Page 20 - HIWT Fall 2012 World of Welding

THE WORLD OF WELDING http://www.welding.org

ASK THE RECRUITER: TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT INTERVIEW

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probing questions may be customized based on answer to that person.
the answer you give. You will typically fi nd this Do not totally ignore the
interview style when you apply for state or municipal other person but focus
jobs. most of your attention
• Patterned Interview – The interviewer asks each on the person who asked
applicant questions that are from the same knowledge, the question. I cannot
skill or ability area. The actual questions asked may tell you how many times
differ depending upon your experience. Entry level I have sat through a
candidates will be asked different types of questions group interview where
than experienced candidates, but the answers will the candidate spent his/
tell the interviewer what knowledge and skills each her time talking to the
candidate has in that area. person sitting next to me
• Stress Interview – The interviewer assumes an when I was asking all the questions.
aggressive posture to see how the candidate responds • Panel Interview – This is a group interview where
to stressful situations. This type of interview is you typically have three or more interviewers. It is
typically used in high stress jobs such as air traffi c typically structured in nature where each interviewer
control, law enforcement, etc. As a welder you will asks the candidate a question. Most panel interviews
not likely run into this type of interview. If you do are setup so that the intervie wers are on one side of the
find yourself in what you believe is a stress interview, table with the candidate on the opposite side of the table.

you will want to think long and hard about whether INTIMIDATING!! Stay relaxed. Focus on the person
or not you want to work for that company. Chances asking the question when they ask. As you answer, start
are pretty good the job is very stressful. by focusing on the person who asked it but let your eyes
• Behavioral Interview – The interviewer focuses move to each interviewer to try and gauge their reactions.
on how the applicant previously handled real life You will quickly pick up the pattern to who is going to
situations/experiences. Using how the candidate ask what question next and become comfortable as you
describes the situation, took action and the end showcase your experience and knowledge.
result will allow the interviewer to predict how the
candidate will most likely react if faced with a similar Be prepared to interview for one position at one company
situation. This has become a very popular interview multiple times. Most companies do not conduct group or panel

style. interviews. Throughout your job search, you will find that you
• Situational Interview – The interviewer asks will have a brief phone interview, a face-to-face interview with
questions designed to elicit stories and examples that a recruiter, and then an interview with at least one person from

demonstrate their skills and qualifications for the the operations side of the company. As frustrating as that may
position. This is similar to behavioral interviewing, seem from a candidate’s perspective, it should be looked upon
however it does not ask the candidate to cite specifi c as if it is a positive. The recruiter would not waste their time
instances; it asks the candidate to speculate on and reputation by submitting your resume to other people in
how they would hand the situation. Sometimes the the company if they did not think you were capable. The more

situational and the behavioral interview will blend. people you meet in a company the more advocates you have
If you are unable to answer the behavioral interview for you to be hired by that company. Treat each and every

questions, the interviewer may rephrase it to a interview as if it is your first encounter with that company and
situational question. that you are the perfect candidate for them.
• Group Interview – The most common group Happy interviewing!
interview is conducted with multiple interviewers to
one candidate. The interviewers and the candidate Anne Kutscher is a Recruiter at Cianbro, a heavy civil and industrial
meet in one room and each interviewer asks questions construction company in the Northeast. She works out of their Southern
New England Regional office in Bloomfield, Connecticut hiring individuals
and takes notes. Typically interviewers have pre- to work on any number of projects in fifteen states. You can reach her
set questions to start the conversation and keep the at 860-761-6267; akutscher@cianbro.com; www.cianbro.com. Students
interview going. This can be very nerve racking to and graduates looking to submit a question should contact Anne directly
or contact Marty Baker, Editor of The World of Welding, at Marty.Baker@
those who are new to the interviewing world. Who welding.org or (937) 332-5603.
do you look at and focus in on? My advice is to focus
on the person asking the question and guide your

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