Types of Interview

Interview:

An employment Interview is a formal meeting during which you and a prospective employer ask question and exchange information.

An interview is a conversation between two or more people where questions are asked by the interviewer to elicit facts or statement.

Purpose of Interview:

These meeting have dual purpose:

• The organization’s main objective is to find a best person available for the by determining whether you and organization are a good match.
• Your main objective is to find the job best suited to your goals and capabilities.

Sequence of Interview:

• Most organizations interview an applicant several times before extending a job offer.
• During the screening stage, try to differentiate yourself from other candidates.
• During the selection stage, you may interview with several peoples perhaps at the same time.
• During the final stage, the interviewer may try to sell you on working on the firm.

Interview Process:

Positive and Negative Impressions Following on Interview:

Behavioral & Psychological

8.        Early arrival 9.        Alert, responsive attitude 10.     Emphatic attitude 11.     Relaxed manner. 12.     Smiling 13.     Clear voice

14.     Late arrival 15.     Inattentive 16.     Condescending or with-drawn 17.     Tense, fidgety 18.     Frowning 19.     Mumbling

Verbal Cues

20.     Sticking to main point 21.     Incisiveness 22.     Relevant response 23.     Organized Presentation 24.     Appropriate use of humor 25.     Spontaneous Response 26.     Speaks well of people 27.     Candor

28.     Change the subject 29.     Generalization excessive details 30.     Irrelevant Response 31.     Disorganized 32.     Uncalled for levity 33.     Long Pauses 34.     Criticize other 35.     Rationalizes, evasive

Types of Interview:

• One-on-One Interviews:

A single interviewer who will also be responsible for deciding who to hire. This is the traditional method and is usually fairly straightforward. Try to maintain eye contact as much as possible with the interviewer.

• Panel/Board Interviews: 

Two or more interviewers who usually take turns asking questions and then reach an agreement on whom to hire. Eye contact is trickier in this situation, especially when the group is larger than two people. Direct your answers to whoever asked the question, while making sure that you at least glance toward all of the other panel members during your response. Make sure to get the names of all your interviewers, use them during the interview, and include them all in addressing your follow-up letter.

• Panel Interview:

A panel interview is where more than one representative of an organization conducts the hiring interview. Ideally the panel consists of no more than three people. But some job seekers describe experiences of being interview by as many as ten or twelve. This tends to happen more often in the not-for-profit sector where an entire board will participate in the process rather than delegate selection to a smaller ad- hoc committee.

What is critical here is to be prepared for almost anything. When the interview is scheduled, ask for the names and positions of the people who will interview you and write them down. You’ll want to identify and relate to the person you would be reporting to if successful. At the start of the interview, ensure that you are seated where you can make eye contact with all panel members.

• Screening Interview:

The screening interview is normally conducted by a personnel representative in person or by phone to determine if you have the basic requirements for the job. If successful, you’re referred to the next stage: an interview with the hiring manager(s).

• Combined Screening and Employment Interview:

Many employers screen on the basis of your resume and covering letter and conduct, just one interview. The interviewer first explores you academic background and experience, then proceeds to a more in-depth assessment of your suitability for the job based on attitude, motivation and past performance. This interview is frequently conducted by the hiring manager.

• Serial Interview: 

Serial interviews are not uncommon in larger organizations. If you succeed at one level, you are then referred to another individual or panel for the next stage.

You might have anywhere from three to eight different interviews. Some may take place in informal settings such as in a restaurant or over coffee or dinner. Or you may be asked to tour the physical plant, stopping along the way to meet company personnel. You are being assessed throughout the process to determine how well you will fit the organization.

• Telephone Interview: 

Usually done as a prelude to a second interview. Have a copy of your resume in front of you along with any points you particularly want to cover. If you are at home make sure the stereo is turned off, the kids are in another room, the dog is outside, etc. Speak a little more slowly than normal and remember to convey your enthusiasm in you voice.

• Group Interviews:

Sometimes employers schedule a large number of candidates together, placing them in a group situation, usually with some sort of problem to solve or goal to achieve. This is generally set up as a means of testing your time work abilities and interpersonal skills. There is very little you can do to prepare for this type of interview. Remain calm and try to bring as many of your leadership skills to light as possible.

• Stress Interviews: 

If you run into one of these it means the job involves performing under fire; not unusual in the sales/marketing fields. Candidates are kept waiting for long periods of time, no attempt is make to build rapport, and the interviewer may be downright hostile. If you encounter this type of interview stay cool, be assertive without being confrontational and don’t take it personally.

• Second Interviews: 

Scheduled only with those candidates the employer is seriously considering hiring and usually conducted by middle or senior management. Preparation in the form of solid research, including any information gained in the first interview, is even more important at this level as only the best candidates are still being considered at this point.

• Impromptu Interviews: 

Be prepared for this one when you are dropping off resumes or attending a job fair. (This means no jeans!) Some employers like to cover the basic questions on the spot to decide whether or not they want to set up a formal interview later. As long as you know your job goals and your resume well, you’ll do fine. Just stay relaxed and friendly, shake hands, maintain eye contact and don’t forget to thank them for their time.

• Dinner Interviews:

This can be formal or informal, with one or more interviewers, but is set up specifically over a meal. The reason can be as simple as convenience for the employer or as complex as testing the candidate in a social situation. All the usual interview rules apply, along with the following: Don’t order alcohol unless the interviewer does, and then keep to one drink only; don’t linger over the menu, it will make you appear indecisive; don’t order anything messy, such as spaghetti, or something you will have to eat with your hands; and don’t underestimate the importance of casual conversation. The setting may be informal, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t being closely assessed.

10 Interviewing Rules By Carole Martin, Monster

• Do Your Research

Researching the company before the interview and learning as much as possible about its services, products, customers and competition will give you an edge in understanding and addressing the company’s needs. The more you know about the company and what it stands for, the better chance you have of selling yourself in the interview. You also should find out about the company’s culture to gain insight into your potential happiness on the job.

•  Look Sharp

Select what to wear to the interview. Depending on the industry and position, get out your best interview clothes and check them over for spots and wrinkles. Even if the company has a casual environment, you don’t want to look like you slept in your outfit. Above all, dress for confidence. If you feel good, others will respond to you accordingly.

• Be Prepared

Bring along a folder containing extra copies of your resume, a copy of your references and paper to take notes. You should also have questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview. For extra assurance, print a copy of Monster’s handy interview take-along checklist.

• Be on Time

Never arrive late to an interview. Allow extra time to arrive early in the vicinity, allowing for factors like getting lost. Enter the building 10 to 15 minutes before the interview.

• Show Enthusiasm

A firm handshake and plenty of eye contact demonstrate confidence. Speak distinctly in a confident voice, even though you may feel shaky.

• Listen

One of the most neglected interview skills is listening. Make sure you are not only listening, but also reading between the lines. Sometimes what is not said is just as important as what is said.

• Answer the Question

Asked Candidates often don’t think about whether they are actually answering the questions their interviewers ask. Make sure you understand what is being asked, and get further clarification if you are unsure.

• Give Specific Examples

One specific example of your background is worth 50 vague stories. Prepare your stories before the interview. Give examples that highlight your successes and uniqueness. Your past behavior can indicate your future performance.

• Ask Questions

Many interviewees don’t ask questions and miss the opportunity to find out valuable information. The questions you ask indicate your interest in the company or job.

• Follow Up

Whether it’s through email or regular mail, the interview follow-up is one more chance to remind the interviewer of all the valuable traits you bring to the job and company. Don’t miss this last chance to market yourself.

It is important to appear confident and cool for the interview. One way to do that is to be prepared to the best of your ability. There is no way to predict what an interview holds, but by following these important rules you will feel less anxious and will be ready to positively present yourself.

Key Facts:

• Don’t slouch.
• Be honest. Lies will come back to haunt you.
• Be approximately 10-15 minutes early.
• Be nice to everyone you meet, as they may have a say in whether you get hired even if they aren’t part of the interviewing team.
• Be polite.
• Dress in appropriate clothing for the type of job you’re applying for. Generally a nice pair of dark colored pants and a white (or light colored) shirt.
• Bring an extra copy of your resume as well as your list of references (if separate).
• Keep eye contact with the interviewer(s).
• Take a moment to think about your response to their questions but not too long.
• Answer the questions to the best of your ability. If you need clarification, don’t hesitate to ask.
• It’s okay to show a little bit of nervousness but don’t show too much.
  Don’t use slang.
• Be confident.