The 5 stage Interview Process

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The 5 stage Interview Process

Through your research, you should be able to identify three to five skills that you believe the employer will seek in a successful candidate. With this in mind, carefully consider your background and qualifications. Be prepared to discuss examples of

Do not assume that the interviewer will appreciate your qualifications by reading your resume. It is up to you to demonstrate enthusiasm and fit for the position.

Having carefully prepared for this moment, you should approach the interview with confidence. Each interview will be different; some interviews will be very structured and formal while others may be casual and informal. Interviewing styles will vary.

Do not become overly concerned if the person who is interviewing you asks difficult questions; try to remain
calm and respond to all questions in a positive manner.

5 Stages

The interview generally consists of five interrelated
stages:

1. introduction and icebreaker;

2. verifying information and asking questions;

3. responding to your questions;

4.closing the interview and decision-making.

The interviewer will try to establish rapport with you by talking about an unrelated topic such as the weather.

Keep all of your comments positive, even if the weather is terrible that day; the employer will have concerns if you start off complaining about small, insignificant events.

After a few minutes of introduction, the employer will begin asking questions and verifying information from your resume.

As each question is posed, take a moment to consider your answer. Try not to look up at the ceiling or down at the floor as you consider your reply. Start your response in a positive note; be careful not to start with um or another verbal filler. Be sure to provide specific examples of accomplishments to demonstrate skills.

A helpful outline for answering interview questions is best described through the S.T.A.R. (situation, task, action, and result) method. Using this method, you would respond to an interview question with an example of a situation or a task for which you were responsible.

Thoroughly describe the actions that you took in this situation or task.
Emphasize specific results or accomplishments.

Remember that numbers can be impressive. Always speak in first person when describing the situation.

Whenever possible, try to articulate the value of the experience in terms of how the experience has prepared you for the position for which you are interviewing. Do not be overly concerned if the interviewer is taking notes during the interview process.

Keep your composure and try to keep your eyes level so that when the employer looks up, you will have eye contact.

The fourth stage of the interview process is the closing, which is initiated by the interviewer. A seasoned
interviewer will explain the decision making process and provide information concerning future steps in the process.

If the interviewer does not specifically state this information, it is appropriate for you to ask about
follow-up procedures. Be sure to ask the interviewer for his/her business card; this information will be helpful as you prepare your thank you letter.

After the interview, the employer will assess your qualifications and determine fit between you and the
position. This is also a time for you to evaluate your interest in the position. Immediately following your
interview, take time to write down questions you were asked, general impressions, and questions that you may now have, as result of the interview. Also, evaluate your interviewing skills and consider ways you can improve for your next interview. Remember to send a thank you letter to the employer within 24 hours after your interview.