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Interview Technique
The art of giving an effective interview
The interview is the most important element in the job search process.
When an employer invites you to an interview, he or she generally
already thinks you may be qualified to do the job. Now you both need
to exchange enough information to allow you both to determine whether
you and the organization are a good "fit" for each other.
Be prepared to make life easy for your interviewer by volunteering
relevant information about yourself. Know yourself and think about
how you want to present what you know. Think about how you want to
present your strengths, experience, education, work style, skills,
and goals.
Review your resume critically and try to identify the areas
that an employer might view as limitations without apologizing for
deficiencies. Think about how you can answer difficult questions
accurately, positively, and briefly.
Be prompt and professional. Arrive early.
If you don't know where the
organization is located, call for directions ahead of time. If you
know you are going to be late be sure to call and let someone know.
To be more comfortable, you should arrive approximately 10 minutes
early
Dress appropriately in clothes in which you are comfortable and feel
you look your best.
Be positive. Never say anything negative about past experiences,
employers, or courses and professors. Employers, like anyone, tend to
generalize: if you didn't like "x", you are a negative person and
won't like me either.
Demonstrate interest. This can be achieved by doing research on the
organization prior to the interview. It can also come across by
asking questions during the interview about the job, the organization
and its services and products.
At the end of an interview, it is appropriate for you to ask when you
may expect to hear from the employer if that information isn't
volunteered to you.
Don't bring up the issue of salary during the first interview. If the
interviewer brings it up, ask what is the anticipated salary range
for the position, then give only a general answer, such as that your
expectations seem to be within their range, or close to their range.
Practice. Interviewing well is a skill which, like any other, improves
with practice.