INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
Rahul Kumar
Assistant Professor
Government Engineering College, Jehanabad
Meaning of an interview
The word interview comes from Latin and middle French
words meaning to “see between” or “see each other”.
Generally, an interview means a private meeting between
people when questions are asked and answered
• Interview = A meeting with an objective
• Employer’s objective is to find the best person for the job
• Employer: reviews candidate’s experience and abilities
• Can you do the job? (skills, ability, qualifications)
• Will you do the job? (interest, attitude & motivation)
• How will you fit into the organisation? (personality)
Objectives of Interview
• 3. Gives the candidate necessary facts and information about the job and
the organisation.
• Adaptability
• Integrity
• Innovation
• Teamwork
• Initiative
• Drive for Results
• Know the Business
• Open Exchange of Information
• Makes Difficult Decisions
Your Questions
• Training programmes
• Career development opportunities
• Types of projects & responsibilities
• Reporting structure
• Performance appraisal
• Profile of staff
• Questions about topics raised in interview
• What happens next?
Interview Marking Sheet
Total Marks
Interview Rating Scale
• Rating: 0-5; 0=no response; 5=excellent
• Selection Criteria
• Intelligence – Academic performance, Questions
• Responsibility – Work roles, external activities
• Appearance & composure – First impressions
• Interpersonal relations – Interests, team-roles
• Integrity – no inconsistencies
• Self-confidence – Relaxed manner, responsible
• Communication skills – Articulate, coherent, grammar, responsive
• Interests – External interests, involvement
• Leadership potential – Elective offices, initiative
• Interviewing skills – Logical thinking, knows priorities
What creates a bad impression
• Poor personal appearance
• Negative attitude – unclear, using excuses
• Lack of interest and enthusiasm
• Lack of preparation
• Poor knowledge of role
• Failure to give concrete examples of skills
• Over emphasis on money/rewards
• Lack of career plan
After the Interview
Review own performance
what went well
what went badly
what you wished you had said
prepare for next stage
Invitation to second / final round interviews
assessment centre
psychometric testing
panel interview
Rejection letter / email
if you can request feedback - use it
Telephone Interviews
• Prepare as thoroughly as for ‘real’ interview
• Select comfortable, private, quiet place
• Have copy of CV and company information
• Have pen and paper at hand
• Prepare for usual interview questions
• Practice on phone
• Record answers
• Try standing
• Smile and use gestures
• Avoid monotones
• Be yourself
Other Types Of Interviews
• Rotating
• Like one-to-one with different interviewers
• Group
• 6-8 candidates
• Group observed while discussing topic
• Be aware of group interaction
• Panel
• 2-5 interviewers, or as many as 13!!
• Try to identify different roles
• Respond to interviewer, include others through eye
contact
• May involve presentation
Interview preparation
Before The Interview
• Research the potential employer
• Review the job description and be able to match your
experience and education with the duties of the position
• Prepare a 1 to 2 minute script about yourself
• Make sure you have the appropriate interview attire
Tips Regarding Attire (Men)
• If possible, wear a suit to the interview
• Belt and shoes should be of same color
• Avoid ties with elaborate patterns or too many colors
• A wedding ring and/or watch is generally the only jewelry that
should be worn
• Head to Toe: Hair should be well groomed and shoes should
be polished
Who Would You Hire?
Tips Regarding Attire (Women)
• A suit or dress is preferable
• Skirts should meet at the top of the knee or longer
• The amount of jewelry should be minimized
• Make-up should be light
• Avoid perfumes and scented powders
Starting The Interview
Be sure to arrive 10 to 15
minutes prior to the start of
the interview
Greet the interviewer with a
firm handshake
Maintain good eye contact
and posture
Make sure you are energetic
and enthusiastic
Speak clearly and articulate
Standard Interview Questions
• Would you tell me about yourself?
• What is your greatest strength?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• What about this position do you find most appealing?
• Why do you want to work for our company?
• Why should we hire you?
The five most important factors
interviewers considered when hiring
• Work experience (36%)
• First impressions of the candidate (24%)
• Education (12%)
• Professional qualifications (10%)
• References (9%)
Ask Questions
• What are your expectations of the employees in your
company?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of your
organization?
• Describe a typical day on the job in this position.
• Avoid asking questions about salary and benefits.
Graceful Exits
Thank you for your time
I appreciate it
I will be looking forward to hearing from you
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After the Interview
• Evaluate your performance
• Send a thank-you note within 24 hours
• Keep records of important dates and details for the follow-up