It is sometimes referred to as a walk-in job interview. Anyone interested in a position is welcomed to attend the scheduled event. No prior application is needed as all candidates submit their application and participate in an interview on the day. The open-interview format is predominately used by organizations that employ seasonal workers. It is also common at job fairs when an organization is only in town for a short time. Open interviews are the most difficult kind of interview to prepare for as you are with many other candidates, and the interviews are brief. The interviews themselves take place either in a group or individually. The recruiter may conduct formal interviews or have an informal conversation with you. Following your interview, you may be offered a job on the spot or a second interview. As a candidate, open interviews allow you to demonstrate your communication and people skills in a real-life situation. They enable the recruiter to see you before your resume – a luxury that traditional application processes don’t have. The typical features of an open interview are:
Presentation about the organization, culture and job role Group interviews to demonstrate how you interact with others and how you respond under pressure A less formal atmosphere as the interview format is similar to an open discussion
How to Succeed in an Open Interview
To succeed in an open interview, you need to prepare beforehand:
Research the Organization
Who are their customers? What are their values and mission statement? What do they specialize in? Check Google News to learn about their recent activities
Update Your Resume
Ensure your resume contains keywords from the job description as the recruiter will take just six seconds, on average, to scan your resume for those skills Print it in high-quality color ink and on high-quality paper
Prepare Your Answers
Prepare as you would for a formal interview Look at some common interview questions and prepare answers so you aren’t caught off-guard
Arrive Early
Open interviews are often first-come, first-served, and there is generally a large turnout There is a chance you will be interviewed in a calmer, less crowded environment if you arrive early The recruiter will also be less overwhelmed and more focused
Look the Part
It may not feel as formal as a traditional interview, but you still need to make a great first impression Business casual attire is appropriate for open interviews Formal attire may be more appropriate at job fairs, depending on the business
Bring Only the Essential Items
At least 25 copies of your resume A list of references Pen and paper Your prepared notes A book to pass the time Bottle of water and some snacks – the event might be catered, but bring your own provisions in case it is not A smart, appropriate bag to carry everything
Example answer: Don’t be afraid to share your qualities. If you are unsure of how to describe yourself, ask your friends and family how they would describe you. Example answer: This is also a trick question as it can be startling to hear. The recruiter is looking to see how quickly you think. There are two ways of answering. The first is to mention something entertaining, like a prank you played on your friends. The second is to turn it from a negative to a positive. Example answers: Although my pranking days are over, it’s good to have fun and to have a positive relationship with your team. A close friend of mine struggled to pay for her school loans, but she refused to ask for help. I secretly asked around our friends to see how much money we could raise. Between us, we managed two months’ payments. I hand-delivered the money with a bunch of flowers and ran away before she answered the door. Until this day, she still has no idea who it was. However, use your prior research to focus your answer on aspects of their business that you know about. Example answer: Be specific with your answer and relate to past experiences or the organization’s values. You should also mention success outside of work. Example answer: As I understand, [insert company] is known for its employee training programs and reward systems – something I’m very excited about. Outside of work, I’m part of a community football team. Success with them looks like finishing the game with at least one point and no injuries. In a typical interview situation, you would follow up with an email thanking the recruiter for their time. In an open interview, where your recruiter has spoken to many people, a follow-up email is even more important. At the event, ask every person you have spoken to for their business card or a way to contact them. Once you return home, send an email to every person who interviewed you. The outcome of the open interview will be one of the following: If you were successful, send an email thanking them for their time and the job role. Reiterate your skills and why you will be an asset to their organization. If you were not successful, simply thank them for taking the time to interview you. Attach your resume and a cover letter specific to the role, with the statement: I have attached my resume and a cover letter for your reference. If you were told that they will be in touch, your email should read something like this: Dear [insert name of recruiter], Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today regarding the position of [insert position]. I believe this role to be a strong match for my skills, and I think I would be an excellent asset to your organization. Your customer-led approach is in keeping with the experience I have already gained and the values I hold most highly. In addition to my passion, I possess [insert most relevant skills]. If you have any further questions or require any more information, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am very interested in working with you, and I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, [Your full name] [Contact number] [Email] Dear [insert name of recruiter], Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today regarding the position of [insert position]. I believe this role to be a strong match for my skills, and I think I would be an excellent asset to your organization. Your customer-led approach is in keeping with the experience I have already gained and the values I hold most highly. In addition to my passion, I possess [insert most relevant skills]. I have attached my resume and cover letter for your reference. I look forward to seeing you again on [insert interview date]. If you require any further information from me before then, please do not hesitate to reach out. Sincerely, [Full name] [Contact number] [Email]
Take the time to prepare as you would for a formal interview – Research the organization and prepare your answers Remember that first impressions count – Check your grooming and wear appropriate clothing Some open interviews take all day – Come prepared with snacks, water and reading material You never know who’s watching – Interact with other candidates and show some of your personality, even when waiting
