A one-on-one job interview is the most familiar and common format. This is where two people sit down to have a conversation. This conversation has a particular purpose: to determine whether there is a fit between the person interviewing, the applicant, and the job available. Both parties will leave this conversation with some kind of a judgment.
The interview begins the minute the two persons see one another - the nonverbal judgment. Next, is the handshake - weak, or firm and comfortable. The two people, the applicant and the interviewer, then sit down, usually in an office setting, and begin to converse. After a bit of chit-chat or warm up, the questions begin.
One of the first questions that is often asked to begin the conversation is, "Tell me about yourself." The information the applicant reveals as an answer to this question and throughout the interview allows the interviewer to get a picture of the person, and certain pictures or patterns begin emerge. Each time a new subject is mentioned, the interviewer may want to dig a little further, and the picture becomes more focused.
Behavior questions such as, "Tell me about your experience with ." allows the interviewer to learn about past experiences that can be applied to solving the problems of the job in question. The applicant must be prepared to talk about achievements and past behaviors, and have examples of experiences mentioned. If the applicant says, "I am very detail-oriented", or "I am an analytical problem-solver," there must be examples to back the claims.
For example, the applicant might say, "I have excellent written communication skills." The interviewer is now able to follow up on this subject. The interviewer might ask, "What type of writing have you done?" Or, "Tell me about a project you have worked on involving written communication skills?" If the applicant is not prepared with good examples, or success stories, there might be a credibility problem. Saying you can do something, and giving an example of when you have done it, are two different things.
Often times there will be a succession of one-on-one interviews within the same company. Interviewers are attempting to get a picture of the applicant's abilities to perform in the position that is available. They are also looking to see how the applicant would fit into the company culture. The interview process may begin with the human resources department, then move on to an interview with a prospective boss, or hiring manager. It may then continue down the line to other members of a department, and can sometimes include a CEO.
The job applicant must be able to present good examples, and tell about past successes in each one-on-one conversation. When this is done the applicant can leave the interview knowing that he or she has communicated a picture that is positive and accurate no matter how many conversations it takes.
The interview begins the minute the two persons see one another - the nonverbal judgment. Next, is the handshake - weak, or firm and comfortable. The two people, the applicant and the interviewer, then sit down, usually in an office setting, and begin to converse. After a bit of chit-chat or warm up, the questions begin.
One of the first questions that is often asked to begin the conversation is, "Tell me about yourself." The information the applicant reveals as an answer to this question and throughout the interview allows the interviewer to get a picture of the person, and certain pictures or patterns begin emerge. Each time a new subject is mentioned, the interviewer may want to dig a little further, and the picture becomes more focused.
Behavior questions such as, "Tell me about your experience with ." allows the interviewer to learn about past experiences that can be applied to solving the problems of the job in question. The applicant must be prepared to talk about achievements and past behaviors, and have examples of experiences mentioned. If the applicant says, "I am very detail-oriented", or "I am an analytical problem-solver," there must be examples to back the claims.
For example, the applicant might say, "I have excellent written communication skills." The interviewer is now able to follow up on this subject. The interviewer might ask, "What type of writing have you done?" Or, "Tell me about a project you have worked on involving written communication skills?" If the applicant is not prepared with good examples, or success stories, there might be a credibility problem. Saying you can do something, and giving an example of when you have done it, are two different things.
Often times there will be a succession of one-on-one interviews within the same company. Interviewers are attempting to get a picture of the applicant's abilities to perform in the position that is available. They are also looking to see how the applicant would fit into the company culture. The interview process may begin with the human resources department, then move on to an interview with a prospective boss, or hiring manager. It may then continue down the line to other members of a department, and can sometimes include a CEO.
The job applicant must be able to present good examples, and tell about past successes in each one-on-one conversation. When this is done the applicant can leave the interview knowing that he or she has communicated a picture that is positive and accurate no matter how many conversations it takes.
About the Author:
Carole Martin is America's #1 Interview Coach and author of four interview books. Reserve your seat at her upcoming 2-day Live Speed Interview Event Apply to be in the "Hot Seat" and have Ms. Martin give you instant feedback on your interviewing skills. Hot Seat spots are limited - act now.
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