INTERVIEW

Interview is a face to face interpersonal role situation in which one person – the interviewer asks the person – being interviewed specific questions in order to assess his suitability for admission , recruitment , or promotion , or for an opinion. It is a psychological and sociological instrument. It is a systematised method of contact with a person to know his views. It is regarded as the most important method of collection of data.

IMPORTANCE OF THE INTERVIEW METHOD

1. It is the best method for getting information about feelings.

2. Useful for securing information from persons at all levels.

3. Method of psychological study.

4. Method of inter – stimulation. ( Mentally )

5. Verification of information.

TYPES OF INTERVIEW

1. Interview on the basis of Object.

2. Interview on the basis of number of Information or Respondents.

3. Interviews on the basis of Form.

INTERVIEWS ON THE BASIS OF OBJECT

• CLINICAL INTERVIEW – is used in the medical profession or for solving a problem. Once the cause is ascertained the remedy is sought.

• SELECTION INTERVIEW – is conducted for selecting a person on the basis of certain traits or qualities.

• DIAGNOSTIC INTERVIEW – when the objects of the interview is confined to finding out the cause of some social event or problem.

• RESEARCH INTERVIEW – it is kind of diagnostic interview in which the cause of a problem is sought & analysed in detail.

INTERVIEW ON THE BASIS OF NUMBER OF INFORMATION OR RESPONDENTS

• GROUP INTERVIEW – Such an interview takes place when a group of persons is interviewed for ascertaining their views or for collecting data. It is used in social research or opinion.

• INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEW – The interview is confined to an individual or an individual informant.

INTERVIEW ON THE BASIS OF FORM

• STRUCTURED INTERVIEW – The questions, their wording, their time & sequence, are fixed in a structured interview. The structured form makes the objectivity more reliable.

• UNSTRUCTERED OR INFORMAL INTERVIEW – Such interviews are more flexible & open. Their wordings is entirely in the hands of the interviewer. Ordinarily, no schedule is used.

TYPES OF INTERVIEW

Clinical

Interview

Group

Interview

Structured

Interview

Selecting

Interview

Individual

Interview

Unstructured or

Informal Interview

Diagnostic

Interview

Research

Interview

TECHNIQUES OF INTERVIEWING

1. Sequential Interview

2. Screening Interview

3. Structured Interview

4. Situational Interview

5. Stress Interview

6. Panel or Board Interview

ADVANTAGES OF AN INTERVIEW

1. Possible to study events that are not open to observation.

2. Possible to study abstract factors like attitudes, feelings , emotions and reactions.

3. The information gathered is reliable.

4. Useful for all segments of population.

DISADVANTAGES OF AN INTERVIEW

1. The data collected is of doubtful character.

2. Too much dependence on memory.

3. Specified knowledge is always not possible.

4. Play of complexes.

5. Difference in the social background of the interviewer and the interviewee.

APPEARING FOR AN INTERVIEW

• Sense of time – At least 15 minutes before time• Appearance – 90% of your opinion within 90 seconds• Body language – Pleasing expression with a hint of smile !• Communication Skill – Includes both content & delivery• Enthusiasm – Display it in whatever you say. Maintain

cheerful disposition & pleasant countenance.• Brevity – Speaking with brevity in clear , unambiguous

terms.• Be honest – Never make any attempt to bluff• Sell yourself – Keep the interest of the interviewers• Maintain a balance – Keep your answer informative but not

too long ( may reveal your weaker points )• Show leadership qualities

START STATEMENTS WITH ..

APPROPRIATE• “ I think ………

• “ I imagine …..

• “ As far as I can tell ..

NEVER• “ There is no doubt

that .. • “ Everyone knows that

……..• “ It’s clear that …..

SUBJECTS COVERED FOR EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEW

• Educational Background

• Co-curricular Activities

• Extra-curricula Activities

• Experience

• General Knowledge

• Miscellaneous

TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

• Direct Questions or Leading Questions: These usually have a built – in response. An interviewer is usually friendly and co-operative; he would like the candidate to feel at ease.Generally used at the initial stage, are explicit, demanding specific information : “what’s your name ?” Or “ Mr.. Amit, I see that you are not a resident of Delhi. Is it your first visit to India’s capital?”

• Open-ended Questions: These usually follow the leading questions. The purpose of these questions is to enable a candidate to talk, explain, and illustrate something he knows or has done before. E.g.. “ Miss Sapna, your academic record is brilliant. Tell us something about your higher education.”

• Probing Questions : These gauge your depth of understanding. These questions are intended to determine how you would react to a situation or how you would organize follow- up questions. E.g. “ What is the difference between NPT and CTBT ?” Does not CTBT ban nuclear explosions?

• Close – ended Questions: These questions are meant to seek information on specific items and to test your knowledge of facts and figures. E.g.. “ What was your favourite subject?” or “ What is your choice of place for posting?” If selected, would you be able to join next month?

THE INTERVIEW

1. If the interview room door is closed and you haven't been told to just go in, knock and wait.

2. On entering, walk in looking poised and confident.

3. If an interviewer extends a hand, shake it firmly while looking him in the eye and smiling.

4. Wait to be asked to sit down. If nothing is said, ask where they’d like you to sit.

5. Sit upright, not stiffly, with the hands relaxed and apart and wait for the interviewer to start things rolling.

6. Do not smoke-or even ask to smoke.

7. When someone speaks look at them attentively and

listen without interrupting.8. Stick to their title (Mr., Dr etc) and surname.9. Avoid one-word answers. 10. Do not try to sound perfect-they will know you are

lying. But it isn’t a confessional. 11. Be ready to cut short an answer if the interviewer

wants to speak or looks impatient.12. If you don’t understand a question ask the

interviewer to explain.13. Do not be afraid to pause a moment before

answering. A good answer is better than a false answer.

14. Do not be afraid to pause a moment before answering. A good answer is better than a false answer.

15. If you realize you’ve given a bad answer, say something Like “I am sorry, I really haven’t said quite what I meant. What I meant was . .. .”

16. Listen to each question carefully. The way a question is worded often suggests the answer which is wanted .

17. Never criticize a previous employer, school or college.

18. Never give a vague answer, like “I suppose so”.

19. Do not mention your pay until the end – unless they do.

PREPARATION FOR INTERVIEW :ON THE DAY

1. On the day re-read everything you sent the company plus the notes you have prepared. Take them with you.

2. Make sure you look right for the job. Remove rings, chains, long necklaces- that you might fiddle with.

3. Ensure you have everything you have been asked to take.

4. Take something to read while you wait.5. Go in about 10-15 mins before appointment. That’s

politely punctual but not over-eager.6. After long journey do use the loo before you settle

down.

7. Be pleasant to everyone you meet but do not let

them draw you out too much.

8. Discover the names of the interviewers, if you

can, and write them down.

9. Be prepared to wait. Don’t fuss or fidget.

10. If any documents about the company are

lying about read them. They might ask

questions.

INTERVIEW: CHECKLIST

• Your shoes are clean.• Your clothes are pressed and stain-free.• Your nails are clean.• Your hair is neat.• You have removed all extra jewelry.• You have clean copies of your resume.• You have the add & phone no of the meeting place.• You know how to get there and how long it will take.• You know the names of everyone you are meeting, and

how to pronounce them.• You have your notebook & pen.• There is nothing extraneous or bulky in your bag.• You are prepared for rain or snow.• For women, you have a powder compact & lipstick.

INTERVIEW FAUX PAS

WOMEN• Cocktail dresses, or anything

suggesting night time revelry

• Micro minis and tight pants

• Too much cologne

• Open –toed shoes

• Anything scuffed or in less than

peak condition

• Beyond one on each ear lobe any visible piercing

• Jewelry that calls attention to

itself.

• A highly unconditional hairstyle or colour.

MEN• Short –sleeved shirts with a tie.

• Flowing or Flowery dress.

• Any jewelry other than than two rings (at the most)

• Too creative facial hair

• Corduroy, denim, Lycra belt less slacks

• Piercing in general

FOR ANYONE

• Arriving late.• Bringing shopping bags or boxes.• Loud colours in your outfit• Plopping into a chair before the interviewer offers you one.• Using first names unless asked to.• Chattering on & on • Chewing gum.• Smoking.• Jiggling your knee.• Playing with your hair.• Fidgeting in general.

AFTER INTERVIEW – WHAT?

• The thank you note is a necessary tool for any job hunting strategy. But should you send it by email or snail mail or handwritten or typed?

• Email thank you notes - How did the company contact you? If corressponding via email then do send an email thank you note but make sure to follow it up with a typed note to show that you are not casual!

• Snail Mail – If the company you interviwed with is formal and traditional, use snail mail to send your thank you note. Typed is standard. Not only will youshow that you are business like, you will also prove you know how to put together the salutation, format a letter and sign off.

WHAT TO SAY

• A standard thank you note should accomplish several things:

• Thank the person for the opportunity to interview with the company.

• Recap some of the conversational highlights.• Use the last paragraph as the chance to state, “ the job is a

good fit for me because of XYZ, and my past experience in XYZ.”

• Interviewers have short memories. Your thank you note will stand you apart from all of the others who want the same position.

SCORING A BIG HIT IN THE INTERVIEW

Winners

• Express yourself in a clear and concise manner ?

• Sound positive and confident.

• Communicate your skills and accomplishments.

• Learn about the job, the company, the people.

Losers

• Being a distraction

• Rambling or being evasive

• Being critical of former employers or bosses

• Showing little interests or enthusiasm

• Communicating no track record

• Sounding distasteful

KNOWING WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR : INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUE

Can –do factors

• Education

• Job-related technical skills and knowledge

• Computer skills

• Written communication skills/language capabilities

• Physical requirements

• Industry knowledge

• Experience

Will-do factors

• Team player Track record• Service orientation Interpersonal skills• Organizational skills Flexibility• Openness to learning Initiative• Problem-solving ability Creativity• Reliability Motivation• Enthusiasm

AVOIDING COMMON INTERVIEWING PITFALLS

• Long – winded questions.

• Guessing-game questions

• Vague global questions

• Hypothetical questions

• Personal questions

• Talking too much, asking too little.

TYPES OF QUESTIONS TO ASK

Behavioral• Specifically, please tell me about a time a

time when you had to resolve a customer problem under difficult circumstances.

• Describe a time when you had to sell an idea to your boss or another key member of management.

• Tell me about a situation that demonstrates you were a good team player.

Informational

• What were the main responsibilities you had in your position ?

• What were the reasons you left that position ?

• Tell me about the kind of technical projects you worked on in your previous job.

• What are your key achievements in your current job ?

Introspective

• In your technical background, what do you see as your strengths ?

• What qualities do you have that make you a good fit for this position ?

• How would your former manager describe your performance and conduct as an employee ?

CV

• CV is on its way to the dustbin of history.

• The number of employers using online methods has more than quadrupled , from 12% in 2000 to 54% this year.

• Online recruiting is just one of the new tools employers are using as the business of hiring graduates becomes more rigorous and scientific.

• The paper CV is being replaced by a screen-based form that quizzes candidates according to set criteria.

• The CV is really the creation of the writer but the online forms are built by people ruthlessly seeking the right information and the right people.

• Online recruitment of IT industry - 77%, Engineering - 58% , Finance - 72% , Legal - 41% , Construction and associated industries - 40%.

WHAT DOES AN EMPLOYER LOOK FOR IN A CV• Consider it an extension of your visiting card rather than a

long winding synopsis of your autobiography.

• As in your life, recent events should have a higher recall over those in the past.

• A CV should clearly reflect your leaning towards the position being sought rather than focussing on anything and everything.

• Against extra - curricular activities, you should mention your present hobbies.

• Provide sufficient information about your skills and past work assignments to allow another professional in your field to really understand what you have done, can do , and have accomplished.

• Prepare a good covering letter that directly addresses why you have an interest in a particular job.

According to American researcher-AV Sloan, one of the most important factors that an employer seeks in a job applicant is social quotient -i.e. the sociability of the individuals.

As per the rating where : 3= large importance , 2= medium importance ,& 1= small importance,the skills were rated as

Punctuality - 3

Outgoing - 2.57

Honesty - 3

Smile - 2.60

Availability - 2.50

Handshake - 2.30

Appearance - 2.67

Academics - 1.79

Verbal skills- 2.62

Experience - 1.38 and Eye contact - 2.60

From you , your employer needs :

• Ability to work as a team member

• Management and supervisory skills

• Ability to accept criticism , others views , take orders

• Self confidence and humour

• Good oral and written skills

• Responsibility

• Ability to listen and follow instructions

• Analytical skills, logic , vision ,problem solving

• A positive attitude

• Good work ethics , honesty , compassion , punctuality

• Self motivation

• Ability to adapt

• Broad background in education and experience