ch. 16

Interviewing to Get the Job


A job interview typically precedes the hiring decision, and is used to evaluate the candidate. The interview is usually preceded by the evaluation of submitted résumés from interested candidates, then selecting a small number of candidates for interviews. The job interview is considered one of the most useful tools for evaluating potential employees. It also demands significant resources from the employer, yet has been demonstrated to be notoriously unreliable in identifying the optimal person for the job.
Multiple rounds of job interviews may be used where there are many candidates or the job is particularly challenging or desirable. Earlier rounds may involve fewer staff from the employers and will typically be much shorter and less in-depth. A common initial interview form is the phone interview, a job interview conducted over the telephone. This is especially common when the candidates do not live near the employer and has the advantage of keeping costs low for both sides.
Once all candidates have been interviewed, the employer typically selects the most desirable candidate and begins the negotiation of a job offer.
Preparing for the interview is critical, Before going to the interview, learn everything you can about the employer, the position, the people you will talk to, and the employer’s industry—including the major competitors in the field. Use the Internet to read about these topics. Go to the employer’s Web site and study every page. You will likely pick up some information, even language, you can talk about in the interview. Recruiters are impressed when you have obviously made an effort to learn about their companies.

Prepare questions to ask during interviews. Focus on positives, such as, "Will I be able to use the wide range of my abilities in this position?" or, "I see from your Web site that you encourage internal advancement; would there be opportunities for me to grow with you?"

Remember that your work is not done once you finish the interview. You can't sit back and wait for the job offer, so consider these key rules and strategies for following-up your job interviews. At the end of the interview ask the employer when he/she expects to make the hiring decision, be proactive and consider follow-up a strategic part of your job search process. Follow-up can give you just the edge you need to get the job offer over others who interviewed for the position, use these follow-up techniques to continue to show your enthusiasm and desire for the position, but don't make it seem as though you are desperate and finally, write individual thank you notes or letters to each person who interviewed you -- within two business days. Each letter can be essentially the same, but try to vary each a bit in case recipients compare notes. Don't ever fail to send a thank you -- even if you are sure the job is not for you. And do write thank you notes after every interview.