The Interview Process

1. The Interview Process Print Communications 25S

2. Basic Steps in the Process • Answer an ad • Get called in for a meeting with the employer • Show up presentable and prepared • Receive the job offer • Start work soon after.

3. Pre-Screening Interview • Some employers hold a pre-screening interview to narrow down their choices • Could be a phone call or a sit-down interview • May ask vague,“open ended” questions such as “How have you proven your leadership qualities in a work situation?” • May ask you to rate yourself in terms of specific skills or knowledge • May givea Personality Survey or Skills Assessment • Be alert and on your best behaviour when your phone rings

4. Formal Job Interviews • Generally conducted in person. • Often held on the employer’s premises • Sometimes they take place in coffee shops, or over breakfast, lunch, or dinner • The objective is to see how you behave face-to-face.

5. Formal Job Interviews • They’ve already read your resume and pre-screened you • Looking for enthusiasm, professionalism and the ability to think on your feet. • Your goal is to impress the employer with: • your knowledge • the way that you speak about your experience and achievements

6. What NOT to do… • Act too casually and not take it seriously • Talk about other jobs you are looking at interviewing for • Give “TMI” about personal issues • Talk badly about former jobs or employers • Act cocky • Don’t go on too long

7. Last Step: Thank You Letters • It is always good to follow up an interview with a thank you letter • Thank them for the interview and show you are still interested.