Every person has to be prepared for a job interview. It can be scary for many because their job depends on that. A job interview is like a face-to-face conversation with the employer. It is their chance to meet the person and get to know if they are fit for the company. If a person is successful in doing that, he gets the job. It is kind of a device that gathers information of the applicant by the employer to make the final decision. There are many ways a job interview can be defined. So, today’s topic- What is a Job Interview?
How is a job interview defined?
A job interview has various definitions. This is the simplest definition of a job interview:
“An interview is a formal discussion between an employer and the applicant which is typically in person, in which information is received and exchange, with the intention to determine the capability of the applicant for a position.”
What are the types of an interview?
An interview can be of various types, but a person needs to figure it out and tackle every question asked by the employer. Here are some types of interviews:
- Behavioral Interview:
In this kind of interview, the applicant is asked about how a specific employment-related situation, is handled by him in the previous job. That is the way they evaluate your performance. In behavioral-based interviewing, a person is asked to describe the details of how they handled a particular situation in their past. Which is fitting to the encountering role the interview is about. Here is an example of a behavioral interview question: Explain with example the time you faced a conflict with the team you are working with. In what way did you handle the situation?
- Case Interview:
In a case interview, the applicant will be given a situation and asked how they would manage that situation or business problem. This case would typically be based on the business scenario that the applicant is going to work for the company. In such an interview there is not a single answer or approach, the employer will look for a structured approach that could be communicated effectively.
- Stress Interview:
As the name suggests, a stress interview is about how the applicant reacts during stress or extremely pressured situations. In this type of interview, the employer will try to understand how well the applicant will do in a stressful situation at work. The key to nail this interview is to remain calm while answering.
- Group Interviews:
In this kind of interview, a group of candidates is formed and interviewed together. This happens when the company is hiring for multiple positions.
- Panel Interviews:
In a panel interview, an applicant is interviewed, by multiple interviews from the company. Such interviews are conducted to minimize the risk of bad hiring.
- Video Interviews:
Such kind of interviews has become an ideal option during the pandemic situation. When the applicant and employer, are separated by the distance, they take the help of technology and set up a video interview. A video interview is mainly classified into two types:
- In-person video interview: In this kind, the applicant and the interviewer talk one on one in person.
- On-demand video interview: In this type, the interviewer send a list of question and the applicant record the responses.
- Phone Interviews:
It is another kind where technology is used and is also blooming in the pandemic time. Also, this could be the first step in the interview process. The interviewer might first phone the applicant before calling for a face-to-face interview.
- Lunch Interviews:
An interview that place over a meal is a lunch interview. It is different from all other interviews and, where the applicant can be judged from his order of meal, how you talk with the manager, the way you address the staff. Lunch interviews are a causal kind of interview.
How to Nail an Interview for getting the job?
Job interviews can be stressful for many people but, if you are well prepared for that you may have the chance to get the job. Below are five steps that can be helpful for an interview and getting the job:
- Figure out the type of interview: There are many types of interviews if an applicant figure out what kind of interview he is going to attend then, they can be prepared for that beforehand.
- Plan your outfit: It may sound absurd but planning your outfit for an interview would be helpful. Figuring out the kind of job interview and wearing an outfit accordingly would make an impression.
- Practice interview question: This might be wired, but many people do practice their interview questions. The common questions asked in an interview can be found online.
- Work on your body language: Physical appearance plays a vital role. The way you sit for an interview would also reflect your personality. So better to maintain perfect body language.
- Ask your questions: At the end of the interview always ask questions. This will show your interest in the company and help you get the job.
- Arrive early: It is better to reach early rather than be late for the interview. Arriving early would show your punctuality and your dedication to the company. That might be the first step of receiving a job.
- Do research on the company: When you arrive for an interview, make sure you have complete knowledge about the company and the position you have applied for. It will display your research skills while your interest in the company.
- Be yourself: The purpose of an interview is to know each other. The candidate gets to know about the company and the interviewer about the applicant. So rather than masking, just be your true self. Shine through your true personality, be proud of your achievements.
Commonly asked questions at a job interview:
Here are some commonly asked questions which may help you prepare for your job interview:
- Tell me about yourself.
Here interviewer is not asking about your personal life but rather about your professional. You must tell them about your career, ambition and your experiences.
- Why are you interested in this company?
Such kind of question testes your research ability. Researching about the company and position before the interview might work in your favor.
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
This question is commonly asked in interviews. It is to know how you can invest in the company. It is the most difficult question for many, and applicants must be prepared for this.
- Why should we hire you?
This kind of question is asked to test your skills and ability. The employer expects to know why you should be their greater choice. Be prepared for this and answer it without sabotaging other candidates.
- What is your greatest achievement?
This is the kind of question, where you can get the stack at your side by barging about your achievements. Be confident and get the attention of the interviewer by giving in your achievements which stands you apart from other candidates.
- Do you have any questions?
In the United States, the candidate is given the opportunity to ask a question to the interviewer. It is your chance to show how dedicated you are to know about the company. Asking questions would make an impression on the interviewer.
Conclusion:
A job interview is a process, in which an interviewer asks a question to the candidate, which they answer to get a job in the company. Interviews are mostly face-to-face conversation, but pandemic has brought up technology in the process. An applicant must prepare for the interview by researching the company, choose an attire, and practice interview questions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long can a job interview take?
Answer: Every company has a different process of interviewing. A job interview would mostly last for 45 minutes to one hour, but it varies from organization to organization. One hour would be sufficient for both the parties to get to know each other.
- How many interviews are normal for a job?
Answer: There is no assurance that a person might get selected in the first interview. The number of interviews is solely based on the hiring policy of the company along with the position. While there is no rule that about having one or three interviews. The level of position is the factor that determines the number of interviews before getting the job.
- How do you answer an interview question?
Answer: When the question is asked prepare a thoughtful answer, think about it thoroughly. Rather than focusing on your previous experience or current job, try to focus on the future and that is what you need to bring out in your answer.
- What is the importance of a job interview?
Answer: A job interview helps the applicant, and the employer gets to know who is fit for the position in the company. A job interview helps the applicant to know if the company is better for him. On the other hand, it is useful for the employer to know the quality of the applicant and if he could be a perfect candidate for the position.
