Acing the Interview: Proven Interview Techniques
- Sep 24, 2008
- Express Professional Staffing
- Career advancement
Acing the Interview: Proven Interview Techniques Meet 21st Century Expectations
– Express Professional Staffing September 2006
After preparing a winning résumé, writing a cover letter and landing an appointment with the hiring manager, the last step in the job-seeking process is acing the interview. Experts agree that failing to prepare for an interview is what often lands candidates back in job search mode instead of the comfy new office chair of their desired employer. According to a recent survey, one-third of employers state that interview blunders are the most common reason that they have turned down applicants.
When it comes to interview advice, turning to a trusted friend or relative can be a great source of information, but in the information age, some new rules also apply. Being familiar with both the old and new rules of interviewing is a great way to ensure a successful interview.
Before the interview
One of the most important ways to prepare for an interview is to research the organization. Traditionally, this was limited to asking around about the company’s reputation, calling the organization to find out about the dress code, culture and other basics, or relying on the information a job posting provides. Today, with easy access to online information, job seekers can and should find out as much as possible about the potential employer. No matter the department or position applied for, it is important to go to an interview equipped with knowledge of the company’s history, industry, business model, sales figures and leadership, as well as who their competitors are and any news concerning the organization in the past few months. This type of information is generally accessible from the company’s Web site, though it may take a little digging to find. Also, doing a Google News search on the organization is a great way to find the organization’s latest press coverage.
The time-tested technique of rehearsing answers to popular interview questions is also a great way to prepare for an interview. Doing a mock interview with a friend to develop confident answers and asking them to critique demeanor and appearance can improve an applicant’s performance. But new and pricier tools are also available, such as online interview preparation software. Another way to take advantage of the Internet is joining a free Web forum on handling difficult interview questions or a social networking group that focuses on interviewing.
Many of the traditional last-minute preparation tips are still applicable to today’s interviews, such as showing up 10 minutes early, avoiding chewing gum and dressing according to company policy. It is always advisable to take a résumé or portfolio, if applicable, and a statement of availability. However, these days it is also important to remember other helpful tips, including: removing body jewelry, covering tattoos and turning off cell phones and PDAs.
During the interview
Experts have always advocated a positive, friendly approach, and that’s why they encourage interviewees to smile, shake hands firmly and look the interviewer in the eye. Answering appropriate interview questions completely and honestly is also essential, especially in the new digital age in which background checks can be performed instantly in many states. Interviewees should also be aware that any information they have posted about themselves online, such as on social networking sites or blogs, could also be viewed by potential employers.
Tackling difficult questions has always been tricky for interviewees, but in the past that has often been limited to questions that force creative or on-the-spot thinking skills. But as laws governing the hiring of workers change, the legality of some questions has also changed. In fact, there are certain questions that are illegal for an interviewer to ask, including certain questions about marital status; personal injuries on a job or physical impairments that would prevent an applicant from performing the job; arrest record; physical appearance; mental health history and prescription drug use or history of alcoholism, and other examples. When faced with an inappropriate question, there are several strategies to consider. The first method candidates may choose, if it does not make them uncomfortable, is to answer the question. If a question is discriminatory or makes the applicant uncomfortable, they should simply decline to answer and state their reasoning. Another tactic is to step around the question by asking the interviewer why they chose to ask that question.
Beyond facing difficult questions, interviewees should know that there are now many types of interviews they could face. In addition to the traditional interview, they may encounter the screening interview, the informational interview, the behavioral interview, the group interview and the follow-up interview, to name a few. Similarly, many employers are now utilizing personality tests to determine the fit of a potential employee. To know what to expect, and to have time to mentally prepare, candidates should ask the hiring manager for specifics on the interview process.
After the interview
Etiquette experts and conventional wisdom alike advocate sending a thank you note or letter after an interview to signal interest. However, experts are at odds on whether traditional or electronic follow-up is best. In this high-speed world, a digital follow-up can be appropriate, especially if the interviewer will make the hiring decision quickly. Sending a respectful, short e-mail can do the trick and will place a candidate’s name back in front of the interviewer. However, if there is time, it is still a better idea to send a hand-written note, which can help candidates stand out from the crowd of applicants. A brief, sincere word of appreciation for the interviewer’s time and summary of skills is typically the best approach for a follow-up note.
From preparation to follow-up, the interview process can be daunting for anyone. However, using time-tested techniques and having knowledge of new demands can help instill confidence in any job seeker as they approach their interview date.
