Department of

Accounting and finance

Contemporary business communication group assignment

Group Assignment Title - Interview

Section-1
 Introduction
An interview is a structured conversation where one participant
asks questions, and the other provides answers. In common
parlance, the word "interview" refers to a one-on-one conversation
between an interviewer and an interviewee. The interviewer asks
questions to which the interviewee responds, usually providing
information. That information may be used or provided to other
audiences immediately or later. This feature is common to many
types of interviews – a job interview or interview with a witness to
an event may have no other audience present at the time, but the
answers will be later provided to others in the employment or
investigative process. An interview may also transfer information
in both directions.
 Major types of interviews
1. Informational Interview
In an informational interview the objective is to
seek advice and learn more about a particular
employer, sector or job.
Interviewing experts in their field is one more way
to add to your employment knowledge base. As a
result, gaining this information means you are
more prepared. It is also an excellent way of
networking and adding to your contacts
 Major types of interviews

2. Screening or Telephone Interview

Phone interviews – these types of interviews are

proving to be a more cost effective way to
screen candidates.
Major types of interview

3. Individual Interview
Often referred to as a “personal interview” this
is the most common type of interview and is
usually held face to face at the company’s
offices.
Shorter interviews will mean delivering concise
answers that are to the point. On the other
hand longer interviews allow you more time to
go into detail and support your answers with
examples.
Major types of interviews
4. Small Group or Committee
Interview
These types of interviews mean meeting a
panel of decision makers at once. This can
be daunting and intimidating if you are not
well prepared in advance.
However, more than one interviewer means
efficiency and an opportunity for different
opinions of the same answer.
 Major types of interviews

5. The Second or On-Site Interview

The second interview means you have been successful on the
first occasion and they would like to know more. As a result,
these types of interviews can be longer, some lasting half or a full-
day. They often mean meeting three to five people which can
include Human Resources, the line manager, office staff and the
head of department.
Major types of interviews
6. Behavioral-Based Interview
Known as Critical Behavioral Interviewing
(CBI), the theory is that past
performance in a similar situation is the
best predictor of future performance.
This method of interview probes much
deeper than the usual interviewing
techniques. Have specific examples
ready that highlight your attributes in
core areas such as teamwork, problem-
solving, communication, creativity,
flexibility and organisational skills.
Major types of interviews
7. Task Oriented or Testing
Interview

These types of interviews are structured in

a way that allows you to demonstrate your
creative and analytical abilities in problem
solving through varied tasks or exercises.
Major types of interviews
8. Stress Interview

This method of interview is rare and

involves the interviewer baiting you to
see your response. The aim is to
highlight your weaknesses and see
how you react under pressure.
 General When it comes to interviews, there are
several general guidelines that can be
guidelines helpful regardless of the type of interview
you are preparing for. Here are some key
to be points to keep in mind:
1.Research the company/organization:
followed Gather information about the company's
background, mission, values,
in all products/services, and recent news. This
knowledge will demonstrate your interest
types of and enable you to ask informed questions.

interviews
General guidelines to be followed in
all types of interviews

2. Understand the job role: Familiarize yourself with the job description and
requirements. Identify the key skills, experiences, and qualities sought by the
employer. This will allow you to align your answers with the job expectations.

3. Prepare common interview questions: Practice answering common interview

questions such as "Tell me about yourself," "What are your strengths and
weaknesses," or "Why do you want to work here?" Develop concise and
relevant responses that highlight your qualifications and experiences.
General guidelines to be followed in all types of interviews

4. Showcase your achievements: Prepare examples from your past experiences that
demonstrate your skills, accomplishments, and problem-solving abilities. Use the STAR
method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and provide concrete
details.
5. Dress professionally: Dress appropriately for the interview, considering the company culture
and industry norms. It's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Pay attention to
your grooming and ensure a neat appearance.
General guidelines to be followed in all types of interviews

6. Be punctual: Aim to arrive a few minutes early for the interview. Plan your
route in advance and consider possible traffic or transportation delays. Being
punctual shows respect for the interviewer's time and indicates your reliability.

7. Display positive body language: Maintain good eye contact, sit upright, and
engage in active listening. Smile, use appropriate gestures, and show
enthusiasm during the conversation. Non-verbal cues can leave a lasting
impression on the interviewer.
General guidelines to be followed in
all types of interviews
8. Be concise and focused: When answering questions, be concise and to the
point. Avoid rambling or providing unnecessary information. Pay attention to the
interviewer's reactions and adapt your responses accordingly.

9. Ask insightful questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer

about the company, the team, or the role itself. This demonstrates your interest
and initiative. Avoid questions about salary or benefits during initial interviews
unless the interviewer brings up the topic.
General guidelines to be followed in
all types of interviews
10. Follow up with gratitude: After the interview, send a thank-you
email or note to express your appreciation for the opportunity.
Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly highlight why you
believe you are a strong fit.
Guidelines for effective employment
interview when one acts as፡
Guidelines for an Interviewer:
1. Prepare Well:
- Understand the job description
thoroughly.
- Review the candidate's resume and
cover letter.
Guidelines for an Interviewer:

2.Create a
Comfortable
Environment:
- Start with a friendly introduction
and explain the interview process.
- Make the candidate comfortable to
encourage open communication.
Guidelines for an Interviewer:
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions:
- Pose questions that encourage detailed responses rather
than simple yes/no
answers.
- Tailor questions to assess the candidate's skills, experience,
and cultural fit.
Guidelines for an Interviewer:

4. Listen Actively:
- Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues.
- Allow candidates to express themselves fully before interjecting.
5. Take Notes:
- Jot down key points during the interview to aid in assessment
later.
6. Provide Information:
- Offer insights into the company culture, job responsibilities, and
expectations.
Guidelines for an Interviewer:

7. Be Respectful:
- Treat candidates with respect regardless of their performance.
- Avoid discriminatory questions and behaviors.

8. Close Professionally:
- Summarize next steps in the process.
- Thank the candidate for their time.
Guidelines for an Interviewee:
1. Research the Company:
- Understand the company's mission, values, and recent
achievements.
2. Practice Common Questions:
- Prepare responses to typical interview questions related to
your experience, skills, and strengths.
Guidelines for an Interviewee:

3. Ask Questions:
- Inquire about the company culture, team dynamics, or any
specific role-related
queries.

4. Highlight Achievements:
- Showcase accomplishments relevant to the job description.
Guidelines for an Interviewee:
5. Body Language:
- Maintain eye contact and sit confidently to convey interest and
professionalism.

6. Be Honest and Authentic:

- Answer questions truthfully without exaggerating or
understating your experiences.
Guidelines for an Interviewee:
7. Follow-up:
- Send a thank-you email expressing gratitude for the opportunity.

8. Clarify Doubts:
- If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

Both interviewers and interviewees should strive for a balanced

conversation that allows both parties to assess the fit. It's about finding
the right match between the skills, experience, and culture of the
company and the candidate.
Merits and demerits of the interview
Advantages of interviews
1. Deciding which candidates are best for the job
The interview is an opportunity to evaluate a candidate's abilities
and personality.
2. Detailed assessment
Interviews are one of the finest ways to determine how much
applicants know about the industry. It helps an employer to
evaluate each applicant's abilities and knowledge to determine
whether they are good for the company or not.
Advantages of interviews

3. Fantastic source of information

Interviews are the primary source for achieving significant and
trustworthy information. It is beneficial for the company because
it offers valuable data that can enhance decision-making,
customer satisfaction, and client retention.
4. Increasing knowledge
Interviews are an excellent method to get to know someone, and
the interviewee can also discover more about themselves.
Advantages of interviews
5. Increasing stakeholder understanding
It is an easy technique to establish a connection with your
customers.

6. Extra information extraction

During an interview, the interviewer can look for information that
helps to shortlist the candidates. It is important, especially when
numerous applicants have the same qualifications. Additionally, it
enables the applicant to know more about the business and
decide whether they enjoy working there or not.
Disadvantages of Interviews
1. Personal bias
The interview process is not always pleasant. The candidate
might think their evaluation isn't being done fairly.
2. Quick to judge
Interviews are frequently used to learn more about candidates
and their skills, but it takes a lot of time. Decisions are frequently
taken in the first few minutes of the interview itself, and the
remaining time is usually utilized to confirm or justify the original
decision. This approach is not ineffective, but it may also be more
difficult to evaluate candidates during interviews.
Disadvantages of Interviews
3. Developing stereotypes
An interviewer will make assumptions about a candidate's skills,
aptitude, and personality based on how they respond to questions.

4. Challenging to verify the truth

It is a fantastic technique to learn in-depth details about a
company. It's essential to keep in mind that not all of what is
mentioned during an interview will be actually correct or true.
Several times, the statements are completely wrong.
Disadvantages of Interviews
5. Unpredicted result
Although interviews are not as accurate as exams, they can still be useful in
some situations. If an interviewer has to lack predictive ability, then they cannot
be able to predict how a candidate's abilities will convert into professional
success.
6. Disappointed
Applicants may be disappointed when the interviewer asks questions that are
not related to the field. Because of this, a talented applicant might be rejected.
7. Expensive
The interviewing process is typically costly.
Interviews play a crucial role in the selection process. They serve as an
opportunity for both the employer and the candidate to assess each other's
suitability for the job. Adequate preparation is essential for a successful
interview. Candidates should thoroughly research the company, review the job
description, and anticipate common interview questions. Likewise, employers
should prepare by reviewing the candidate's resume and identifying key areas
of interest. Professionalism is also of utmost importance during interviews.
Candidates should dress appropriately, arrive on time, and demonstrate good
communication skills. Employers, on the other hand, should conduct
themselves in a respectful and unbiased manner.

Summery
 References
 WWW.iedunote.com ( Interview ,meaning ,objective)

 WWW.questionpro.com (Types of interviews )

 WWW.themuse.com (interview questions and answers)

 WWW.collinsdictionary.com (interview definition and meaning)

Annex
Basic interviewing skills by Raymond L.Gorden
Success in interviews
The Art of the interview by James Storey
Interviewing by Jack Gray