The interview situation usually at least involves the supervisor the employee will work for. If there are people in the organisation who specialise in HR, one of them may also be present at the interview. At Folka, interviews are always handled by our HR consultants.
There is usually only one interview, but some more demanding positions may require more. An interview situation is either an open interview, in which case the situation is formed according to the interviewee, or a systematic interview, in which case the interviewer has a pre-determined body or ready-made questions on previously defined topics.
In the interview situation, the employer and the job-seeker evaluate each other
The employer is interested in whether the job-seeker is a suitable employee for the vacancy and organisation. The job-seeker, on the other hand, is interested in whether the company and the job are suitable for them, and whether they are ready to commit to them. From an applicant's perspective, the interview revolves around selling their skills and experience, but also gaining information about the potential workplace and job assignments. It is generally the case that the CV shows your qualifications and your suitability in the interview.
The goal of the interview is to receive a job offer
So be convincing in a natural and tactful way. Contemptuous attitudes, too much self-emphasis, and a lack of interest reduce the chances of being hired. You should be yourself in the interview. Excitement is normal. Be sure to rest well and prepare for the day of the interview so that you can be energetic and alert.
The importance of first impressions in a job interview
The first impression in a job interview is especially important because it can only be given once. According to research, we form our first impression of other people in around 20–30 seconds. The image deepens quickly and it is difficult to change it later. So please be on time and ready, whether it’s a live interview at the workplace or a video interview remotely.
Dressing appropriately also plays a part in making a good first impression. The interviewer consciously evaluates the job-seeker’s external characteristics, but it also subconsciously affects the interviewer. A good general guideline is to dress neatly and in a way that suits the task, and in an outfit in which you also feel comfortable.
what is the interviewer watching out for?
Job interviews are interpersonal interactions. The interviewer is looking for signs of, for example, your self-confidence, positive attitude and flexibility. So go to an interview with a good attitude and, despite the excitement you may feel, smile and be natural.
interviewer observation system:
1. entrance and first impressions
- How you say hello
- How you present yourself
- How you make contact
- How you sit in your seat and move around
2. non-verbal communication, body language
- Your expression, gesture, position, and eye contact may be more important than verbal communication
- In addition to these, your general demeanour is paramount
3. discussion
- How you start talking
- Your speech style (clarity, assertiveness, character, positivity, taking into account the respective situation)
- Do you listen and focus on the interview, whether you answer the questions asked
- Do you maintain eye contact while speaking
4. Purposefulness and motivation
- Are you asking questions
- What do you ask and how
- Do you seem interested in the job and how do you bring your interest to light
- How you share your past work experience, skills, and future goals is especially important
focus on communication
Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions and answer exactly what is being asked. Be sure to make eye contact with the interviewer. Facial expressions, gestures and movements, lags in responses and forgetfulness all convey their own message to the interviewer. If the interview is a group interview, be sure to present yourself confidently, but also be sure to give other interviewees a chance to present their case.
important points in a job interview:
find out what the company needs
The questions you ask will say as much about you as your answers. Good, relevant questions will tell the interviewer that you are up to date on developments in the industry and are genuinely interested in the job and company you are applying for. Take into account every wish, need and challenge of the organisation, and give concrete examples of how you can help them in the challenges of the company, for example.
Explain how your skills meet the needs of the organisation
In the interview, the job-seeker's skills and the company's needs are connected. As a job-seeker, you can influence an employer’s decision by justifying how precisely your skills will benefit them. Tell them who you are, what strengths you have, what added value you can bring to the company, and what kinds of challenges you will need now or in 5 years. Focus on the skills that are most interesting from the employer's perspective.
most common topics in an interview:
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Qualifications
- Work experience and competence
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applicant background
- Applicants history and life situation
- Stages of development and turning points
- Crises, managing and dealing with them
- Current overall situation, goals of the applicant
- Values, hobbies and interests
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motivation and expectations
- Motivation for the job you are applying for
- Order of importance of motives
- Expectations for the work and the company
- Professional aspirations and goals
- Willingness to develop
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self image
- How should your strengths be harnessed and how should your weaknesses be developed?
Your main goal in the interview is to create a positive impression in the mind of the interviewer. So make sure the interviewer knows by the end of the discussion who you are, what you know and why you should be chosen for the job. If you have not yet asked the interviewer questions about your job, now is your last chance. Remember, by asking questions, you show that you are interested in the position!
