A job interview is a structured conversation between a company representative and a potential employee. The main goal for the employer is to evaluate a candidate’s skills, experience, and overall fit for the role and the organization. For the applicant, it serves as a chance to understand the position’s requirements and the company culture more deeply, helping them decide if the opportunity aligns with their career goals.
The Beginning of the Interview
The interview begins the moment you arrive. Plan to get to the location 10 to 15 minutes early, as this demonstrates punctuality without placing pressure on the interviewer. Your interaction with the receptionist is your first contact, so treat them with the same professionalism you would show your interviewer, as their feedback can be part of the evaluation.
When you meet the interviewer, a firm handshake and direct eye contact project confidence. This greeting is often followed by small talk, which is an opportunity to build rapport. Engaging calmly in this initial chat helps set a positive tone for the meeting.
Answering the Interviewer’s Questions
The core of the interview consists of questions designed to assess your background, personality, and abilities. The questions cover your resume, past behaviors, hypothetical scenarios, and technical knowledge to help the employer determine if your qualifications and work style are a match.
General and Resume-Based Questions
The conversation often starts with broad questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “Walk me through your resume,” which are invitations to provide a concise overview of your professional journey. The goal is to connect your experiences and accomplishments to the specific role.
This part of the interview allows the employer to understand your career motivations. When answering, focus on the aspects of your background most relevant to the job’s requirements. This demonstrates that you have thought carefully about the position, and a well-structured response can create a strong initial impression.
Behavioral Questions
Interviewers use behavioral questions to understand how you have handled specific work situations in the past. These questions often start with phrases like, “Tell me about a time when…” and ask for real-world examples of how you have used certain skills. For instance, you might be asked to describe how you managed a conflict with a coworker or handled a high-pressure project.
A recommended method for structuring your answers is the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. You first describe the situation and the task, then detail the action you took, and finally, explain the result. This framework helps provide a clear story that demonstrates your capabilities.
Situational Questions
While behavioral questions focus on the past, situational questions present you with hypothetical scenarios to see how you would respond. An interviewer might ask, “What would you do if you realized you were going to miss an important deadline?” These questions evaluate your problem-solving abilities, judgment, and how you would navigate challenges common to the role.
There is not always a single correct answer to these questions. The interviewer is more interested in your thought process and the logic behind your proposed solution. Your response should demonstrate foresight, a sense of responsibility, and an understanding of professional etiquette.
Technical or Skill-Based Questions
For many roles, the interview includes a technical assessment to verify you have the required hard skills. The format can vary widely depending on the position. A software developer might be asked to solve a coding problem, while a graphic designer might be asked to critique a design.
These questions are meant to be a practical demonstration of your expertise. The interviewer is looking to see not just that you can arrive at the correct answer, but also how you approach the problem. Explaining your thought process as you work through the task can be as valuable as the final result.
Asking Your Own Questions
Toward the end of the interview, you will be asked if you have questions. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your engagement and gather information to determine if the company is a good fit. Having thoughtful questions prepared shows you have done your research and are interested.
Your questions should go beyond information easily found on the company’s website. Consider asking about:
- The specific challenges the person in this role will face in the first few months.
- How the team measures success.
- The team’s dynamics, such as its communication style or how it collaborates on projects.
- The company culture and what the interviewer enjoys most about working there.
This turns the interview into a two-way conversation, helping you make an informed decision. The quality of your questions can leave a positive impression, showing you are carefully considering this opportunity.
Concluding the Interview
As the conversation winds down, it is appropriate to ask about the next steps in the hiring process. Inquiring about the expected timeline for a decision shows your continued interest and helps manage your expectations.
Before you leave, take a moment to briefly reiterate your enthusiasm for the position. A simple statement expressing your strong interest in the role can be a final message. Conclude the meeting as it began, with a confident handshake and by thanking each interviewer for their time.
Following Up After the Interview
Your first action after the interview is a direct reflection of your professionalism and follow-through. It is standard practice to send a thank-you note to your interviewer or interviewers within 24 hours of the meeting. This is done via email for speed, but a handwritten note can also be appropriate depending on the company culture.
This message should be more than a generic thank you. Personalize it by referencing a specific topic you discussed that you found interesting. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly restate why you believe you are a strong candidate. This step helps you stand out and keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind.