INTERVIEWS

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

By the end of the sub-module unit, the trainee should be able to:

a) Explain purposes of interview.

b) Explain types of interviews.

c) Explain how to conduct yourself during the interview

Definition: An interview is a conversation between two or more people (the interviewer and the
interviewee) where questions are asked by the interviewer in order to obtain information from
the interviewee. It suggests a meeting between two or more people for the purpose of getting a
view of each other. It is a formal oral communication in which individuals interact for the
purpose of knowing each other.
Purposes of interviews in an organization
1. Selection of personnel/ Employment purposes
Job or employment interviews are used to select suitable persons on the basis of their
qualifications and experience.
2. Evaluation of workers
Some companies conduct interviews for periodic evaluation of workers.
3. Determining reasons for exit
Organizations conduct exit interviews to determine a person’s reasons for leaving a company.
4. To seek information and ideas
Interviews are used as a tool to seek information and ideas that concern a particular issue of
importance to the organization. They are helpful in writing reports.
5. Interviews in media organizations are done by presenters who are seeking a person’s
ideas or views on issues of importance to the public.
6. Security agencies conduct interviews known as interrogations. This is for the purpose of
getting information that is required concerning a case.
Types of interview
1. Job interviews
The interviewer who is a prospective employer wants to learn about the interviewee who is the
jobseeker and vice versa.
2. Information interview
Interview seeks information that will contribute towards a decision or basic understanding.
Information flows mainly in one direction.
3. Persuasive interviews
One person (the persuader) tells another about a new idea/ product/ service or explains why the
other should act on the recommendations. Usually the persuader asks about the other persons
needs and shows how the product or concept is able to meet those needs. The persuader must be
skilled enough to be convincing.
4. Exit interviews
The interviewer usually a superior/ boss try to understand why the influence is leaving the
organization or transferring to another department or division.
The departing employee can often provide some understanding (insight) into whether the
business is being handled effectively or whether things could be improved. The interviewer tends
to ask the questions while the interviewee answers.
5. Evaluation interviews
Interviews are often involved in the periodic evaluation that some companies make of their
workers. They may be inducted to gather information on matters e.g. worker attitudes, working
conditions, managerial effectiveness, and worker plans.

6. Counseling interview
Here, a supervisor talks with an employee about their personal problems that are interfering with
work performance. The interviewer is concerned about the welfare of both the employee and the
organization. The goal is to establish the facts, convey the company’s concern and steer the
person towards a source of help.
7. Conflict-resolution interview
The goal is to bring two parties close together, cause adjustments in perception and attitudes and
create a more productive climate.
8. Disciplinary interviews
A supervisor tries to correct the behavior of an employee who is flouting the organization rules
and regulations. The interviewer (supervisor) must not only get the employee to see the reason
for the rules and agree to comply but must also review the facts and explore the person’s attitude.

Interviewer’s preparation for an interview

As an interviewer you should make the following preparations:
1. Have a clear picture of the company profile and the nature of the job for which the
interview is being held.
2. Know the type of personality, character or temperament required for the job.
3. Send interview invitation letters well in advance so as to enable the interviewee prepare
adequately. Also mention the documents the interviewee should carry.
4. Make proper seating arrangement for the interviewee in the waiting room.
5. Find a quiet interview room free of interruptions.
6. Give each member of the interview panel a copy of the candidate’s curriculum vitae. This
will help in preventing confusion and time wastage.
7. Decide in advance which member of the panel will initiate the interview.
How to conduct the interview
1. Welcoming the candidate
Welcome the candidate in exactly the same way you would welcome a friend who visits you at
your office or home. Give the candidate a warm smile and toke to him/ her in a friendly tone of
voice.
2. Contents of the interview
Start talking to the candidate by asking relevant question on things such as qualifications,
experience, skills, attitude, character, drive, aspirations, previous employment, willingness to
travel etc.
3. Parting
Thank the candidate for having come for the interview. It is desirable to give him/ her a specific
date in which the results would be communicated.
Interviewee’s preparation for the interview
1. Know yourself
Know about your abilities, drive, skills, qualifications etc.
2. Know about the company
Know the profile of the company (probably from its website). Find out as much as possible about
its activities, growth, future prospects etc.
3. Prepare for the questions
Anticipate the questions that you will probably be asked and prepare answers to them.
4. Prepare the questions that you would like to ask
If the interviewer does not offer you full information about the company and the job, you may
ask questions to gain this information.

Arriving for the interview

1. Dress appropriately
You should be dressed for the occasion. Your clothes as well as general appearance should be
neat. Finger nails should be clean, shoes polished and hairstyle appropriate. Lotions, cream and
perfumes should be used sparingly. The accessories should complement your suit or dress.
2. Take with you your certificates
Take your certificates and other papers that might be of use during the interview.
3. Arrive for the interview on time.
This is of utmost importance. Try to arrive at the interview venue ten to fifteen minutes before
the scheduled time. This will give you enough time to relax and prepare for the interview.

How to conduct yourself during the interview

1. Do not be nervous or agitated when entering the interview room. See carefully where you
are going and do not trip over the carpet or the doormat.
2. Greet the interviewer (s) politely.
3. Do not sit down until you have been asked to. Then sit in a natural composed manner.
4. When the interviewer starts conversation, pay attention to what he/ she says. Do not
interrupt. Only respond at the appropriate time.
5. Give relevant answers to questions asked. Neither give too long or too short answers.
6. Do not try to make an exhibition of your knowledge. Don’t boast of your capabilities.
7. If there is something you do not know, admit it straight away. Do not lie.
8. Remain calm and friendly throughout the interview. Do not lose temper.
9. Be positive in your attitude. Express your enthusiasm for the job and the company.
10. Don’t keep shifting in your seat. Do not bite or chew your fingernails, or smoothen your
hair or keep adjusting the knot of your necktie. These are signs of nervousness.
11. When you are asked questions about your previous job, be frank but avoid criticism of
your former employer or colleagues. Mention only the positive, pleasant, and constructive
aspects of your earlier employment.
12. When the interview is over, don’t forget to thank the interviewer. You may even tactfully
ask when the results will be made known to you.
13. If the job is offered, you may accept it immediately or ask for time to think over it,
depending upon your circumstances.