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All hiring and promotion decisions hinge ultimately on
conversations and relationships.
Credentials get you the interview – attitude gets you the job
offer.
Attitude = Positive, Interest and Enthusiasm. The interview is
a conversation with a purpose.
Interviewer’s Purpose
• Are candidate interests and this position a match?
(focus)
• Can the candidate do the job? (skills)
• Will the candidate do the job? (attitude)
• Will the candidate fit into my organization? (ability to
relate to others)
Interviewee’s Purpose
• Are my interests and this position a match? (career
goals)
• Is this the type of organization I want to work for?
(values)
• Will this position provide me with opportunities for
continued personal and professional growth? (values
and goals)
To interview effectively you have to ...
• Prepare
• Continually evaluate your performance and improve
• Be able to interview based on your strengths
• Talk about those skills and attributes that you possess
that are important to the position
• Ask questions that show insight and interest
• Ask for the “sale” (i.e., reiterate interest in the position)
Preparing for the interview ...
• Research the company or organization
• Conceptualize the position
• Articulate your competencies
Employers look for ...
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal relationship skills
• Intelligence
• Positive attitude
• Diversity
Your goals during the initial interview ...
• Make a good first impression
• Establish a positive relationship with the interviewer
• Sell your strengths
• Show interest and enthusiasm
• Be invited to the next step in the process
After the interview ...
• Evaluate your performance
• Make notes of:
◦ names
◦ date of interview
◦ follow-up actions
◦ personality traits noticed
◦ “clues” picked up from interviewer
• Send a thank-you letter within 24 hours, if possible
The Interview Conversation and Purpose
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