Job interviews provide a face-to-face meeting between a hiring manager and a prospect. Traditionally, this meant the interviewer asked all of the questions while the interviewee responded in kind. Interviews involve transfers of information between both parties as a conversation in a contemporary setting.
Beyond a Test
Job interviews are not just a way to test your abilities and soft skills, although that's a big part of it. Instead, think of an interview as a conversation where both parties get to know each other. If both sides like what they see, you may get an offer at the end of your face time.
Expect interviewers to gauge your personality, attitude, motivation and knowledge of the company culture. You must prepare ahead of time and put on your best game face. Maintain a positive attitude, never speak negatively of your past work experiences and show why you're a perfect fit for the company and the position. The discussion goes beyond your hard skills, certifications and what's on the resume. Job interviews are a deep dive into what makes you show up for work every day.
Company Perspective
An employer learns several things during job interviews after weeding down the candidate field. Employers want to see if you're a committed, dedicated employee who likes his job and wants to make a long-term investment in the company. Workers are the most valuable asset of a company. That means getting to the interview stage is no small thing since the employer spent valuable time and resources to bring you to this point.
The overall goal of job interviews is to hire ideal candidates. This aim is only as good as the methods interviewers use to gauge a candidate's personality. As you sit in an interview, recognize that the employer wants you to grow along with the company. It wants you to get as much out of the position as you put into it. Your commitment determines your outcome.
Candidate Perspective
The goal of the job seeker is to receive an offer. To achieve this, you need to showcase your passion and personality rather than focus on hourly wages and how much you expect to work. You must wow the people in front of you and put on your best show.
While you're in the interview chair, also remember that the other side must demonstrate the company is worthy of your talents. The employer already thinks you're a valuable asset because you're in an interview. Ask the right questions to get the answers you need to make a decision once you have an offer on the table. Don't be afraid to turn down an offer if you leave the room less than impressed with a company's answers.
Job interviews give both sides a chance to see if they're a perfect fit for each other. It's not all one-sided, and in a highly competitive job market, the job seekers have an advantage because companies are desperately trying to grow in an expanding economy.
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