Advanced Interviewing Techniques
- Basic job preparation includes doing your research, thinking through potential interview responses, dressing well and planning good follow-up questions. Preparation to develop advanced interviewing techniques takes some of these one step further. When doing your advance research, don't limit it to knowing about the company. Find out what you can about the interviewer through an Internet search. You may find you have professional organizations, former employers or interests in common. Including this information during the interview will create a more personal connection with the interviewer and make you more memorable. Think creatively when considering how your past experience applies to the new position. How might the skills you've developed in a seemingly unrelated position apply to this job or company? Demonstrate that your experience goes beyond the basics listed on a resume.
- Recognizing the different interview types and fine-tuning your approach can separate you from the pack of other job applicants. Interviewers may weed out candidates with a screening interview, which could be in person or over the phone. Be prepared to confirm the facts of your resume and to dismiss any concerns that you are uninterested or unqualified. If this or future interviews take place on the phone, don't be lulled into a false sense of ease because you are not sitting face to face. Clear your calendar of all other distractions during a phone interview just as if you were meeting in person. Avoid doing phone interviews while in the car, picking up your kids from day care or making dinner. Sit up straight, smile, speak clearly and answer questions precisely. All of these affect your attitude, which comes through even on the phone. Don't be afraid to ask for an in-person interview at the end of the conversation.
- In-person interviews can take several forms: lunch interviews, one-on-one interviews, group interviews or panel interviews. If the interview takes place over lunch, be aware that your etiquette will be on display as much as your job skills. Place your napkin in your lap, don't talk with food in your mouth, and follow the interviewer's lead for ordering. A one-on-one interview gives you the best opportunity to present your skills. As you listen to your interviewer, sit forward with your arms in your lap to demonstrate openness and interest. As you speak, sit up straight and make direct eye contact with your interviewer. Companies use group interviews to introduce an assembly of job candidates to the position and company at one time. Distinguish yourself by asking intelligent questions and interacting with company employees afterward. Panel interviews can be one of the most intimidating types in which several interviewers question a candidate at one time. Always direct the answer to the person who asked it while being aware that everyone else is observing you as well.
