An essential part of acquiring the desired job is completing the interview with a potential employer. The outcome of the job interview depends on the preparation. The goal of the interview is to ascertain whether the candidate fits the position. As most of the assessment is done by the employer, all efforts should be directed at convincing them of the candidate’s suitability. Therefore, the candidate should make sure that their personality traits, practical skills, professional competencies, and motivation appeal to the interviewer. Preparation includes three stages – before, during, and after, all of which are important.
Before
One of the most effective methods to prepare for the interview is STAR. It encompasses evaluating the ability of the candidate to resolve and critically analyze situations in their lives. The interviewer start with the general question about the circumstances of the situation. Then, the candidate is required to answer what task they were supposed to perform. Next, the interviewer asks which actions have been taken to resolve the problem. Finally, the candidate has to inform the employer on the results of those actions. Depending on the interviewee’s answers, the employer will be able to draw conclusions about the candidate’s efficiency, thinking, and ability to perform in unexpected situations.
As such, the first step in preparation is looking at oneself from the perspective of the employer. The candidate should learn about the purpose of the company, the type of work they will be required to do, what skill set is necessary, and what personality type is compatible. If the company relies on a team, the applicant should emphasize their communication skills and administrative abilities. The more appealing these qualities are, the more willing the employer will be to hire the candidate.
Another tactic the HR manager uses to evaluate the applicant is asking questions. Not only do they disclose some personal information, but they also force the candidate to quickly respond to an unexpected question with a satisfactory answer. Therefore, it would be useful to train the ability to anticipate such questions and be open-minded about them. It can be achieved by remembering the key periods and events of one’s life. It is also useful to train oneself to reference past events and use them as examples to prove a certain point. If the applicant gathers enough information, they will answer any provocative question the employer may ask.
During
The interview itself is similar to a dynamic game, where nonverbal language and facial expressions play a critical role. Most people do not realize that a large part of communication transpires without words. It is important to ensure the congruence between the body language and the actual words. Sometimes, contradictions in gestures may give away the real intent of the interlocutor. Similarly, it is important to control facial expression, which may yield as much valuable information as the person can articulate in speech.
Moreover, aside from controlling one’s own body language, the applicant should also pay attention to the interviewer’s means of expression. These signs will show whether a person is appreciative, aggressive, neutral, or doubtful. Recognizing the nonverbal messages gives the interlocutor a clue to the employer’s mood and thoughts. Sometimes, what appears to be a negative conversation may be saved by applying the appropriate nonverbal language. By simply following such basic steps as maintaining eye contact, keeping palms visible, and refraining from crossing legs, the applicant can change the perception of themselves in a more positive direction. However, in order to recognize the moment during the interview, the applicant should practice beforehand.
After
A common misconception about job applications is that completing the job interview automatically answers the question whether the applicant gets the position. In reality, the HR manager continues to assess the applicant even after the interview. Many people believe that the most difficult stage is over and they can relax. However, such behavior may alert the employer about the insincerity of the applicant’s desire to work for them. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain a serious attitude and interest towards the profession rather than its benefits alone.
Another trap many applicants fall into is believing that an interview that seemed inadequate means a definite rejection. First, the manager can reassess their opinion on the candidate after the conversation. Second, many employers also value perseverance. This is a quality, which is difficult to evaluate during an hour-long conversation. In order to actually see how intent the candidate actually is, the manager may create an obstacle. In this case, it would take the form of the apparent rejection. If the applicant continues their efforts to get the position even after the failed interview, the manager may decide that the person is indeed motivated and can be a valuable addition to the team.
Therefore, the applicant should be prepared for further communication with the potential employer after the interview. First, the candidate should act in a way that showcases their willingness to work and achieve the desired result in spite of complications. Second, it is important to display the lack of dependency on the employer. Both these factors will convince the employer of the potential worker’s value and will influence their decision. Combined with the knowledge gained before the interview and the flexibility displayed during it, the perseverance will increase the applicant’s chances of getting the position.