A Complete English Study Guide

1. What Is an Interview?

Definition

An interview is a formal or semi-formal conversation between two or more people in which one
party (the interviewer) asks questions and the other party (the interviewee) provides answers. It
is one of the most widely used tools for gathering information, assessing suitability, or evaluating
qualifications.

Types of Interviews

Job / Employment Interview – Used by employers to select the most suitable candidate for a
position.

Academic Interview – Conducted by universities or scholarship committees to assess applicants.

Media / Journalistic Interview – A reporter questions a public figure to gather information for
publication.

Research Interview – Used in social sciences to collect qualitative data from participants.

Performance Appraisal Interview – A manager evaluates an employee's work performance.

Key Characteristics of an Interview

✔ It is purposeful – conducted with a clear objective.

✔ It is structured or semi-structured – questions are prepared in advance.

✔ It involves two or more participants with defined roles.

✔ It is interactive – involves two-way communication.

✔ It can be conducted face-to-face, by phone, or online (e.g., video call).

2. Before the Interview – Preparation

 "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." – Benjamin Franklin. Thorough preparation is the
most important factor in interview success.

For the Interviewee (Candidate)

A. Research & Knowledge
→ Research the organisation – its history, mission, products/services, and culture.

→ Understand the job description thoroughly and match your skills to the requirements.

→ Learn about recent news or achievements of the organisation.

→ Know the industry trends relevant to the position.

B. Personal Preparation
→ Prepare answers to common interview questions (e.g., 'Tell me about yourself', 'What are your
strengths and weaknesses?').
→ Practice the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioural questions.

→ Prepare questions to ask the interviewer – this shows initiative and interest.

→ Review your CV / résumé and be ready to discuss every item on it.

→ Practise aloud – use a mirror or ask a friend to conduct a mock interview.

C. Practical Logistics
→ Choose and prepare professional attire the night before.

→ Plan your route and travel time – aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early.

→ Bring copies of your CV, certificates, and identification documents.

→ Get a good night's sleep and eat a proper meal beforehand.

→ Turn off or silence your mobile phone before entering the venue.

For the Interviewer

→ Review the candidate's CV and application in advance.

→ Prepare a structured list of questions relevant to the role.

→ Arrange a suitable, quiet venue free from interruptions.

→ Inform the candidate of the interview format, time, and location in advance.

→ Familiarise yourself with equal opportunity and anti-discrimination guidelines.

→ Prepare an evaluation / scoring sheet to assess candidates objectively.

3. During the Interview

 ■ Interviewee – Dos ■ Interviewee – Don'ts

■ Greet with a firm handshake & smile ■ Arrive late or dress unprofessionally

■ Maintain good eye contact ■ Interrupt the interviewer

■ Listen carefully before answering ■ Speak negatively about past employers

■ Speak clearly and at a steady pace ■ Give vague or one-word answers

■ Use specific examples (STAR method) ■ Check your phone during the interview

■ Show enthusiasm and positivity ■ Lie or over-exaggerate your skills

■ Ask thoughtful questions when invited ■ Forget to say thank you at the end

■ Be honest – never exaggerate ■ Show signs of nervousness excessively

Key Activities During the Interview

● Opening / Ice-breaker: The interviewer welcomes the candidate, introduces themselves and
explains the interview format.
● Core Questioning: The interviewer asks prepared and follow-up questions; the interviewee answers
using clear, structured responses.
● Competency Assessment: Skills, experience, and personal qualities are evaluated through
behavioural and situational questions.
● Candidate Questions: The interviewee is given the opportunity to ask questions about the role,
team, or organisation.
● Closing: The interviewer explains next steps (timeline, follow-up), thanks the candidate, and ends
the session professionally.

Useful Phrases During an Interview

Opening "Thank you for the opportunity to be here today."

Clarifying "Could you please clarify what you mean by...?"

Buying time "That's an interesting question. Let me think for a moment..."

Giving
"For example, in my previous role, I…"
examples

Closing "Thank you very much. I look forward to hearing from you."

4. After the Interview

For the Interviewee

✦ Send a thank-you email within 24 hours – express gratitude, reaffirm your interest, and briefly
highlight a key point from the discussion.
✦ Reflect and self-evaluate – identify what went well and what you could improve for future
interviews.
✦ Follow up politely if you have not heard back within the stated timeframe.

✦ Continue your job search – do not stop applying while waiting for a response.

✦ Be prepared for a second interview or skills test if invited.

For the Interviewer / Organisation

✦ Score and rank candidates immediately after each interview while impressions are fresh.

✦ Discuss and compare evaluations with other panel members if applicable.

✦ Communicate the outcome to all candidates in a timely and professional manner.

✦ Provide constructive feedback to unsuccessful candidates where possible.

✦ Extend a formal job offer to the selected candidate and begin the onboarding process.

✦ Document the process to comply with recruitment policies and future audits.

Sample Thank-You Email: Subject: Thank You – [Position] Interview on [Date]

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I truly enjoyed our conversation about
[specific topic discussed] and I am even more enthusiastic about the opportunity to join
[Organisation Name]. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information. I
look forward to the next steps.
Yours sincerely, [Your Name]

5. Roles of the Interviewer & Interviewee

Roles of the Interviewer

Designs the interview structure, prepares relevant questions, and arranges

Planner
logistics.

Facilitator Creates a welcoming atmosphere and guides the conversation smoothly.

Evaluator Assesses the candidate's responses, skills, attitude, and suitability for the role.

Information
Provides the candidate with accurate information about the role and organisation.
Giver

Decision Maker Makes or contributes to the final hiring or selection decision based on evidence.

Record Keeper Documents responses and scores for fair and accountable decision-making.
Roles of the Interviewee

Communicator Expresses ideas, experiences, and qualifications clearly and confidently.

Listener Pays close attention to questions and follows instructions from the interviewer.

Responder Answers questions accurately, honestly, and with relevant examples.

Self-Promoter Highlights strengths, achievements, and unique qualities in a professional manner.

Questioner Asks thoughtful, relevant questions to show genuine interest in the role.

Represents themselves and (if applicable) their previous organisations with

Ambassador
professionalism.

6. Quick Summary at a Glance

Stage Interviewee Interviewer

Before Research, practise, prepare documents, Review CVs, prepare questions, arrange
plan attire & route venue, inform candidate

During Listen, answer clearly, use examples, Welcome candidate, ask questions,
ask questions, stay calm evaluate, take notes

After Send thank-you email, self-evaluate, Score candidates, deliberate,

follow up if necessary communicate outcome, offer role

These notes were prepared as a comprehensive English study guide on Interviews. Sections cover the
definition, all three stages (before, during, after), and the distinct roles of both the interviewer and interviewee.