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Job interview

Job interview - the final stage of the job application process! For many people, the interview is an experience they just wish would be over as soon as possible. But this is not how it needs to be, if you have carefully prepared for the interview.

The job interview has two objectives: to find out whether the applicant is suitable to the work environment and whether the job in question is one for just this applicant. From your application, the employer already has an idea of whether you are competent for the job; in the interview, your personality is charted.
The interview, from the point of view of the applicant, is part of a self-marketing campaign and partly about getting more information about the potential job and the tasks connected with it.

The interview usually begins with a kind of small talk, by the help of which the interviewer tries to relax the atmosphere and the interviewed attempts to make a good first impression.

After the initial talk the issue itself is approached; the actual interview in which the interviewer gets the information he wants from the interviewed, and forms an opinion of whether the applicant is what the company wants in an employee.

At the end of the interview the applicant usually has an opportunity to come up with questions about the job, the tasks connected with it and the enterprise. It is worthwhile to prepare a few questions in advance, because it shows you to be active and really interested.

A big part of the interview really is preparing for it. You should, in advance, get as much information about the company and the job as possible, since interview FAQ's (frequently asked questions) very often deal with the applicants knowledge of the company. You can find information at several sources: get hold of the company's annual report, ask your acquaintances what they know about the business, go to the library to check company listings and visit the company's web pages.

For the interview, it is good to learn to summarize your curriculum vitae and the essentials in it. It is also good to remember what you have said of yourself in your application and in your CV. Think of what you might be asked, and think of possible replies. Very often you will be asked what your positive and negative characteristics are. Think in advance about what could be your "positive" negative charateristics!

When about to go in an interview, find out about where you are going, and reserve enough time to get there. If possible, go and see the interview place in advance, so you won't have to worry about whether you find the place on the interview day.

First impressions are very important in an interview, and they are very hard to change afterwards. It is really important to pay attention to your attire and manners. Dress tidily and with care. An applicant once was chosen simply because he was the only one wearing a suit to the interview. Look the interviewer in the eyes, but beware of seeming defiant or arrogant. Always remember to reach out your hand and to introduce yourself at the very beginning of the interview. Also, your attitude towards the interview is easily discernible. If you are positive about it, it will affect the interview positively.

During the interview, try to speak naturally, clearly and positively and to concentrate on the questions of the interviewer. The interviewer will notice if your answers are round about. When you answer, avoid beginning with "well you know" or "eh". These kinds of expressions do not give a positive impression about your communicative skills. Neither is it advisable to start criticising earlier jobs or bosses. Your credibility will certainly suffer from such comments.

It is normal to be a bit nervous at an interview, but don't obsess about it beforehand. The right amount of unease will only enhance your performance. It is not a bad thing even if your nervousness should show, because it says something about your interest in the job. Besides, if you are well prepared, it will ease excess tension.

At the end of the interview you may ask what the timetable for the application process is and whether you can inquire about the result by calling up the company. Remember also to thank the interviewer for the interview.

In the following there are a few FAQ's at interviews:

Why would especially you be the best person for this job? Describe yourself briefly.
Are you good at working under pressure?
Name your own strengths / weak points.
What is a good superior like, in your view?
What do you know about our company?
Why would you like to work with us?
What are your plans if you are not chosen for this job?
What are your expectations of your possible future job?
What kinds of people would you rather work with?
Do you have trouble getting on with certain kinds of people?
The salary you hope for.