If you’ve been applying for a new job or jobs in general, you might have been invited to attend an open interview. This could be a new term that you’ve never heard of before.
Well, if it is, don’t panic. We are going to go through everything you need to know about an open interview and what you need to know in order to be successful.
Table of Contents
What Is An Open Interview?
Open interviews are also known as walk-in interviews or hiring events. Open interviews happen when the employer accepts job applications and all those who have been accepted attend an interview that is scheduled at the same time.
Applicants would be interviewed on the spot, sometimes in a group format and sometimes individually.
How Does An Open Interview Work?
All of the applicants show up for this interviewing process, which makes it quite a tricky one.
You may find that the open interview is being held on a one-to-one basis. However, there is the other possibility, that you will be seated at tables in groups.
If this is the case, then often recruiters will be talking to the applicants in an informal manner.
At an open interview event, the interviews are often brief. Depending on the process, you might be asked to stay to discuss the job further, they may schedule a second interview at a different time, or they may hire you on the spot.
How To Prepare For An Open Interview
Now that you know how open interviews work, here are some tips for helping you prepare for them.
Read The Interview Description
The most important thing you can do to leave a good impression is to know how the interview process is going to work. Read the description of what the open interview layout will be like if there is one provided.
The last thing you want to do is leave the interviewer or recruiters with the impression that you are lost.
The interview description might also include a bunch of things you need to bring with you. This could be certificates of your qualifications or what to wear to the interview.
Research
Make sure that you have researched the company in great detail. Showing that you have an understanding of the company’s structure, the goals of the company, and what the company does is a great way to leave a good impression.
It is important to make sure you are aware of any recent news about the company or any big projects they are doing. This will help you answer questions the interviewer might ask.
If they tell you who in the company is interviewing you then research them and their role in the company. It always helps to have some knowledge of the person interviewing you, if they’ve told you who it is.
Look At The Position
Although you may have some knowledge of the position, it always helps to refresh your memory. Try to research the position in this company and what is expected of you. It always helps to know more about the role you are applying for.
You could also find more about the position from previous employees. There are many websites where employees leave comments about the positions they are in. You could try searching these websites for information about the company you are applying to.
Memorize Your Resume
Make sure you are aware of what is on your resume and that it is up to date. It leaves a great first impression if you are able to talk through your resume clearly without having to look back at what you have written.
It also helps to know your resume inside out so you are not caught off guard by a question about your resume.
Prepare Your Answers
Although it isn’t possible to know the questions you will be asked, there are a bunch of questions that are likely to be asked during the interview.
Research these questions and prepare the answers for them. Remember to link your answers back to the position you are applying for.
An example of this would be being asked what are your strengths. If you are applying for a job in sales, make sure you relate your strengths to moments where they would apply in sales.
For example, if you put your strength as being resilient, give an example and link it to how this would help you in sales.
Practice Speaking In Front Of A Group
Open interviews can take place in a group setting, so if you are a bit shy when it comes to talking in front of a group, then you should practice this. Have a go at answering the questions you have prepared in front of a group of people at home.
They can give you feedback on your answers and it might help ease your nerves.
Prepare Your Questions
Interviewers will often ask if you have any questions and it leaves a good impression if you ask a few. This is where doing your research of the company can help you.
You could ask about anything positive you’ve seen in the news about the company. Make sure that your questions are relevant to the role you are applying for.
Plan Your Outfit
The outfit you wear to an interview is a huge part of the first impression you give. Make sure that you are appropriately dressed for the interview.
If there is a specific dress code, be sure to follow the dress code. Check the weather, to help you decide what you should be wearing.
If you are unsure of what to wear, then it is best to be on the safer side and go with business attire or business casual attire in the warmer months.
Arrive Early
The worst thing you could do is to arrive late to an interview. So to avoid this, make sure you plan your journey so you arrive a few minutes early.
Questions To Expect
Here are some questions that you might be asked in your interview.
- What do you know about the company?
- Why would you be a good fit for this role?
- Why do you want this position?
- Tell me about yourself
- What are your strengths/weaknesses?
Final Thoughts
An open interview is where all the applicants come to an event at the same time to be interviewed. To be successful in an open interview, you need to stand out from the crowd through your knowledge of the position and the company.
The way to succeed in an open interview is to be prepared before the interview. Make sure you are comfortable speaking in front of people and have an awareness of the day.
