Job interview

We're going to explore job interviews from the point of view of both the interviewer and the candidate.

From the interviewer's perspective, finding the right candidate is vital. Recruitment can be an expensive process. We need to mаke sure that the interview gives a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate. Good preparation and interview technique can help make the process successful. Here are some key tips.

Make it comfortable for the candidate. Prepare the room. Make sure it is private and that there are no interruptions - be especially careful about phones - make sure they are set to silent. At the start of the meeting, explain clearly how the interview will work. And be prepared to answer any questions they have about what the job involves and the terms and conditions.

Prepare your questions in advance. To make the process fair, most of the questions should be the same for each candidate. You will only use different questions when exploring the detail of their CV or experience.

Use open questions: questions which require more than a yes or no answer. You want to find out as much as you can about the candidate. 'How'and 'What'questions are often the best. These encourage the candidate to explain what they are like, their motives and how they approach their work.

And try not to make judgments too soon. The purpose of the interview is to get to know and understand the candidate as well as you can. If you challenge them too much, they are less likely to be open about themselves. Generally the more comfortable you make them feel', the more they will say.

Finally, make time for the candidate to ask you questions. The types of questions they ask will often indicate how much research they have done or how much they want the job.

So those are some key tips for the interviewer. What about when you are the candidate? These are the essentials.

First of all, show that you have done your research. You need to find out as much as you can about both the company and the position. Look at their website, search through news items and talk to people who know the company. During the interview, try to demonstrate that you have done this research. Mention interesting facts you have found or ask relevant questions.

Secondly, prepare positive answers. Many interviews have similar questions. For example, you will probably be asked about your job history and what you have learnt from previous jobs. Similarly; you will probably be asked what your strengths are and how you deal with challenges. Then there will be questions about the skills needed for the job and why you think you are the right candidate. In all cases, think carefully about what skills and qualities you want them to notice about you. Prepare examples you can describe to demonstrate your strengths.

Finally, prepare two or three questions which you would like to ask at the interview. If you can, ask questions which show that you have done your research and have thought carefully about the job.

Overall, you should be a positive version of yourself. Don't pretend to be perfect, but emphasize your strengths and enthusiasm. If you are discussing challenges or problems, make sure you mention the positives as well. Dress well, try to relax and remain friendly throughout the interview.

LESSON 8