Job Vacancies And Jobs Search In Malaysia : Allyhunt

Interview Questionnaire: True or False?

1. The best-qualified candidate always gets the job.

False. Interviewers consider other things in addition to qualifications. They try to assess how willing you are to work hard and how well you’ll fit into their department and organization. In competency-based organizations, the interviewer will assess how strong you are in the competencies needed to be successful on the job. In addition, interviewers may be persuaded to give an offer to someone who can benefit them politically – say, the nephew of the CEO.

2. It’s a good idea to schedule your first interviews for the positions you are most interested in.

False. Most interviewees don’t do as well in their first interviews as they will in later interviews when they are more comfortable with the interview process. So try to have a “practice” interview (or work with a coach or career consultant) before you have one that really matters to you.

3. The first few minutes of the interview are the most important.

True. Most interviewers make up their minds quickly.

4. Wear conservative clothes to an interview.

True. But make sure what you wear is considered conservative for your professional area – not someone else’s. It is important to wear conservative clothes because you want the interviewer to remember you for how professional and smart you are and the good quality answers you gave in the interview – not the clothes you wore. If the interviewer remembers you for your clothes, it is not a good thing.

5. Take a planner and a notepad to the interview.

Trick question. Take them to the interview but don’t pull the notepad out to take notes during the interview. If you take notes during the interview, the interviewer is likely to perceive you as having a poor memory, not paying attention (less eye contact), and perhaps more interested in getting him in trouble (think of a potential discrimination charge or lawsuit). Immediately after the interview, take some notes on your notepad or in your planner – so you can write more effective thank-you notes.

6. It’s always good to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early for the interview.

False. In most cases, plan to arrive about five minutes early. If you arrive earlier, realize that you may be inconveniencing the interviewer, who will not expect you to arrive 30 minutes early. Although it is better to be early than late, too early is also not good. Get to the location early, but wait in your car, downstairs, or across the street in a Starbucks until the right time to go to the interview. Review your resume and check to make sure you are still looking as professional as you were when you first dressed for the interview.

7. When asked to talk about your background, you should plan to keep your response to about two minutes.

True. Don’t be too brief – or too wordy. Watch the interviewer’s nonverbal communication. If the interviewer is giving you nonverbal cues that she is bored, pick up the pace of your answer and finish talking. Emphasize the competencies that are critical for the position.

8. During an interview, avoid too much eye contact to help the interviewer be less nervous.

False. Maintaining good eye contact is perceived positively in interviews. Just don’t stare!

9. It is best to be honest and tell the interviewer exactly how you felt about previous supervisors if you are asked for your opinion.

False. Remember that diplomatic honesty is better than brutal honesty. If you talk negatively about a former supervisor, the interviewer will think that you will be talking negatively about him in the future. So be professional and discreet.

10. What you mean in your answers to the interviewer’s questions counts for more than the interviewer’s perception.

False. The interviewer will make her decision based on her perception of how successful you will be in the job compared to other candidates. So it is up to you to communicate what you mean as clearly as you can so you can increase the chance the interviewer will perceive you accurately.

11. Exaggerate your accomplishments, because the interviewer won’t be able to tell whether you are telling the exact truth.

False. A good interviewer will be able to tell when you are not telling the truth from your nonverbal and verbal communication. Make your best case but make sure you stay honest.

12. Your job in the interview is to sell yourself.

True. Your whole job in the interview is to persuade the interviewer that you deserve a second interview or a job offer.

13. Preparing for the interview is a waste of time.

False. Preparing for the interview is the best use of your time – if you care about being seriously considered for the opportunity.

Source Kesler, Robin Competency-based interviews, 106-109. The Career Press, 2006