Screening interviews are usually conducted by a member of the personnel department Though they may not be empowered to hire, they are in a position to screen out or eliminate those candidates they feel (based on the facts) are not qualified to handle the job. These decisions are not usually made on the basis of personality, appearance, eloquence, persuasiveness, or any other subjective criteria, but rather by clicking off yes or no answers against a checklist of skills. If you don't have the requisite number, you will be eliminated from further consideration. This may seem arbitrary, but it is a realistic and often necessary way for corporations to minimize the time and dollars involved in filling even the lowest jobs on the corporate ladder.
Remember, screening personnel are not looking for reasons to hire you; they're trying to find ways to eliminate you from the job search pack. Resumes sent blindly to the personnel department will usually be subjected to such screening; you will be eliminated without any personal contact (an excellent reason to construct a superior resume and not send out blind mailings).
If you are contacted, it will most likely be by telephone. When you are responding to such a call, keep these three things in mind: 1) It is an interview, be on your guard; 2) Answer all questions honestly; 3) Be enthusiastic; and 4) Don't offer any more information than you are asked for. Remember, this is another screening step, so don't say anything that will get you screened out before you even get in. You will get the standard questions from the interviewer-his or her attempts to "flesh out" the information included on your resume and/or cover letter. Strictly speaking, they are seeking out any negatives which may exist If your resume is honest and factual (and it should be), you have no reason to be anxious, because you have nothing to hide.
Don't be nervous-be glad you were called and remember your objective: to get past this screening phase so you can get on to the real interview.
Day of the Interview
On the day of the interview, wear a conservative (not funereal) business suit- not a sports coat, not a "nice" blouse and skirt Shoes should be shined, nails cleaned, hair cut and in place. And no low-cut or tight-fitting clothes.
It's not unusual for resumes and cover letters to head in different directions when a company starts passing them around to a number of executives. If you sent them, both may even be long gone. So bring along extra copies of your resume and your own copy of the cover letter that originally accompanied it
Whether or not you make them available, we suggest you prepare a neatly-typed list of references (including the name, title, company, address, and phone number of each person). You may want to bring along a copy of your high school or college transcript, especially if it's something to brag about (Once you get your first job, you'll probably never use it-or be asked for it-again, so enjoy it while you can!)
On Time Means Fifteen Minutes Early
Plan to arrive fifteen minutes before your scheduled appointment If you're in an unfamiliar city or have a long drive to their offices, allow extra time for the unexpected delays that seem to occur with mind-numbing regularity on important days.
Arriving early will give you some time to check your appearance, catch your breath, check in with the receptionist, learn how to correctly pronounce the interviewer's name, and get yourself organized and battle ready.
Arriving late does not make a sterling first impression. If you are only a few minutes late, it's probably best not to mention it or even excuse yourself. With a little luck, everybody else is behind schedule and no one will notice. However, if you're more than fifteen minutes late, have an honest (or at least serviceable) explanation ready and offer it at your first opportunity. Then drop the subject as quickly as possible and move on to the interview.
The Eyes Have It
When you meet the interviewer, shake hands firmly. People notice handshakes and often form a first impression based solely on them.
Try to maintain eye contact with the interviewer as you talk. This will indicate you're interested in what he or she has to say. Eye contact is important for another reason-it demonstrates to the interviewer that you are confident about yourself and your job skills. That's an important message to send.
Sit straight Body language is also another important means of conveying confidence.
Should coffee or a soft drink be offered, you may accept (but should do so only if the interviewer is joining you).
Keep your voice at a comfortable level, and try to sound enthusiastic (without imitating Charleen Cheerleader). Be confident and poised, and provide direct, accurate and honest answers to the trickiest questions.
And, as you try to remember all this, just be yourself, and try to act like you're comfortable and almost enjoying this whole process!
A friendly relationship with other company employees may have provided you with valuable information prior to the interview, but don't flaunt such relationships. The interviewer is interested only in how you will relate to him or her and how well he or she surmises you will fit in with the rest of the staff. Name dropping may smack of favoritism. And you are in no position to know who the interviewer's favorite (or least favorite) people are.
