What is an interview and what does the interviewer look for?

• An interview is a two way process.
• The employer learns more about you while you learn about them, the job they offer, their department or operation, and the company in general.
• It is important to recognize that interviewing is not a perfect, purely rational process.
• There are many different styles and techniques used in an interview.
• No one interviewer or interviewee can fully master all the techniques.
• The "best qualified" students are not always invited back for a second interview.
• The primary objective of the interviewer is to determine :
  whether you meet the criteria established for the position,
  whether you will make a contribution to the organization, and
  whether or not you will provide a good return on investment.
• A secondary objective is to assess how well you fit into an organization.

Every question, including the most far afield, is asked to establish generally three things:

# 1. Your skill / background & fit with the position

• You should use the job descriptions provided by the company to understand the criteria of the position you are interviewing for.
• Your goal is to present those aspects of your background that most relate to the given position.
• In the case of students conducting independent job search interviews, don't worry if you can't locate specific job criteria prior to your interview. Most positions have standard requirements, so present your background in those terms.

# 2. Your fit with the culture of the organization

• Prior to the interview, try to get a sense of the corporate culture of the firm by talking with your colleagues or recent Darden alumni. If you know the names of the people you will be meeting with, ask your internal contacts what they are like.

# 3. Your enthusiasm

• Know why you want the job and why you like the organization, and be convincing about it. Any deficit in enthusiasm is seen as a lack of true interest in the job.