When preparing, identify an unsuccessful example for each probe because you will probably be asked to give an example of a time when things didn't work out as planned. One way to end an answer to a negative probe is to say something like "the mistake caused me to delay the project, but it helped me to develop a project tracking system which would minimize the chance of that happening again." Remember, mistakes are what help us learn. Whatever you do, don't tell the interviewer that you really can't think of any mistakes that you made. More and more companies are adopting behavioral interviews because they are very effective in identifying the best candidate for the opening. An understanding behavioral interview is the key to preparing for one. Preparing for Behavioral interviews can significantly help you in traditional interviews because you can give the traditional interviewer a specific answer to a theoretical question. Example: "How would you address an irate customer?" You: "I can give you a specific example. I was the sales manager and a really irate customer came in yelling at everyone. He was upset because.... I invited him to my office and..." When you give specific examples to interview questions, you establish credibility and believability, and that can ultimately translate into a job offer. Facing Interviews The Importance of an Interview The interview is normally the last step of the hiring process--and probably the most important. It offers both you and the employer the opportunity to meet one another, exchange information and come to tentative conclusions about working together. Depending on the organisation you may have to face one or several interviews. The interview is a two-way process. You evaluate the employer while he/she evaluates you. Since there is no one way of facing an interviewing, you will have to develop your own style. In the short amount of time that you will spend with a potential employer, you will either be accepted or rejected, so you must project yourself in a positive, enthusiastic manner. The interview gives the employer the opportunity to meet you in person and to evaluate the "complete" you. This includes your attitude, appearance, personality, confidence, knowledge about yourself, and knowledge about the company, as well as suitability and basic ability to do the job. Before the Interview Before appearing for the interview you should extensively research the company you have applied to. This creates a good impression and shows your keeness to work with the organisation. Get hold of a balance sheet of the organisation. You will find a wealth of information in the balance sheet. Some of the information you should know includes: size of organization location of facilities and offices structure of organization - by product line, function, past, current & potential growth types of clients product line or service potential markets, products, services price of products or services present value and structure of assets recent items in the news who the competition is training provisions vision of the CEO others you know in the organisation stock price It is also important to research issues, trends, problems, and buzz words of the industry. Such information can be obtained from people in the field, company literature, trade journals, newsletters, business magazines, and directories. Prepare a list of well-researched questions for the interviewer. Be Aware of Yourself Analyse your strengths and weaknesses and accordingly decide what you want to say and do not want to say during the interview. Think and write out answers to possible questions from the interviewer. Evaluate problem areas in your track record and be prepared to offer a strong and convincing reasons for these during the interview, if necessary. Do not provide negative information about yourself unless asked for. Request a friend or relative to conduct a mock interview. On The Day of the Interview Ensure that you know the name and designation of each individual with whom you are to meet. Know exactly how to get to the organisation and arrive at least ten minutes before the interview Dress to project an image of confidence and success; your total appearance should be appropriate to the job. Carry with you additional materials to the interview such as copies of your resume, a list of references, samples of your work, or your degree and certificates |