A job interview is a conversation between an employer and a candidate to determine if they are a good fit for the job. Candidates respond to job openings and may have one or multiple interviews, with various styles and techniques used. Dressing neatly, being organized, and following up with a thank-you letter are important.
A job interview is a conversation that occurs between a potential employer and a candidate. During the job interview, the employer hopes to determine whether or not the candidate is a good fit for the job, while the applicant seeks to learn more about the position while also impressing the employer. As a general rule, a job interview is an important part of the job application process and can formally range from a casual conversation to a series of serious discussions with an assortment of people who work within the company.
If a candidate tries to get a job interview, it indicates that the employer has at least some interest. Typically, a candidate responds to an advertised job opening, providing a resume and other requested materials. The employer or a representative reviews all applications received and decides who to contact for an interview. In some cases, a preliminary interview can be held over the phone, to save resources and time for both parties.
Depending on the size of a company and its organization, a candidate may only have one job interview. This is common with small businesses, where candidates are often interviewed directly by the employer. In other cases, a HR department representative may first interview a candidate, then will go through a series of interviews with prospective supervisors and other staff. Larger companies may also have interview panels with multiple members working together to make a decision.
There are a number of styles and techniques used in a job interview. Many interviews include behavioral questions, questions about hypothetical or real situations, in an attempt to get to know a candidate better. For example, the interviewer might ask, “What was the worst retail situation you’ve ever been in?” For some jobs, a so-called “stress interview” may be used which keeps the interviewee in place. Typical stress questions include “How do you think this interview is going” or “What makes you think you would fit well at this company?”
Job interview coaching can get quite extensive. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to dress neatly, like you would dress for work. Also, it helps to be organized and well put together. It helps to be able to answer questions about material on your resume, for example, and it’s a great idea to put together a list of personal questions. After a job interview, it is customary to shake hands with the interviewers and follow up with a thank-you letter to keep fresh face in the potential employer’s mind.
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