An interview goes beyond what is said during a conversation. Have you ever wondered the purpose of some of their questions? An interview starts the moment you walk into a room. Some experts say that only about 7% of the message you convey comes from what you say. The rest is communicated through your tone, volume, clothing, eye contact, posture and other non-verbal means. To interview effectively, you should be aware of what the interviewer is really trying to find out.
At the start of an interview, most interviewers will greet you and make small talk. They may also ask you some opening questions just to get you talking. What they are looking for is your appearance, your mannerisms, your ability to express yourself and your responsiveness. Be clear, enthusiastic and articulate. Do not misunderstand: you may be walking to the interviewers office, but your interview has already started.
Typically, interviewers focus on an individual's work experience. They are interested in your related work experience and your work record. They want to understand your skill level and your adaptability, productivity and motivation. They want to see if you have historically worked well with others. They want to understand if you are comfortable being a leader and if you take charge of your own career growth and development.
Interviewers also may ask about your education. They can read where you went to school and what your area of study was on your resume. What they really want to know about is how your education makes you a better candidate for the job. They want to know if you have the ability to think analytically, how motivated you are and what your interests are. They also want to know if you are willing to accept authority and be part of a team. Talk about class projects, leadership roles and how you were able to use resources. Also talk about the importance of continuous learning. As soon as you think you know everything, your value to an organization decreases. Companies want continuous improvement because that's how they stay competitive. You should think the same way.
Sometimes, an interviewer may ask you about your personal hobbies, interests, or activities. Are they really that enthralled with your stories about your scrap booking hobby? No. They are looking to see how enthusiastic you can get about something that you enjoy. They want to understand how you can effectively manage your time, energy and money. They are trying to gauge your basic values and goals. Most employers want to see well-rounded individuals within their ranks. A wide variety of interests make for a better, more enjoyable work environment.
In summary, the interviewer is looking for what you can offer the company: talents, skills, knowledge, and energy.