The Interview Process
The first interview you
will encounter is called a screening interview. It may take place on
campus (through the On-campus Interview Program), at a job fair, or at the
employer’s office. This type of interview generally lasts 30 minutes to
one hour. The purpose of the screening interview is to separate
unqualified applicants from qualified ones. An invitation for a second
interview may be offered in a few days from the screening interview or it
may take up to four weeks. Usually, only a small percentage of candidates
will be invited back for the second interview.
The second interview is an
in-depth interview conducted at the site of the organization. It may last
anywhere from one hour to two days. Some employers may even call you back
three or four times before making a decision regarding your candidacy.
Through your research, you
should be able to identify three to five skills that you believe the
employer will seek in a successful candidate. With this in mind, carefully
consider your background and qualifications. Be prepared to discuss
examples of these skills by describing specific experiences and
accomplishments from your past. Do not assume that the interviewer will
appreciate your qualifications by reading your resume. It is up to you to
demonstrate enthusiasm and "fit" for the position.
Having carefully prepared
for this moment, you should approach the interview with confidence. Each
interview will be different; some interviews will be very structured and
formal while others may be casual and informal. Interviewing styles will
vary. Do not become overly concerned if the person who is interviewing you
asks difficult questions; try to remain calm and respond to all questions
in a positive manner.
The interview generally
consists of five interrelated stages: introduction and icebreaker;
verifying information and asking questions; responding to your questions;
closing the interview and decision-making.
The first stage is a basic
introduction and "ice breaker". The interviewer will try to
establish rapport with you by talking about an unrelated topic such as the
weather. Keep all of your comments positive, even if the weather is
terrible that day; the employer will have concerns if you start off
complaining about small, insignificant events.
After a few minutes of
introduction, the employer will begin asking questions and verifying
information from your resume. As each question is posed, take a moment to
consider your answer. Try not to look up at the ceiling or down at the
floor as you consider your reply. Start your response in a positive note;
be careful not to start with "um" or another verbal filler. Be
sure to provide specific examples of accomplishments to demonstrate
skills.
A helpful outline for
answering interview questions is best described through the S.T.A.R.
(situation, task, action, and result) method. Using this method, you would
respond to an interview question with an example of a situation or a task
for which you were responsible. Thoroughly describe the actions that you
took in this situation or task. Emphasize specific results or
accomplishments. Remember that numbers can be impressive. Always speak in
first person when describing the situation. Whenever possible, try to
articulate the value of the experience in terms of how the experience has
prepared you for the position for which you are interviewing. Do not be
overly concerned if the interviewer is taking notes during the interview
process. Keep your composure and try to keep your eyes level so that when
the employer looks up, you will have eye contact.
Generally, following this
stage, the employer will ask for your questions. Again, this is an
important part of the process as it provides an opportunity for you to
demonstrate your research and interest. Before each interview, you should
carefully prepare two or three questions based on your research. This is
not the time to ask questions concerning salary or benefits. You may ask
about trends in the field or ask for clarification on information that you
have read. You may also review the list of general questions found on page
58. If you do not have any questions for the employer, he/she may think
that you are not interested. Following your questions, you may take a
minute to summarize your interests and qualifications. For example, you
may say, "At this time, I have no further questions, however I would
like for you to know that I am extremely interested in this position and
hope that I have been able to demonstrate my qualifications and enthusiasm
for your company during this brief time together."
The fourth stage of the
interview process is the closing, which is initiated by the interviewer. A
seasoned interviewer will explain the decision making process and provide
information concerning future steps in the process. If the interviewer
does not specifically state this information, it is appropriate for you to
ask about follow-up procedures. Be sure to ask the interviewer for his/her
business card; this information will be helpful as you prepare your thank
you letter.
After the interview, the
employer will assess your qualifications and determine "fit"
between you and the
position. This is also a time for you to evaluate your interest in the
position. Immediately following your interview, take time to write down
questions you were asked, general impressions, and questions that you may
now have as result of the interview. Also, evaluate your interviewing
skills and consider ways you can improve for your next interview. Remember
to send a thank you letter to the employer within 24 hours after your
interview.
The Second Interview
Very few employment
offers are made after a screening interview. Before an offer is extended,
an employer will generally require a second interview. Being invited for a
second interview indicates that the employer has sincere interest in you
as a candidate; however, it does not mean that a job offer is pending.
Again, it is your responsibility to prepare for the interview and do your
best to market your skills and abilities. Before accepting the invitation,
carefully assess your interest in the organization. Only accept an
invitation for a second interview if you have an interest in the
organization.
A second interview may last
from one hour to two full days; the most typical interviews last from four
to six hours. If the interview is within driving distance, be sure to
confirm directions and parking instructions. You may even want to drive to
the location a day or two in advance to alleviate any logistical concerns;
you don’t want to get lost on your way to the interview and arrive late.
If your second interview
necessitates long distance travel, a company representative will generally
make airline and hotel arrangements for you. Be sure to ask this
representative if other expenses, such as meals, will be prepaid or if you
should plan on paying for these expenses and submitting receipts.
Before your interview, you
should receive a schedule which includes the names and titles of the
people with whom you will meet. If you do not receive a schedule, you
should call and ask for this information. Be sure to know the name of the
person for whom you should ask when you arrive on site. Plan to arrive 15
minutes early so you can check your appearance and collect your thoughts
prior to the start of your interviews. As always, politely greet the
receptionist or others you may meet while waiting on your interview.
Throughout the course of
the day, you may meet with a number of different employees. Pay close
attention to their names and titles. A title may help you understand the
type of response that particular individual is seeking. For example, if
the interviewer is a manager, he/she may be looking at work ethic as well
as general knowledge; if the interviewer is a potential colleague, he/she
may be looking for someone who is a team player; if the interviewer is the
financial manager of the organization, his/her questions will probably
center on your knowledge and experience in budgeting and finance.
You should prepare for the
second interview just as you prepared for the screening interview:
thoroughly review your research on the organization, gathering additional
information if possible, and be prepared to demonstrate a match between
your qualifications and the position. Good communication skills are very
important at this stage.
Waiting
The interview was wonderful (you thought) and the interviewer said she
would get in touch with you (but that was four weeks ago) and you are
going crazy! Waiting can cause stress and anguish. You need to remember
that no one makes you wait without a reason. Before you panic, try to
recall if the interviewer indicated the time frame for selection. It may
be weeks or a month before an employer is able to get back with you
regarding a decision. If you do not hear from the interviewer in the time
frame discussed (always allowing a few extra days), follow up with a phone
call to inquire about the status of your application.
Common reasons for a delay
in response from an employer include:
