Once again, the best way to find out what interviewers expect during an interview is to ask them to explain the process m their own words. After isolating the most important aspects of the interviewing process, they were asked their opinions; what they were looking for. After looking at the completed interviews, it became apparent that the questions could be divided into two different categories. The first category deals with their expectations in an interview. In a general way, they explained what they expect from students in terms of preparation, dress, participation, etc. They discussed what they consider to be the dos and don'ts of interviewing, and what qualities they consider an effective interviewee to have. The answers to those questions follow.
The second category, which is presented in another section, includes specific expectations regarding the content of the interview, i.e., what they are looking for when they ask about a student's educational back ground, work experience, strengths and weaknesses, and other factors.
Q: What do you see as your role in the interview? Are you a screener or a facilitator or what?
"For more of a screener than a facilitator. I'm a facilitator in the sense that I try to help people relax, especially in a panel. I've been through it myself to know how difficult it can be. My primary role, however, is as a screener."
think in any interview you have to be a screener, but I don't believe in a set program of what I call 'personnel-type' questions that any student who's had more than two interviews has stock answers for. I think the most effective way to learn about candidates is to find out what kind of questions they have. By soliciting questions, you find out what they know about you, about the company, what their interest level is, and you begin to find out about them. It's a good jumping off place."
"I see myself as both. The job is to screen out the good ones from the average ones. It's also our job to excite the person about our company. Whether or not we pursue a person, we want all people to be excited about our company. In an interview, we try to differentiate those who would fit in well with our company, and to give out information about our company."
“As a campus recruiter, I have a dual role: to select highly qualified candidates for further consideration, and to convey to all applicants a favorable impression of our firm. I see both roles as important.”
Q: What are the most common problems that students have in an interview?
“Not knowing what they're applying for. Not re searching the organization. Bad communication skills that run the gamut from a lack of eye contact to the constant usage of you know'. An indication that they haven't really thought about the questions that an interviewer will ask. A lack of preparation.” “An inability to establish rapport, to speak effectively, to sustain a conversation.”
''They don't research the organization. Let me give you an example. Some students will apply for a job in our company in an area where we don't have a plant or facility. So we reject them, and large companies like Mobil don't have time to explain to everyone why we're rejecting them. We just send a form letter, Some students come in without knowing anything about themselves. They haven't thought about their interests and their skills. With our company, there are people jobs, analytical jobs, and jobs that encompass both people and analysis. Students should know what they like doing and what they're able to do. Instead, they try to make themselves qualified for anything, but they shouldn't do that. You need to state what you're good at. There's nobody who's equally good in everything."
Q: What is the importance of clothes in getting a Job?
''It's part of an appearance that's essential. They should be exceedingly neat. The way they look in the interview is the way they'll look at my company,"
"They play an average role. The only time I remember getting turned off is when I had a student wearing a corduroy suit with matching running shoes. Later, when I met one of his professors on campus, the guy was wearing the same outfit. I guess the student used him as a role model."
"I'm laughing because I’m thinking of all the articles on dressing for success. I think that clothes are important. I mean, clothes make a statement of what you are. If someone comes into an interview in a pair of Levis and a crew neck sweater, which would look perfectly fine out of an office environment, I think it says something to you. I don't find that people do that, though. I think young men should wear suits or a blazer or a sports jacket. I think a suit is more appropriate probably, generally speaking. I think a woman should wear a suit or a skirt and blouse - something that shows that she's serious and understands that clothing makes a difference. There's no question about it."
Q: From your experience, are there any dos and don’ts that you can recommend to an interviewee?
"Do ask questions, A lot of people just respond to what you ask them. They never initiate any questions themselves. Asking questions indicates an interest in the job. A person who asks questions in an interview also shows me that they will ask questions if they work for me. That's good. It's a sign of initiative, It shows they're secure. Look for clues in an interview. You should be able to tell by the interviewer's response whether you're talking too long or whether you should stop asking questions. If the interviewer is looking at her watch or fidgeting in her chair, it's time to stop talking..."
''Think through the potential questions, particularly as they relate to your background. Be prepared. Questions like, 'What kind of firm are you? demonstrate a lack of preparation and knowledge. You should know who you are and be prepared to express your personal goals."
Q: How do you distinguish between an average interviewee and a star?
"For me, it's very intuitive. I interview in a non-structured and intuitive way, but I can tell the stars at the beginning. It starts the moment they open the door. From their handshake to when they leave. It's a positive attitude. It's the way they answer questions."
“You just feel it when it's happening. Their answers are ready. They're concise. They have a sense of the position they're interviewing for. They've thought about their background. They have the ability to think on their feet. They're enthusiastic. They talk with some degree of excitement, with animation. Other people talk and you want to fall asleep.”
“A star radiates. A star has a magic ability. Within 15 minutes you can tell if someone is a star. They have self-confidence. They have an understanding of people. A star knows what they want. They focus on it. They are pleasant to be with. They know what they want and they know how to get it.”
