SBIT/H&S/7.5.

1/RC 07 June, 2011

INTERVIEW SKILLS
In these days of intense competition, getting a job is by no means an easy task. It is a
form of an oral communication in which an individual interacts with other to know each
other. It consists of another important aspect of social and business communication.
The main job of an interview is to find out as much as possible about a person. In
broader sense, it is to gather details and to elicit relevant information from the
interviewee and therefore to make an assessment, appraisals or evaluation about that
candidate for the offer available with the interviewer.

Definitions:
1. An interview is a formal meeting in which a person evaluates (or) consults another
person.
2. The term “INTERVIEW” is derived from the French word “INTROVO’ which denoted
glimpse.
3. To give an interview is to agree, to answer a set of questions.

Chronology of the Interview:

 Introduction: (2-5 Min)
Greeting (Smile, Wishing, Handshake)
Casual Talk
Making our self comfortable.
 Candidate’s Assessment: (10-20 Min)
Qualifications
Achievements
Questions
 Conclusion: (3-5 Min)
Thanking the board
Negotiations
Clearing queries by the candidate.

1. Planning
2. Opening Strategies
3. Answering Strategies
4. Tele Conferencing
5. Video Conferencing
6. Concept/Process

1. PLANNING: Pre – Interview Preparation

Study your self
Know the occupation

Dept of English, SBIT KMM AECS Lab Manual Page 1

 SBIT/H&S/7.5.1/RC 07 June, 2011

Know the organization

Prepare questions
Controlling interview jitters (nervousness)
Interview attire
Etiquette
10 ways to make sure you do your best.
Pre interview strategies.

2. OPENING STRATEGIES:
Introduction
Attitude & Response.
Ten things.

INTRODUCTION: Making that winning impression.

Be focused; put away all other concerns & worries.
Put forward a firm hand shake.
Smile
Introduce yourself clearly with your first & last name …etc.
TEN THINGS: 10 things that an interviewer looks in you.
Family Background.
Education.
Experience.
Suitability.
Initiative.
General ability.
Inter personal skills.
Confidence.
Aptitude.
Pleasant looks.

3. ANSWERING STRATEGIES:
Consider each question as an opportunity to provide some of the
information. Don’t assume anything. You will be evaluated on your answers, not
your resume. Therefore, ensure you incorporate the relevant information from
your resume in your answers. Pause a couple of seconds before you respond to
each question, even if you know exactly what you want to say try to expand. Never
answer a question with a “YES or NO”.

4. TELE – CONFERENCING
Here are some phone interview tips to help you.
Be prepared

Dept of English, SBIT KMM AECS Lab Manual Page 2

 SBIT/H&S/7.5.1/RC 07 June, 2011

Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone

Be a good listener
The open and available technique
Don’t get caught reading an answer.
Focus on what you offer and can do.
Sound positive, self confident & focused.
Write out your responses & practice reading them aloud.
Ask about the next step.
After the interview

5. VIDEO CONFERENCING:
Introduction
Planning
Tips

INTRODUCTION:
Video interviews are becoming more common place in the work place “with
advance planning and preparation the video interview isn’t very different from an in-
person interview”. For the job seekers though, it can be a little intimidating. It’s hard
enough to interview face – to- face, let alone in front of a camera and micro phone.
PLANNING:
What to wear
Advance planning
How to present
Video interview
The interview process.
What to Wear:
Wear plain clothes in pastel shades
Do not wear white
Do not wear “loud” stripes or other patterns.
Advance Planning:
Make sure that you send any materials (resume etc) that the recruiter needs in
advance.
Arrive early so you have time to get situated.
Ask for assistance if you’re not sure how to use the equipment actually, even if
you can figure it out, it’s good to ask for a quick overview.
How to Present:
Sit comfortably
Have your papers to hand
Sit up enough that you can move your diaphragm normally
Relax and breathe.

Dept of English, SBIT KMM AECS Lab Manual Page 3

 SBIT/H&S/7.5.1/RC 07 June, 2011

Talk normally
Video Interview:
Make sure the table is clean and neat. You don’t want to distract the interview.
Be aware that the micro phone picks up all the noise in the room. Don’t tap your
pen or shuffle papers.
Make eye contact if you don’t the camera will be focused on the top of your head.
Use the picture – in – picture feature, so you can see now you appear.
The Interview Process:
The interview process will be the same as an in-person interview. The interviewer’s
objective is the same.
You will be asked the same type of interview questions also be prepared to ask
questions as well.
If you’re not sure about how the interview is proceeding, it’s fine to ask the
interviewers how you are doing.
The applicant will have 30 seconds to read the question and two minutes to
respond.
6. CONCEPT / PROCESS
The Concept of an Interview:
Interview is an opportunity for both the employer and the applicant to
gather information. The employer wants to know if you, the applicant, have the skills,
knowledge, self confidence, and motivation necessary for the job. At this point you can
be confident that the employer saw something of interest in your resume.
He/she also wants to determine whether or not you will fit in with the
organizations current employers and philosophy. Similarly, you will want to evaluate the
position and the organization and determine if they will fit in to your career plans. The
interview is a two- way exchange of information. It is an opportunity for both parties to
market themselves. The employer is selling the organization to you, and you are
marketing your skills, knowledge, and personality to the employer.

Process of an Interview
1. How to start an interview
2. Establishing rapport
3. Exchanging information
4. Closing the interview
5. Follow up : after the interview
6. Conclusion.

Dept of English, SBIT KMM AECS Lab Manual Page 4

 SBIT/H&S/7.5.1/RC 07 June, 2011

How to start an interview

Know yourself, before you ever start the job hunting process, take some
time to put yourself, under the micro scope. The more self- aware you are, the more
confident and comfortable you will be in job interviews.

Establishing Rapport
Smile and maintain eye contact this is one way of communicating
confidence, even if you don’t feel it.
If the interviewer offers his/her hand, shake it firmly. If they don’t it is appropriate
to offer yours.
Wait until the interviewer sits or offers you a seat before sitting down.
If the interviewer is making small talk, participate keep your answers short and
positive.

Exchanging Information
When you answer a question, look the interviewer in the eye.
Be aware of the interviewer’s reactions. If he/she looks confused ask if you can
clarify anything.
Be aware of what your body is saying avoid closed postures sit upright, but not
stiffly.
Try to find a comfortable position as that will make you feel more relaxed.
Control your nervous habits. Don’t swing your foot, talk with your hands (to an
extreme), or fiddle with jewelers, buttons pens etc….
Show that you are interested in the job by asking questions
Try not to appear bored or anxious. Don’t look at your watch.
Closing the interview
Don’t be aggressive
Ask for the interviewer’s business card
Keep positive attitude
Follow up after the interview
Thank the interviewer for his/ her time & consideration
Ask when you can expect to hear from him / her.
It is not known when a decision will be reached, ask if you can phone in a week’s
time to inquire about the progress.
If not already discussed, you can after to leave a sample of your work, or portfolio
if you have one.

Dept of English, SBIT KMM AECS Lab Manual Page 5

 SBIT/H&S/7.5.1/RC 07 June, 2011

SAMPLE THANK YOU LETTER

Ashok kumar saka
Flat No – 31, bharani apts, bhavya nagar colony, KPHB, Hyd.
Mail Id; sakaashok @ gmail.Com
October 20, 2012.
Mr. Surendra
Human Resources manager,
IBM India limited ……
Hyderabad.

Dear Mr. Surendra,

I enjoyed meeting with you on march 19th . The information you provided
regarding the financial assistant position with IBM Confirms my desire to become a
member of your team.

During the interview you stated you needed someone with strong organizational
and time management skills. I’ve successfully demonstrated these skills while working
as “BROKER’S” Assistant with TBC Securities. In order to meet tight time deadlines on a
daily basis, I quickly refined my priority management skills to ensure all client
transaction were processed.

Look forward to hearing from you and the possibility of joining IBM.

Sincerely,
Ashok kumar. S.

Conclusion
Interviewing for a job is a difficult task. Nobody like being analyzed and
evaluated. Most people become nervous at the thought of interviewing, and that’s
normal. However there are a number of steps you can take to become better at
interviewing, most of these steps involve preparation and practice. You can increase
your confidence by identifying your goals, preparing appropriate questions to ask, and
anticipating a well as practicing difficult questions. Your increased confidence will make
you a more effective communicator.
Dress code for an Interview:
Men’s Attire:
Prefer light colour long sleeve shirt.
Neatly shaved/trimmed.
Professional shores neatly polished.
Moderate smelling perfume

Dept of English, SBIT KMM AECS Lab Manual Page 6

 SBIT/H&S/7.5.1/RC 07 June, 2011

Women’s Attire:
Prefer solid colour dress
Use moderate footwear, avoid pin pointed heels.
Use limited jewellary
Maintain professional hair style.
Neatly manicure nails.

Do’s and Don’ts for the Interview:

Do’s:
Be on time.
Attire yourself in neat hygiene clothes
Be brief and to the point
Avoid using slangs
Grasp the interviewers attention
Clear your queries
Maintain eye contact
Be consistent in your claims
Thank the panel before you leave the room
Don’ts:
Avoid monosyllabic answers
Avoid flattery
Avoid too many gestures
Don’t interrupt while the panel members speak
Avoid smoking or chewing gums
Don’t argue with the interview panel
Don’t be emotional
Don’t enter political controversy
Don’t touch your buttons or hair etc…

Illustration:

Here is a sample interview of a company.

Candidate : Can I come in Please, Mam
Manager : Yes, Please come in, Good Morning.
Candidate : Good Morning Mam
Asst Manager : Please sit down
Candidate : Thank you Sir
Manager : Could you begin by telling us something about yourself, please.

Dept of English, SBIT KMM AECS Lab Manual Page 7

 SBIT/H&S/7.5.1/RC 07 June, 2011

Candidate : Mam, This is Mr. Sreeraj vasudevan. I belong to Kerela, but I

grew up in Banglore, where my father worked until he retired. I
am married and have a baby, who is a year old.
Asst Manager : I assume you speak both Malayalam and Kannada. Am I right?
Candidate : Yes sir, absolutely. I also speak Hindi.
Manager : Why do you want to join our company?
Candidate : You are one of the leading publishers of law books in the
country. With my background and experience. I hope to be able
to contribute to the company and also find the opportunity here
to grow further.
Manager : In fact, the vacancy we have is for Lucknow. Would you be open
to the idea of being based there?
Candidate : Yes, Mam. I am willing to relocate to any part of the country.
Asst Manager : Could you tell us what kind of salary you expect, please.
Candidate : I’m drawing 22,000 net in my present job, sir. I think anything
a little over that should be all right.
Manager : Well, That’s fine. Mr. Sreeraj vasudevan will be getting back to
you in a week’s time.
Candidate : Thank you.

Dept of English, SBIT KMM AECS Lab Manual Page 8