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Congratulations - You have found the Holy Grail of your job searching quest - the Interview! Your thought provoking cover letter and resume paved the way to clearing the first hurdle - engaging in the initial telephone screening. Your qualifications and interpersonal skills impressed enough to land you that interview, but now what? You have researched the prospective employer, you have the required skills and education level, but this is your first big interview and you just don't know what the employer's expectations are, and you don't know how the interview will play out. You have no idea what types of questions they will ask, and how you should respond. Anxiety time, right? Well, yes, quite frankly, but that is healthy and can be minimized. Each interview has a defined process with discrete phases, and if you know what to expect, you can have a more relaxing, successful interview.

The employer will already have matched their job opening against their job-related criteria and your qualifications. They have pre-screened the resumes and initial telephone screening according to this criteria, so relax - you're in so far!

The interview process often begins at the reception desk, so be pleasant, courteous, professional, and always remember that the interviewer will often inquire with the front-end office staff about their interaction with you, including your punctuality, demeanor, and the time it takes to complete any preliminary paperwork, etc.

Next is the interview process, with job-related questions tailored to you, specifically. An open, two-way communication environment is established. In order to select the best qualified applicant for a position, the successful interviewer will have certain factors established to evaluate a candidate, such as:

Knowledge / Experience - Important screening tools, but least effective in predicting overall success.

Intellect - Capacity to solve problems and communicate effectively.

Interpersonal - Interviewer will try to gain an understanding of past behavior, looking for attributes such as positive attitude, team player, mature, and flexible.

Motivation - Will you find the work satisfying and will you stay with the company? How much will you contribute to the job and the success of the organization? What are your short-term and long-term goals?

A final recommendation will be made after an evaluation of these factors, and comparison to other prospective candidates.

Employers will ask probing questions that will give them information about your abilities and experience. They observe personality traits carefully to see if you will fit in with their team. The seasoned interviewer will often engage a sixth sense to help them determine if the chemistry is right, so be aware of body language, maintain eye contact, and exude confidence.

The typical interview will consist of the following five phases:

Introduction - The interview simply begins with an introduction by the interviewer, stating their name, title and their position relationship within the company as to that of the position you are interviewing for.

Small Talk - The first few minutes is usually utilized by the interviewer to initiate small talk with you in order to make you feel more at ease and at home.

Body of Interview - This begins with a brief explanation of the process you will be going through during the course of the interview, first by outlining the interview itself, then by explaining the position, responsibilities and duties, including how it relates to the overall function of the company, expectations, and what qualities they are looking for in the successful candidate. One of the most important, open-ended questions you may be asked at the very beginning of an important interview, is, "Tell me about yourself and your experience, as it relates to the position you are applying for?" This is a set up question to see how well you can concisely organize your thoughts and effectively communicate to the interviewer (in as little time as possible), your prior experience and personal history, if necessary, that is exactly pertinent to satisfying the requirements of the position. Be prepared to go back only as far as necessary in your job history, and come forward in order to articulate your training, experience and success, in order to effectively sell yourself, without over-embellishing for affect.

In addition, be prepared to answer the following typical questions:

Can you give me an example of a typical day at (your last or present position)?
- Demonstrates organization, time management, communication.

What as the most difficult problem you faced in your last position (or in school)?
- Demonstrates intellect, creativity.

What do you consider your major accomplishments? Strengths? Weaknesses?
- Demonstrates work ethic, motivation, dedication, and honesty.

What strengths can you bring to this position that you think will make you successful?
- Demonstrates all of the above qualities.

How would your present boss, your peers, or a college professor describe your work ethic?

Did you ever have a supervisor that you disagreed with and why?
- Be careful!! This is a gauge of your future compatibility within the management structure, and of your adaptability and work ethic...Be honest, but put yourself in your supervisor's shoes and think about the situation carefully, so that you are responding with a mature, team oriented mindset.

During this phase you will be asked if you have any questions. It is important that you have done your homework, researched your prospective employer, and that you be prepared with questions that you feel are pertinent to your long-term success with the company. Take notes - this shows initiative, and is also essential in the training process in any new position, so you will not only make a great impression, but you will be prepared to ask questions at this time. You will be stressed, and you may forget questions you had previously. The best thing you can do to close strong is to have well thought out and articulated questions for your interviewer!

Closure - Finally, the interviewer will advise you of the next steps in the recruiting process. You may be asked for personal / professional references, as well as residential history for a possible background check. Be prepared and have those readily available.