Job Interview

Countdown to Job Interview? Know What to Expect and Launch Your New Career  


                                                             
By http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=R_H_Tully   R H Tully                

Congratulations - You have found the Holy Grail of your job searching quest - the Interview! Your thought provoking cover letter and resume paved the way to clearing the first hurdle - engaging in the initial telephone screening. Your qualifications and interpersonal skills impressed enough to land you that interview, but now what? You have researched the prospective employer, you have the required skills and education level, but this is your first big interview and you just don't know what the employer's expectations are, and you don't know how the interview will play out. You have no idea what types of questions they will ask, and how you should respond. Anxiety time, right? Well, yes, quite frankly, but that is healthy and can be minimized. Each interview has a defined process with discrete phases, and if you know what to expect, you can have a more relaxing, successful interview.

The employer will already have matched their job opening against their job-related criteria and your qualifications. They have pre-screened the resumes and initial telephone screening according to this criteria, so relax - you're in so far!

The interview process often begins at the reception desk, so be pleasant, courteous, professional, and always remember that the interviewer will often inquire with the front-end office staff about their interaction with you, including your punctuality, demeanor, and the time it takes to complete any preliminary paperwork, etc.

Next is the interview process, with job-related questions tailored to you, specifically. An open, two-way communication environment is established. In order to select the best qualified applicant for a position, the successful interviewer will have certain factors established to evaluate a candidate, such as: 

Knowledge / Experience - Important screening tools, but least effective in predicting overall success. 

Intellect - Capacity to solve problems and communicate effectively.

Interpersonal - Interviewer will try to gain an understanding of past behavior, looking for attributes such as positive attitude, team player, mature, and flexible.

Motivation - Will you find the work satisfying and will you stay with the company? How much will you contribute to the job and the success of the organization? What are your short-term and long-term goals? 

A final recommendation will be made after an evaluation of these factors, and comparison to other prospective candidates.

Employers will ask probing questions that will give them information about your abilities and experience. They observe personality traits carefully to see if you will fit in with their team. The seasoned interviewer will often engage a sixth sense to help them determine if the chemistry is right, so be aware of body language, maintain eye contact, and exude confidence. 

The typical interview will consist of the following five phases:

Introduction - The interview simply begins with an introduction by the interviewer, stating their name, title and their position relationship within the company as to that of the position you are interviewing for.

Small Talk - The first few minutes is usually utilized by the interviewer to initiate small talk with you in order to make you feel more at ease and at home.

Body of Interview - This begins with a brief explanation of the process you will be going through during the course of the interview, first by outlining the interview itself, then by explaining the position, responsibilities and duties, including how it relates to the overall function of the company, expectations, and what qualities they are looking for in the successful candidate. One of the most important, open-ended questions you may be asked at the very beginning of an important interview, is, "Tell me about yourself and your experience, as it relates to the position you are applying for?" This is a set up question to see how well you can concisely organize your thoughts and effectively communicate to the interviewer (in as little time as possible), your prior experience and personal history, if necessary, that is exactly pertinent to satisfying the requirements of the position. Be prepared to go back only as far as necessary in your job history, and come forward in order to articulate your training, experience and success, in order to effectively sell yourself, without over-embellishing for affect.

In addition, be prepared to answer the following typical questions:

Can you give me an example of a typical day at (your last or present position)?
- Demonstrates organization, time management, communication.

What was the most difficult problem you faced in your last position (or in school)?
- Demonstrates intellect, creativity.

What do you consider your major accomplishments? Strengths? Weaknesses?
- Demonstrates work ethic, motivation, dedication, and honesty.
 
What strengths can you bring to this position that you think will make you successful?
- Demonstrates all of the above qualities.

How would your present boss, your peers, or a college professor describe your work ethic?

Did you ever have a supervisor that you disagreed with and why?
- Be careful!! This is a gauge of your future compatibility within the management structure, and of your adaptability and work ethic...Be honest, but put yourself in your supervisor's shoes and think about the situation carefully, so that you are responding with a mature, team oriented mindset.

During this phase you will be asked if you have any questions. It is important that you have done your homework, researched your prospective employer, and that you be prepared with questions that you feel are pertinent to your long-term success with the company. Take notes - this shows initiative, and is also essential in the training process in any new position, so you will not only make a great impression, but you will be prepared to ask questions at this time. You will be stressed, and you may forget questions you had previously. The best thing you can do to close strong is to have well thought out and articulated questions for your interviewer!

Closure - Finally, the interviewer will advise you of the next steps in the recruiting process. You may be asked for personal / professional references, as well as residential history for a possible background check. Be prepared and have those readily available.

R H Tully, as Branch Manager of a financial institution with over 16 years of experience in finance, collections, operational and personnel management, including all phases of recruiting, interviewing, hiring and coaching, has launched a free web career center, including career development advice, job searching and interview tips, management and coaching... THE job hunting and career resource center. Visit his website at http://www.bestjobsearchingguide.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Countdown-to-Job-Interview?-Know-What-to-Expect-and-Launch-Your-New-Career&id=4648072  Countdown to Job Interview? Know What to Expect and Launch Your New Career 








Career Advice - The Job Interview Is Your Time At Bat
By http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ramon_Greenwood Ramon Greenwood


After months of searching for a new position you have finally been invited to come in for a face-to-face interview. What are you going to do to maximize your chances of getting an offer that will
advance you toward your career goals?

First, decide whether or not the job would advance you toward your career success. Sometimes people interview just to see what's in the job market. If you are not serious don't waste everyone's time. Besides, it could backfire if your present employer hears you are interviewing.

Remember that a job interview is a two-way process. It ought to be a time when two parties seek to gain a better understanding of each other and why it would make sense to get together.

Go into an interview with two objectives in mind. One is to gain a full understanding of the prospective employer and the position - both positives and negatives. The second goal is to get an offer.

Be prepared. This sounds too obvious to mention. But a surprisingly large number of people go waltzing into an interview unprepared, depending on luck and charm to carry the day.

Know as much as you can about the company, the position and the person who will be interviewing you.

Have a game plan. Determine the key points you want to make. Structure your presentation in terms of the needs and interests of the employer. Stress your achievements in a concise and orderly way. Many people flunk out because they are unable or unwilling to speak positively about their achievements. An interview is about career success; it's not a time for false modesty.

No matter where the interviewer takes the discussion, return over and over to your major sales points.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Many times applicants fail to ask pertinent questions for fear of appearing to be too "pushy" or negative. To the contrary, your willingness to ask questions shows preparation, interest and a healthy state of self confidence. Such questions might include: May I read a job description? Why is the position open? Where would I fit in the overall organization? What are the opportunities to move forward on my career path?

Ask about salary after you see there is definite interest on both sides. However, don't inquire about vacation time and other perks until an offer has been received.

Be prepared to answer tough questions, even if they come out of left field. What are your weak points and strong ones? Why do you want to change jobs? What do you think of your present employer, boss, co-workers? Have you ever been fired? Why? What is your present salary? What do you expect to be paid if you are offered the position?

Never show impatience or irritation. If the interview is going off track and you are losing interest, it is far better to bring the discussion to a graceful end, than to let these feelings show and leave a bad taste.

The importance of personal appearance cannot be overstressed. Know the environment and dress accordingly. Lean toward the conservative in dress. Sit up straight, even if the interviewer is slumped over like a wet noodle. Don't fidget. Make and keep eye contact. Have a shine on your shoes.

Recognize the interview may begin in the reception area while you are waiting to be ushered in. Look and act like you mean business and expect to get what you want. Don't kid around. Get a feel for the environment.

Make your best case. Avoid overselling. Show positive interest, but don't appear to be overly anxious. Provide all the information requested, plus the points that you think are important. However, avoid giving answers that are too long and complicated.

Be very sensitive to the timing and pace of the interview. If you sense you have overstayed your time or that the interviewer has lost interest or reached a negative decision, take the initiative to bring the visit to a close. When you leave, express your appreciation for the opportunity to visit and then leave in an orderly fashion. Never, never hang on for one more run at selling yourself.

Always follow up the interview with a "thank you" note whether or not there is mutual interest. Never burn a bridge behind you.

These steps won't guarantee an offer, but they surely will improve the odds for career success.

For free advice on how to achieve your career goals click here: http://www.commonsenseatwork.com  

You'll receive Ramon Greenwood's free semi-monthly newsletter. You can also visit his Your Blog For Career Advice via this route. Greenwood's common sense career advice comes from a world of experience, including serving as Senior Vice President of American Express, an entrepreneur, professional director, career coach and author.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Career-Advice---The-Job-Interview-Is-Your-Time-At-Bat&id=1363175 Career Advice - The Job Interview Is Your Time At Bat