Interview Preparation For Sure Success

Marketing and Academic. In marketing research and academic research, interviews are used in a wide variety of ways as a method to do extensive personality tests. Interviews are the most used form of data collection in qualitative research. Interviews are used in marketing research as a tool that a firm may utilize to gain an understanding of how consumers think. Consumer research firms sometimes use computer-assisted telephone interviewing to randomly dial phone numbers to conduct highly structured telephone interviews, with scripted questions and responses entered directly into the computer.

Journalism and other media. Typically, reporters covering a story in journalism conduct interviews over the phone and in person to gain information for subsequent publication. Reporters also interview government officials and political candidates for broadcast. In a talk show, a radio or television "host" interviews one or more people, with the topic usually chosen by the host, sometimes for the purposes of entertainment, sometimes for informational purposes. Such interviews are often recorded.

Other situations. Sometimes college representatives or alumni conduct college interviews with prospective students as a way of assessing a student's suitability while offering the student a chance to learn more about a college. Some services specialize in coaching people for interviews. Embassy officials may conduct interviews with applicants for student visas before approving their visa applications. Interviewing in legal contexts is often called interrogation. Debriefing is another kind of interview.

Psychology. Psychologists use a variety of interviewing methods and techniques to try to understand and help their patients. In a psychiatric interview, a psychiatrist or psychologist or nurse asks a battery of questions to complete what is called a psychiatric assessment. Sometimes two people are interviewed by an interviewer, with one format being called couple interviews. Criminologists and detectives sometimes use cognitive interviews on eyewitnesses and victims to try to ascertain what can be recalled specifically from a crime scene, hopefully before the specific memories begin to fade in the mind.

Interviewing Basics: A Checklist

1. Arrive early. Fifteen to 20 minutes is sufficient. As you wait, you can observe employees coming and going, which can give you some insight into the work environment.

2. Dress and act professionally. Even if you know that the dress code is business casual, kick it up a notch up. During the interview, speak positively and make eye contact.

3. Bring multiple copies of your resume. You might end up in a group interview situation, so bring at least six.

4. Remember paper and pen. Take a few notes during the interview. This will demonstrate that you’re engaged and interested. Jot down the names of everyone who interviews you. (You can verify correct spellings later.)

5. Take documentation from home. In case you need to fill out an application, have some legal documentation with you such as a driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, or voter’s registration card.

6. Have some cash on hand. You may have to pay for parking or a valet.

7. Practice answering questions. Certain questions are inevitable. “What is your greatest strength/weakness?” “What motivates you?” “Why do you want this job?” Be ready to talk about two achievements you’re proud of, a time when you took a risk, and what makes you a good team member. And remember, when they say, “Tell us about yourself,” what they really want to know are the skills and experience you bring to the position.

8. Prepare questions. When asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” it’s the kiss of death to say, “No, I think you’ve covered everything.” Have at least three questions ready. Ask about the corporate structure and culture. What specific challenges you might face in this position. What a typical day will be like. And, of course, at the end of the interview remember, “What is the next step in the interview process?”

9. Say thank you. Send thank you notes. Nothing fancy or lengthy. Just a few sentences of appreciation. Send an individual note to each person you met with, making sure names are spelled correctly by calling HR or checking the website.

10. Follow-up. If you haven’t heard back within the time frame discussed during the interview, call. If a decision is yet to be made, ask when you could call back.

Finally, smile! Smiling not only relieves stress, but makes you appear more confident.

After all, you landed an interview. That’s definitely something to smile about!