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This article is the second in a series of three articles that will help you get through the interview process.
During
the Interview
Submitted by Gwen Hall, Cambridge TEMPositions in Cedar Rapids
Setting the Stage
During the interview, you have an opportunity to sell yourself. Your
goal is to capture the interviewer’s interest and distinguish
yourself from other candidates. Listen very carefully to the
interviewer’s comments and respond with supporting information about
your background and experience that demonstrates that you can
do the job successfully. Use this opportunity to show a prospective
employer what you know and what you can do.
The interviewer will control the flow of the interview, but you can control the content. Your objective is to emphasize your strengths, relate what you’ve done; how you did it and the results you produced. In a typical interview, you probably will be talking about 80 percent of the time.
Your responses to questions asked shape an impression in the interviewer’s mind and give him or her a general feeling about you. You want to promote a positive feeling; therefore, your self-assurance and style of presentation are critical. When you have effectively prepared, you will feel more comfortable and appear self-assured during your interview.
A successful interview also involves good fit and chemistry. "Fit" is a commonly used term describing an intangible feeling that the company, department and hiring boss are compatible with the applicant. It is often the "small things" that occur in an interview that make the interviewer decide between two candidates.
The key is to relax and show your enthusiasm. Many people get nervous in an interview because they are afraid they won’t be offered the job or be invited to return for another interview. Remember that before the interview, you didn’t have an offer. If, after the interview you still don’t have an offer, you have gained valuable interviewing experience. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
Helpful Hints
- Shake hands firmly, smile and make eye contact.
- Tell the interviewer the name by which you prefer to be called.
- Don’t sit until you are invited to sit.
- Take deep breaths during the interview and relax
- Be aware of your appearance, facial expression, movement and tone of voice. Non-verbal communication is just as critical as verbal and accounts for 55 percent of your message. For example: twirling hair, chewing gum, tapping feet and sitting slumped in a chair can create a negative impression.
- Don’t smoke or ask to smoke unless the interview offers.
The Actual Interview
An interview can be broken down into several steps:
The Introduction—Establish eye contact with the interviewer, shake hands firmly and smile. Take your cue from the interviewer. Brief discussion of the weather and casual conversation establishes rapport and ease of communication.
Opening Questions—You will probably be asked about the type of position you are looking for and other general information on your background.
The Body of the Interview—This part of the questioning is usually more specific and is directed at identifying the skills you have as they relate to the needs of the company. You should convey your understanding of the job requirements and relate them to your experience and qualifications. You should ask the interviewer about aspects of the job you do not understand.
The Summary—As the interview draws to a close, you should express your enthusiasm for the position and ask for feedback regarding the interviewer’s interest in you as a candidate. At the end of the interview, you should determine what the next step is. Use the questions you’ve reviewed in the article titled "Getting Ready For the Interview" and remember to ask "where do we go from here?"
The Close—After the interview is formally over, there is usually pleasant conversation on the way to the door or elevator. Firmly shake hands, make eye contact and thank the interviewer for his or her consideration.
Dos and Don’ts For Answering Questions
Listen carefully to the question! If the question is ambiguous, ask the interviewer to clarify it. You may use phrases like: Do you mean..? Can you give me an example..? Are you saying..?
- Take a few moments to think about your answer.
- Let the prospective employer bring up the salary issue. If the interviewer presses for an answer, respond that you would need to consider the opportunity and benefits as a total picture of the compensation package.
- Closely observe the interviewer and be aware of his or her reactions. Be prepared to elaborate if you observe interest in a particular topic.
- Be consistent in answering questions. You may be asked the same question several times if you go through numerous interview at the same company.
- Always be honest.
- Don’t ramble.
- Do not discuss your personal problems.
- Believe in yourself. A confident presentation makes all the difference.
- Continue to remind yourself that you are doing well.
- Breathe.
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