Job Interview
Job Interview from the employers’ point of view
The employers are buyers who are interested primarily in the future of companies and organizations they represent.
After receiving your resume, based on the resume and any other information contributed, an employer may select and interview potential employees. During the interview process, interviewers generally look for persons who they believe will be best for the job and work environment. The interview may occur in several rounds until the interviewer is satisfied and offers the job to the applicant of their choice.
Job Interview from the employees’ point of view
You are the seller and you are selling yourself. You are a merchandise offered for sell to the best buyer you can find.
To get a job requires more than just the obvious CV or resume writing and translation if you are seeking an employment in the foreign country. You will face issues that probably did not even cross your mind when you start planning to get a job. Do not underestimate the impact they can have on the result of your adventure! For example, you will experience the new to you rules and practices, job application procedures, the selection trends and the management culture.
Before an interview find out information about the company you want to work for. Practice your few-sentences "speech" about who you are and what you do. In the “speech” do not whine, do not talk about being jobless and do not dump on your former employer. Be positive.
Remember, the same keywords you used in your CV or resume will be the foundation for your job interviews. Not only you need to be able to write about your keywords, but also during an interview, you must be able to talk about them as well in strong and powerful statements that highlight your successes, contributions and achievements.
The number of times prospective candidates are interviewed varies a great deal, depending on the company and the position. Panel interviews with two to three people are very common. A medical examination is required for some occupations and some employers test all their prospective employees for drug abuse.
Punctuality is expected, so arrive at least 5 minutes before a job interview and turn off your cellphone. Dress professionally for all interviews, even for service-related positions, such as those in restaurants. Remember that business cards, letters of reference and photocopies of academic certificates at initial interviews are customary. An extra CV or resume can be handy too.
You will never get a second chance to make a first impression!
Smiling lightly show your friendly face, shake each person's hand and introduce yourself. Do not sit until invited. Maintain eye contact while talking with someone. Interview starts often with some informal small talk. Use titles, Mr., Mrs. and Miss when first introduced. Talk effectively demonstrating your knowledge of the industry and/or the company, do not interrupt the interviewer and criticize former employers.
Prepare for all kinds of questions about your skills, weaknesses and what you can contribute to the company. Listen carefully to the questions and answer them directly and in an organized manner avoiding yes and no answers. You do not have to answer personal questions, but consider in advance how you are going to tackle them.
Look interested – ask questions about the job, the lines of authority and your future responsibilities, but avoid raising the issue of salary or benefits early in the process.
Shake hands with everyone present before leaving.
After the interview, do not forget to write a thank you letter and subsequently follow-up by letter, email or phone call. Employers regard this as an indication of your strong interest in the position.
References are usually verified if an offer of employment is made, so notify your referees in advance.
You may have to wait for the results of the job interview due to lengthy consultation process.
Job Interview dress code
It is important to demonstrate at an interview good appearance as well as good manners.
Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have
Do your research. Find out what their employees wear and then dress as they are or nicer than that.
Dress neatly and conservatively. Caps, bandannas, athletic shoes, sweats, unkempt clothes, jeans, singlets, open shoes and thongs are never acceptable. If the wind was blowing, comb your hair before making first contact at the reception. Do not carry a water bottle or coffee mug. Carry only a slim folder holding your job application documents and CVs.
Men may wear black or navy suits with white shirts and ties.
Women may wear skirts and blouses or dresses with simple accessories.
Whenever you are in doubt, the best policy is to call ahead and inquire about the dress requirements.
According to a study by Syracuse University and Total Executive Inc. of 300 executive recruiters, CEOs and HR professionals, how you dress is the third most important attribute in being hired.
On other matters of etiquette, some common U.S. interview practices are not followed in other countries.