The Interview ProcessPrint Communications 25S

Basic Steps in the Process

•Answer an ad•Get called in for a meeting with the

employer•Show up presentable and prepared•Receive the job offer •Start work soon after.

Pre-Screening Interview• Some employers hold a pre-screening interview to

narrow down their choices• Could be a phone call or a sit-down interview• May ask vague, “open ended” questions such as

“How have you proven your leadership qualities in a work situation?”

• May ask you to rate yourself in terms of specific skills or knowledge

• May give a Personality Survey or Skills Assessment• Be alert and on your best behaviour when your

phone rings

Formal Job Interviews

•Generally conducted in person. •Often held on the employer’s premises•Sometimes they take place in coffee

shops, or over breakfast, lunch, or dinner•The objective is to see how you behave

face-to-face.

Formal Job Interviews

•They’ve already read your resume and pre-screened you

•Looking for enthusiasm, professionalism and the ability to think on your feet.

•Your goal is to impress the employer with: ▫your knowledge▫the way that you speak about your

experience and achievements

What NOT to do…

•Act too casually and not take it seriously•Talk about other jobs you are looking at

interviewing for•Give “TMI” about personal issues•Talk badly about former jobs or employers•Act cocky•Don’t go on too long

Last Step: Thank You Letters•It is always good to follow up an interview

with a thank you letter•Thank them for the interview and show

you are still interested.