Not Everyone gets This Golden Opportunity

An interview is a critical step in any selection process. The application is the first opportunity you get to promote your skills and qualifications; the interview is the first opportunity to reiterate your capabilities face to face. No matter what you have heard to the contrary, employment interviews are not designed to trick you. Give straight answers to straight questions and be yourself.

Are you a Fit?

Your focus in an interview should be on your knowledge of the job at hand and how your education, training, work history, and behaviors relate to the job. Describe how your skills will be beneficial to the organization. You should go into an interview understanding the job and the job responsibilities. Always research the job and the company. This includes understanding what products they make, what materials they handle, the history of the facility, etc. Once you understand the job and the company you can demonstrate how your skills will be a fit for the job.

Learn All You Can About the Potential Employer

In an interview you should always focus on what is important to the job and the organization. Describe how you can have an impact on results such as: costs, productivity, yields, safety performance, etc. You should demonstrate your effectiveness in teams, ability to work in a self-directed work environment, leadership skills, adaptability to change, ability to communicate and interact with a diverse work group, etc. How can you contribute to the success of the organization?

Match Your Skills and Experience to Their Needs

Preparation for the interview is always advantageous. Always research the job, it’s nature and responsibilities, and every aspect of the company. Determine how you will be beneficial to the success of the company. Once you have thought through these things you can better explain how you are a fit by demonstrating how your skills and qualifications will relate to the job and the organization.

Additional Tips:

• Your dress should be appropriate to the job you are interviewing for. For example, if you are interviewing for a plant operator you are probably not going to wear a coat and tie.
• You should report to the interview location 15 minutes prior to the interview.
• If you are unfamiliar with the interview location, do not wait until the day of the interview to get familiar with it.
• Greet the interviewer with a handshake.
• You should answer the questions clearly and accurately. Give specific examples when possible.
• Make all attempts to attend the interview scheduled for you. If you want the job you can make the arrangements.
• Be well prepared for the interview, you will have the facts and answers and, maybe more importantly, you will be much more comfortable and at ease.