Everyone in business life attends to a job interview once or several times. In addition by learning the theoretical part of this with my master's degree and other personal development trainings I had, also participated in hundreds of recruitment interviews and interviewed candidates, meetings with consulting companies, managed crowded teams throughout my working life for more than 30 years.
In this article, based on my own knowledge and experience, I will focus on the points to be considered in the interviews.
Interview is a general name given to conversation for getting to know the candidate, used for recruitment. Although it is expressed in different ways in different sources, we can simply collect the interviews under the following headings:
One-to-One Interview / Panel Interview
Both have similar features, the only difference is that there is only one person (Consultant, human resources manager or department manager) in front of you in a one-to-one interview, while there is more than one person in a panel interview; these usually consist of HR managers, and/or line managers. Since all eyes will be on you in this interview, you need to pay attention to everything in terms of look, speech, behavior, gestures etc. As soon as you enter the room for the first time, first impression will be made by the interwievers. Your look, behavior and attitudes send the first signals to the them, so the first impression is very important.
Although it differs according to the sectors, in business negotiations, suits or Business Casual (Fabric trousers, shirt) should be preferred for men in general. Generally, dark colors (black, dark blue, dark gray, etc.) are preferred when choosing suits. Shoes and belt should be compatible (such as black shoes and black belts.), excessively colored and patterned ties should be avoided. In the selection of shirts, white and light blue colors should be preferred and excessive patterns, plaids, etc. styles should be avoided. For women, a shirt or a plain blouse and a skirt or trousers will be the most appropriate choice. T-shirts and sweaters should not be worn. Very assertive and overly colorful clothes should not be preferred, they should be complemented with plain shoes. Open shoes should be avoided, and skin-colored and patternless socks should be used as socks. Very light make-up should be done, excessive use of accessories should be avoided, it can be used with a simple necklace and earrings, apart from the ring. Heavy odors should not be used as perfume.
The first impression is okay... When you enter, you must greet the person or people you meet with a slight smile, shake hands with a medium firmness and grasp the whole hand. If there are more than two people, it is unnecessary to try to shake everyone's hand. You should not sit until you are shown a place, and if you are standing, you should ask permission to sit. Body language is also very important. You should be sitting upright, not keeping your hands on your knees. If you need to keep your hands on the table, be careful not to constantly play with your hands or an object in your hand, you may distract the interviewers. You should also avoid constantly touching your face (seen as a sign of restlessness). Besides being relaxed, you should appear energetic and enthusiastic. Generally, candidates who go to interviews with multi-corporate companies try to be overly serious, but today, energetic, highly motivated candidates with fire in their eyes are more acceptable. I mean, don't sulk during the entire interview to try to be serious, can make you lose points. Therefore, it is important to smile, it gives positive energy to the interviewers. Do not force yourself to make a joke, but if you can make a joke that fits the situation, it can create sympathy on the other side, of course, you should not exaggerate.
When answering,you should look into the eyes of the person who is asking (but not annoying or staring!). While answering, looking at the ground or up will make you lose points. Never talk about religion, politics, club support, etc. in the interviews. Don't get involved in such issues, if interviewer is not agree with you, it may create antipathy; Do not forget that the other person is also a human being, although he/she is objective, he/she also has feelings, thoughts, values and judgments. When answering questions, do not give one-word answers such as “yes, no, of course…”, your answers should be clear and of sufficient length. In other words, you should not give very short answers, but you should not go into excessive detail unless there is a demand from the interviewer.
Below you can find some examples:
-“Have you got a masters degree?”
-"Yes"
Such an answer may lead to an additional question or uncertainty from the other party. Instead of:– “Yes, I did a master's degree on information technologies at London University”. This answer earns you more points.
Your answers must be supported with examples. One of the most frequently asked questions in interviews is “Where do you see yourself in X years?” . When you answer this with "I want to be in your place", do not think that your interview was successful, because 90% of the candidates respond in this way. The real answer to this is to clearly describe what steps you want to go through, for how long, and in which position you want to be. For example, let's say that the person sitting on the opposite side is the manager of the department in a bank where you will be hired. The answer should be like this.
– If I am hired as a result of the interview I made with you, I will start working as an assistant specialist. I aim to be an expert in 1-2 years, an assistant manager in 2 years, and a manager in 2-3 years, and finally want to be in your place.”The goal is concrete, the stages you will go through are clear, and the time you have defined is clear. A very clear and comprehensible answer…Do not go into the subject of personal rights unless you are asked, during the interview. Be sure to have information about the company and position you are going for the interview with. Going to an interview without knowing what you're going to do may create the perception that you just came at random. Don't go to the interview too late or too early, ideally 5-10 minutes before is fine. Having good timing can earn you plus points.
Group Interview
It is the type of interview where more than one candidate is evaluated at the same time. A topic or scenario is usually given and candidates are asked to discuss and/or compromise among themselves. The number of candidates varies between 2 and 8, if there are more candidates, it may be difficult to get efficiency and make a decision. The most important issue to be considered in this interview is to express yourself at least once, if possible more than that. Sometimes it can be difficult to get a word in group interviews, as there will always be someone who always tries to say "I should speak the most". In such interviews, it is common for people with a shy temperament to end the interview without saying a word, of course, it is inevitable for these candidates to be eliminated. In group interviews, observers pay attention to whether you express yourself, your comments on the subject, and if you have an argument, whether you can support it with examples. There may not be an absolute truth in group interviews, so your speaking style and persuasion skills comes first. In addition to these, you should be careful not to interrupt, not to get angry and raise your voice. When emphasizing the opposite idea, don't use the sentences like "no, it is not, it cannot be" etc. Instead of negative comments you can start like "I have a different perspective", it is necessary to show a positive approach. It is important that you defend your opinion, support it with arguments and examples, and be an active participant; You should also pay attention to appear harmonious, polite, respectful, energetic and willing.
Phone or Remote Interview
Interviews made over the phone. Remote interviews are usually done for pre-elimination purposes, to save time. In addition, the phone interview method can be used in cases where the tone and emphasis of the person to be recruited is important (call center, telesales, etc.), when it is difficult to access the company headquarters, or for candidates abroad, where there is a time constraint; and of course in Pandemic difficulties.
Stress Interview
Interviews that measure the ability to work under pressure and stress, usually conducted with candidates who will work in areas such as inspection, stock market, security units, air control etc.
Presentation
Preparing and presenting presentations, for understanding and knowing the candidate's self-expression, presentation skills, knowledge and experience.
Simulation and Role Play
Simulation is done to observe behavior and ability based on a scenario.