POST OFFICE JOBS INFORMATION
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JOB INTERVIEWS

The job interview is usually a two-way discussion between you and a prospective employer. The interviewer is attempting to determine whether you have what the Postal Service needs, and you are attempting to determine if you would accept the job if offered. Both of you will be trying to get as much information as possible in order to make those decisions.

The interview that you are most likely to face is a structured interview with a traditional format. It usually consists of three phases. The introductory phase covers the greeting, small talk and an overview of which areas will be discussed during the interview. The middle phase is a question-and-answer period. The interviewer asks most of the questions, but you are given an opportunity to ask questions as well. The closing phase gives you an opportunity to ask any final questions you might have, cover any important points that haven't been discussed and get information about the next step in the process.

 

# Structured Interview. In a structured interview, the interviewer explores certain predetermined areas using questions which have been written in advance. The interviewer has a written description of the experience, skills and personality traits of an "ideal" candidate. Your experience and skills are compared to specific job tasks. This type of interview is very common and most traditional interviews are based on this format.

The Postal Service hires the best qualified candidate for the position with the abilities and talents they need. The interview is where they make that final hiring decision and you must be prepared. It is up to you to demonstrate at the interview that you are the person they want. Most don't prepare for an interview and that is a mistake. Chapter Seven of Post Office Jobs by Dennis V. Damp is devoted to interview preparation including sample interview questions that you may encounter at your interview and steps that you can take before, during and after the interview. You can also visit your local Library's Reference Department to review this informative book, call 1-800-782-7424 to order a copy by phone or order on-line.

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Last modified: 06/18/08