Successful Job Interviews
By Les King
Published by Les King at Smashwords
Copyright 2011 Les King
Introduction
Successful Job Interviews is presented by Les King who started working with computers at the age of 18 and spent several years in programming, systems design and IT project management before moving into the area of staff recruitment over 25 years ago.
He is currently owner and manager of Eurofile IT Recruitment Limited who specialise in the placement of Information Technology personnel at all levels.
The company also provide a PC and network support service aimed at small businesses and individuals whose needs are not really addressed by the major IT consultancies.
Although this eBook is based primarily on the experience gained from interviewing Information Technology personnel, all job seekers will benefit from the experience and advice presented within these pages.
Table of Contents
Section 1—Interview Preparation
Section 2—Structured Presentation
Section 3—Tests
Section 4—How to Fail an Interview
Section 1—Interview Preparation
Meet Henry Hirenfire!!
Chances are, you've met him already.
Brusque, aggressive and much inclined to speak in snappy sound bites of business jargon.
Delights in putting his candidates under pressure 'just to see how they react' with intimidating questions along the lines of "what makes you think that you are good enough to work here?"
But if you really want the job, you will need to deal with the likes of Henry.
Interview Objectives
From the employer's point of view, the interview has a twofold purpose.
Firstly, they need to find out whether the candidate has the necessary 'skills and qualifications' for the job.
The second objective, often overlooked by employers, is to 'brief' the applicant and 'sell' the concept of working for the organisation.
Even if you are rejected, there should be a feeling of 'goodwill' in case a more-appropriate position arises in the future.
Unfortunately, very few interviews pan-out like that and you are much more likely to be faced with the aggressive types like Henry Hirenfire who regards the interview as a gladiatorial contest.
You may also meet totally-unprepared interviewers who have been drafted-in at the last moment or 'timid' interviewers who find the proceedings more stressful than the candidates.
In fact, most interviews assessments are based on an unscientific 'gut-feel' for your personality which can be rather difficult to judge if neither side has much to say.
As your objective is to secure a job offer whatever the difficulties, the best strategy is to prepare thoroughly, assume that you will do most of the talking and take control of the interview if necessary.