The Interview

The interview isn't the time to practice-- it's the time to perform!

Congratulations! All the hard work of your job search has just paid off. You've met the employer's minimum qualifications and captured his/her attention-- you've been offered an interview. Now is the time to intensify your efforts. Preparation has been the force behind your job search, and further preparation is the key to a successful interview.

Knowing the kind of information the employer is likely to seek will help you prepare for the interview. Employers want to know your motivation for employment, your ability to do the job, how you will fit into the organization and how much you will cost them. Being able to answer probing questions in these areas will make for a successful interview. While you already have some information about the employer, you may need to do further research in preparation for the interview.

It's to your advantage to know as much as you can about the job before that first interview. It will help you to target your skills to the specific needs of the employer and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job. It shows that you're serious about employment.

Employers have limited information from which to make a decision-- an application or resume, references and a brief interview. It's up to you to convince the employer you're the best person for the job. All employers are looking for people who want to work. Most jobs require basic skills related to the specific job. For instance, a computer operator should know computer systems, an accountant understands accounting principles, and a welder must be proficient in welding applications. In order to have a successful interview, the computer operator needs to know the type of equipment and programs used. The accountant would want to find out which accounting system is used. The welder needs to know the different types of materials to be welded and the applications necessary to perform the welds.

Every interview is a learning experience. Use each interview as a building block for the next one. You may go through many interviews before you connect with the right job! It isn't what happened at the last interview that's important, but what happens at this one!