THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
“We want to meet with you in person.” This is your goal after submitting an application or resume. An employment interview is a two-way conversation in which the interviewer learns about you and you learn about the job and the company.
Before You InterviewPrepare for an interview by obtaining more information about your prospective employer and the job for which you are applying. Prepare questions to ask in the interview. These might include
first impression. It is important to arrive on time for your appointment and dress appropriately. Make sure you know how to get to the interview location and give yourself plenty of time to get there. You should go alone to the interview even if someone else is providing transportation. Wear the type of clothing that is appropriate for the company and the job for which you are applying.
During the InterviewThe person who interviews you wants to find out such things as your appearance, manners, use of language, and general ability for the job. An interviewer may take a number of different approaches. Most interviewers will try to put you at ease when your interview begins. Interviews may include situations or questions to determine how you react under pressure. Answer clearly in a controlled manner. Use of behavioral interviewing is expanding to better evaluate an applicant's on-the-job potential. Questions typically begin with “describe” or “tell me about…” Some common interview questions are shown in Figure 9-7.
Some employers use pre-employment tests to screen applicants for skills and abilities needed on the job. Examples of pre-employment tests include keyboarding, word processing, calculating, and other skills. The interviewer may review your test results and discuss specific job requirements with you.
Avoid talking too much, but answer each question completely using good eye contact. Stay calm during the interview. Remember, you are being asked questions on a subject about which you are the world's expert—you! Finally, thank the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss the job and your qualifications.
After the InterviewWithin a day or two, send a follow-up letter to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Even if you don't get the job, this thank-you letter will make a positive impression for future consideration.
“We want to meet with you in person.” This is your goal after submitting an application or resume. An employment interview is a two-way conversation in which the interviewer learns about you and you learn about the job and the company.
Before You InterviewPrepare for an interview by obtaining more information about your prospective employer and the job for which you are applying. Prepare questions to ask in the interview. These might include
- What training opportunities are available to employees?
- What qualities do your most successful employees possess?
- What new opportunities are your company considering in the next few years?
first impression. It is important to arrive on time for your appointment and dress appropriately. Make sure you know how to get to the interview location and give yourself plenty of time to get there. You should go alone to the interview even if someone else is providing transportation. Wear the type of clothing that is appropriate for the company and the job for which you are applying.
During the InterviewThe person who interviews you wants to find out such things as your appearance, manners, use of language, and general ability for the job. An interviewer may take a number of different approaches. Most interviewers will try to put you at ease when your interview begins. Interviews may include situations or questions to determine how you react under pressure. Answer clearly in a controlled manner. Use of behavioral interviewing is expanding to better evaluate an applicant's on-the-job potential. Questions typically begin with “describe” or “tell me about…” Some common interview questions are shown in Figure 9-7.
Some employers use pre-employment tests to screen applicants for skills and abilities needed on the job. Examples of pre-employment tests include keyboarding, word processing, calculating, and other skills. The interviewer may review your test results and discuss specific job requirements with you.
Avoid talking too much, but answer each question completely using good eye contact. Stay calm during the interview. Remember, you are being asked questions on a subject about which you are the world's expert—you! Finally, thank the interviewer for the opportunity to discuss the job and your qualifications.
After the InterviewWithin a day or two, send a follow-up letter to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Even if you don't get the job, this thank-you letter will make a positive impression for future consideration.
Next, evaluate your interview performance. Try to remember questions that you were not expecting or not prepared to answer. Write notes about areas in which you need improvement. The more interviews you have, the better you will present yourself. More interviews will also increase the chance of being offered a job.
Be patient after the interview. It may take several weeks for the company to complete all of its interviews and make its selection.
JOB OFFERS“We'd like you to work for us.” When you hear those words, remember to consider several factors before accepting or declining the position. The financial aspects of a job should be assessed along with some organizational factors.
Salary and Financial FactorsThe type of work and your experience will affect your rate of pay. The position may include employee benefits . Insurance, vacation time, and retirement programs are examples of common employee benefits. Some companies offer free parking, on-site fitness centers, discount gym memberships, and other programs and services. Ask what benefits, services, and programs will be available to you and how much you will be expected to pay for them. Part-time and seasonal employees may or may not be offered benefits.
Organizational EnvironmentWhile the financial elements of a job are very important, also consider the working environment. Leadership style, dress code, the physical workspace, and the social atmosphere should be explored. Advancement potential and training programs should be assessed. Some companies take pride in promoting from within and work hard to provide career and personal growth opportunities for workers.
Be patient after the interview. It may take several weeks for the company to complete all of its interviews and make its selection.
JOB OFFERS“We'd like you to work for us.” When you hear those words, remember to consider several factors before accepting or declining the position. The financial aspects of a job should be assessed along with some organizational factors.
Salary and Financial FactorsThe type of work and your experience will affect your rate of pay. The position may include employee benefits . Insurance, vacation time, and retirement programs are examples of common employee benefits. Some companies offer free parking, on-site fitness centers, discount gym memberships, and other programs and services. Ask what benefits, services, and programs will be available to you and how much you will be expected to pay for them. Part-time and seasonal employees may or may not be offered benefits.
Organizational EnvironmentWhile the financial elements of a job are very important, also consider the working environment. Leadership style, dress code, the physical workspace, and the social atmosphere should be explored. Advancement potential and training programs should be assessed. Some companies take pride in promoting from within and work hard to provide career and personal growth opportunities for workers.
Bookmark Title: ON-THE-JOB BEHAVIOR
Attitude can make a big difference in your career success. A positive attitude helps you learn and cooperate with others. Always think, speak, dress, and act in ways that project a positive image. Then, you will likely find your job more satisfying and enjoyable.
Job Success StrategiesAs you prepare for your first day of work, remember the following:
Attitude can make a big difference in your career success. A positive attitude helps you learn and cooperate with others. Always think, speak, dress, and act in ways that project a positive image. Then, you will likely find your job more satisfying and enjoyable.
Job Success StrategiesAs you prepare for your first day of work, remember the following:
- Ask questions. If you do not understand directions, have them repeated and listen carefully. You probably will make mistakes when learning your job. Be sure to learn from each mistake and avoid repeating it.
- Avoid complaining. If you seem to have more work to do than you can handle, talk with your supervisor.
- Honor the time for breaks. Don't abuse rest periods and lunch breaks by extending the time limit.
- Consider your appearance. Dress neatly and be well groomed. Employers often observe that sloppy appearance reflects sloppy work habits.
- Be on time. Arriving late or leaving early is a poor practice.
- Be friendly with everyone. Respect your co-workers and learn to get along. Each person in an organization is important. Any co-worker may be of help to you in the future.
- Show you are dependable. Do quality work that is completed on time. Sloppy work or work turned in late affects others. You are part of a team—take pride in that. Pay attention to details. Return phone calls and e-mails promptly to show that you care about your work.
- Follow the rules. If a rule seems unfair or unreasonable, discuss it with others and find out why it was created.Many successful people get assistance from a person with more experience. A mentor is an experienced employee who serves as counselor to a person with less experience. Mentors frequently offer specific advice related to work assignments as well as general career guidance. For example, your mentor might help you develop skills needed in your current position and provide insight about future opportunities.
Leaving a JobWhen the time comes to leave a job, it is important to depart on good terms. The following tips can help you leave a job in an appropriate manner.- Give at least a two-week notice. Write a short, polite letter of resignation; include the date of the last day you will be working.
- Try to finish all of your current projects. If they are not completed, leave a note explaining to the next person where to begin.
- If there is an exit interview , in which your employer asks questions about your work, be constructive and cooperative.
- Let co-workers know that you appreciated the opportunity to work with them.
Leaving on a positive note is good for you and for those you are leaving.