What Happens During a Job Interview?
During the interview you should be confident, enthusiastic and prepared. Listen carefully to what the interview has to say and ask questions about the company.
The interviewer will try to determine if you have the following traits by asking you a series of interview questions:
(1) Achiever
(6) Easy Going
(6) Easy Going(2) Productive (7) Dependable
(3) Self-starter (8) Stable
(8) Stable(4) Contributor (9) Responsible
(9) Responsible(5) Quick Learner
The interviewer will also assess you on the following:
Personal appearance: Usually, it is a good idea to dress in proper business attire for a job interview if you would not look ridiculous showing up in a suit and tie. For example, there is no need for someone applying for a job as a sacker in a grocery store to show up in a suit. However, if the job is in an office environment, wear proper business attire even if the company has relaxed standards and allows employees to wear jeans. If the job is a blue collar type job, then be well-groomed but you are not required to wear a suit and tie -- a nice pair of slacks and a shirt or blouse would be appropriate. Your shoes should always be polished beforehand. It is always better to be conservative in your personal appearance. Conservative means modest attire, an understated hairstyle, little make-up, short and well-manicured fingernails with no polish, and very little jewelry. Avoid using cologne or perfume as it might offend the interviewer when you walk in the room and there is a cloud of scent arriving with you.
Demeanor: Confidence is of utmost important because if you do not convey to the interviewer that you like yourself and believe in yourself then there is no reason to hire you. Stand straight and tall, look the interviewer in the eyes, and smile when you shake his or her hand. If you are offered a refreshment, such as coffee, you can accept it if you want, but it would be better if you did not (you might spill it down your front or knock it over with your briefcase). Never smoke or chew gum! Do not sit down in a chair until the interviewer has asked you to do so and when you do sit, do not slouch or try to dominate the interview. Let the interviewer conduct the interview and maintain eye contact.
Your ability to answer the question: "Why should you be hired?" No interviewer is going to ask you all of the questions discussed in our guide, but all interview questions revolve around one basic question: "Why should you be hired?" In order to answer that question find out what skills you have that are pertinent to the position for which you are interviewing. Be able to identify two or three of your top selling points and determine how you can illustrate them during the interview and provide the interviewer with examples of how you have applied particular skills or knowledge while performing past jobs.
