Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview. Now what? It is time for you to put your best foot forward to help you land the job.
First, what exactly is a Job interview and how does it work?
A job interview is a formal oral test between a job applicant and a representative of an employer – in most cases an HR personnel. Interviews are conducted to assess prospective employees. Interviews are one of the most popularly used devices for employee selection. They vary in the extent to which the questions are structured, from a totally unstructured and free-wheeling conversation to a structured interview in which an applicant is asked a predetermined list of questions in a specified order. Structured interviews are usually more accurate predictors of which applicants will make suitable employees, according to research studies.
A job interview typically precedes the hiring decision. The interview is usually preceded by the evaluation of submitted résumés from interested candidates, possibly by examining job applications or reading many resumes. Next, after this screening, a small number of candidates for interviews are selected.
Job interviews are considered one of the most useful tools for evaluating potential employees. It also demands significant resources from the employer. An interview also allows the candidate to assess the corporate culture and demands of the job.
Multiple rounds of job interviews and/or other candidate selection methods may be used where there are many candidates or the job is particularly challenging or desirable.
Interviews are currently experiencing a paradigm shift towards the telephone interview. This has become common when the candidates do not live near the employer and have the advantage of keeping costs low for both sides. Since 2003, interviews have been held through video conferencing software, such as Skype. Once all candidates have been interviewed, the employer typically selects the most desirable candidate(s) and begins the negotiation of a job offer.
How to scale through a job interview
To give yourself half a chance of landing a job from an interview, you should have done extensive homework about the company to get a good idea about what the company is about.
Given that you know what job you applied for in the organisation, you should marshal out the reasons you think (indeed know) you are very well suited for the position and will deliver on the remit.
During an interview, you express why you are the best candidate for the position. Don’t forget that your previous experience with respect to a job position counts a great deal in proving that you are the ideal candidate, so you will need to discuss your key accomplishments and your educational background to let the interviewer know that you are very well suited for the job.
Job interviews can be challenging and sometimes even nerve-racking, so here are some interviewing tips to help you ace an interview.
- Research the Company
- Review Common Interview Questions
- Dress appropriately.
- Practice Your Non-Verbal Skills
- Arrive Early
- Bring A Copy of your Resume, Cover Letter and Reference List
- Watch your body language during the interview. For example, your handshake should be firm; you should make eye contact with your interviewer.
- Avoid being nervous and speak with confidence and self-assurance.
- Ask Job and Company Related Questions
Now, go ace that interview!