You should know that in every interview the company will be trying to determine the answers to the following three questions.
- Is this person competent for the position?
- Is this person like us? Will he or she fit in here?
- Will this person stay with us?
The Objective of the Interview
The objective of the job interview is simple: To get the job offer!
Remember: If you don't get the job offer, then it makes no difference whether you do or don't like the position offered, the location, or the company.
You are not interviewing to broaden your knowledge of available opportunities. You are there to impress the company and make them want you. A "ho-hum" attitude has no place in a job interview. To leave the employer with the impression that you are just shopping around is a mistake.
You are not interviewing to learn what that particular company can do for you. Your only purpose at this point is to get the job offer. Qualifications may get you the interview, but they will not get you the job offer.
Getting the job offer entails finding out what the open position requires and convincing the interviewer(s) that you are the woman or man for that job. The key word here is "convincing." To be really convincing, you must seize the initiative at some point during the interview and subtly make things proceed according to your own strategy.
What Employers Look For?
Qualifications
The interviewer is obviously looking for a technically qualified person that can do the job. The employer looks for someone who can and wants to do what needs to be done.
Job offers are usually made because of something in addition to the candidate's qualifications. You get invited to the interview because of your resume, but you will get the offer by selling yourself. The employer is looking for optimistic statements and positive reactions to his questions. Pessimism and negativism will not get you a job offer.
Interest in the Company
If you like the employer's products, the people he has already hired, the location of the office, or any other item related to the position in question, don't be afraid to say so with enthusiasm. It is up to you to let the employer know you are interested.
Longevity
No employer wants to hire someone who will likely leave the company. The problem with making the proper impression in this important area is that interviewers seldom ask direct questions about longevity. Instead, the interviewer will ask: "Why are you looking for another position?", or he may ask "What are you looking for in a position?"
Personal Appearance
Know something about the culture of the prospective employer. The traditional wisdom is to dress conservatively for interviews. Basic classic styles like gray and navy blue suits with minimal accessory are recommended. Don't worry that your hosts are more casually dressed. Unless you are told otherwise, you should always dress conservatively. If in doubt, ask what sort of dress is appropriate for interviewing with this company.
Format of the Job Interview
There is no standard pattern. Be aware that you will probably be interviewed by more than one person. The interview may even include lunch with a group of interviewers. Although there is no standard "structure," there are recognizable steps within any interview.
Make sure to get the name and title of each person you interview with.
Try to avoid a lengthy discussion of past work experience. Seize the initiative and ask the question: "What exactly will my job responsibilities include?"
When the interviewer responds with a description of your initial responsibility as a new employee, your opportunity to convince the interviewer that you can do the job has arrived.
Find out exactly what will be expected of you in the new position and convince the interviewer that you can perform exactly as expected. Guide the discussion toward what you can do to help the company solve their problems and achieve their goals. Relate your experience to the described assignments.
Display Interest
Tell them what interests you about the position and that you would like to have an offer. You must convince all parties in the interview cycle that you are the candidate for the position. Assume each interviewer knows nothing about you and start your interview procedure from scratch.
Common Mistakes
- Do not lose sight of the main objective: Get the job offer.
- Being too quiet. For one reason or another many people tend to understate their capabilities and don't express enthusiasm for the job. This will be misinterpreted.
- Asking "me" questions. Don't pursue too many questions about what the company can do for you during the interview. Emphasize instead your ability to contribute to the company. There is a time to ask "me" questions - but that time is after you receive the offer.
Typical Questions
"Why don't you begin by telling me about yourself?"
This is the interviewer's way of starting the interviewing process. Answer with something like this: "I'd be pleased to tell you about myself. What is it exactly you would like to know?"
"Do you have any questions?"
The temptation is to ask "me" questions which would be a mistake. Ask questions that are company related such as the direction of the company. Ask the interviewer what he or she feels the future there might be.
"What sort of salary are you looking for?"
Some of the most important questions during a job interview are related to salary. Salary negotiations - if any - should come only after a firm offer has been made.
Be careful with this question. It is generally a mistake to toss out a high number thinking you can always negotiate or come down later. A company may simply decide that you're out of the price range or have unreasonable salary expectations. It is better to answer that you would prepare to discuss salary matters later or through your agent.
"What are your long-term goals?
Some candidates blindly answer this question with power objectives like "I want to be a manager," "I want to make $250,000 a year," or even "I want to have your position."
If asked that question, give the impression that you want to contribute to the company as well as making clear your desire for growth within the organization.
Additional Tips
Do not let minor discourtesies steer you on a wrong course. Even if the HR department and/or interviewers keep you waiting too long or treat you in a discourteous fashion, respond positively. Be patient and understanding. Avoid discussion of personal problems. Stick to job-related topics. Do not waste time with excessive small talk.
Always go well beyond simple "yes" or "no" answers. Look for opportunities to compliment the interviewer and the company. There is no better way to express your sincere interest in the position and in the company.
Be aware that you may be asked questions that you are beyond your technical depth. If/when the questions get to a point where you have no direct experience, you can answer with "Although I haven't (whatever), I have done (something similar or related) and I know I could do (whatever) if given the chance."
Interview with confidence. Do not back away from any item on your resume or make excuses for performance. Confidence, built on self assurance, will assure interview success. Once again, remember you are there to get the job offer.
Contact SoftWork People
Call the SoftWork People consultant who referred you to the position immediately after the interview. The consultant will want to discuss the interview with you and gain your thoughts and feedback.
If you are interested in progressing further, express these thoughts, along with your perceptions on how the interview went. Feel free to raise any concerns or further questions you may have.
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