The job interviewing process

A job interview is a formal meeting that should be a two-way process. Both the interviewer and the applicant are learning from each other.

The interviewer seeks to evaluate the qualifications and learn more about the applicant. In turn, the applicant will learn more about the company, and decide if the position is a good fit.

A job interview can take many formats. One-on-one interviews (interviewing in person), collective interviews (meeting with several members of an interview team), telephone interviews, video interviews, etc.

Still, regardless of the interview format, the interviewer will certainly be looking to find out whether you have the potential to do the job effectively and make a useful contribution to the department and the organisation.

This means that they will be asking about the skills, knowledge, experience, as well as personal qualities that are essential for doing the job well such as enthusiasm, commitment, loyalty, empathy, etc.

Tips for better interview preparation

We all get excited once called for a job interview. And the biggest mistake we tend to make is doing nothing just waiting for that day.

But, qualifications, resumes, and other related documents would not suffice to prove that we are the best fit for a given position.

It is necessary to demonstrate our strengths and personal qualities through our words and attitudes. These count a lot as they reflect who we are.

So, interview preparation is absolutely essential not just to know what to say, and how to say it, but this can also help improve the interviewee’s confidence levels and performance notably.

Therefore, whatever type of interview you have, you should prepare for it ahead of time.

Here are some tips that will help you prepare well for the job interview.

1. Define your goals

It is so essential to know what you want to get out of the job you’re applying for and most importantly why you will be good at it.

Defining your goals will help you clarify your career vision, and determine if this is the right position for you.

It is also key to getting ready for the interview questions and looking more confident and self-assured.

Why?

Because defining your goals requires reflecting on your skills, knowledge, interests, and work experience. You’ll know more about yourself, including your strengths and weaknesses.

So, you’ll be ready to answer “tell me about yourself”, “why you should be hired”, “what you have to offer the employer”, and “your interests in the position” questions.

2. Do your research

Knowing well about the employer before the interview is absolutely necessary. This will show your interest in the position and create a positive impression.

So, find out as much as you can about the organization. Visit their website and their social media pages, and if possible talk to people who work there. Focus on understanding their philosophy and goals and any current issues.

3. Prepare yourself

In any type of interview, the applicant should look more confident and professional. Feeling stressed and anxious is normal.

Yet, with good preparation, you can overcome your fear, self-regulate your emotions, and create a good impression.

Therefore, to prepare yourself you should:

# Practise

After reflecting on your skills and abilities, examine what the employer wants based on the job requirements. Then, take down notes of what you can offer. This way you can remind yourself of your best evidence for each criterion or competency.

You can also predict “job-specific” questions by analyzing the job description—duties, responsibilities, and skills of the position. These questions may target personal information, education, experience, specific skills, and contribution to the school/university/company.

Consider those questions, prepare your answers, and practice them out loud. You can do so in front of a mirror, on a tape recorder, or with a friend.

Avoid memorizing your answers. Outline the key points that you need to focus on in each answer.

In addition, when predicting those questions include as well behaviour interview questions. These are questions that are based on how you acted in a specific situation (how did you behave in a particular situation? What was your role? How did you feel? etc.).

These types of questions are meant to evaluate work-specific or content skills, transferrable skills (organizing, managing, developing, communicating, etc.), and self-management skills (punctual, team-player, self-directed, etc.).

If you have no previous related experience, you can have questions that look for behaviours in situations similar to those of the target position (everyday life, education experience, etc.).

To prepare for these questions, you need to be aware of the skills you have (content, transferrable, and self-management skills).

Also, try to recall recent situations where you showed favorable behaviours in relation to leadership, teamwork, initiative, planning, etc.

Then, write a short description of each situation outlining the issue, the actions you took, and the results of your actions. Be honest, and specific, giving clear details of the event.

Remember that to answer the interview questions you need to back up your statements with specific examples of your skills, experiences, and accomplishments. But, do not give more information than what the interviewer is asking for.

In case, you are asked to perform specific tasks within the interview like delivering a lesson/lecture to demonstrate your teaching skills, demonstrating proficiency in a skill, or solving a technical problem, learn exactly about what is required and prepare for it thoroughly.

The job interview is also an opportunity to address your questions about the position. This shows that you are informed and interested.

So, prepare two or three questions that will help you decide whether this position is a good fit for you or not (no question about salary, bonuses, or vacation).

# Learn about the job interview etiquette

Non-verbal communication constitutes the vast majority of our communication. Those non-verbal signals tell a lot about thoughts, feelings, level of confidence, and interest.

Therefore, when interacting with the interviewer, you should pay attention to your posture, facial expressions, personal space, eye contact, smile, voice tone, and attitudes.

Here are some necessary rules that will help you shine:

• Be on time. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you can relax,
• bring your things in a bag or portfolio,
• turn your mobile phone off,
• treat secretaries and receptionists in a polite and professional manner,
• present yourself in a professional and confident manner with good eye contact and a firm, but not bone-crushing, handshake,
• offer a greeting and say their name,
• wait until you are directed to sit down,
• sit up straight with hands folded in your lap. Don’t cross your arms, slouch, lean forward, stare for too long or keep looking around the room,
• listen carefully to the questions and be sure you understand them,
• ask the interviewer to repeat the question in case you are not sure what they are asking,
• smile (but don’t overdo it) and be positive,
• in the end, thank the interviewer for taking the time to talk with you.

 

If your interview includes lunch or dinner, you can learn about table etiquette in this post: Tips for Interviewing While Dining.

# Decide on your interview outfit

You should aim to look smart, professional, and business-like. Clothes should be tailored, well-fitting, clean, and wrinkle-free with minimal jewelry/makeup.

Avoid brightly colored clothing, perfume, shorts, tight clothes, flip flops, boots, or tennis shoes.

So, dress up rather than down.

It is a good idea to try out your clothes beforehand. You need to dress appropriately, but also feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

I hope these suggested tips will help you prepare well for your job interview. So, be prepared, practice, and learn how to behave and dress more appropriately. You’ll nail your job interview. Good luck!