Interview

Interviews are one of the toughest challenges we have to go through in our life, but even the hardest fights have solutions. There are many different types of interviews, of the many there are 6 major types of interviews:



Structured Interview: Formal and organized, starts easily but becomes harder as time passes.
 


Unstructured Interview: Open ended questions, the interviewer relies on you, and what you have to say about yourself.


Stress Interview: Most likely for higher positions, candidates are put in positions where they are tested for how they'd work under pressure.



Behavioral Interview: Focuses on your prior experience, candidates are asked about how they handled certain situations in the past.


Problem Solving or Case Interview: Candidate will be tested on communication and analytical skills, and will be asked to solve problems.

Panel Interview: A bunch of staff members will be gathered to ask a candidate questions at once. 

In order, to succeed, we must show our desire for success, and how far the desire can take us. During an interview, we are all often hit with anxiety, we become very mindful of what we say. Every word of ours is put under scrutiny by our interviewer.  Hence to solve this particular problem, there are certain tips and tricks we can use and be assured that we've left an impact on the interviewer.

For one we have to have a certain understand of what we are going into. Dress appropriately for the interview; do not under dress (yoga pants, sneakers, etc.) or over dress (party outfits, excessive jewelry, etc.).  Another good idea would be to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early before the scheduled time of the interview. Your handshake should be firm once you greet your interviewer, and maintain eye contact. Plan ahead of what you will be speaking of. If we go to an interview without any sort of preparation, there's a chance the person who is interviewing us will know. Its important to not be blindsided, especially if the said job holds a certain importance in your life.

Most questions asked during an interview most likely have to do with who you are and what have you achieved in life from prior experience. During the beginning of an interview you will be asked to introduce yourself. Often this question is worded as "Tell me about yourself". Do not make it too personal, the interviewee is not their to listen to your life story. Keep it sufficient and to the point, you want to focus on your prior work experience, as well as where you're in the world work wise. Speak of your highest achievements, and make sure to emphasize on your skills and what your strong points are.

Another widely asked question is "Why do you want to work here?" A good response would be as a result of research. Research the job you're applying for before you go in. You want to know what they are asking for. Make your response complimentary as well as assure them of how this job will give you experience into a field you're headed in, or speak of what you like about the company and what motivated you to apply. For instance if you're headed into a medical field, and are applying at a gynecologists office, speak to your hiring manager of how you want to experience life in the medical field and see what you will be going into before you start your career completely. Speak of getting a head start.

Most interviews will come to an end with the infamous question " Do you have any questions?" A most likely response to this question would be "no", a highly expected answer as well as the worst response. You want to stand out from everyone else whose applying for the job. Ask about the job, ask about what you can do for the job, ask if theirs any concerns regarding your resume or the interview. Do not focus your questions on yourself and what you can get from the job, or questions regarding benefits.

-Momina Shabbir