Regardless
of the style of the interviewer, the interview will progress through
four basic stages:
Introduction
Sharing
General Information
Narrowing
the Focus
Closing
Introduction
Introduction
begins with small talk initiated by the interviewer. The interviewer
may ask a few casual questions or make some general remarks. The
purpose is to put you at ease, establish rapport, and find a comfortable
level of communication.
Sharing General Information
Sharing
general information starts when the interviewer shifts from small
talk to general information about you, the organization, and the
position. You may be asked to review your background, interests,
and goals. The interviewer will discuss the organization and its
goals. This will test your listening and speaking skills as well
as give you additional information on which to base intelligent
questions.
Narrowing the Focus
Narrowing
the focus occurs when the interviewer begins concentrating on the
job and how you might fit in. You have the opportunity to expand
upon your skills and to demonstrate how they apply to the job requirements.
Your efforts in researching the job and the organization will pay
off at this point.
Closing
Closing
happens when the interviewer begins summarizing what has been said
and clarifying certain aspects of the interview. It is crucial that
you express your interest in the position at this time. It is also
important that you review the points you've made, especially about
how you are uniquely qualified for the position. If you have relevant
skills or experience that you have not yet shared, do it now. The
employer will probably explain how and when the next contact will
be made and may end with, "Do you have any other questions?".
Try to save at least one of your questions for the end so that you
wrap-up the interview on a positive note, leaving an enthusiastic
impression.
