The fact that the job seeker made it to the interview indicates he or she is on the right track and only one step away from the job. It is time to harness the 3 P’s for an effective interview - preparation, presentation, and performance. The applicant should also remember that it is his or her chance to interview the employer during the interview phase.
The interview is as much about fitting the right person to the right culture, and the best fit means both the job applicant, if hired, and the potential employer will enjoy a successful partnership. A job applicant takes the interview seriously by preparing for it using the 3P’s job interview approach.
The 3 P's of Job Interview
1. Preparation. Research about the company.
- Know about the company.
- Find out about the structure of the organization.
- Know the key positions and the name so the people in them.
- Typical interview questions include the following:
- What do you think you can offer the company?
- What are your weaknesses and strengths?
- Why should we offer you the job?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What is a difficult situation you have faced, and how did you overcome it?
- Do you work better on your own or as a part of a team?
- Why do you want to leave your present job?
- In an organized interview, the job seeker can ask how many people interviewers there will be, to be prepared for any possibilities. He or she ensures knowledge of the correct address and get there few minutes before the interview schedule.
2. Presentation. Be personable and dynamic.
- Focus on strength rather than weaknesses.
- Develop and rapport with the interviewer/s.
- Dress appropriately and be well groomed.
- Speak clearly.
- Make eye contact.
- Smile, relax, and breathe. Try not to be nervous.
3. Performance. Apply proper interview techniques.
- Ensure questions are answered, that is, don’t be side-tracked.
- Be honest with responses.
- Don’t offer to talk about mistakes especially if they have been learned over time.
- When appropriate, responses to questions should be cited from real-life. This signifies a listening skill and ability to apply previous work experience to different situations.
- When the interviewer/s open up for the question time, this is a good chance for the applicant to find out something about the company – for example, about potential co-workers, company structure, any training programs. Specific questions about salary should be avoided at this point, unless the interviewer brings it up.
Types of Job Interview
Depending on the role applied for, there are different styles of interviewing used by employers. For example, in larger corporations like banks or Information Technology industries, the more interview stages are needed to prepare before being offered a job. This includes pre-employment testing.
The different types of interviews include:
- Behavioural interviews. These interviews are based on the assumption that past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour. The employer has identified the skills and qualities they are looking. By asking the applicant detailed questions and their reactions, the recruiter can assess the applicants qualities in relation to the role needed.
- Panel interviews. These interviews are used by large recruitment exercises, such as graduate programs to expedite the process. The panel can be intimating as it is often conducted formally with the same set of questions prepared before hand for all the applicants. This ensures all the job applicants have equal opportunity to present themselves.
- Group exercises. This type of interview enables employers the ability to see a large number of candidates in a relatively short period of time. Candidates are brought together to discuss a particular topic, like a case study. The group work together to provide a solution collectively, given as a business-like presentation. As observers, the interviewers assess the applicants’ skills in relation to communication, leadership, problem solving and teamwork.
- Psychometric tests. These tests are used by potential employers to assess the job role potential of the job applicant, mainly for ability and aptitude, and personality. Psychometrics test questions can be tricky and should be read very carefully, answered as quickly but as accurately.
- Arrive early for the interview enough to settle down.
- Switch off mobile phone and other electronic devices.
- Be Professional and polite.
- Don’t exaggerate previous experiences or skills.
- Be prepared with knowledge of the company.
- Avoid talking about negative experiences.
- Don’t act bored, uninterested, or fidgety.
- Avoid vague answers that can confuse the interviewer.
Some job applicants practice answering questions with friends and family. The important thing to keep in mind is to come prepared for an interview and to stay calm. The 3 P’s – preparation, presentation, and performance – are effective interview approach to remember.
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