The first question in an interview is of the utmost importance as it sets the initial impression, which impinges, more often than not, on the interview result. A hesitant and anxious opening to an interview may be detrimental. Often it is very hard to 'get back on track' after a bad opening.
Examples:
In a job interview for a project manager position in a software company, the interviewer poses the applicants a question: "what can you tell me about yourself?"
Interviewee A: "My name is John Haines,I am an industrial engineer. In the last 4 years I managed a software project for a telecommunications firm. Prior to that, I was working asa programmer in the R&D team in the same firm. I am 33 years oldand am currently living in SW London."
In this case John chose to answer concisely, in a manner that exemplifies his capabilities which are relevant to the position he was interviewed for.
Interviewee B: "Myname is Robin O'Brian, I was born to a warm and loving family in thevillage of Blighton; I am 36 and married to Jeanine. We have twowonderful daughters which I adore. I think that fatherhood in generaland the relations we have with our loved ones are extremely importantand would like to think that I value and maintain relationships morethan most people. I put a great emphasis on relations with others."
Robin wouldlike to turn the interview into an informal and personal conversation.He wishes to induce sympathetic feelings in the interviewer and turnthe occasion into a warm and friendly one. This attitude does not coincide with a professional manner. Robin presented himself as sensitive andemotional; the message he portrayed was one of emotion rather than professionalism.
One may even conclude that as a manager Robin may be overly sensitive and may have a hard time pursuing a professional agenda. John, on the other hand, has already created an advantage for himself through his initial response to the question.
| You came to an interview to succeed! If the interviewer provides you with an opportunity to present yourself – seize the moment! Keep focused, concise, don't hesitate and don't be concerned; open the interview with a sense of power and enthusiasm. Put emphasis on your professional skills; concentrate on the aspects that present your abilities and accomplishments at work. |
We recommend:
Avoiding lengthy and cumbersome responses. Long answers are tiresome and may create a feeling that you are trying to control the progression of the interview. The interviewer has no interest in your personal experiences; they are interested in your abilities as a professional. Concentrate on your professional accomplishments and advantages and refrain from personal stories.
Respond enthusiastically and cooperate with the interviewer. He / she are not your enemy; they are trying to figure out if you are a worthy candidate – prove it to them. Cope with the situation and the question asked, do not indulge in self pity. You are a worthy candidate – you better believe it!
- Begin with a description of your last position, the main responsibilities you had (3-5 sentences).
- Continue with the description of your position prior to that (1-2 sentences) and so on with any other positions you had which are relevant to the position you are applying for.
- If your education is relevant – present it briefly; if it isn't – leave it out. Conclude with a few words on the traits you have that are important for the position.
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This question is quite vague and general and usually creates confusion or a dilemma for the interviewee. The interviewee may think;
- "What does she mean?"
- "What am I expected to answer?"
- "Is she referring to my personal or professional life?"
If the interviewee is unconfident, hesitant or apprehensive he / she will have a harder time responding to such a question. Some interviewees may ask:.
- "What do you mean exactly?"
- "Could you be more specific?"
- "This is a question I often have difficulty in answering."
The rationale behind the responses above lies in the preoccupation some applicants have trying to figure out the interviewer's intentions. Instead of focusing their mind and energy on what they would like to say, they waste time and energy on trying to decipher the interviewer's agenda. Such responses present the interviewee in an insecure manner and may affect the development of the interview.
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Do not contemplate and procrastinate over the interviewer's hidden meaning. The interviewer does not have a hidden agenda; he just wants to get to know you better and your abilities as a candidate. The first question in an interview is an opportunity to make a concise and professional manner. It is vital that your response remains to the point and focused; 40 seconds that describe your professional experience in a nut shell.
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