A new point of view on interviews

The more I think about it, the more convinced I become that attending interviews is really not that much different from going on a first date.
Well, for one thing, you and the company are meeting face-to-face for the first time. Then there’s that other part where you’re checking each other out and seeing if there’s a perfect match. And don’t forget the consideration of which one (company) benefits you the most. 
But of course, the similarities end when it comes to the point of salary discussion. Anyhow, I suppose you can see what I’m getting at here.

It’s common to get a little jittery about interviews, especially if it’s your first time or if you haven’t been for one in quite awhile. However, it shouldn’t come across as anything stressful, but ought to be viewed as a privilege instead.

For one thing, not everyone who applied for the job got called in for an interview. The fact that you were chosen means that you are one of the selected few who were shortlisted. That in itself is good reason enough to pat yourself on the back. The initial stage has been cleared. Now all that’s left is for you to impress your interviewer and you just might land the job.

Another point I think is worth mentioning about interviews: we often view it as a situation where we will be judged based on who we are or what we’ve previously accomplished. In other words, it’s like a court in session and we’re waiting anxiously for our verdict. What most of us fail to realise is just as much as the company wants to evaluate us, we should also be actively making our own assessments on whether or not the company is a good place to work at.

The way this affects our attitude towards interviews is that we go for it not just prepared to answer the interviewer’s questions, but also ready and armed with our own personal set of queries as well. Whilst it is not good to push for specifics on salary or benefits too early in the candidate selection process, there’s really nothing wrong in asking for further information on whether weekend work or overseas travel is required. This idea lends a whole new perspective to interviews, and it means that you should think of it as equally important that the company should impress you as well.

Even if an interview doesn’t get you the job or you subsequently decide that it’s a place you’d rather not work at, all is not lost. Just the experience of attending the interview itself is something to treasure. In my personal career, I have found that with each interview I attend it builds my confidence further for the next one. So, if you ask me, I’d say never pass up a chance to attend an interview, no matter the size of the company or what position it’s for.

What are your thoughts on interviews? Do you agree with what I’ve mentioned, or perhaps have a totally different way of looking at it? Do feel free to voice your thoughts, I’d love to hear what you have to say too.

Meanwhile, if you’d like more tips or information on facing the interview process, head over to http://jobscentral.com.my/resources/index/3.