From the course: Remote Interviewing Techniques for Creative Jobs

Why do we interview?

From the course: Remote Interviewing Techniques for Creative Jobs

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Why do we interview?

- Interviewing isn't a science. There's a lot of subjectivity in the process. Some candidates come across really well during an interview but don't perform so well on the job. Others are terrible at getting their point across well in an interview, but can communicate just fine when they're actually working with colleagues. Additionally, interviewers, aren't always very good at their side of the process. It's hard to conduct a good interview, remove personal biases, and compare honestly between multiple candidates. But love them or hate them, interviews are the most common way that companies assess the people they're going to hire. I been through several other types of recruitment processes in my time, everything from sitting through a day of psychological and aptitude tests, to participating in team exercises with other candidates to co-creating something with another member of the company that will be employing me. But by far, the most common has been one-on-one interviews. They're quick to set up, quick to perform, require minimal resources, and if they're conducted well, they can provide at least some insight into the candidates fit for the job that's on offer. But what's the purpose of interviewing candidates. If you know what companies are trying to get from the process is more likely that you can give them that thing. I think we can break it into four categories of information they're trying to learn. First is obviously whether you're a good fit for the job. Do you have the correct skillset or can you demonstrate the ability to learn or transition existing skills? Do you have the mental aptitude to perform this work? Then, this fit with the team. This is about your people skills. Are you a team player? Can you align your individual work to the team's goals? Can your contributions make the team more successful? You also have to demonstrate fit with the company. That includes things like whether you appear to share the company's values, whether that's being caring or being rootless. It's also your general attitude to work. Hopefully interview is also interested in your future potential. Do you have the ability to see the big picture beyond just your row? Do you demonstrate willingness to learn and grow? Do you have enthusiasm? Are you excited to work for this particular organization as you grow your longterm career? The company will be investing in you. So they want to know that there's a potential return on that investment both now and in the future. Interviews are the most common way to find that out. Interview questions are aimed at getting answers to one or more parts of that picture. Understanding this gives you an advantage because it means you can often craft your answers to ensure you hit a couple of these points.

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