2 THE INTERVIEW The purpose of an interview is for employers to determine whether you: • Can demonstrate the skills they are looking for in an employee • Can solve the employers’ problem(s) or meet their organizational challenge(s) • Are the best fit for the company, organization or program SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THE JOB • What have you accomplished in the past and what can you offer this employer? • How can the employer help you achieve the objectives of the job, directly or indirectly? • Are you and the employer both confident that you are the right employee for the job? THE TWO MAJOR TYPES OF INTERVIEWS SCREENING OR PRELIMINARY INTERVIEWS During a screening interview, also known as a preliminary interview, the applicant has an opportunity to present whether they have the basic skill sets that an employer is seeking. Screening interviews are usually conducted by the organization’s human resources department or may be done by a recruiter. HIRING INTERVIEWS Hiring interviews are usually conducted by a person or a group of people. This is your opportunity to demonstrate good listening skills, ask intelligent questions and illustrate your accomplishments. Highlight how you can help the employer. Promote yourself as a natural addition to the employer’s team. INTERVIEWS CAN BE DONE IN A VARIETY OF SETTINGS • In person at the employer’s location • In person at job fairs • On-campus interviews for recent college graduates or alumni • Dining interviews • Video conference interviews • Telephone interviews WHAT SHOULD YOU ASK WHEN SETTING UP AN INTERVIEW? • How do I get to the location of the interview? What are the parking options? • Who should I ask for once I arrive? • Approximately how long will the interview be? (Be flexible) • Who will interview me? How many people will interview me? • How will the interview be structured? (For example, will I meet with the interviewer and then complete additional paperwork to apply for the job with your human resources staff) Would it be a one-on-one or group interview? • Will I need to take a test? If so, what kind? (Check “Employment Testing” on page 8 for additional information about the types of tests you may take) DIFFERENT STRUCTURES OF THE INTERVIEW It is important to ask about the format of the interview when you set up an interview appointment so you can be better prepared. During the interview, you might also meet potential co-workers who will help make the hiring decision. Plan on being courteous to everyone you meet, regardless of which type of interview you may have. ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW In this style of interview, one individual interviews you for the position. You may also be interviewed by different interviewers at different times. Usually a one-on-one interview will include some behavioral questions to learn how you might react to different situations, such as deadlines or angry customers.
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