THE INTERVIEWING PROCESS

Before getting too far along into the interview process, we should first define “interview.” According to Webster, an interview is “a formal consultation usually to evaluate qualifications (as of a prospective student or employee); a meeting at which information is obtained.”

For the purpose of the job seeker, both portions of the Webster definition are correct. Employers will evaluate your qualifications and will try to obtain information about you. Although these definitions are correct, they imply that the interview is a one-way street, that the employer is the one who evaluates and gathers information. In fact, the interview is a two-way street. Both the interviewer and the interviewee evaluate and collect information about each other.

Employers try to determine if candidates:
• Will fit into the organization
• Have the skills necessary for success on the job
• Can do and will do the job well
• Are promotable

Just as the employer is evaluating the candidate, so should the candidate evaluate the employer. The truly sophisticated job hunter will look at the employer with a critical eye to determine how he/she will fit into that organization. In fact, the job seeker should be interviewing the employer.

You, the candidate tries to determine: How do you fit into the organization? What will be expected of you? Do you feel comfortable with the people you have met? Do you like the work you will be expected to perform? Do you believe in the products/services provided by the employer?

Now that you have a basic understanding of what an interview is, let’s begin to discuss the cycle of the interview.