The On-Site Interview
Typical Schedule for a Daylong On-Site Visit
- 8:30-9:15 am - Candidate arrives at office/human resources department.
- 9:15-10 - Human Resources interview (and/or testing which could last 1-2 hours).
- 10-11 - On-Site tour (usually conducted by human resources department representative assigned as the day's host).
- 11-11:45 - GROUP INTERVIEW I.
- 11:45-12:30 pm - GROUP INTERVIEW II.
- 12:30-1:30 - LUNCH with personnel representatives and selected others including, perhaps, a graduate of candidate's alma mater.
- 1:30-2:15 - DIVISION (Department) HEAD INTERVIEW.
- 2:15-2:45 - Optional second tour/tailored to candidate's areas of interest.
- 2:45-3:30 - DEPARTMENTAL INTERVIEW.
- 3:30-4 - HUMAN RESOURCES/Job Offer Kit/Travel
The On-Site Interview
You have passed all preliminary screening tests if, after your campus interview, you are invited to visit an employer's office; or after your first interview at the organization, you are asked to return. Here is your second chance to sell your skills and potential to the management team. When you know generally what to expect, you can make the most of this important, yet anxiety producing situation. While this is the final stage of the selection process, remember that the organization is also trying to make a favorable impression on you. Don't be surprised if on arrival you are not met at the airport by the organization representative. Although the company will usually make hotel accommodations for you and may also arrange your flight, it's often up to you to find your way around and appear on schedule for your first appointment.
Timetable
The on-site visit generally consumes a whole day - sometimes more - and may include pre-employment testing. Some organizations use standardized tests while others simulate on-the-job situations in order to assess your decision-making abilities. In a sense, even interviews are a test of your poise, stamina, enthusiasm and knowledge. Typically, you'll be interviewed all day long by various supervisors, managers, and officials with a break for lunch and perhaps a tour. Some employers may test you for drug usage.
The Interviews
In some organizations, all the people who participate in interviewing have been trained. Some will do it better than others, of course. As the candidate, you should be able to help establish the rapport necessary for a productive interview session. As much as possible be natural, candid and relaxed. Initiate relevant questions and concerns as appropriate.
Things to Look for and Think About
Work environment goes beyond the physical aspects of an office or plant. It also includes the people who work there and the organization's culture and values.
Here are some suggestions for things to pay attention to during your visit:- Do the people seem happy?
- Are they helpful?
- Are they enthusiastic about their work?
- Are they enthusiastic about the organization?
- Do you feel welcome?
- Do you like the people?
- Do you like the facilities?
- Do you like the management style?
- Does this seem like a good place to work?
Expenses - The Third Impression
An on-site visit is your second chance to make a good impression with an employer, and your report of expenses incurred will be the third - and perhaps - lasting impression you'll leave with that employer: make this third impression a good one.
- Seek reimbursement only for the ACTUAL expenses of your trip. Do not include entertainment, personal items such as toiletries and cosmetics, or alcohol.
- Get receipts for hotel and all transportation costs. These are usually required (for auditing purposes) before employers can issue reimbursement checks. If you drive your own car to a plant visit, indicate your route and the round-trip mileage.
- In all instances, be prudent. How you spend a organization's funds on a plant visit is a good indication of how you might spend those funds as an employee. Reimbursement policies vary from one organization to the next. Some set fixed-dollar rates for meals, lodging and miscellaneous as well as for mileage. Others ask the candidate to use his/her own judgement or to be reasonable.
- Should you visit other firms on the same trip, you will be expected to prorate your expenses among all of them.
When you meet with the human resources department host at the end of the day's visit, you may fill out an expense report and be reimbursed then. Generally, however, checks will be mailed after your visit.
Evaluations Made by Recruiters
The employer will be observing and evaluating you during the interview. Erwin S. Stanton, author of Successful Personnel Recruiting and Selection, indicates some evaluations made by the employer during the interview include:
- How mentally alert and responsive is the job candidate?
- Is the applicant able to draw proper inferences and conclusions during the course of the interview?
- Does the applicant demonstrate a degree of intellectual depth when communicating or is his/her thinking shallow and lacking depth?
- Has the candidate used good judgement and common sense regarding life planning up to this point?
- What is applicant's capacity for problem-solving activities?
- How well does candidate respond to stress and pressure?
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