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The job interview constitutes the primary basis for almost every decision in the hiring process. For Kerford, the objective is to obtain enough of the right kind of information about you to make an accurate assessment of your qualifications, background and career goals and to select the best possible candidate for the organization. For you, the objective of the interview are to make the most favourable impression possible as you determine whether or not you are interested in working for Kerford.

As interview is a two-way discussion rather than the interrogation that is often perceived to be. You can play an active role have decisive control over the outcome by refining you professionalism and strengthening your presentation skills.

The first interview is generally a screening interview. Seldom, if ever, is a job offer made at the conclusion of the fist interview. This interview may be with a human resources representative who conducts the initial screening to determine if there is a potential match. If successful, you may be invited to a training workshop with other candidates, at the office or a banquet hall outside of the office.

The decision to select one from among many well- qualified candidates is based on many factors beyond possessing the right credentials for the job. Some of the most significant factors involved in the final decision are interpersonal and communication skills, leadership and career direction and sales experience in the past.

If you have to be successful in qualifying through the interview you would have to prepare on the following aspects:

Conducting self-assessment Developing career objectives Researching employers and positions Anticipating questions and formulating answers Preparing good questions Practising and researching

Conducting self- assessment
Kerford looks for candidates who know themselves. Self-analysis therefore is critical to successful interviewing. To effectively present your qualifications, you must take an inventory of your accomplishments, skills education, paid or a volunteer experience, strength and weakness, likes and dislikes, interests, career values and personal attributes.

Developing career objective(s)
We seek candidates who have career direction and who can present their interest in relation to our organization’s needs. The information you generate from your self-assessment process will help you express clear objectives or goals. These may range from broad life expectations to specific job titles.

Basic information Research About Employers: Type of organization and location(s) Relative size of organization within the field Product lines or services Main competitor Organizational structure Typical career path and entry-level salary in the field Current issues facing the industry

Researching employers and positions.
No level of interviewing skills will pull through unless you’ve done your homework fist. In order to relate your interest to the needs of Kerford employer, you must become familiar with the organization’s past and present activities, and its future plans. The company Web site can help you begin your research.

Anticipating questions and formulating answers
Questions, which are frequently asked in the interview, are listed on this web page. Assess these sample questions and formulate answers which are thorough and which accentuate the positive. Remember, however, that you can`t memorize your answers because they must reflect information that is relevant and unique to each interview situation.

Preparing good questions
Only by asking questions, can you determine whether your background matches our needs included in this web page, which you may consider. Obviously, the best questions are those you formulate as a direct result of your interview discussion and the research you have conducted on the organization. Asking well-thought-out questions communicate your interest and enthusiasm.

Practising and rehearsing
As is the case in most of life’s situations, practice or experience with the interview process will help you improve your ability to sell yourself. The best way to boost your self-confidence is to practice your presentation skills. Role-play the interview with a friend, family member or career counsellor. Seek from your stand-in interview a candid appraisal of your presentation skills.

The Interview Format
No matter what the type of job or organization, an interview is generally divided into three parts - rapport building, information exchange and conclusion.

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