Conducting a job interview is one of the most important tasks managers or supervisors can perform. As a result of their ability to judge the best candidate for the job, they are in the position to ensure a successful future for the company. Conducting a job interview is not an easy task for first time interviewers. The main attribute needed to conduct a successful interview is self confidence. You must be seen to be approachable as this will have an effect on how the candidate performs. Potential employers as well as the candidate quite often get nervous during a job interview. Be specific and make every effort to create a non-threatening atmosphere. Greet the candidate appropriately and give a firm hand shake. This will go a long way towards creating a friendly atmosphere and putting the candidate at ease.
When you are ready to start an interview, meet the candidate and greet him/her warmly. Thank the applicant for taking the time to attend the interview. Appropriate eye contact is very important as it will make your task more pleasant. Ask the candidate to have a seat. This will reduce any tension and will allow you to begin the interview positively.
Being sure to ask the right kind of questions, at the appropriate time plays a very important role while conducting a job interview. Ask the questions as they increase in order of importance. Begin with more general questions such as asking for personal details, why the candidate has chosen your company etc. Always wait patiently and listen attentively to the answers from the candidate. You will be able to think of the next question whilst the previous one is being answered, unless you have a list of prepared questions. Take your own time and plan your questions well.
It is extremely difficult to choose between candidates for a position, especially when there is a number of equally qualified people. You must be prepared to judge and ask the appropriate questions to ensure that you obtain the right person for the job. It is quite appropriate to ask questions related to previous work experiences, how they have related to colleagues, management style, what the candidate is looking to achieve in a job, to ascertain whether the candidate is a team player.
Deciding whether a candidate is best suited for a particular job or choosing among equally qualified candidates, is a difficult task. You must be able to judge and ask appropriate questions so that will give you the necessary information to help you with the decision making. You may choose to ask questions related to the candidate's previous experiences, behaviour and relationships with co-workers, management style, what they are looking for in a job, and their suitability as a team member. Conclude the interview positively with a friendly thank you and handshake. Allow yourself a few minutes before commencing the next interview. This will help you make the right decision. If you rush and make the wrong choice it may be a concern for the company.
Research
Know the job you are applying for. You might have just fired off a CV to see what happens, but when you hear that the employers are giving up their time to speak with you personally, you owe it to them and yourself to properly research the job and realise whether it is something you are potentially prepared to commit to.
Learn about the company you are trying to be a part of, and as much as you can about the specified role they are recruiting for.
For a lot of jobs, reading relevant newspapers or industry titles beforehand can also be a great help. Knowing the market of a product or service, or about changes in the industry will make you appear knowledgeable and up-to-date with the subject, and also and informed and intelligent individual.
Organisation
Be on time. Being late makes you appear poorly organised, or not interested enough in the job to sacrifice an extra hour in bed. This makes a much bigger impression than your carefully composed CV or firm handshake. If you can't turn up on time for one interview, what is the likelihood of you being able to do it for 5 days a week over the next year or more?
Appearance
First impressions count, and your appearance is a big part of that. Clean and tidy is the key, above fashion and style. Employers want to see that you can make an effort where necessary, even if the job doesn't require smart dress.
Body language can make a big difference. Try to approach the interview in a confident but friendly manner, by smiling, standing or sitting up straight, looking your interviewers in the eye and not being shy to shake hands or make small talk.
The Interview
Often there are specific academic or vocational requirements in terms of experience and qualifications, but remember, if you are being asked to an interview this means your application is being taken as seriously as anyone else's.
When asked about your past experience/employment/qualifications, refer to your CV and talk positively of your experiences listing personal and professional gains, working relationships and knowledge obtained. If you are unable to concisely explain what you have been doing with your time interviewers will not be able to take you seriously. Imagine an employee who cannot explain what he has been doing for the last month at work.
You should also ask as many questions in the interview as possible. The interview is as much for you find out more about the job as it is for the employers to find out more about you.
Ask questions which were not freely available when you researched the role, such as company history, specific information regarding the role they have advertised, or pay and working conditions. Asking these questions gives you a better idea of what you have applied for, and makes you appear confident and pragmatic about your application.
Ending
End positively. Confirming your interest after having a look at the workplace, learning more about the role, and meeting your potential employers is very important. After the interview you should be keener than ever and this should be expressed to the interviewers.
As long as your interview went well, you should be pleased. You might not have the right degree, or enough relevant experience, but it is often these more basic, personal skills which many applicants let themselves down on.
There may have been better qualified or more experienced applicants, which there is very little you can do about. What you can control is your research, organisation and personal skills in interviews. Use this experience to gain confidence for your next interview.
Both Ray James & John Mce are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Ray James has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interview Questions, Interview Questions and VOIP. Sign up for clear and helpful advice at . Find all the href="http://www.jobinterview-ace.com/">questions to ask at a job interview. Ray James's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
John Mce has sinced written about articles on various topics from Careers and Job Hunting, Biking and Strategic Planning. are a quick and easy to use and. John Mce's top article generates over 301000 views. to your Favourites.