Purpose of an Interview

Over the years we at Holland & Associates have sent out hundreds of candidates on interviews. In preparing them for their interview, we always ask: “what is the purpose of your interview?” It is surprising that only a few people get the right answer.

The correct answer is “to get an offer.”

Interviewing is basically a one-sided affair. The company has all the cards and you have to be astute enough to be able to win the game. If you realize the purpose of the interview, that helps provide the focus for success. It also has the added benefit of reducing your anxiety level.

If you interview and get an offer, you win. You then can accept the offer, make a counter offer, or reject the offer. In short, you get to decide. You are being proactive instead of reactive. If you don’t get an offer, there is nothing to decide. Total strangers get to make your career decision. Moreover, you have basically wasted your time and the company’s money,

Put yourself in a position to succeed by remembering why you are interviewing – to get an offer!