What is a job interview? | What should be considered in the interview?

We have prepared a content to be read by the people who will be interviewed. The types of the interview, the points to consider and the biggest mistakes made are included in this article.

What is a job interview?

A job interview is a face-to-face or virtual meeting of applicants with employers. This interview is conducted to measure the candidate’s work-related skills, experience and personal characteristics.

The main purpose of the interviews is to enable employers to get to know the candidate they are going to hire better. Therefore, during the interview, the candidate’s communication skills, problem-solving ability, decision-making skills, teamwork skills and adaptability are assessed. At the same time, the interview allows employers to verify the information contained in the candidate’s resume and determine whether the candidate’s qualifications match the job requirements.

What are the interview types?

Interviews can have different methods that employers use to evaluate candidates. These methods can vary depending on the needs of employers and the position to be hired. Here’s what you need to know about the types of interviews:

Structured Interviews

In these types of interviews, employers ask candidates predetermined questions. The questions are designed to measure the candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills and experience. Structured interviews allow different candidates to answer similar questions, ensuring a fair assessment.

Behavioral interviews

Based on past behavior of candidates, it aims to predict future behavior of employers. Questions are asked about candidates’ work-related experience, their decision-making skills and how they handle challenging situations.

Group interviews

Multiple candidates are interviewed at the same time. Candidates are assessed along with their attributes such as collaboration skills, teamwork skills and communication skills. These types of interviews are often used for higher level positions.

Virtual interviews

In these types of interviews, candidates meet employers via the Internet or telephone rather than face-to-face. Virtual interviews allow employers to evaluate candidates regardless of time and place.

Technical job interviews

Job-related technical knowledge and skills of candidates are measured. For example, technical interviews for a software developer measure candidates’ knowledge and experience in software languages.

What are the points of attention in the job interview?

Interviews are an important method employers use to evaluate candidates. However, candidates should consider not only their work-related knowledge and experience to be successful, but also their conduct during the interview. Here are some key points to consider in the interview:

• Don’t use vague expressions.
• Be prepared before going to the interview.
• You should talk about your achievements without exaggeration.
• If there is a question about your weaknesses, indicate how you overcame them and this question will disappear.
• If they show you where to sit, make sure you turn around and sit there.
• Show your readiness for the job without overdoing it.
• It would be good to know the name and title of the person you are addressing.
• Don’t ask about financial options before the interviewer brings up the topic.

What are the mistakes made in the interview?

Interviews are an important part of job applications and it is important for candidates to make a good first impression with employers. However, many candidates make some mistakes during the interview due to stress, excitement or lack of preparation. Here are common mistakes in an interview:

Being unprepared

Not doing research before going to the interview, not knowing the employer, or not properly preparing to introduce yourself is one of the biggest interview mistakes.

Talking too much or too little

Employers will want to know more about you during the interview, but exaggerating or talking too little about it doesn’t always make a good impression.

Negative speaking

Talking negatively about your previous job or work experiences in an interview or saying mean things about your former bosses or colleagues can be a red flag for employers.

Clothing Selection

Wearing the right attire for the interview is important to appear professional and gain prestige. A wrong choice of clothing can prevent you from making the right impression with employers.

Interrupt or say the same things over and over

It’s important to answer interview questions from employers, provide accurate information, and keep the conversation going. However, repeating the same things over and over or interrupting the employer doesn’t make the right impression.

What are the questions that may come up in the interview?

During the interview, employers want to learn more about candidates’ personality, skills and adaptability, and assess their work-related knowledge and experience. For this reason, many different questions are often asked in the interview. Here are some common types of questions you may encounter during an interview:

• Why did you choose our company? What do you know about us?
• Which other companies/branches have you applied to?
• How long will you work with us?
• Do you think you are suitable for this job? Of which?
• What benefits do you offer us?
• What is your salary expectation?
• Can you be flexible with working hours?
• Can you tell us something about yourself?
• What are your personal characteristics that you consider positive?
• What are your weaknesses?
• To what extent do you need supervision at work?
• Are you open to criticism?
• What is the most important thing you have learned in your life?
• How would you describe your learning ability?
• Can you keep a cool head under pressure and stress?
• Are you getting angry? In which cases?
• What do you think of teamwork?
• Why did you choose the department/university where you graduated?
• Are you planning to continue your studies?

What types of job interviews are there?

Interview types can vary depending on the needs of the employer, the hiring process and the position. There are different types such as face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, group interviews, online video interviews and technical interviews.

How can I prepare for the interview?

To prepare for the interview, you must first have information about the employer and the position. You can also prepare by thinking about questions the employer might ask and planning how you will present yourself.

What are the most common interview mistakes?

Common mistakes made during the job interview include going unprepared, speaking exaggeratedly, speaking negatively, wearing inappropriate clothing, not answering correctly, and not fully listening to the employer’s questions.

What can I do to be successful in the interview?

To be successful in a job interview, you must first have confidence in yourself. It is also important to build a good relationship with the employer and to give correct and clear answers to the questions he/she asks. It is also important to understand and respond appropriately to the employer’s expectations for the position.