Quintessential Careers Press:
The Quintessential Guide to Job Interview Preparation
Introduction
Page 1
|
|
The job interview is the Holy Grail of the job-search process. Yes, a job offer is even better than an interview invitation, but since few job-seekers are hired without interviews, these sessions are what candidates strive for when they submit resumes and cover letters to employers. They are the key means for employers to determine how well you will fit into the job and the organization, as well as the best way for you to discern whether you will be comfortable there.
This book is divided into three parts: Before the Interview, At the Interview, and After the Interview. The biggest chunk of the book is devoted to preparing and researching because preparation is crucial. No matter how comfortable you are in an interview situation, you won’t excel unless you truly prepare. Job-seekers must spend time before the interview conducting research on the type of job, company, and industry they are interviewing. Your knowledge of these factors is critical to your success. You must also anticipate questions (and prepare responses). While the types of questions differ depending on the interviewing style, job-seekers must plan and be prepared for the typical types of questions. You should not memorize answers, but script specific responses so that you will be able to remember more details when asked the question in the interview. You should also have several questions ready to ask the interviewer.
The Before the Interview section also covers interview attire, preparation techniques, and logistics and describes types of interviews.
The At the Interview section tells what to expect at the interview and offers tips to boost your performance.
The After the Interview section covers followup, and it is amazing how many job-seekers skip this crucial step. You must immediately write a thank-you note to each person who interviewed you. Not only is this letter part of professional etiquette, but also it is often time to reinforce a concept or skill that you have and that the employer desires in the person they will be hiring. The section covers thank-yous and other types of follow up, as well as subsequent interviews and what happens after the job offer or rejection.
Next Page