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 One of the latest techniques to hit the job market is the speed interview. The method, much like speed dating, allows both the interviewee and hiring company to assess the potential match of candidate to corporation. It also exposes the applicant to a large number of hiring companies in a short timeframe, thereby maximizing the candidate's chance of finding a job.
In this article, we're going to explain why companies are increasingly using speed interviews. We're also going to explain how speed interviews are structured and conducted. Finally, we'll provide some hints and tips on how you can prepare for this type of interview.
Speed Interview Technique
As certain professional and technical skills start to become scarce in corporate America, the speed interview has emerged as a way to screen a large number of candidates quickly. Companies using this technique realize that speed allows them to assess not just how well the candidate matches up against the required job skills, but also if there is a good corporate culture fit.
Hiring managers often need to fill gaps quickly in their organizations and human resource departments have reacted to this need by using the speed interview technique - which allows them to sift through dozens of applicants in a single afternoon. The speed of this process not only involves the initial job interview itself, but also typically results in an immediate decision to bring the candidate back for second interview.
Job applicants also benefit from this process since speed interviews are frequently held with multiple hiring companies during the same session. This allows the candidate to compare and contrast a relatively large set of potential future employers.
One of the weaknesses of this technique is the increased risk of making a poor hiring choice, which can lead to higher than desired turnover rates. Job candidates are also forced to make quick decisions, which can result in misunderstandings about the candidate's role in the organization, as well as their ability to cope with the demands of the company's culture.
Structure of Speed Interviews
Speed interview sessions are usually held during career fairs or during college recruitment events such as career days. Recruiters may also choose to conduct telephone interviews as part of a pre-screening process. Oftentimes, pre-screening of candidates is reserved for more senior-level positions.
Depending on the size of the event, the number of participating companies can range from a dozen recruiters to over 100. And hiring companies can expect to interview over 100 job candidates in a single day.
The total length of the interview will only be 5 to 15 minutes in length, and candidates can expect the interview questions to be challenging. Even more so than traditional interviews, speed interviewing favors extroverted candidates since there is very little time for introverts to gain the comfort they normally need to communicate effectively with strangers.
If the speed interview is successful, candidates are usually offered the option of participating in a more traditional full-length interview.
Preparing for Speed Interviews
First impressions do count, especially when it comes to speed interview. You've a short amount of time to make a great impression. Individuals seriously looking for a job will always try to maximize their chances of being offered an opportunity to join the ranks of an employer. And even during a speed interview, appearance counts.
Undoubtedly, these events are less formal than more personalized interviews, but that's not an excuse to dress in blue jeans and sneakers. The best approach is to dress professionally - as though you were going to work. Most people today would describe this as business casual. In fact, you don't want to "overdress" either because you'll want to save that outfit for the second interview.
Interview Tips
Following the tips below can help you make the most of the short time you'll have during the interview:
- Be Polite - shake hands with the recruiter when you're introduced, and make sure to thank everyone for their time and consideration. Ask the recruiter for a business card so you can follow up with a thank you letter.
- Bring Documents - make sure your resume is up-to-date and bring plenty of copies with you to the interview session. If you have great examples of the quality of work you can do, bring those documents too.
- Do Your Homework - if at all possible, obtain a list of the employers attending the speed interview session and do some research on the company and / or the types of jobs they are trying to fill.
- Prepare an Elevator Speech - the purpose of an elevator speech is to get your point across quickly. These speeches last for 30 seconds and contain roughly 100 to 150 words.
This last point is an important one because developing a good elevator speech may take some practice. A good elevator speech will tell the listener why you're a uniquely qualified applicant. It should also convey to the employer the benefits that you'll bring to their company. Finally, practicing the speech will not only allow you to gain confidence and improve the story, but also allow the speech to sound more natural.
About the Author - Speed Interviewing
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