Job searches typically culminate in the on-site interviews of the top several candidates. These interviews can vary in length, from several hours to a day or slightly longer. They usually consist of a series of multiple interviews. Job candidates are carefully scrutinized to assess their fit with the division and organizational culture. Put yourself in a good frame of mind for the interview. Imagine yourself as an employer. What qualities would you look for in a job candidate? What would impress you? What emphasis would you place on:
Keep in mind that hiring (and then training) new employees is a huge investment of time, money, and effort for the employer. Show that you take the opportunity very seriously.
When you are invited for an on-site interview, you will likely be contacted by a recruiter or hiring manager, who will go over the general contours of the interview and work out the date/s with you. Try to obtain as much information about the interview format/itinerary as possible beforehand.
It is customary for the employer to pay for your travel, lodging, and meal expenses. Be clear on this, as some employers do not cover expenses. Do not offer to pay your own expenses but be prepared to do so if the employer does not. If the employer pays, you may be required to make your own travel arrangements, or the employer may make them for you. Clarify these details and save all receipts.
When traveling to interviews:
The interview is the critical moment for you in the job search process. You will be “on stage” for the entirety of your interaction with the organization. Employers often arrange several meetings/interviews with various stakeholders in the search (i.e. senior management, co-workers, staff). Be prepared to sustain a high level of energy. Remember that every new person you meet is hearing you speak for the first time. Keep in mind that a good interview does not feel like work to the interviewer. You may be nervous or shy, but do not make the interviewer pry information out of you.
While interviewing for a job is stressful, you may enjoy yourself more than you expect. People are generally very welcoming and friendly. You will impress them if you put your sharply honed interviewing skills into practice and show them that:
Consider what you have to offer from their perspective—what has meaning to them? Also remember that the interview is a two-way street. You are evaluating the opportunity, too.
Every job interview is different, but most interviews share a basic structure that includes most of the following:
Interviewers often try to put job candidates at ease and build a good rapport with them by engaging in small talk before the process gets underway. Do not let nerves prevent you from participating in this exchange. By acting relaxed and natural, you will convey confidence.
Usually interviewers will open with a brief overview of the position to make sure you understand what the job entails. You can make a good impression here by showing that you have done your homework.
The bulk of the interview will be devoted to discussing your background and qualifications. Interviewers will pay close attention to your preparation and how you respond to their questions. They may employ one or more interviewing techniques. Familiarize yourself with these techniques and practice your responses to common questions. Many interviewers also inquire about the future plans and outside activities of job candidates. In addition, you may be asked about your authorization to work in the US, your educational history, your willingness to relocate or travel, and so on. Depending on the industry and position, occasionally job candidates are asked to perform a task, in which case employers usually inform candidates ahead of time.
You may be asked to meet with one or more stakeholders in the interview process over a meal. Even though meals are intended to be more relaxed than the formal interview, you should still act and speak professionally. Remember that social situations are part of the screening process, and you are being evaluated at all times. Be diplomatic, polite, and cautious. Do not let too much personal information slip. Make small talk but avoid topics that may be considered personal, inappropriate, or touchy. Try to resist messy food (e.g. baby back ribs) and observe proper table manners even if others do not—they are not interviewing for a job. Do not eat or drink excessively. Drink alcohol in moderation only if it does not affect you, and do not hesitate to refuse alcohol.
Be very careful not to let down your guard at any point in the interview. Even those of us who do not usually confide in strangers may—under pressure—fall prey to the temptation. Watch this. For example, during meals, even if your host adopts a casual tone, remember that s/he is not your friend or confidant but rather someone who plays a role in the interview process.
You will be given the opportunity to ask the employer your own questions, usually at the end of the interview. Be prepared for this moment, and never go into an interview with no questions at all. Employers often say that the questions job candidates ask reveal the most about them. In addition to asking your questions, you may have the opportunity to make concluding remarks. Restate your case for your suitability for the job, perhaps touching on qualifications that you did not have a chance to discuss, and refer to something positive or interesting that you learned from the interview. Inquire about the next stage in the process. Again express your enthusiasm for the organization and the position.
Shake hands when saying good-bye, if possible. (This applies to meetings throughout the interview as well.) Offer to provide additional information or answer questions if the need arises.
If you want the job, be sure to make that known. If you do not or you are unsure, make whatever positive statements you can in thanking the employer.
It is always courteous to send a thank-you letter to the employer after your interview to express appreciation for the employer’s efforts. It is more professional to type rather than handwrite your thank-you letters, and email is acceptable in some industries. Thank-you letters should be sent within twenty-four hours of the interview. Thank your interviewer for the interview and the opportunity to learn more about the position, and if others were involved, ask that your appreciation be conveyed to them or send each person a separate thank-you letter as well. If you are still interested in the position, let the employer know that, and refer to a few highlights of the interview that make the organization attractive to you. If you consider the job to be a particularly good fit for you, tell the employer so and explain why. If you were not impressed by the interview, make whatever positive statements you can.
If you have not heard from the employer by the end of the time frame given, it is generally acceptable to inquire politely about the status of the search.