THE INTERVIEW PROCESS
 (Career Service and CWE Handout)
Your performance in a job interview will often determine whether or not you receive an offer of employment. Job offers are generally extended to those who are confident of their abilities and who demonstrate this confidence in the interview process.

The interview simply provides for a mutual exchange of information and gives the interviewee an opportunity to meet with an employer to present his skills and describe his career goals. The interview lasts a brief time--usually 30 minutes. Thus, you can see the need to be well organized and prepared. An interview is usually divided into three parts:
  1. A period of ice breaking to allow the candidate to feel comfortable (five minutes). 
  2. Questions by the employer to secure information from the candidate (15-20minutes).
  3. The interviewee is given an opportunity to ask questions about the organization with whom he is interviewing (5-10 minutes).

Very rarely is a candidate hired on the spot.  The employer is merely trying to screen or identify those who will be given further consideration. For these individuals a second on-site interview is arranged.

 

For more assistance with interviewing skills, mock interviews, and related handouts contact:
Career Services & Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) at
SCC 972.881.5781/G103; PRC 972.377.1781/F109; or CPC 972.548.6747/A108.

Return to Interviewing Skills homepage.

 
 
Copyright © 2005 Collin County Community College District.  All Rights Reserved.
Last revised by Deborah Anglin, May 2005