“Skills employers need, want and expect from new-entrants and college graduates must be reflected on their resumes, in their experiences, coursework, must be articulated in the interview, and demonstrated in their job performance.” ~Anthony M. Baird

The job searching process is replete with stress and anxiety; however, most job prospects seem to manage the lead up to the job interview a lot better than the actual interview. The interview is a very significant step in the job search process, and preparation is critical to one’s success.
The interview can be compared to a combat sport between two gladiators, the candidate and the interviewer or the search and screen committee. In some cases, even with proper preparation, it requires confidence, courage and savvy. I can only imagine how terrifying it must be for those candidate who fall apart due to the unexpected dips and turns caused when an unanticipated question is asked.

Another way to look at the interviews is as if it is a final exam being given by employers, in order to determine if students learned what they needed to know and do upon graduating from college?

These are two thoughtful and salient questions that must be answered and demonstrated before students graduate from colleges and universities, in order to position themselves to perform well during the interview. Otherwise, some of them evaluate their success in the process a determinant of the value of their human capital investment, which was the decision to pursue the degree in the first place.

It is commonly known today that the dyadic nature of job interview facilitates two functions —firstly, it offers the employer valuable perspective into a candidates talents, abilities, skills and personality and likewise, it allows the interviewee the chance to differentiate whether their credentials, career goals, and aspiration match up with what the company seeks.
If a candidate is serious about becoming gainfully employed, then they must never enter the interview setting utterly unprepared to perform at a high level. It is important to understand the rule of engagement. Here are 5 Eppic key principles to keep in mind upon engaging in the interview process.

– The Interview is more like a waltz, neither partner holds 100% responsibility to lead the dance or to direct the next set of sequences in the routine. It is a 51:49 ratio in terms of the interest- screening power dynamic between the candidate and the employer. It shifts from employer to candidate, each optimizing the Socratic method of fact-finding.

– Start connecting the dots sooner, rather than later. As a freshman you should have companies on your radar from the get-go. Starting prospecting businesses via their advertisement on T.V., Internet, or social media (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Pay attention to their presence on our campus, or ask the question what I can do with this major, once you have declared.

– Talk to strangers. You are old enough now to discern good people from not so good people. Start with your faculty in you r discipline area, your peers and anyone in their network that the will introduce to you, tap into your alumni network, employers at the campus internship or career fairs, and your career center professional. These people are now part of your social eco-system that supports your enterprise.

– Students must possess the ability and skill to answer unanticipated interview questions, which means they need better preparation, practice, and confidence.” In this regard you can join at least one club on campus and challenge yourself by easing into a leadership role, but start as a member, volunteer and participate in your classes, and play a significant role when you work as a team.

– Know that “90% of hires are based on a person’s performance in an interview and that 63% of Hiring decisions are made in 4.3 seconds.” –SHRM

Contact Dr. Anthony M. Baird, Twitter: @AnthonyBairdIAM & FB: @iameppic, Instagram: @iameppic Email: Iameppic@gmail.com