During an interview, potential employers are trying to assess your qualifications for the job, your “fit” with the employer or organization, how well you have considered your reasons for applying, how clearly you can express your potential contribution to the organization, and your “soft skills” such as communication and professionalism. In other words, the interviewer wants to know: Why should we hire you?
Employers are looking for candidates who are focused and mature, understand the requirements of the job for which they are interviewing, and can communicate how their skills can be used to meet those requirements. Employers want to hire people who are cooperative, organized, hard-working and want to work at that particular company.
Interviewing nuts and bolts:
- Confirm the location of the interview. Research potential transit options.
- Arrive 15 minutes early.
- Bring extra copies of your résumé in case the interviewer has misplaced his or hers.
- Silence your cell phone.
- Smile and give a firm, confident handshake.
- Make eye contact while speaking.
- Immediately after the interview, send a thank you note or e-mail. Handwritten notes set you apart from the crowd and provide a personal touch. E-mail might be a better option for time-sensitive situations.
