What Is The Purpose Of A Job Interview?

Why should you care what the purpose of a job interview is? It's typically seen by the interviewee as an interrogation or even an examination. A good interview should be a two-way conversation between the applicant and the potential future employer. The purpose of a job interview is for you to get to know each other and find out whether there's a good fit of skills, experience and attitude. It's an opportunity for you to market yourself and let your future employer see the benefits you could bring to the role. It's also your chance to find out whether you want to work for them.

The more we talk to recruiters, the more we find that, above all other factors, they're looking for the right attitude. They will often make allowances for your skills (they can train you) and your experience (if you can prove you pick things up fast), as long as you have the right attitude.

So what's the "right" attitude? Someone who is genuinely interested in the company and who they think will fit inwith the culture and the team. All the more reason why you should make sure you are relaxed and natural in the job interview. It really isn't the place for putting on a different personality - most interviewers will spot it. At the end of the day, you're either the best person for the job - or you're not. But there are things you can do to weight the odds in your direction.