How to face your job interview? 3 interview stages

An interview is usually your first meeting with the prospective employer and is your opportunity to convince him/her that you are the right person for the job. I’m sharing some top notch tips recommended by HR Professionals about the job interview – before, during and after your interview - three stages of interview.

Job Interview Skills is your strategic partners to effectively let you know as to how to ace your job interviews; various types of job interviews, stages of an interview; and strategies how to capitalize your core strengths and skills to get a job offer.

When a company seeks to fill a position vacancy, there are typically certain hiring processes and procedures which must be followed to hire for an open position. A company may have certain established policies that have been put in place by a corporate human resources department or by company managers and leaders.

Mostly there are three stages of an interview, which are briefly described as follow:

a) Opening: Establishing a rapport
b) Main body: Exchanging information
c) Closing: Question the interviewer and arranging to call back

Opening
Shake hands, if interviewer (s) initiate to
Introduce yourself – name
Be prepared to make small talk to put both of you at ease
Sit down after you are asked to

Main body
Know your resume’s contents and be ready to capitalize on it
Refer to your resume and notes, but don’t appear to be reading a script
Demonstrate your desirable personality factors
Work experience – paid or volunteer work
Previous positions; emphasize problem solving areas most related to the current needs of the prospective employer

Closing the interview
Express a desire to hear from the interviewer soon and arrange to call back
Ask interviewer questions about the job
Thank the interviewer, tell him/her of your interest in the job; and shake hands
Ask about job leads at other places and mention to him/her if you are interested in part-time jobs as well

Some ‘Dos’ of an Interview
Always get to the interview a bit early (5 to 10 minutes), and do not bring any friends
Make sure you are clean and well-groomed
Do answer questions honestly and straight-forwardly (give examples if necessary)
Do stress your qualifications
Do approach employer with respectful
Do try to be optimistic in your attitude
Do hold yourself erect (avoid leaning)
Do have at least three questions to ask
Do have a list of references and credentials (be sure to contact references ahead of time)
Do be a good listener; employer to express
Do learn in advance of the interview about the company and its products
Do stress contribution you can make
“Check in” and confirm the interview time and pronunciation of interviewer’s name.
Do use clear speech and a firm handshake
Show enthusiasm for interview and maintain eye contact, varying your tone appropriately, be clear and concise in your answers and maintain good posture

Some ‘Do Nots’ of an Interview
Do not smoke before the interview
Do not chew or smoke during interview
Do not unduly emphasize starting salary
Do not speak with a muffled voice
Do not discuss past irrelevant experiences
Do not display overconfidence
Do not cringe or beg for consideration
Do not hesitate to fill out an application
Do not ask your questions about hours and pay until upon job offer
Do not linger over fringe benefits
Do not make claims you cannot deliver
Do not try to be funny
Do not criticize previous employer (s)
Do not be a “know-it-all” person
Do not talk too little or too much
Do not be late, unprepared, or untidy
Do not feel that world owes you a living
Do not oversell your case

Follow up - Thank You Letter

After your interview, be sure to send a thank you letter. A handwritten letter (if your hand-writing manuscript is legible) will provide a personal touch that an employer will appreciate. It is the polite thing to do and demonstrates your personal and professional courtesy.

Be sure to follow up with a telephone call within the time frame set during the interview or about five to ten days, to ask: where the company is in the decision process, whether you can provide any additional information, or if they would like to schedule another interview. Follow up at least once a week unless given a specific timeframe for the decision-making process.

It is highly recommended that you send a thank you letter following an interview. Thank you letters can be sent by fax, mailed or ped off in person following an interview. You can also, choose to use a formal business letter format, or a traditional hand written thank you card. This will demonstrate your continued interest in the company. Alternatively, a professionally written email would also be acceptable.

Employers expect you to assert yourself without being obnoxious. One way to accomplish this is to make sure you send thank you letters after each and every time you interview.