Interview Skills

What is an Interview?
Interview is a form of oral communication. It is
one to one or one to group interaction, where an
applicant proves the manner in which he will be
beneficial or an asset to an organization.
Remember that an interview is always preplanned and structured. It is a formal
presentation between an interviewer and an
interviewee.

Interview Types
Employing a new candidate for a company is very difficult for the
interviewer. Because of the job market competition, new
interview methods are introduced. There are many types of
interviews. They are:
Face to Face Interview: This is also known as traditional interview
which job seekers meet the employers face to face. The
advantage of the traditional interview is that the employer and
the job seekers get to know each other about their environment.
Group Interview: Group Interviews are conducted by some large
companies for graduates who are all interviewed at one time.
They may give some exercises to solve in a group and observe
how the candidates react with other people
Behavioral Interview: In behavioral interviews, candidates are
asked to explain their skills, experience, activities, hobbies,
school projects, family background etc., as examples of ones
past behaviour.

 Telephone Interview: Telephone Interview is a

technique used to recruit the candidates for
employment through phone. The main purpose of
telephone interview is to reduce the expenses of the
out of state or out of town candidates.
Panel interview: In panel interviews or committee
employees, candidates will meet several higher
authorities and this method is used to hire for
advanced positions.
Stress Interview: Stress interview creates discomfort
in the candidate. This type of interview is to test the
candidates ability to overcome difficult situations.

Placement Interview

Tips for performance:

Preparation before the interview:
Put credentials in a neat file with a set of spare copies.
Choose a dress of sober colour made to a fashion
neither too orthodox nor ultra-modern.
Avoid a fancy hair style
Do not forget to carry letters of reference/testimonials
if you have been asked to.
Visit the venue a day before in order to check the time
it takes to reach in crowded traffic you should be
punctual.

 Performance during the interview:

A. Kinesics:
Use appropriate body language establish eye contact
with the interviewers.
Do not lean on the table
Avoid invading private space by moving too close to
the interviewers, especially on elbows.
Gently bow as you enter. Feel free to greet the others
spontaneously.
Take a seat after it has been offered. If not, seek their
permission to sit down.
Let your body posture be natural, neither too stiff nor
too relaxed.

 B. Interaction:
Meet questions squarely: answer them straight. If you
do not know an answer, say so without hesitation.
Be prepared for all types of questions.
Do not ask interviewers to repeat questions often. Be
attentive to listen and diligent to respond.
Do not be servile: you have skills to offer and the
employer needs your service; be self-confident.
Be honest about your previous employment and
emoluments.
Be open about handicaps, if any6.

 C. Closing the interview:

Ask whatever questions you wish to ask the
interviewers, perhaps about the date of joining,
service conditions, commuting, residence etc., if
the job is of a reasonably high status. If it is not,
you may limit yourself only to the most necessary
questions.
Greet politely before taking leave. If they want
your services, they will inform you about the
follow up.

Ten Most Marketable Skills

Analytical/Problem Solving
Flexibility/Versatility
Interpersonal
Oral/Written Communication
Organization/Planning
Time Management
Motivation
Leader ship
Self-starter/Initiative
Team Player