Interviews

Interviews are a fact-finding technique whereby the

systems analysts collect information from individuals
through face-to-face interaction.

What is an interview?
An interview is like a conversation but different. Like a
conversation, an interview involves two people
talking to one another about something they are
interested in. But an interview is more one-sided
than a conversation because one person, the
interviewee, talks more and offers more
explanations, while the other person, the
interviewer, has to listen very carefully to what is
being said and ask follow-up questions. When you
do an interview you must both listen and respond at
the same time. Thats not easy!


Types of interview
Managers used several type of interview for
selection process.
Traditional Face-to-Face Interview
Most interviews are face-to-face. The most
traditional is a one-on-one conversation.
Your focus should be on the person asking
questions. Maintain eye contact, listen and
respond once a question has been asked.
Your goal is to establish rapport with the
interviewer and show them that your
qualifications will benefit their organization.
Panel/Committee Interview
In this situation, there is more than one
interviewer. Typically, three to ten members of a
panel may conduct this part of the selection
process. This is your chance to put your group
management and group presentation skills on
display.
As quickly as possible, try to 'read' the various
personality types of each interviewer and adjust to
them. Find a way to connect with each
interviewer.
Remember to take your time in responding to
questions. Maintain primary eye contact with the
panel member who asked the question, but also
seek eye contact with other members of the panel
as you give your response
Telephone Interview
Many organizations will conduct interviews by
telephone to narrow a field of candidates.
Telephone interviews may also be used as a
preliminary interview for candidates who live far
away from the jobsite.
It is important to treat this interview as you would
a face-to-face connection. Arrange for a quiets
pace and time to schedule the conversation. Clear
a work surface to minimize distractions.
Focus on the conversation. Listen to the
questions carefully before you answer. Since your
voice is key,convey energy with inflection in your
voice.
Have a copy of your resume nearby as a
reference.
Avoid using a phone with call waiting. You do not
want to be interrupted during an interview
Group Interview
A group interview is usually designed to
uncover the leadership potential of
prospective managers and employees who
will be dealing with customers.
The front-runner candidates are gathered
together in an informal, discussion type
interview. A subject is introduced and the
interviewer will start off the discussion.
The goal of the group interview is to see
how you interact with others and how you
use your
knowledge and reasoning to influence
others.
Components of a Successful
Selection Process
1) Develop Job Description and Task Analysis
2) Prepare Interviewers
3) Recruit Applicants
4) Prepare Applicants
5) Screen Applications
6) Conduct Employment Interview
7) Document, Evaluate, Select
8) Make the Offer
9) Close with Other Candidates
10) Ensure Effective Use of Probationary Period
Types of Interview Questions
Standard or traditional-
targeting your education, work experiences, and
career goals
Sample Questions
Tell me about yourself?
What is your greatest strength? Weakness?
Why did you choose to interview with us?
What did you like most about your last job? Least?
What are your short and long term career goals?

Types of Interview Questions
Behavioral Questions
-These focus on your actions and/or behaviors in a
previous setting.
- Past behavior provides clues to future behavior
Sample Questions
Describe a time you had to make a difficult
decision?
Tell me about a time you worked under a deadline?
What do you do when a team member is not pulling
his/her weight?
Think about a time you made a mistake. What did
you learn from it?

Types of Interview Questions
Inappropriate or unethical questions
- Questions which probe into your private life or
personal background
- Questions about your ethnicity, religion, sexual
orientation, disabilities, marital status
Sample Questions
How old are you?
Do you have children?
Do you have a disability?
What religion do you practice?


General Interview Strategies

-Be prepared to talk about yourself and your
experiences
-Master the art of storytelling
-Provide specific and concrete examples of your
results/accomplishments
-Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and
confident throughout the interview process


Remember an interview is a formal
conversation--avoid filler words like Um,
Ah, & You know
Avoid indecisive phrases like: I think, I
guess, probably, or pretty good
Think before speaking
Avoid long verbose answers--limit your
response to 1-2 minutes
If you do not hear or understand a question,
ask them to repeat or clarify it for you

Types of Interview Questions
Open-ended questions allow the interviewee
to respond in any way that seems
appropriate.

Closed-ended questions restrict answers to
either specific choices or short, direct
responses.
DURING THE INTERVIEW ROLE
OF INTERVIEWER
Opening the interview :
Your aim is to put the interviewee at ease and help
him/ her to relax by being friendly and reassuring.
Create a climate of confidence. You can do so by
giving the interviewee your undivided attention.
Smile, nod, use appropriate gestures to exhibit
genuine interest in the interviewee and what he/ she
has to say.
Question-types :
Beware of closed questions; instead use open
questions.
Keep an open mind and dont just stick to your
prepared questions; allowing the interviewee to
speak freely.
Avoid allowing the interviewee to ramble
irrelevantly.
Keeping interview on track :
If your interview meets a dead end, you should
redirect the conversation back toward your
subject matter.
You must also be precise in your questions and
project your point of view such as giving
examples of answers needed.
Assessing the candidate:
You need to assess the candidates professional,
technical (if the job is of this nature), practical
and communication abilities.
Be sure to listen carefully to what they are
saying but observe closely their body language,
voice and eye contact too.
Ending the interview :
Sum up the interview by stating any action you
are going to take or anything expected of the
interviewee after the meeting.
ROLE OF THE
INTERVIEWEE
LISTEN CAREFULLY
You will be judged on the basis of your
answers to questions, so listen to them
carefully. Pick out the key details of
the question and pause briefly before
answering, keep answers on target.
Never interrupt the interviewer.

TAKE CARE TO USE
CORRECT EXPRESSIONS
Interviews, especially those for jobs,
tend to be fairly formal occasions, so
utilize language suitable for the
situation. At all costs avoid slang and
expressions like `you know, `sort of,
`er, etc. Speak clearly and distinctly.

OBSERVE ETIQUETTE
Even if you are invited to do so, dont
smoke, eat, or drink during the
interview. Address the interviewer as
Mr. or Ms unless if he/ she
indicates otherwise. Never touch
objects and papers on the table.

MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT
Look directly at the interviewers and
project that you are confident. Sit up
straight, control nervous habits and
smile naturally as you are greeted.
These are all nonverbal behavior that
you will be observed.

BE HONEST
Do not say what you think the interviewer
wants or expects you to say. Putting your
views and your personality across as
courteously as possible is better than giving
bland, non-committal responses to the
interviewers questions. Also do not pretend
you have qualifications or experience which
you do not you are bound to be caught.

ASK QUESTIONS
A good interviewer will give you the
opportunity to ask questions. This does not
mean you should ask about holidays and
salary. Find out about potential for the
future, your responsibilities, training and
other work-related questions.