Sample job interview process

You are ready to land your dream job but you must get through the interview first! Interviews can be nerve racking so if you want a successful interview make sure to follow these simple rules: arrive on time, dress appropriately, have knowledge about the company, have a list of questions to ask the interviewer and practice answering questions.

First impressions do count. When introducing yourself appear confident and assured. Offer a handshake and say “hello my name is so and so and I am here for the interview”. Once you are seated and ready to be interviewed, the interviewer will ask what you can bring to the company and what your personal goals may be. Always answer with enthusiasm and be truthful. Make sure to completely listen to what the interviewer is asking and do not ever interrupt. Organize your thoughts. When asked about strengths and weaknesses, answer honestly. Everyone has a weakness, no one is perfect plus honesty helps your credibility score. When explaining your weaknesses make sure you mention that you are currently improving your weaknesses and have learned from them.

After you are finished answering the interviewer’s questions, the interviewer will normally ask if you have any knowledge of the company. You will need to study the company in advance for this. Use the internet, public library or even speak to current employees. Lastly, you will be asked if you have any questions. This is also another important factor that you must be prepared for. Avoid asking questions about vacation time, salary and benefits. Interviewers will automatically think you are only interested in the position for the money and not for the qualities you bring to the company. A great example of a question to ask the interviewer is “what does my job duties involve”? Once all the questions on both sides are answered, shake hands with the interviewer again and thank them for their time.

After the interview is over you should always send a follow up “thank you” letter this will show that you are extremely interested in the position and it help’s gain the interviewer’s final attention. All you can do now is wait for that phone call letting you know you landed the job!