Interview Guide Part II: The Actual Process of a Job Interview

The actual face-to-face interview also has a similar process to that of preparing for an interview beforehand. This section of the job interview guide will consider the following five steps for a successful interview.

Part II: The Actual Interview

[1] Arrive on time: Never be late for an interview. Arriving on time is part of the interview hiring process. By arriving on time, it shows the interviewer that you are prompted, ready, able to follow directions, prepared, and serious about your desire for the position being offered. Arriving at the location five to ten minutes early is your safest bet not to be late. Be warned though, arriving too early is frowned upon as well. You may seem too eager and might be interrupting what the interviewer was doing before your appointment time. Call ahead if you cannot make it on time, providing a good reason for the delay (be prepared for the possibility of having to reschedule if late).

[2] Introduce yourself: For your interview preparation beforehand, you might want to work on your introduction and handshake because the first thing the interviewer will be appraising is how self-assured you look. Make sure you carry yourself with confidence when entering a room. Also remember that a firm handshake conveys strength. Try remembering the interviewer’s name when introductions are being made, the interview will progress on better terms if you respond using the name of the person you are speaking with. Also have in mind that anyone who is introduced to you is an important figure within the organization and may have an input in the decision making process, so act accordingly. After the introductions are made, a seat should be offered to you. But do not sit anywhere, wait until the interviewer motions exactly where he/she would like for you to sit. Once seated and introductions are over and done with, the interview is ready to begin.

[3] Conversing with the interviewer: Probably the hardest process of a job interview is the conversation itself because unlike your daily conversations, an interview conversation is a technical process. You must be truthful, yet not too much. Answers should be answered in such a way that nothing negative is given away, while sounding natural. Don’t mumble or rush your speech. Make sure you speak clearly, loudly, and slowly enough for the interviewer to hear you because the more you sound sure of yourself, the more the interviewer is confident that you are capable of doing the job. Treat the interviewer with respect by listening and responding with interest. The biggest thing to remember is that enthusiasm makes the difference between a good or a bad interview.

[4] Responding to questions: There are four things to keep in mind when you’re responding to the interviewer’s questions:

• Listen Carefully—Make sure you hear the questions correctly because it does not look good if you answer inappropriately for not understanding the question being asked.

• Answers should be specific and organized—Make sure you consider the use of time during your job interview preparation of how you want to answer the most common asked questions, mentioned in Part I of this job interview guide. The interviewer has many things to accomplish in addition to your interview throughout the day, so make sure your answers are precise and short. When asked, think about the question and then consider your reply before answering.

• Frame answers positively while emphasizing your strengths—Avoid going into detail unless it is requested when you answer a question. The key is to highlight your positive assets only and show the interviewer why it would be a good idea for the company to hire you. This does not mean you should be dishonest with your answers though.

• Discuss your weaknesses honestly—More likely than not, you will be asked what you believe is your greatest weakness. Honesty enhances your credibility with this question. Discuss your weaknesses and then tell the interviewer what you have learned from them and how you intend to improve upon them. Turn a weakness into a positive learning experience. Remember, interviewers have interviewed many times before, they can spot a fake answer before it is even out of your mouth (i.e. “I’m a workaholic”).

[5] Do’s and don’t of interviewing: Avoid any bad habits that show your nervousness (i.e. biting your nails, playing with hair, fidgeting, tapping your hand or pen). Practice hiding your bad habits during your interview preparation beforehand if it’s hard to break. Do not assume what the interviewer is going to say or ask. If uncertain about a question, it is better to ask the interviewer to repeat it or explain it further for you to comprehend. Do not lie, exaggerate, or speak badly of your former employer or company (interviewer will wonder if you would do the same thing to his/her company).

Do make eye contact with the interviewer. By making eye contact, you’re showing the interviewer that you are listening and that you are fully involved within the conversation. Watch for the interviewer's body language. Folded arms, yawning, picking up papers, concentrating on something else are signs that the interview lasted too long, or the answers you are giving are too long and vague. React quickly and positively to any negative signs. And most importantly—SMILE.