Who interviews you will depend on the situation
- You may be given an initial screening interview by someone from Human Resources.
- You may be interviewed by one person — the hiring interviewer.
- You may be interviewed by a panel of interviewers.
- You may be interviewed by one interviewer after another.
When you find out that you have an interview, ask about the format and structure of the interview — if the organization doesn’t give you that information.
What do interviewers want?
- Interviewers want to
— Figure out whether you would be a good fit with the organization
— Find out whether you are really interested in the position or program
— Confirm that you are as qualified as your resume and cover letter suggest - Interviewers want you to be the right candidate for the role.
- Interviewing is time-consuming and expensive. Saying “no” means that the interviewer has to spend time and money looking for someone else!
- Interviewers want your skills and and experiences to connect to something that matters to them.
- Interviewers are most interested in what you can give them. They are less interested in what they can give you.
- Interviewers are very interested in the questions that you ask them. Your questions show them what you think is important.