How to Best Prepare for Preliminary Interviews

Each potential employer has its own screening process for new employees.

Preparing for a preliminary interview helps ensure that you come across in a professional, respectful and ready manner to a potential employer. A preliminary interview is a basic screening procedure in which a prospective employer interviews a number of potential candidates to make sure each has the most fundamental requirements for the position. While a strong performance during a preliminary interview doesn’t guarantee you the job, it does help you make it through the early cuts for the position.

Instructions

1. Speak to a representative in the human relations department, or your contact at the potential employer, and research the specifics of the preliminary interview, including who you can expect to speak to, how long the interview may last, if the interviewers intend to record it for others to hear, and the time and location of the interview. Some preliminary interviews are informal conversations held over the phone, while others are more formal and include numerous interviewees.

2. Study the kinds of questions you may expect by researching the position for which you are applying. For instance, in an interview for a new teaching position, you can expect questions about your teaching style, teaching philosophy and methods you use to resolve conflict. Make a list of the major questions you expect the interviewee to ask during the interview.

3. Write answers to some of these questions, using the appropriate level of technical jargon for the position for which you are applying. Make sure you understand your answers and are able to explain each phrase used in your answers. Commit your answers to memory, keeping them ready when your interviewer asks. As an example, if you are applying for a teaching position and expect a question about your teaching philosophy, you may write, “I teach in a differentiated teaching style, integrating computers and technology in my classroom presentations.”

4. Develop your self-confidence by telling yourself you are ready for the interview, you know what you can expect and you are right for the position. Self-confidence is part of your presentation, and you want to come across as capable, ready and excited to have the opportunity to join the company. If you are preparing for a preliminary phone interview, dress up for the event as if you were meeting in someone’s office to prepare yourself for the professionalism expected during the interview.

5. Arrive for your interview early and stay patient while you wait for your time. if you are preparing for a phone interview, sit ready for your interview at least 10 minutes before you expect the call to help you sound calm but ready over the phone.

References

• Connecticut Department of Labor: Tips for Job Seekers
• American Council for Southern Asian Art; A Guide to Preliminary Interviews and Campus Visits for Positions in Southern Asian Art; Tamara Sears
• Monta Vista High School Future Business Leaders of America; Preliminary Interview Guidelines; Michael Yuan