Job interview

Posted by HR Key Functions Apr 18, 2010

A job interview is a process in which a potential employee is evaluated by an employer for prospective employment in their company, organization, or firm. During this process, the employer hopes to determine whether or not the applicant is suitable for the job. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_interview]

Job interviews are always stressful - even for job seekers who have gone on countless interviews. A typical job interview has a single candidate meeting with between one and three persons representing the employer; the potential supervisor of the employee is usually involved in the interview process. Candidates for lower paid and lower skilled positions tend to have much simpler job interviews than do candidates for more prestigious positions.

Job interviews in many organizations are getting sophisticated these days. Psychological tests, role plays, and challenges to one's "quick intelligence" and street smarts are often part of the package. Different types of interviews seek different types of information. In any given job hunt, you may encounter one, two or even all seven of the interview types briefly described below.

Phone interviews” are often used to screen candidates. They are used to minimize the expenses when calling candidates out of the town. The goal of phone interviews is to succeed to a face-to-face interview.

A “screening interview” is specifically designed to filter applicants. Screening can take multiple interviews – phone screening, computer screening, secondary screening, video screening.

The "traditional interview" uses broad-based questions such as, "Why do you want to work for this company?" and "Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses." Interviewing success or failure is more often based on your ability to communicate and establish rapport than on the authenticity or content of your answers.

Two main issues are very important in work – behavior and results. The results are the quantity and quality of work a person produce. The behavior describes how a person accomplishes those results. The “behavioral interview” shows how candidates react under certain conditions. Behavioral questions are based on past experience and show the future performance as well.

A “Case Study Interview” can be used to evaluate a candidate's analytical skills, creativity and the ability to frame and structure problems. Usually, the interviewers don't have the "right answers" that you are expected to give.

The "panel or group interview" uses a committee of people, usually around a table, asking questions. The key to this type of interview is to balance eye contact with both the person who asked the question and the remainder of the group.

The "stress interview" is usually a deliberate attempt to see how you handle yourself under pressure. The interviewer may be sarcastic or argumentative or may keep you waiting. Expect these things to happen, and, when it does, don't take it personally. Calmly answer each question as it comes. These are also called intimidation interviews.

Links to this Article:
Different types of job interviews and how to prepare for them
The Top 10 for a Successful Job Interview
Interview Questions and Answers
Job Interview Types
How to pass a screening interview
Screening interview
Behavioral Interviewing Technique


2 Responses to Job interview

  1. Jennette Says:
  2. After applying for months, I finally land a job interview and start getting anxious like I do for most things. I do what I do to calm myself and prepare the best I can, but the day of the interview, everything just falls apart.

    I bought a popular interview answers book, because it is important to be prepared and ready to reply. I found a review here
    http://snip.li/ultimate-guide-to-job-interviews-answers

     
  3. Anonymous Says:
  4. After applying for months, I finally land a job interview and start getting anxious like I do for most things. I do what I do to calm myself and prepare the best I can, but the day of the interview, everything just falls apart.

    I bought a popular interview answers book, because it is important to be prepared and ready to reply. I found a review here
    Ultimate Guide To Job Interviews Answers