Job Interview

The interview is one of the most commonly used methods of recruitment. The goal is to determine whether the candidate is suitable for the specific position, but also whether the position and the company meet the candidate’s expectations. For this reason, proper preparation is essential.

Objectives of the interview

For the candidate:

• Obtain information about the position and the company.
• Find out whether the job is interesting and suitable.
• Demonstrate qualifications, skills and experience.
• Make a good impression.
  

For the employer:

• Gather information about the candidate.
• Assess whether the candidate’s qualifications meet the requirements of the position.
• Determine whether the candidate can fit into the work environment and cooperate with the staff.
• Attract the most suitable candidate.
  

Stages of the interview

1. Introduction and communication: a positive atmosphere is created and the first contact is established.
2. Exchange of information: the candidate’s background, interests and goals are discussed, as well as the company and the position.
3. Focus on the position: the candidate links his/her qualifications and experience to the requirements of the position.
4. Conclusion: the candidate summarizes why he/she is ideal for the job, expresses his/her interest, adds any relevant information and asks questions.
   

Preparation

• Gather information about the company (size, activities, clients, services, etc.) and the position and its requirements.
• Align your experience, skills, and interests with the position.
• Know your strengths, skills and weaknesses and prepare for potential questions.
• Do not memorize answers; focus on key points you want to convey and practice.
• Prepare your questions.
• Find out the names and roles of the interviewers, and the location of the interview, and make sure you are there on time.
• Dress appropriately and bring your CV along with references, certificates or work samples, if needed.
  

During the interview

Maintain a positive attitude, be confident and enthusiastic. Appearance, body language, eye contact and attentive listening all affect first impressions.

Do:

• Respond clearly, give specific answers with examples.
• Highlight achievements and competences related to the position.
• Use the STAR method (Situation–Task–Action–Result), where helpful.
• Ask questions about the position and the company.
• Thank the interviewer at the end.
  

Don’t:

• Give one-word answers or overly long replies.
• Give false or inaccurate information.
• Get discouraged if you feel like the interview didn’t go well.
• Withdraw from the process if you realize the position is not for you.
• Focus on salary, working hours, or holidays in the first interview.
  

Skills assessed

• Eloquence and persuasiveness.
• Perseverance, motivation, and drive.
• Initiative and creativity.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to handle difficult or unexpected situations.
  

Negative factors assessed

Tardiness, sloppy appearance, lack of interest or enthusiasm, difficulty expressing thoughts and professional goals, restlessness, aggressiveness, sensitivity to criticism, negative comments about former employers or colleagues, and lack of eye contact.

Interview questions

The questions may be:

• Guiding, giving candidates the opportunity to introduce themselves and their objectives.
• Demanding/intimidating, testing confidence, experience, and reaction to challenging situations.
• Neutral, relating to their background, experience, and planning.
  

Common questions concern candidates and their competences, the company and the position, career goals, incentives, previous jobs, challenges faced, and the way they can contribute to the business.

The questions asked by the candidate are equally important. They must respond to the point, highlight their abilities without exaggeration, and monitor whether they are being understood.

After the interview

• Use the interview as a learning experience and reflect on what you can improve.
• Send a brief thank-you note, restating your qualifications.
• If there is no update within a reasonable period of time, get in touch to reaffirm your interest.
• If you are offered the position, you may request time to evaluate the offer.
• If you are rejected, ask for constructive feedback for future interviews.
  

Remember: Finding the right job requires patience and perseverance. Every interview is a learning and improvement process.