Job Interview - How To Interview For A Post Office Job
The job interview is usually a two-way discussion between you and a
prospective employer. The interviewer is attempting to determine whether you
have what the Postal Service needs, and you are attempting to determine if
you would accept the job if offered. Both of you will be trying to get as
much information as possible in order to make those decisions.
The interview that you are most likely to face is a structured interview
with a traditional format. It usually consists of three phases. The
introductory phase covers the greeting, small talk and an overview of which
areas will be discussed during the interview. The middle phase is a
question-and-answer period. The interviewer asks most of the questions, but
you are given an opportunity to ask questions as well. The closing phase
gives you an opportunity to ask any final questions you might have, cover
any important points that haven't been discussed and get information about
the next step in the process.
In a structured interview, the interviewer explores certain predetermined
areas using questions which have been written in advance. The interviewer
has a written description of the experience, skills and personality traits
of an "ideal" candidate. Your experience and skills are compared to specific
job tasks. This type of interview is very common and most traditional
interviews are based on this format.
The Postal Service hires the best qualified candidate for the position
with the abilities and talents they need. The interview is where they make
that final hiring decision and you must be prepared. It is up to you to
demonstrate at the interview that you are the person they want. Most don't
prepare for an interview and that is a mistake. Chapter Six of
Post Office Jobs by
Dennis V. Damp is devoted to interview preparation including sample
interview questions that you may encounter at your interview and steps that
you can take before, during and after the interview. You can also visit your
local Library's Reference Department to review this informative book, call
1-800-782-7424 to order a copy by phone or order
on-line.
