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Interview Help: Purpose

An interview is:

• A conversation with a purpose.
• A two way process of mutual exploration.
• An employment discussion that enables two or more people to size each other up in relation to a job opportunity.
• Not passive on the part of the interviewee.
• Not an interrogation.

Interviewers are looking to answer three questions during the interview process:

• CAN you do the job?
• WILL you do the job?
• Do you FIT in?

In interviews, where they are trying to establish if you CAN do the job, you will be asked questions about:

• Your skills,
• Your knowledge,
• Your experience and achievements,
• Your learning potential,
• How you would handle the physical aspects of the job.

In interviews where they are trying to establish if you WILL do the job, you will be asked about:

• Your interest in the position, company, industry, department.
• Your work ethic.
• Your energy level.
• Outside influences that may affect your willingness or availability.

In interviews where they are trying to establish if you will FIT in with organisation culture, the interviewer will try to assess your:

• Likeability.
• Chemistry.
• Communication style.
• Values.
• General style (work and management) including dress and appearance.
• General interests.