Overview

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  Preparation is key if you want to have a successful job interview. If you have an upcoming meeting, it's a smart idea to study the background of the company and look over your resume one more time before going into the office. However, it's also helpful to understand the main objectives of an interview so that you can understand the situation from the interviewer's point of view.
  
  

Learn About Your Competencies

• The interviewer wants to determine if you are competent for the position being offered. He may do so by either asking specific questions to test your knowledge on the subject or by requesting that you complete a brief task. For example, if you're applying for a job as a computer programmer, you may have to write a small, specific piece of code to show your competency. The interviewer may also use the time to ask for clarification about your resume or cover letter.
  
  

Getting to Know You

• Another objective of a job interview is to give the human resource professional, owner, or supervisor an opportunity to get to know you, the candidate, on a personal level. The meeting allows the interviewer time to get an idea of your personality and decide if you carry yourself professionally in the workplace.
  
  

Introduce to Team

• Job interviews give you a chance to meet the team members who may become your professional colleagues. You may get a brief introduction to your potential co-workers and key members of the management team to whom you will report. The interviewer may have these staff members in the interview room or could take you around to meet them individually.
  
  

Discuss Job Duties and Details

• In a job interview, you aren't usually the only party that has to answer questions regarding the position. The interviewer also uses this time to give you an idea of the specific job duties involved and what the business expects of you if you're hired. Additionally, you may learn about the culture of the office, dress code and employee procedures associated with the position. Most interviewers will give you the chance to ask questions of your own about the business, the position or other aspects of working for the company. If hired at the end of the interview, you'll also receive details about your hours, salary and the first day you must report to work.