Interviewing Techniques
Interviewing can be a nervous and difficult experience, for both the job candidate and the employer. A friend of mine describes it as the dating game. . . .
You go to social event with friends to figure out people to hang out with (network or meet at a career fair), then you see if you like one another (you have more focused but informal conversation), and then you actually "go out" with one another (interview). Then there may or may not be two or more dates (follow-up interviews) to make sure the relationship is going to last.
Careerbuilder.com published a recent article on interviewing and talked about a version of "speed dating" where you have all day interviews. By the end you are beat and can't stay awake. This sort of interviewing technique falls within the "on-site" interview that the career center talked about (remember Heidi's example about National Technologies in Texas).
What is your experience interviewing for jobs? I suspect that many of you have had part-time or summer jobs and even jobs at Case. What was your interviewing process like? What tips and ideas do you have for others who maybe haven't had a lot of interviews? Also, I suspect that some of you have had very relaxed interviewing experiences. How might those experiences differ from the stressful ones?
What might be your metaphor for job interviewing?
Comments
Posted by: Jen Bucher
Posted on: October 5, 2005 09:03 PM
I have had a lot of experience interviewing. Not only have I been the interviewee many times, but I have also interviewed candidates for a variety of positions. I admitedly still disike the process! I find it awkward and forced most of the time. I do think that the most successful interviews I have been involved in were those that the candidate (whether that be myself or someone else) felt comfortable and could be him/herself. I think that when you are honest you are presenting your true self and that should be the person that is selected for the job. How horrible would it be being selected for a job where you played an act the entire interview? Now you have to continue this role your entire career with the company! No, thanks. If I am not the best fit for the position, I do not want that position. I do realize that being yourself does not mean being informal. You still must present yourself in a professional demeanor. Don't ask the interviewer for money for your parking cost!! (I have actually had someone ask me that during an interview - yikes!!!!!!!!!!) I will actually be going to an interview myself on Friday. I guess we will get to see first hand how well this whole "be yourself" cliche works! Wish me luck!