LibGuides: Job Search Help: Interview Stage

Purpose of the Interview Stage

The purpose of an interview in the job application process serves several key functions for both employers and candidates:

For Employers
- Assess Qualifications
  - Employers want to determine if candidates possess the necessary skills and qualifications as reflected in their resumes. This includes evaluating their experience and education to ensure they can perform the job effectively.
- Evaluate Motivation
  - Employers seek to understand whether candidates are genuinely interested in the role and motivated to perform the work. This helps assess if the candidate's career goals align with the position.
- Determine Cultural Fit
  - Interviews help employers gauge whether a candidate will fit within the company culture and work well with existing team members. This aspect often influences hiring decisions, as interpersonal dynamics can be crucial to team success.
- Clarify Job Expectations
  - Interviews provide an opportunity for employers to explain the job's responsibilities and expectations more clearly, ensuring that candidates understand what will be required of them.
- Differentiate Candidates
  - In cases where multiple candidates have similar qualifications, interviews allow employers to identify unique qualities, such as communication skills and personality traits, that may set one candidate apart from another.
For Candidates
- Showcase Skills and Experience
  - Candidates can use the interview to elaborate on their qualifications, providing specific examples that demonstrate their abilities and achievements.
- Assess Fit
  - The interview allows candidates to evaluate whether the job and company culture align with their values, interests, and career goals. This mutual assessment is critical for long-term job satisfaction.
- Ask Questions
  - Candidates can ask questions about the role, team dynamics, and company culture, which helps them gather important information to make an informed decision if offered the position.
- Build Rapport
  - Interviews provide an opportunity for candidates to establish a personal connection with potential employers, which can influence hiring decisions based on likeability and interpersonal chemistry.
- Clarify Concerns
  - If there are any gaps or concerns in a candidate's resume, the interview allows them to address these proactively and explain their context.

Basically, interviews serve as a necessary platform for both employers and candidates to assess qualifications, motivation, cultural fit, and overall compatibility with the job and organization. They aren't just interviewing you - you are interviewing them as well!

How to Prepare for Your Interview

Preparing for a job interview is crucial for making a positive impression and increasing your chances of success. Here are key steps to effectively prepare several days before and the day of:

Advanced Preparation:

Research the Company
- Understand the Mission and Values
  - Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, and culture. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest.
- Recent News
  - Stay updated on any recent developments or news related to the company, which can provide context for your answers and questions.
Review the Job Description
- Identify Key Responsibilities
  - Understand the specific responsibilities and qualifications required for the position.
- Match Your Skills
  - Prepare to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.
Practice Common Interview Questions
- Prepare Your Answers
  - Anticipate common questions such as "Tell me about yourself" or "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses.
  - Sometimes the organization will provide their interview questions before the date. If this happens, make sure you practice answering those questions and have notes written to remind yourself of key talking points.
- Mock Interviews
  - Conduct mock interviews with friends, family, or a Career Advisor to practice delivering your answers confidently. You can schedule a meeting with a Career Advisor by clicking the links in the bottom box.
Prepare Your Own Questions
- Engage with the Interviewer
  - Have a list of thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer about the company, team dynamics, or job expectations. This shows your engagement and interest.

The Day of the Interview:

Dress Appropriately
- Professional Attire
  - Choose attire that aligns with the company culture. When in doubt, opt for more formal clothing. When interviewing over Zoom or another video chat service, be mindful of what can be seen from your camera.
Arrive Early
- Plan Ahead
  - Aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to allow time for getting lost, check-in, and to calm any nerves.
Bring Necessary Materials
- Copies of Any Required Documents
  - Bring multiple copies of your relevant documents necessary for the interview (e.g., portfolio, transcripts, presentation, etc).
  - Make sure you have them accessible through multiple formats (USB drive, email, Cloud, etc.) to ensure you have what you need for your interview.
- Note-taking Supplies
  - Carry a notepad and pen for jotting down important points during the interview.

Books for Interview Prep

Navigating the Interview

Don't Forget During the Interview

Practice Good Body Language

Posture and Eye Contact
- Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. These non-verbal cues convey confidence.

Listen Carefully

Clarify Questions
- Ensure you understand each question before answering. If needed, ask for clarification. Do not feel bad for needing the question to be repeated! It is better to answer the question fully after clarifying, than not answer the question to the best of your ability due to fear.

Remember to Ask the Questions You Prepared

Your Questions for Them
- The job interview is not just for the employer to find out more about you, this is your time to see if they are a right fit for you as well. Make sure to ask any questions regarding work policies, big changes that happened or may happen, things they like about their work culture, opportunities for growth, how they promote or reward good work, etc. This is your chance to get a glimpse of the company and if you would want to actually work there.

What to Do After the Interview

Follow Up and Reaching Out for Updates

Thank You Note
- Send a thank-you email expressing appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterating your interest in the position after the interview. It is best to do this sooner, rather than later.
Asking for Updates
- Do NOT contact the hiring manager/committee after you send the thank you note.
  - While you may be anxiously waiting to hear back, it is better to wait than reach out to your potential employer about any updates. Hiring staff deal with a lot of applications, and would be dealing with a constant influx of emails from applicants if everyone asked for individual updates. You will usually hear back eventually.
    - Sometimes employers do 'ghost' applicants, or do not reach out with an update, and this is a reflection of the company's hiring practices - not a reflection of you as an applicant. 'Ghosting' is very frustrating as an applicant, but it can happen for a multitude of reasons and is a good reminder to not get attached to a potential job while applying.
    - UNLESS the hiring committee gave an exact date or a date range for when you would hear back and that time has passed. After the final date given has passed, it is more acceptable to reach out for an update. However, be mindful that hiring staff also have other job duties or tasks, and do not send multiple emails inquiring an update. Sometimes it is best to wait a little (1-2 weeks) after a given verbal deadline, just to be sure an update wasn't already planned on being sent.

Job Search Help: Interview Stage