Interviewee And Interviewer: Roles, Objectives, And Formats

The hiring meeting is a pivotal moment in the recruitment process, serving as the primary platform for
evaluating potential job matches. It involves both interviewees and interviewers, who play distinct
roles with specific objectives to ensure an effective selection process. Understanding these dynamics
can greatly influence the outcome of the interview.
This article examines the intricacies of each participant’s role, their differing goals, and the various
formats interviews can take.
 Interviewee Role in the Hiring Meeting
The interviewee’s role requires preparation, clear communication, and adaptability. Their primary task
is to present qualifications, experiences, and potential contributions effectively. This includes
demonstrating technical skills and cultural compatibility with the organization. A well-crafted career
narrative can make a strong impression.
Preparation involves researching the company, understanding its values, and tailoring responses to
align with the job description. For example, if innovation is a company focus, highlighting relevant
projects where creative solutions were implemented can be impactful.
Building rapport is essential. Active listening, engaging dialogue, and asking thoughtful questions show
genuine interest while gathering insights about the company. This enables candidates to assess
whether the organization aligns with their goals and values.
Adaptability is equally important. Interviews can take unexpected turns, and the ability to respond
calmly and think critically is valuable. Whether adjusting to a virtual format or navigating a panel
interview, flexibility in communication style can set candidates apart.
 Interviewer Role in the Hiring Meeting
The interviewer represents the organization, tasked with identifying candidates who meet technical requirements and
fit the company culture. This requires balancing skill assessment with evaluating mutual compatibility. A successful
interview allows candidates to showcase their abilities while keeping the discussion productive.
Preparation is key. Reviewing the candidate’s resume, understanding the role, and crafting targeted, open-ended
questions provide insights into problem-solving abilities and adaptability.
The interviewer also serves as a cultural ambassador, sharing what makes the organization unique. Providing examples
or anecdotes helps candidates understand the work environment, which can attract those who align with the
company’s ethos.
Building rapport fosters open communication. Demonstrating active listening, empathy, and offering constructive
feedback creates a positive experience for candidates. A strong interaction leaves a lasting impression, especially in
competitive job markets.
 Differences in Goals and Objectives
The goals of interviewees and interviewers reflect their distinct roles. Interviewees aim to present themselves as the
ideal candidate by showcasing skills and enthusiasm, while ensuring the position aligns with their career aspirations.
Interviewers, on the other hand, focus on identifying candidates who meet technical and cultural requirements. They
assess contributions to the team and organization, evaluating both hard and soft skills.
These differing goals shape the interview dynamic. While interviewees focus on delivering prepared responses,
interviewers probe deeper into experiences and motivations. Both parties must navigate this interaction carefully to
ensure meaningful dialogue.
 Common Formats for the Meeting
Hiring meetings come in various formats, each tailored to organizational needs and the nature of the
role. One-on-one interviews allow for focused, in-depth conversations and encourage rapport while
exploring qualifications in detail.
Panel interviews involve multiple interviewers, offering diverse perspectives. This format is ideal for
roles requiring cross-departmental collaboration, as candidates engage with representatives from
various teams.
Group interviews assess multiple candidates simultaneously, often incorporating exercises or
discussions to evaluate teamwork and collaboration. This format identifies those who excel in group
dynamics and can streamline the hiring process.
 Interview Preparation: Tips for Before, During, and After an Interview

While the thought of an interview might appear daunting for most of us,
interview preparation is not as hard as it seems.
All that one needs to do is stay organized and be proactive.
In this blog, we are going to discuss everything related to the interview
preparation.
So let's look at the interview preparation process step by step: Things to do
before, during, and after an interview.
 Before the interview
1. Company information
The most important step is to read and research the company you are interviewing for.
Go through the company website, blog, and social media pages to assess its products, services, and
client-base.
Also, read recent press releases for insight on projected growth and stability.
Review the organization's background and mission statement and take down some numbers like
revenue, strength, offices, etc.
These details can most likely be found on the website of the company in 'About us' or 'Who we are'
section.
 2. About the interviewer
If you know the interviewer’s name already, research about him/her.
Visit his/her profile on Naukri or LinkedIn and find out whether the person is an HR professional or a
Technical Manager.
Prepare for the interview accordingly.

3. Evaluate job description

The recruiter puts the effort into mentioning a detailed job description for a reason.
They are looking for someone who perfectly complements the job profile and role.
So, make a good effort to go through the job description so that you are aware of the expectations the
company has for the position.
 4. Fit in skills and qualities
While you analyze the job description, outline the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.
Examine the hierarchy and determine where the position fits within the organization.
Analyze what the employer is seeking concerning your qualifications. Tweak your resume accordingly.

5. Make a list of questions

As per the company background and job role, make a list of questions you can expect to be thrown at
you.
Research answers to these questions via the company website, social media pages, company news, etc.

6. Mock interview
Find a friend or a family member and hand them down the list of questions you prepared.
Ask them to play the role of an interviewer. Practice answering all the questions on the list.
You can also record your answers to analyze them further.
 7. Organise documents
Keep two copies of all the important documents such as your resume, cover letter, degrees, mark
sheets, identity proofs, photographs, etc., ready.
Also, check if the recruiter has asked you to bring any other thing like a laptop, notebook, etc. to the
interview. Organise all the documents neatly in a folder.
8. Check your social presence
Your social media profiles are capable of providing a glimpse of your personality.
A recruiter would generally check your social media presence before or after interviewing you.
Thus, it is a wise idea to improve your public profiles.
Also, type your name on Google and see how you appear on the search engine.
 9. Interview dress
Choose a formal outfit for the interview. If you are not sure about the color, wear black
formal trousers and a crisp shirt, preferably in white, blue, pastel, or nude shades.
Both men and women can go for this combination.
Pair your attire with a mild deodorant or perfume, a pair of black formal shoes, clean
socks, and a black belt.
Plugin that iron. Make sure your clothes are neat and wrinkle-free.
Make sure that your overall appearance is neat and clean.
Most importantly, beam with confidence all along and wear a smile.
10. Check directions
Check the distance of the venue a day before.
Decide beforehand how you would like to commute and plan your timing accordingly.
11. Sleep and eat well
A night before the interview, sleep well for at least 6 to 7 hours.
Eat something an hour before the interview so that you have the energy and patience to sit
through it.
Carry a bottle of water or juice along to keep yourself hydrated.
 During the interview
1. Timing
It is best to arrive 20-25 minutes before prior to the interview time. It will give you time to relax.
You can also use the time to check yourself in the mirror and freshen up before the process starts.
2. Interview body language
While waiting for your turn, sit properly and maintain a good body posture.
Be polite to the guards, receptionists, and other candidates. Keep a smile on your face.
In the interview room, sit and answer questions confidently. Be firm, yet polite.
In case you do not have an answer, be honest about it and pass on to the question.
Keep your statements crisp, short and precise.
Related: Body language do's and don'ts
3. Questions for the interviewer
It is most likely that the interviewer will end the interview with the question - 'Do you have any
questions for me?'.
Use this opportunity to ask smart questions about the company, position, and culture.
Related: Questions to ask in an interview
 4. Ending the interview
At the end of the interview, shake the interviewer’s hand and thank for his/her time and
consideration.
After the interview
1. Analyze the interview
It is one of the most important exercises to do post an interview.
Sit down for a few minutes and write down the questions that you were asked during the interview.
Furthermore, assess your responses to these questions and make points of things that you forgot to
mention or would have said in a better way.
This will help you prepare better for future interviews.
2. Inform your references
Inform your references beforehand that they might receive a call from the company you interviewed
for.
Speak to them about the position and emphasize the points that you would like to be recommended
for.
 3. Follow up
If you do not hear from the interviewer within the expected number of days, do not hesitate to drop an
email and ask for an update.
In the email, mention the following details:
Begin the email by thanking the interviewer for considering your candidature.
Remind him of the meeting and mention how pleased you were to get in touch with him/her.
If the interviewer showed interest in your past projects, attach some samples of your previous work,
projects, etc. and any other relevant additional information.
Finally, mention your motivation, qualities, and reiterate your interest in the organization. Politely ask
for an update on the interview process.
Some don'ts of interview preparation
Do not arrive late for the interview.
Do not arrive for the interview without a copy of the resume.
Do not speak loudly on the phone while waiting for your turn.
Do not laze around or hunch while sitting in the waiting area.
Do not ask the interviewer any personal questions.
Do not use bad words about your previous or current company/employer in your social media posts.
 11 interview tips to boost your
confidence

A job interview could be the gateway to a new career path. That might mean working at your
dream company, getting a more challenging role, or scoring a well-paying job that helps you reach
financial goals.
With those stakes, your pre-interview nerves aren’t just normal. They’re justified.
And while the nerves may give you an adrenaline boost that keeps you on your toes, they can also
keep you up the night before or make you freeze in the face of a tough question.
Preparing well beforehand can grow your morale and set you up for success. The better you feel on
the day of an interview, the more likely you’ll ace every question, manage your stress, and act with
confidence.
These interview tips will help you prepare accordingly and make a great first impression. You’ll
leave the meeting feeling proud of your performance, whether you land the job or not.
 Before the big day: 4 interview preparation tips
Excellent interview skills don’t always come naturally. Developing confidence, stress management skills, and
the ability to think outside of the box start with practice and solid preparation. Here’s how to equip yourself
with the right skills and knowledge to crush your interview before it even starts:
1. Do your homework
Learn everything you can about the organization and role before the interview. Spend time on the company’s
website studying its mission, vision, and purpose, and familiarize yourself with the job description to
understand what the ideal candidate can do. You can’t explain why you’re right for the job posting without
that context.
As you research these points, consider how your skills and qualities align. What about your personal vision
supports the company’s? What skills could you bring to the organization’s projects? And how does your work
experience match the role? Forming these connections will deepen your knowledge and maybe even your
interest in the job. It also prepares you for questions about your core values and skills.
 2. Practice
It may feel silly to talk to yourself in the mirror or hold a fake interview with a family member, but it’s
worth it to prepare well and know how you behave on the spot. Use common interview questions to
drill yourself and answer as genuinely and seriously as possible. You can even ask your interview
partner to ask questions you don’t know beforehand. At this stage in the prep process, read up on the
STAR method, which will help you craft compelling responses to “Tell me about a time” questions.
If your first mock interview is shaky, that’s okay. To level up your practice, consider working with a
coach. Interview coaching can provide expert constructive feedback that a mirror or a loved one can’t.
 3. Prepare your look
The things you wear to an interview might seem like an afterthought. But according to one survey, 75% of recruiters
have interviewed a candidate in clothing that was too casual.
The goal is to dress for the job you’re applying for, as doing so will show the recruiter that you’re professional and
understand the company culture. If you’re applying for a finance job on Wall Street, then you might want to wear a
perfectly tailored suit. But if you’re interviewing at a tech start-up, smart business casual could be a good fit. Try
researching the company’s environment and dress code first to get a feel for its expectations.
Whatever you decide to wear to your interview, make sure it represents your true self and what you might actually
wear on the job. If you love to wear bright colors, try a colorful blazer. If you dislike skirts, wear trousers. Being
professional doesn’t mean completely hiding who you are.
4. Consider timing
One of the most common and best interview tips out there is to make sure you aren’t late. If attending a live interview,
study your transit route and add in extra time for potential traffic or delays. You can even travel there a few days
beforehand to check how long it takes you.
Even if you’re taking the session via a virtual interview in the comfort of your home, set an extra alarm the morning of.
Lay out your outfit the night before and ensure any materials you need for the interview (like copies of your resume)
are right where you need them. You don’t want to scramble for something at the last minute.
 During: 3 interview tips for the moment of
Once a work interview starts, it’s easy to get lost in the moment, draw a blank, and forget
to pay attention to what you’re saying. Take a breath and check in with yourself
throughout the process. Ensure you’re making a good impression with the following in-
the-moment job interview tips:
1. Be honest
According to psychologist Ron Friedman, 81% of people lie during job interviews. But
stretching the truth is never a good way to gauge whether a position is the right match
for you. The more honest you are in your responses, the more likely you’ll land a role
that’s a good fit. If you lie and say you’re familiar with Agile management when you
aren’t, you could end up floundering on the job.
Just remember that being honest doesn’t equate to being negative. If the interviewer asks
about your weaknesses or a challenging professional situation from the past, be
forthcoming, but put a positive spin on your responses. Demonstrate how you turned a
problem into a solution and worked to improve your skills, not the mistakes made in the
process.
 2. Ask questions
One of the most common interview mistakes is to end the interview early. Saying that you have no questions when
the conversation ends can imply a lack of investment or curiosity. Even if you’re short on time, posing a few extra
questions shows you’ve prepared accordingly and are actively trying to understand whether this role is a good fit.
Ask the hiring manager about a company project you’d read about in your research, the next steps in the hiring
process, or the organization’s culture. Here are some example questions that apply to almost any role:
What does a typical day-to-day schedule look like?
What’s your favorite part of working here?
What opportunities are there for career development in this position?
If given the job, what would you expect me to accomplish in the first 90 days?
Can I answer any other questions to guide your decision?
3. Take a breath
You might know you’re nervous, but the recruiter doesn’t have to. Sit up straight, make eye contact, and use
approachable body language. Practice mindful breathing and try not to talk too fast when you’re answering
questions. It can help to approach the interview as a conversation rather than a make-or-break meeting.
While you should show self-assurance, remember that confidence doesn’t mean arrogance. Speak honestly about
why you think you’re the right person for the job, backing up every claim with anecdotes and nods to your abilities.
Acting like you already have the job in the bag can be offputting for a recruiter.
 After: 4 tips on the art of following up
Not all tips for interviews are about the interview itself. The process isn’t over after the session ends. Afterward, you can continue
expressing interest and making an excellent impression. Here’s a post-interview guide to keeping your application top-of-mind with a
recruiter:
1. Say thank you
In one survey from TopResume, 68% percent of recruiters said showing appreciation positively impacts your candidacy, so send a thank
you note after your interview. In a quick email, thank the hiring manager for their time, cite a brief anecdote about what you enjoyed in
the meeting, and reaffirm your interest.
Keep the message to a few sentences to avoid overwhelming the recruiter with too much information. The goal is to say “Thank you,” not
explain again why you’re the right person for the job. And if they asked you for additional materials during the interview, like a portfolio,
be sure to attach them here.
2. Follow up
Asking about the hiring timeline during your interview lets you know when to expect a response, and it helps you structure your follow-
up cadence. If you know the hiring manager will make a decision in two weeks and don’t hear back in this period, you have the grounds
to send them an email about it.
The lack of contact doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be getting a job offer. The company could be taking longer than normal to decide,
and sending another email shows the hiring team that the job still interests you. Like the thank you note, keep your follow-up email
short and sweet, saying that you’re looking forward to hearing back and remain enthusiastic about the position.
3. Keep looking for new work
No matter how well the interview went, continue your job search while waiting for an answer. If you don’t feel comfortable sending your
resume to other organizations, at least research other options in case the current one falls through.
Looking for other opportunities can take the edge off because it’s a reminder that other interesting, rewarding roles exist. Having a clear
route to finding another position also lessens the blow if you don’t get the job. And since you now know how to research a company and
practice for an interview, you know what the upcoming process will look like.
 4. Be careful what you post
During the interview process, all eyes are on you. A recruiter wants
to ensure you’re a good cultural fit for the organization, so they may
check out your social media accounts like Facebook or LinkedIn. Be
sure that your image on these platforms represents your values,
and when in doubt, set them to “private” so they don’t influence a
hiring manager’s decision.