Understanding the Interview Process

In a job interview, you can anticipate four stages. Recognize them, and make sure that each phase is given enough time to achieve the necessary or desired results. Note that the interview begins the minute you walk through the door of the company. Acknowledge that receptionist and other employees other than the interviewer have an impact on your interview. The four stages are:

The opening or rapport stage establishes the mood for the interview and creates the all-important first impressions. The initial conversation may appear to be meaningless chitchat, but in actuality, the interviewer is sizing you up and hopefully trying to make you feel comfortable. Much of the information you present in the second stage of the interview will be interpreted in light of the first impression you have created visually or verbally in the opening stage. Do what you can from the very beginning to develop a good rapport, that quality of feeling at ease with the other person and being liked. Do not underestimate the importance of these first two or three minutes, for they will determine to a large extent how much of the remainder of the interview will be heard.

The second stage of the interview will be an opportunity for you to talk about yourself and your background. This will be the "why, how, when, where" phase of the interview. During this stage, the interviewer will also be checking out his/her first impression. Save your questions for later in the interview; this is the time for you to sell yourself. If you feel you have created a poor first impression, now is the time to change it. Be honest, straightforward, and articulate. This is not the time for humility or for arrogance. Education, activities, and work experiences are common topics for the stage. The interviewer looks for intellectual abilities, range and depth of knowledge, relevance of course work to career interest, and value placed on achievement. Be specific. Tell the interviewer how you can help the company achieve its organizational goals and why you are the best possible candidate for the position.

The third stage of the interview will be a time for you to listen actively to the employer telling you about the employment possibilities, job description, organizational goals, training programs, etc. It will also be a phase to give and take. It is during this stage of the interview that you ask for the information you need to know in order to determine if you wish to work for this particular organization. If you are applying for a specific opening, you will be discussing the details of the position at this stage. It is during this stage that he/she makes a rational decision to hire or not hire you. Continue to sell yourself.

The fourth phase or the conclusion of ten occurs abruptly if time has run short and the interviewer has other candidates to interview or other commitments. Once you recognize the existence of the stage, do not try to delay the conclusion of the interview. Be aware, however that it is during the last two or three minutes of the interview that much miscommunication occurs. Take a couple of minutes to summarize the interview verbally from your perspective. Also state as clearly as you can what you understand the next steps of action or communication after the interview is going to do, and when these actions will occur. Then thank your interviewer and leave without hesitation.