and appreciation for the offer and request a
reasonable amount of time to consider the offer.
- Be sure to evaluate all aspects of the job before
accepting it rather than afterward. Once you have accepted a position,
your commitment is considered binding by the employer.
- If you do not get the job, you may want to ask the
interviewer for some constructive criticism or recommendations for
future interviews. If you are consistently passed over for positions,
try to identify potential problems; then seek guidance for
improvement.
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