Interview 101

Interviews can often be the key player in determining if you get the job or not. Many people experience more anxiety over the actual interview itself than the job on the table. The Shelton State Career Services Center (CSC) has several tools that can help alleviate the stress over an interview.

In the current year, we have helped hundreds of students practice interviewing through InterviewStream. InterviewStream is designed to allow the student to conduct mock interviews using predetermined questions and a webcam. The student can then view the interview and assess the content of their answers by a click of the button. The program will determine how many times the student used the phrases “Um” and “Like”. Many of Shelton State’s Nursing, Office Administration, and Ready To Work students have seen instant results and have left the CSC feeling more confident about his or her next interview.

The CSC has also researched leading websites focused on job searching tools and tips. Over the next three weeks we will be sharing the 3 stages of the interview process as posted on Employopedia.com.

The following is the introduction to the series:

What is an Interview?


An interview is a screening process in which you are given the opportunity to learn about an organization and the organization has the opportunity to evaluate you as a prospective employee. The interview is an exchange of information between you and the interviewer to determine whether there is a match between your interests and qualifications and their requirements and needs.


A job interview performs three major functions:


• Serves as a learning experience regarding the employer and available career opportunities


• Permits you to “present” your qualifications and interest in the position to the employer


• Enables the employer to determine if you will “fit in” with the company and fulfill the needs of the organization


What is the Purpose of the Interview?

While getting the interview is the purpose of your résumé, getting the job is the purpose of the interview. The interview process provides you with a face-to-face opportunity to set yourself apart from your competition and expand on the information the employer already has about you from your résumé. As a well-prepared candidate, you can use the interview process to send the message, “I am the best person for this job” through everything you say and do.


To succeed in today’s job market you must do more than be able to establish evidence of your talents and skills – you must be prepared to sell yourself. This requires you to have a thorough understanding of who you are, including your long and short term goals, what motivates you, and what you believe sets you apart from the competition.


Top Personal Qualities Employers Seek in Candidates:


• Communication skills


• Honesty/integrity


• Teamwork skills


• Interpersonal skills


• Motivation/initiative


• Strong work ethic


• Analytical skills


• Flexibility/adaptability


• Computer skills


• Self-confidence


The Interview Process

The interview process involves three stages. Solid preparation for each stage will increase your chances for success –


• STAGE 1: Before the interview,


• STAGE 2: During the interview


• STAGE 3: After the interview

Reference:

http://www.employopedia.com/index.php/Job-Interviewing/interviewing-the-basics.html