Career Advising at EOU

The employment interview is a two-way street. It is an opportunity for two parties to provide and evaluate information that will lead to a mutually satisfying conclusion. An interview is "a conversation with a purpose."

Your role in this conversation is to provide adequate and accurate information that will assist the employer in evaluating your skills, experiences, goals, objectives and personal traits for the positions the employer is trying to fill. Your other role is to listen and obtain information from the employer regarding the position, work environment, and the employer, that will assist you in determining whether you want to continue pursuing this opportunity.

Normally, the first interview is looked upon as a screening interview. This means the employer is trying to determine whether to consider you as a viable candidate and invite you for a follow-up interview, or to terminate discussions at the end of that interview. What this means, then, is that you have approximately 30 minutes to convince the interviewer that you have all of the skills needed to be successful in the position for which you are applying. With this in mind, you will recognize the importance of being well-prepared for the initial screening interview.

Preparation for the interview

It is important to realize that your first job in this job-search process is to be a "salesperson." You must sell the interviewer on the fact that you are the best person for the position. Just as a good salesperson does, you must make a thorough analysis of your product. Who are you? What are your goals? What skills do you bring to this situation? What are your strengths, your weaknesses? How have your educational background and your experiences prepared you to do what it is you are saying you want? What can you do for this employer? Doing this kind of analysis or self-assessment should allow you to take the interview with poise and confidence.

After the self-analysis, the next step is to research the organization you will be interviewing. Being able to converse intelligently about the employer will create a favorable impression. This research, coupled with being able to ask pertinent questions and discuss the employer with some degree of familiarity, will reflect your thoroughness in preparation and your ability to be a self-starter.

Attitude and Appearance

One of the factors that will be in the mind of every employer is, "How will this candidate be accepted by the present employees?" This is a very important question. Therefore, you must present an attitude and appearance that will allow the representative to be proud to present you to fellow employees. Be positive. Have a smile on your face. Have a twinkle in your eye. Let your enthusiasm shine through. Be fun. Display some humor. However, do all of these things within the context of a professional setting and manner.

There is an old adage that says a lot about interviewing: "You only get one chance to make a first impression." Whether we like it or not, interviewers begin sizing you up the very minute they lay their eyes upon you. With this in mind, don't let your appearance undermine your chances for a successful interview. Always take particular care to be well-dressed and well-groomed. If you are concerned about how to dress for the interview, contact Career Advising.

Structure of the Interview

The job interview is structured so the greatest exchange of information can take place in the least amount of time. The key to a successful interview is to communicate effectively.

The interview usually consists of three distinct parts: 1) introduction, 2) body, and 3) close.

The introduction is the "ice-breaking" portion of the interview. The interviewer will set the tone in attempting to establish a positive atmosphere and put you at ease. First impressions will be influenced by your appearance and manner. Remember, the overall evaluation of you as a candidate begins the very moment the interviewer greets you in the reception area. 

The portion of the interview referred to as the body deals with a request for specific information. The interviewer, using questions and answers, begins to evaluate your qualifications and suitability for employment. 

The interviewer is measuring and evaluating how you handle yourself--your degree of self-confidence, your ability to relate to others, and your motivation level. Most interviewers will seek information about your specific skills, knowledge, abilities, and attitudes. Employers look for well-adjusted candidates who are self-starters, willing to take initiative and assume responsibility, and not afraid to work.

The interviewer will try to determine your qualifications and how to match these with a particular job opening. Be prepared to discuss specifics about the organization, such as job responsibilities, operations, and policies. Know your immediate and long-range career objectives and be able to communicate them in an organized fashion. Be prepared to discuss geographical preference and mobility. DO NOT bring up salary in the initial interview. If a discussion occurs on salary and benefits, it MUST be initiated by the interviewer.

During this part of the interview, you must be prepared to ask intelligent questions that will show you have done some research on the employer and that you have an interest in this opportunity. These questions frequently set candidates apart from one another.

The last part of the interview is referred to as the close. This is very much like the close of a sales presentation. Exit from the interview as soon as courtesy allows you to do so, but only after expressing a sincere interest in the job. The interviewer will never know of your interest unless you make it very clear. Before leaving the interview, be certain you understand what the next step will be. Will the interviewer contact you? Or must you make the next contact?

Key Points to Remember

There are certain key points to remember whenever you have an interview:

• Always check your appearance before being greeted by the interviewer.
• Greet the interviewer by the individual's last name in a friendly but businesslike manner. Do not address the interviewer by the individual's first name unless specifically advised to do so.
• Introduce yourself in a firm, confident manner.
• Shake hands firmly. It is appropriate for the candidate to initiate this gesture.
• When you get into the interview room, remain standing until you are offered a seat. After a certain time period, if the interviewer has not offered you a seat, ask: "May I be seated?"
• Once seated, sit erectly but not rigidly. Place your arms and hands on the armrests of the chair or in your lap if there are no armrests. Avoid uncalled-for gestures.
• Avoid writing notes during the interview. However, immediately after leaving the interview, take a few moments to jot down key points that you want to be certain to remember.
• Avoid a boring presentation. Retain the interviewer's attention by varying the tempo of your speech and the tone of your voice.
• Remember, this is your sales presentation. Take the opportunity to present yourself in a logical, confident manner.

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