|
You receive an invitation to visit the company for an on-site interview. That means that the employer thinks highly of you and your potential from your initial interview at a job fair, a screening telephone interview, or on-campus recruiting. Keep a level head. Get as much information about the next interview as possible.
Purpose of the Company Visit The company visit has two primary purposes: - It allows the company an opportunity to make a more in-depth assessment of the candidate, to get the opinions of more people concerning your “fit” with them.
- It gives you more information in deciding whether or not they are the right organization for you. You will meet more people and see how you feel about the entry-level position, culture, environment, long-range opportunities and the overall community atmosphere.
Preparing for the Visit Preparation is essential and will be recognized by every person that you meet. When they realize that you are well prepared they will view you as a person who is thorough, competent, diligent and bright. Items to include in your preparation include the following: - Notes taken after the first interview
- Employer’s website
- Annual report
- Employer promotional material
- Industry and business publications with company articles
- Conversations with alums of your school who are employees
- Conversations with employees in the line of work in which you are interested
- Conversations with faculty, career services, customers, etc., who are knowledgeable about the company.
Other Essential Information to Know for the Interview - When and where it will take place?
- How long it will last – one hour, one day, or two days?
- With whom will you be interviewing – a personnel recruiter, a department manager, a supervisor, vice president, president, various company personnel? Make sure you get the names and titles of those who are interviewing you.
- What is the exact position for which you are interviewing so you can research typical duties and responsibilities, as well as, salary range?
- What is the interview schedule?
Other Factors to Consider Before the Visit - Find out the type of clothing that is appropriate for the trip
- Make sure clothing, hair, face, skin and nails are in good shape
- Leave personal problems at home
- Have copies of your résumé and references with you
Interview Formats Interviews vary in length from organization to organization. Some will schedule only an hour while others schedule up to two days. You might encounter: · Individual interviews (ask for business cards from each person) · Group interviews (with multiple interviews and/or multiple interviewees) · Testing o Paper and pencil aptitude assessments o Drug testing o Psychological tests · Meals · Receptions, etc. Interview Questions Prepare a whole list of questions to ask that show you have done your homework, and word them in a positive manner. These questions are more critical than the ones you asked during the first interview. With senior management you may wish to ask questions concerning the company mission, philosophy, long range goals, management style and about their own careers. With other company representatives you may ask more personal questions, such as how evaluations are done, working in teams, working independently, etc. You will be asked questions concerning your past work experience, academic record and extracurricular life. You must be ready to give answers that reflect how you have functioned in the past. Different people may ask you the same questions. Regardless of where you are, whom you are with, or what you are doing, you are being evaluated as a potential employee of the organization. Use proper grammar, good taste and common sense in all that you say and do. Keep in mind that your behavior, whether proper or improper, can be reported to the employer by anyone with whom you come in contact. Social events, receptions and meals, are a part of the interview process. An informal event with casual conversation helps the employer to see how you seem to fit with their current mix of employees and at the same time you can use it as a time to see how the group fits with you. One or more meals will be included in the interview process in which your manners, poise, conversation skills and judgment may be evaluated. Make sure you are well-versed in the rules of dining etiquette by reviewing a standard book of etiquette. Take a cue from the host as to ordering and stay away from messy foods. The best rule of thumb is to never drink at an interview, even if your host is drinking. Salary Salary will certainly come up during the visit – just make sure you are not the one to raise it. You will know the salary range from your research so be prepared to respond and stay as flexible as possible. Interview Closing The coordinator of the interview will probably be the last person you will see. If you are excited about the position you should ask for the job. If this step is preliminary find out the next step in the process and the timetable for a decision. Additional information from you should be provided immediately. Finalize the method of reimbursement for travel expenses. Interview Expenses - Be sure it is clear before you take an interview trip whether you or the company will be responsible for your expenses. Discuss the mode of travel, hotel accommodations, the visit agenda, and if married should the spouse accompany you.
- If the organization is paying for your trip, keep an accurate account of all expenses such as meals, tips, cab fare, or private auto expenses. Receipts should be kept for all major expenses, such as transportation and hotel accommodations.
- Unless it is indicated in the invitation, you may normally select the most convenient means of transportation. Travel by private automobile should be cleared with the organization.
- This is a business trip and your expenses should be incurred accordingly. Excessive expenditures might reduce an employment opportunity.
Refund of Expenses The interviewee usually pays all expenses and receives reimbursement following the trip. Generally, a written record of expenses including receipts must be sent to the employer before reimbursement will be made. Some employers may furnish forms for you to fill out when you return to campus. Do not expect the company to pay for telephone calls, in-house movies, etc. Keep receipts and itemize expenses on a daily basis. If you follow these procedures, expense refunds are usually received without undue delay. Visit Follow-Up It is imperative to write thank you notes to each person who interviewed you. Writing a note shows you have taken the time to express your thanks in a thoughtful and personal way. Many people do not send thank you notes and this will make a favorable impression. If you did not get a job offer, follow up with a telephone call to the hiring manager. Keep to the timetable you talked about during your visit. |
