Now that we know what the overriding objective of an interview is, now we’ll discuss what an interview is.  Of course, in order to that, we’ll start with what an interview isn’t.

  • An interview is not just a casual meeting between two parties with a common interest.
  • An interview is not an informal “heart-to-heart” conversation.

Okay, now for what an interview is.  It’s an opportunity for you to “sell” yourself as an employee and an opportunity for the employer to evaluate you in regards to the following things:

  1. Qualifications
  2. Enthusiasm
  3. Attitude
  4. Maturity
  5. Communication skills
  6. Stability
  7. Energy level
  8. Confidence
  9. Intelligence
  10. Analytical skills

Now that we’ve covered that, let’s go back to what an interview isn’t for just a second.  It isn’t a funeral.  In other words, enjoy the meeting and have fun.  Remember that you’re interviewing them at the same time they’re interviewing you.  You want to make sure you’re interested in this company, so relax and treat the interview as a give-and-take between equals.

It will be easiest to relax when you’re fully prepared and ready to go . . . which is why it’s critical that you take interview preparation seriously.  By doing your homework and taking the time to prepare for your interview, you’ll be more relaxed and your confidence and skills are certain to shine through.

That’s where our focus will be in this series of blog posts—proper preparation, which will help you to achieve what you want most from the interview: an offer of employment.

(For more information about successfully preparing for YOUR next interview, download a copy of Dan Simmons’s e-Book, Put Your Best You Forward: Simple Steps to a Successful Interview.)