How to succeed in job interview
Many graduates fail on job interview because they are unprepared and expecting the employer to ask all questions. They only answer what they are asked and nothing else. Most employers make hiring decision of graduates on their attitudes during job interview. They consider candidates who only answer questions that they asked as “Reactive”, “Passive”, and “Lack of motivation”. The employers already reviewed many applications and selected few qualified candidates for job interview. They consider these candidates already meet their technical requirements. The job interview is only to verify their assumptions and determine whether candidates have the right attitude to fit in their company.
Graduates must understand that the important questions of the interview might be those that you ask, NOT what the employers ask. Asking the right questions will demonstrate that you are well-prepared and genuinely interested in working for the company. So after answer some questions that employers asked, you may want to find out as much as possible about the employer too. Following are some questions that you may ask during your interview process.
- Can you give me more detail about the position’s responsibilities? (This is an indication that you are very interested in the position, you want to know more)
- Where do you see this position going in the next few years? (This is an indication that you are a career oriented person, and you want to build a career with the company for many years)
- How can I most quickly become a strong contributor within the organization? (This is an indication that you are an active person and you want to learn more)
- What are the most challenging aspects of the job for which I am being considered? (This is an indication that you are well prepared to face obstacles, you are a problem solving type of person)
- What particular aspects about my background and experience interest you? (This is an indication that you want to know what can you do to support the company, you are evaluating your strengths)
- What causes you concern about my candidacy? (This is an indication that you are a self-confidence person and want to evaluate your weakness, if any)
- Now that we’ve had a chance to talk, how does my background measure up to the requirements of the job? (This is an indication that as a self-confidence person, you want to evaluate the interview process)
- How does my trainings compare to other candidates? (This is an indication that you are motivated and aggressive enough to measure yourself to others – a strength from western culture but maybe a consider arrogant in eastern culture)
- What would be our next step? (This is an indication that you want to build the relationship with the interviewer, pay attention to the word “OUR” a subtle indication that lead the interviewer to consider you as part of the company)
- If I don’t hear from you within two weeks, would it be okay to call you? (This is an indication that you want the job, an indication that you are motivated to work for them)
Of course, there could be more questions that you can ask. Please consider that once you are contacted for an interview, you have 50% chance of getting hired. How do you answer questions, how do you ask questions and how do you show your attitude during the interview process determine whether you will be selected or not.
Never come to any interview unprepared. Never hesitate to ask questions. Never show that you are nervous. Practice interview technique with friends many times so you get used to it. A confidence and well prepared attitude is a key of getting hired.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
