The key to a successful employment interview can be summed up in two words – “selling yourself.” If you view job hunting as a sales presentation with the resume as your ad, then the interview might be considered your commercial. Just as a resume is judged within seconds, an interview is also affected by a time limit. Generally, you have about 30 minutes to convince an employer that you have all the skills needed to be successful in the position for which you are applying. With this in mind, you should realize that PREPARATION is very important.
The actual format of a job interview may vary, but most interviews consist of several phases:
A.
Introduction/establishing rapport (Ice-breaking stage)
B.
Background analysis
C.
Matching candidates to positions
D.
Close
In this initial phase, the interviewer and candidate usually engage in a bit of small talk in order to adjust to each other and to begin establishing some rapport. Topics might include anything from the weather to something happening on campus or the attractiveness of the campus. The introduction includes a handshake. A firm handshake indicates self-confidence. Watch your body language – walk briskly and erect when you enter the interview room. Maintain eye
contact. Watch your posture. Remember, you are being evaluated from the moment the recruiter sees you, and although this first phase is often light and casual, do not underestimate its importance. It is human nature for people to form a first impression and to resist changing that impression unless the evidence is overwhelming. If the first impressions are negative, it will be very difficult to change the recruiter’s mind in 30 minutes.
Once the ice has been broken and some of your initial nervousness has disappeared, the recruiter will normally shift the conversation to questions about your background, often using your resume as the starting point. The purpose here is to gain information about the skills and qualifications you have, based on your work experience and extracurricular activities. In addition, he/she will be attempting to reach some judgment as to your attitude, your selfconfidence, your ability to communicate and how to handle yourself…in general, the kind of person you are. You should try to help the recruiter get the information he/she needs. Do not make him/her pull all the information out of you. Keep answers brief and to the point, but avoid
“yes” and “no” answers. If the recruiter seems to want more information at certain points, then do not hesitate to elaborate further.