The art of Interviews (18)

The art of interviewing is not about getting a job; it's about getting the right job - making sure you are as well suited for the job as the job and organization are for you.

There are three categories of interviews you will likely run into during your job search - Informational, Screening, and Selection or Hiring Interviews.

  • Keep in mind what the interview means to the employer. They are taking time away from their regular tasks. Be on time, express your appreciation for their consideration, and keep your conversation on point.
  • Focus on the needs of the interviewer. This is the time to show what you can do for them. You are here to solve their problems; they are not here to address yours. This is not the time to talk about the salary you want, the flex time you need, or your eventual goals. Instead, focus on the organization's goals, vision, and how you can help the organization succeed.
  • Help the interviewer out. Is the interviewer having trouble coming up with the right questions? Help him/her by asking, "Would you like examples of my mentoring style?" If the interviewer is glancing at his/her watch, make your answers shorter, or ask if he/she has another appointment.
  • Be truthful. Neither undersell nor oversell yourself. Both are dishonest. Your goal is to find the perfect fit for where you will most successful.
  • Express interest in the organization. This seems obvious, but consider it from the interviewer's perspective. Make sure you have researched the organization well in advance, and have intelligent questions prepared about the organization and the areas in which they work.
  • This is neither a test nor a jury. View the interviewers as friends with whom you are discussing something of interest to all of you. Do not be either defensive or submissive. Remember, you are offering as much to the organization as they are offering you.
  • Your "homework assignment" during and after the interview is to discern the top two or three criteria the successful candidate needs to have to be selected for the job. Be sure to include this in your follow-up thank you letter.

Download Files

art-of-interview.pptx (1.31 MB )