You don't mention what type of position you are applying for and whether or not it is an entry level position. But if an interview ends after only one question, then maybe you are applying for a position to which you are very over qualified or under qualified.
Obviously there's a lot of advice available on interviewing. You've probably heard some of this, but here are some basic tips that come to mind:
- You should know something about the company and the position before the interview. Read up on it and be ready to use a small amount of it in your conversation with the interviewer.
- It's YOUR interview. Be sure you cover topics that you feel are important to helping you land the job.
- Not all interviewers know how to conduct an interview. So again, make sure you cover the ground that you want to cover.
- Come prepared with a few questions about the position. What's a typical day like? Could you describe the team I'll be working with? Bring a pen and a small pad of paper with your questions.
- Take a few notes. It doesn't need to be lot.
- Don't ask about the pay and benefits in a 1st interview unless the interviewer opens the door. Even then you should go lightly and just touch the basics.
Terrific feedback! Thank you.
I'm applying to be a personal banker. I have two an a half years experience in a check-chashing/payday loan place, 8 months of it as an assistant manager, and 2 months experience running such a store. I'm a notary public. I don't think overqualified is the case, but who knows, maybe I should be applying a tier up? From what I gather, I had already made more than most tellers in that job, and the pay was on par with a personal banker, so that was the position I was aiming for.
I like the more generic nature of the questions you gave. Would make me look more like I'm interested without seeming like I'm reaching (which is part of the problem I think I'm having, one interview ended in them expecting me to ask more questions, which I was unable to muster).
I will come prepared next time with questions already made up. What sort of information should I be looking for in researching the company?
Also, I haven't been asking about the pay and benefits directly, but I think I've subtly made clear that this is important to me. I'm going to address how I approach that subject from here on out.
I think one thing I did wrong today was forget to bring my resume. The previous two interviews I did bring it for, and it felt redundant because they had already printed it out.
Go figure that I'd need it today. That is probably what crushed me, but I won't be making that mistake again.