Interview preparation and The screening interview

Interview preparation

OBJECTIVES

• ·         Learn what an interview is and what various types of interviews are
• ·         Know about the typical questions asked
• ·         Learn things you need to know before the interview
• ·         Learn how to present yourself and dress effectively
• ·         Learn about body language

INTRODUCTION

A formal face to face meeting, especially, one arranged for the assessment of the qualifications of an applicant, as for employment of for the employer the purpose is the determine the most suitable person for  to progress to the next part of the selection process . An interview is a formal meeting between a job seeker and an employer

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

All job interviews have the same objective, but employers reach that objective in a variety of ways. You might enter the room expecting to tell stories about your professional successes and instead find yourself selling the interviewer one strategy for performing your best during an interview is  know the rules of the particular game you are playing when when you walk through the door.

The screening interview

·         Companies yes screening tools to ensure that candidates meet minimum qualification retirements.

·         Some tips for maintaining confidence during screening interviews:

·         Highlight your accomplishments and qualifications.

·         Get into the straightforward groove. Personality is not as important to the screener as verifying your qualifications. Answer questions directly and succinctly. Save your winning personality for the person making hiring decisions!

·         Be tactful about addressing income requirements. Give a range. And try to avoid give specifics by replying. “I would be willing to consider your best offer.”

 The directive style

In this style of interview, the interviewer has clear agenda that he or she follows unflinchingly. Sometimes companies use this rigid format to ensure parity between interviews; when interviews ask each candidate the same series of questions, they can more readily compare the results. You might feel like you are being steam-rolled, or you might find the conversation develops naturally. Their style does not necessarily mean that they have dominance issues, although you should keep an eye open for these if the interviewer would be your supervisor.

Either way, remembers:

·         Flex with the interviewer, following his or her lead.

·         Do not relinquish complete control of the interview. If the interviewer does not ask you for information that you think is important to proving your superiority as a candidate, politely interject it.

The meandering style

This interview type, usually used by inexperienced interviewers, relies on you to lead the discussion. It might be with a statement like “tell me about yourself,” which you can use to your advantage. This interviewer might ask you another broad, open-ended question before falling into silence. This interview style allows you to tactfully guide the discussion in a way that serves you the best.

The following strategies, which are helpful for any interview, are particularly important when interviewers use a non directive approach:

• ·         Come to the interview prepared with highlights and anecdotes of your skills, qualities and experiences. Do not rely on the interviewer to spark your memory jot down some notes that you can reference throughout the interview.
• ·         Remain alter to the interviewer. Even if you feel like you can take the driver’s seat and go in any direction you wish, remain respectful of the interviewers role. If he or she becomes more directive during the interview, adjust.

The stress interview

• ·         Either employers view the stress interview as a legitimate way of determining candidates aptness for a position or someone has latent is designed to see whether you have the mettle to withstand the company culture, the clients or other potential stress.
• ·         Besides wearing a strong antiperspirant, you will do well to;
• ·         Remember that this is game. It is not personal. View it as the surreal interaction that it is.
• ·         Prepare and memorize your main message before walking through the door. If you are flustered, you will better maintain clarity of mind if you do not have to wing your responses.
• ·         Even if the interviewer is rude, remain calm and tactful.

The group interview

Interviewing simultaneously with other candidates can be disconcerting, but it provides the company with a sense of your leadership potential and style. The group interview helps the company get a glimpse of how you interact with peers are you timid or bossy, are you attentive or do you seek attention, do others turn to you instinctively, or do you compete for authority?

This environment might seem overwhelming or hard to control but there are a few tips that will help you navigate the group interview successfully:

• ·         Observe to determine the dynamics the interviewer establishes and try to discern the rules of game. If you are unsure of what is expected from you, ask for clarification from the interviewer.
• ·         Treat other with respect while exerting influence over others.
• ·         A void overt power conflict, which will make you look uncooperative and immature.
• ·         Keep an eye on the interviewer throughout the process so that you do not miss important cues.

Telephone

·         Many organizations will conduct interviews by telephone to narrow a field of candidates. Telephone interviews may also be used as a preliminary interview for candidates who live far away from the job site.

·         It is important to treat this interview as you would a face to face connection. Arrange for a quiet space and time to schedule the conversation. Clear a work surface to minimize distractions.

·         Focus on the conversation. Listen to the questions carefully before you answer. Since you voice is key, convey energy with inflection in your voice.

• ·         Have a copy of your resume nearby as a reference.
• ·         Avoid using a phone with call waiting. You so not want to interrupt during an interview.

Video interviews

These are rare but not unheard of, particularly if you have applied for an overseas position. As far as possible, you should treat them as traditional interview: dress as you would for a conventional interview; address you and listen carefully to the questions and instructions, asking the interviewer to repeat anything that you don’t understand.