The purpose of an interview is to get to know
person behind application form. You cannot just sit down and expect to 'wing it', company research, CV design and interview preparation needs to be done, plus you should prepare yourself mentally for bombardment of probing questions that you will receive. During selection process employers may use several types of interview. The process can be:
1. Carried out by one interviewer once
2. Succession of interviews by different people
3. A panel of people sitting in judgement on candidates
The aims of an interview from organisation's point of view, is to:
1. Confirm information given in application form
2. Provide candidates with further information about company
3. Evaluate suitability of candidates
4. Decide upon most suitable candidate
5. Encourage candidate to take job
Let's be clear from start; interviewing is very subjective.
Selection interviews tend to be very brief - thirty minutes to an hour is not a long time to get to know someone, give them information and make a judgement. You will need to impress potential employers quickly in order to win additional interviews or job.
Candidates may find these tips useful:
1. When you have an interview, arrive early - at least 15 minutes before start.
2. Let reception know who you are and ask if you can leave you coat somewhere. The less encumbered you are better.
3. You will be asked to take a seat and wait. Try and use time to run through your questions and if you can - try to relax.
4. Read a magazine or chat to receptionist - she may have been asked by interviewers to inform them of any negative behaviour, so make a good impression and use opportunity to gain as much company information as possible.
When you are invited into office:
Always say "How do you do?" Shake hand using a firm grip - don't crush hand. Don't sit down until invited to do so. Never place personal belongings on interviewer's desk (it is their territory) Sit with your back well into seat - this will prevent you from leaning away from person or sliding down chair. Never accept a drink - accepting one offers chance of spilling it over yourself. You can always consume a soft drink before interview. When questioned, always expand on your answers.
