Notes on Interviews with Practical Examples
Introduction to Interviews:
Interviews are formal meetings where individuals are asked questions and are expected to respond. They are a common part of the hiring process and are used to assess a candidate's qualifications, skills, and suitability for a particular job. Interviews can also be conducted for various other purposes, such as research, journalism, or information gathering.The Participants in an Interview:
The two key participants in an interview are:- Interviewer(s): The individual or panel responsible for asking questions and assessing the interviewee.
- Interviewee: The person being interviewed, who responds to questions and provides information.
Interview Tips for Interviewees:
Job Interview Preparations:
To succeed in a job interview, adequate preparation is essential. Here are key preparations that interviewees should undertake:(a) Contacting Referees: Inform your references that you will be interviewed and that they may receive a call from the prospective employer.
Example: You've applied for a job, and you notify your former supervisor that you've listed them as a reference for the upcoming interview.
(b) Document Preparation: Ensure that your documents, such as your resume and certificates, are organized, neat, and readily available.
Example: You neatly arrange your resume, certificates, and other relevant documents in a professional folder.
(c) Know the Interview Location: Familiarize yourself with the interview location to estimate the travel time accurately.
Example: You research the interview location's address and plan your travel accordingly to avoid being late.
(d) Research the Organization: Conduct research about the company or organization you're interviewing with to gain insights into its culture, values, and mission.
Example: You visit the company's website, read about its history, and learn about its recent achievements.
(e) Dress and Grooming: Select appropriate attire and ensure you are well-groomed, as first impressions matter in interviews.
Example: You choose professional attire that suits the company's dress code.
(f) Anticipate Questions: Prepare answers to potential interview questions, focusing on your skills, experiences, and qualifications.
Example: You rehearse your responses to common interview questions, such as "Tell me about yourself" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
(g) Punctuality: Arrive at the interview location well in advance, demonstrating punctuality and respect for the interviewer's time.
Example: You arrive 15 minutes early for the interview to allow time for unexpected delays.
(h) Questions for the Interviewer: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer, showcasing your interest in the position and company.
Example: You ask the interviewer about the company's future goals and how this position contributes to achieving them.
What to Do During the Interview:
During the interview itself, interviewees should exhibit professionalism and courtesy:(a) Greeting: Begin the interview with a polite greeting to establish rapport with the interviewer.
Example: "Good morning, thank you for having me."
(b) Entering and Seating: Knock on the interview room door and wait for acknowledgment before entering. Sit only when offered a seat.
Example: You knock on the door, wait for a "come in," and then enter quietly.
(c) Posture and Alertness: Maintain an upright posture and an alert demeanor throughout the interview.
Example: You sit up straight and maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
(d) Eye Contact: Make consistent eye contact with the interviewer to convey honesty and engagement.
Example: You maintain eye contact while responding to questions.
(e) Detailed Responses: Explain your answers thoroughly, avoiding simple yes/no responses.
Example: Instead of saying just "yes," you provide additional context: "Yes, during my previous role, I..."
(f) Honesty: Always answer questions truthfully, and do not exaggerate or provide false information.
Example: You provide honest responses to questions about your qualifications and experiences.
Common Blunders to Avoid during an Interview:
Interviewees should steer clear of certain behaviors that could negatively impact their chances:
a) Late Arrival: Arriving late for the interview reflects poorly on your punctuality and commitment.
b) Inappropriate Attire and Grooming: Dressing or grooming inappropriately can create a negative impression.
c) Simple Yes/No Answers: Responding with mere yes/no answers can indicate a lack of communication skills and elaboration.
d) Speaking Negatively: Speaking negatively about previous employers or experiences can raise concerns about your attitude.
e) Seating Without Invitation: Sitting before being offered a seat can be perceived as presumptuous.
f) Discussing Time-Off or Money: Avoid discussing personal time-off or salary expectations too early in the interview, as it can appear premature.
Interview Tips For an Interviewer:
What to Do Before the Interview:
For interviewers, effective preparation is key to conducting successful interviews. Here are steps to take before and during the interview:a)Question Preparation: Prepare a list of questions to ask candidates during the interview to assess their suitability for the role.
b) Reference Checks: Contact the prospective employee's referees to gather additional insights about their qualifications and experiences.
c) Interview Location: Ensure that the interview location is set up and organized before the interview.
d) Interviewee Notification: Notify the interviewee about the interview, providing details such as the time and location.
e) Punctuality: As an interviewer, arrive early for the interview to set a positive example of punctuality.
What to Do During the Interview:
Interviewers should conduct interviews professionally and respectfully:a) Allow Response Time: Give interviewees sufficient time to respond to questions, allowing them to express themselves fully.
b) Encourage Dialogue: Encourage candidates to speak by nodding or providing positive verbal feedback when they answer questions.
c) Politeness: Maintain a friendly but formal tone during the interview, asking questions politely.
d) Active Listening: Make eye contact with the interviewee to demonstrate active listening and engagement.
These comprehensive notes provide insights into the key aspects of interviews, including preparation, conduct, and common pitfalls to avoid, both from the interviewee's and interviewer's perspectives.