Interview Techniques/ Planning for the Interview

The Interview

The interview is one of the most important components of job search strategy. An effective resume and cover letter helped to secure an interview: now a successful interview can be instrumental in securing a position. It can be the strongest factor in the organization’s decision to hire. However, an ineffective interview can abruptly end an otherwise successful job search. With thoughtful preparation and practice one can learn the skills necessary to interview effectively, thus helping to secure the position one wants.

It is important to also keep in mind that interviewing involves a mutual exchange of information. An interview is an opportunity for candidates and employers to mutually evaluate the match between the candidate’s qualifications and goals and the organization’s needs. This is the best opportunity to evaluate the organization, and the position and can be informative and productive for both parties.

Planning for the Interview

Often an individual approaches the interviewing process with apprehension and a degree of nervousness. This is normal given the emphasis that is placed on an interview in the job search process. It is important to remember, however, that without careful planning and preparation, one may become overwhelmed by the interview and fail to present clearly to the employer qualifications as they relate to the position for which they are interviewing. Consider the following areas when preparing.

Know Yourself

It is difficult to articulate skills, interests, and goals to an interviewer, especially if they have difficulty articulating them to themselves. Complete a thorough self-assessment, reviewing the skills/abilities, background, experience, education, training and career goals. They need to present to the employer confidence in yourself and qualifications, as well as a sense of career direction.

Review resume before the interview. The employer will likely use it as a guide and ask questions directly from it. Be sure to know exactly what it says. If there is a difficulty identifying strengths in these areas, make an appointment to speak with a professional in Career Services.

In addition, take time to respond to difficult and common interview questions. It is common to think one can easily answer most interview questions, but until one attempts to put thoughts into words, you will be unable to detect if the responses are clear, concise and effective. This is where practice becomes so important. Ask a friend or roommate to interview. This will enable someone else to determine how clear and concise the responses are. Professionals in Career Services conduct mock interviews with the candidate upon request,allowing them to encounter a “real” interview situation. They will also provide constructive feedback and suggest possible areas of improvement to consider. These mock interviews can be videotaped, allowing critiquing and evaluating the interview performance.

Know Your Field of Interest

Employers will be interested to discover why you selected a particular career field to pursue and what your related experience has been. One needs to be prepared for these types of questions.

 Know the Employer

Research the organization thoroughly to discover the company’s products, services, location(s), previous and projected growth and future prospects  problems within the organization. Consider the following list of areas to research, as well as the following resources:

Areas to Research:

1. Size and number of Employees
2. Type of Organization
3. Entry-level positions
4. Present Market
5. Career Paths
6. Projections for Future
7. Relationship with Employees
8. Reputation/Integrity
9. Training
10. Products and/or Services
11. Affiliates & Subsidiaries

Resources to Consider:

1. Company Literature
2. Current Magazines
3. Articles in major newspapers

Know the job applied for

Prior to the interview, have a clear description of the job and the required skills. Need to be able to articulate understanding of the position and the demands. Review the job posting before the interview.

After carefully preparing for the interview by assessing one self, understanding the field, researching the organization and clarifying the position, one needs to focus on the interview itself. Careful research and planning for an interview is less effective without PRACTICE. A mock interview will allow practicing articulating the skills and qualifications to an employer.

Preparing for an Interview

• Rehearse answers to potential questions.
• Select what you will wear to an interview.
• Dress professionally and conservatively; be clean and well-groomed.
• Create a professional portfolio (if desired). Portfolios may include any of the following:
• A few extra copies of the resume
  • Certificates of awards and honors; special certifications for special trainings
  • Samples of relevant papers or projects
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Letters of nomination to honors and academic organizations
  • Newspaper articles that address some achievement
  • Internship summary reports or projects
• Write down five to ten questions to ask the employer.
• Drive by the location where the interview will be held so that one should know how to get there, where to park, and whether there is road construction that could cause delays.

Arriving for the Interview

• Arrive early, but not more than 15 minutes.
• Switch off/silent the cell phone.
• Carry only what is absolutely essential for the interview:
• A leather folder, pen and your prepared questions for the employer
• A typed list of references.
• Enter the interview with a positive, confident attitude
• Treat everyone in the office with respect

Interview Process

The following types of interviews are best seen as “phases” of the overall process rather than separate interviews. Given cost, time restraints and staff factors, a phone interview and screening interview may be combined, or in a small organization, the president or manager may combine all phases of the interview from screening to selection into one interview.

Each interview will be different; however, information discussed earlier can be applied to each interview situation for planning and preparation. With each additional interview, with a prospective employer, one needs to take an extra step in self-assessment and consider new information that has been revealed about the organization and the position for which you are being considered. Throughout the interview process, remember to constantly evaluate the interests, needs and skills as related to the organization and the position.

Screening Interview:

This is usually the first meeting the interviewee will have with a prospective employer. It is usually general in format and relatively short, lasting 20-30 minutes. On-campus interviews and Recruiting fair interviews are examples. The purpose of this interview is to reduce the number of candidates to a manageable number. In doing so, this person selects individuals best qualified to meet their organization’s needs. She/he is also looking for reasons to eliminate people.

Follow-up or Second Interview:

The purpose of this interview is to identify finalists for the position. The number of candidates has been reduced to a manageable number, however the final two or three candidates have not been selected. This interview is onsite at the employer’s location and often several people will interview the candidate. Candidates will receive additional information about the organization and the position. Conversely, the interviewers will ask more pinpointed questions, possibly hypothetical in nature, to reveal certain skills and characteristics that interviewees possess to determine an appropriate match with the organization’s needs.

Selection Interview:

With the final candidate pool, the position’s supervisor or Corporate Manager for that branch will usually be the primarýnterviewer; however others may be involved as well. During this interview, interviewees will want to have all the questions answered so that he/she can make a decision to accept the position if offered. If the employer initiates the discussion, salary, benefits. professional development and additional areas might be discussed at this time. The decision to offer the job to an individual is made at this stage after a review of the finalists. Being the first choice a quick response may be received. However, in the case of an acceptable, suitable candidate, but the second or third choice,one may receive a delayed response. The employer may wish to place the candidate on “hold”, waiting for a response from other candidates.

Interview formats

The phases of the interview process may take on different formats, rather than just an individual. face-to-face exchange of information. Note the following formats, with some additional suggestions provided for assistance.

1. Phone Interview:
   This Information will help to prepare for the interview and anticipate the dynamics of speaking with one person or to numerous individuals over a speakerphone. Make arrangements to be alone in the room or apartment for the interview. Have readily available a copy of the resume and questions to ask the employer. Be careful not to make a low crisp whispering or rubbing sound of paper needlessly to convey to the employer that the interviewee is unprepared. One recommendation is to tape the resume and information one has about the position and the company to a wall near a mirror. Doing the interview standing up is more energized. Evaluation for this type of interview is based on responses, tone of voice, enthusiasm, ease of conversation and adaptability to the circumstances.
2.  Group Interview: This type of interview can be threatening given the numbers of individuals involved. One may be interviewed by a group of individuals, i. e, a search committee, will be required to respond to questions from each person. Maintain eye contact with each person in the room when answering questions. Try to draw each individual into the interview, remembering that each person’s impression counts. Ask each person if she/he has a copy of your resume. If they do not, provide copies to everyone. In addition to this type of group interview, an organization may decide to bring a group of candidates on-site to interview. One may be asked to complete a group task, respond to certain scenarios, or to meet informally. The employer is looking for the ability to work in a group situation, the leadership style, adaptability and flexibility, and decision-making style.
3. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Interview: This type of interview can be very difficult. Normally, scheduled meals during an interview are for the candidate to relax and gather her/his thoughts for the remaining hours of the interview. Oftentimes, the employer asks an individual(s) with the organization to join for the meal and possibly introduce them to the surrounding community. Therefore it is another interview situation. It is best not to concentrate on the meal, but focus on the conversation and the questions asked. Remember your dining etiquette and, if at all possible, manage to eat some of the good food!

Interview types

When preparing for an interview, interviewees emphasize their style, assertiveness, conciseness of answers, etc. Little, if any, emphasis is placed on the style and assertiveness of the interviewer. A structured interview where the interviewer takes the lead and asks probing questions is expected to be the norm. Preparing for this type of interview is slightly different from preparing for a more open-ended or free flowing interview.

Consider the following styles of the interviewer when preparing for an interview. Alterations of the style and the method to answer questions may be necessary in order to effectively present oneself and the qualifications. During the first few minutes of the interview, pay close attention to the interviewer. She/he will probably take the lead and set the style for the interview.

1. Directive Interview:
   • The interviewer has set the agenda for the interview. She/he will gather information, providing direction by the questions asked or answers she/he provides. The interviewee is expected to do most of the talking. One may feel as if questions are being “fired” constantly. Ease the tension by pausing before answering and taking a few moments to compose and answer. This interview can allow for an equal exchange of information and questions.
2. Stress Interview:
   • A confrontational style is used through which the interviewer will attempt to unsettle the interviewee. The interviewee is purposely placed in a pressure situation to see how they respond. The interviewer may begin the interview with “I.d like to begin the interview by asking what you would like to discuss during the next 30 minutes?” This is just one of many statements that an interviewer may use to put pressure on, to direct the interview. If this occurs, remember to remain calm and maintain composure. Recognize this tactic and show the interviewer that one can respond calmly and effectively.
3. Nondirective Interview:
   • Some interviewers take a fairly informal approach to interviewing and therefore, they fail to provide direction. A casually posed question within a casual atmosphere often promotes a casual response. It is important not to let the guard down in this situation and become too relaxed. If this continues, one needs to provide direction in the interview. In order to do so, be tactful and change the direction in a positive way. Ultimate goal is to convey to the interviewer what she/he needs to know about the candidate and the interest in working for the organization.
   • In addition to these styles, there may be other interview techniques that are used by an interviewer which are appropriate for the expectations of the position and the person being interviewed. Considering these issues when preparing for interviews canassist in interviewing at your best.

Stages of the Interview

Before beginning the interviewing process it is helpful to understand the stages of the process. There is a logical ordering of events in an interview and knowing the order in which things typically happen can help to feel more confident. This is not to say that things will always happen in this order, but the following is the format of a standard interview.

• Prior to the Interview:
  • Gain an excellent understanding of the goals as well as the occupational field, employer, and the specific job for which they are applying. The interviewer will have spent a few minutes reviewing the resume.
• Breaking the Ice (2 minutes):
  • Always shake hands and introduce yourself. Relax! Most likely the opening of the interview will include small talk. Be friendly and responsive. Try to notice your surroundings and anything that might identify the interviewer as an individual. Feel free to initiate a discussion of some very general topic of conversation such as weather, travel et cetera, or comment on an object in the office. Be sure to ask how much time there will be for the interview. The interviewer will likely review the interviewing agenda.
• General Information Sharing (10 minutes):
  • The resume is an outline of one’s experiences. This part of the interview is the opportunity to fill in the gaps and provide details.One will be asked questions about education and training, work experience, and the skills that have been attained from work and interests. It is essential that one should have a good idea of the things about oneself that one wants to stress. Under no circumstance should one try to fool an interviewer with a stretched truth!
• Further Probing of Key Characteristics (10 minutes):
  • The job for interviewing has certain characteristics and requirements. The interviewer is looking for a candidate who understands what these are and who can relate past experiences and skills to what will be required in the new position. Questions asked will be more specific than those in the “General Information Sharing”. The interviewer will be trying to gain a clearer understanding of style and potential for blending with the company/organization. Expect questions that ask; how? why? What did you do?

Solicit Questions (5 minutes)

Organizing your facts and experiences so as to have clear, concise answers at hand is a major part of interview preparation but it is not the only part. In addition to your “excellent answers” one must have some “excellent questions”. It is important to LISTEN and formulate questions based on topics raised by the interviewer.. Questions will arise that one will need to ask in order to clarify the understanding of the job and the company/organization. Always have questions to ask. A lack of questions infers that one is not interested enough or alert enough to be inquisitive. Do not ask a question concerning things that one could have learned. Do not ask about salary in the initial interview. If the interviewer brings it up, however, then one is free to discuss it openly. If they don’t invite you to ask questions, politely ask if you may.

Tying it together and closing (3 minutes)

It is during these final few minutes that any loose ends are addressed and any other questions that either the interviewer or interviewee need answered in order to make a decision are asked.

Follow-up

Here is yet another opportunity to make a good impression. Always write a thank you letter right after the interview. So many people forget this step that if you do not forget you will stand out!! Respect the employer’s given timeline, but if unsure of their timeline and haven’t heard anything after one week, one might call to inquire as to the progress of the candidate search and ask about the current status as a candidate. If one does not get the job, ask for some feedback. Suggestions from past interviews can help strengthen weak areas and polish up for future interviews.

During the Interview:

1. Be honest and be yourself.
2. Answer all questions thoroughly, yet concisely. One should generally be able to keep your responses to two minutes or less.
3. Use specific examples whenever possible to support the statements. For example, instead vaguely stating “I am detail-oriented,” provide a real-life experience, such as “One of my strengths is managing a lot of details, coordinating the schedules for 50 volunteer leaders and organizing small group activities.”
4. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s).
5. Sit with good posture. Avoid nervous mannerisms such as tapping fingers on the table or playing with hair. Smile when appropriate.
6. Ask questions when the employer gives the opportunity.
7. Do not ask a question just to ask a question. Ask questions based on the research done about the position and company.
8. Do not ask questions about salary or benefits. Let the employer begin the salary negotiations.
9. Before you leave, ask for a business card from each person in the interview.

After the Interview:

• Take notes about what went well in the interview and how one can improve in the future.
• Thank the employer for his or her time and consideration, remind the employers of your unique qualifications and express genuine interest in the position.
• If one has not heard from the employer regarding the outcome of the initial interview by the date they indicated they would notify, a follow-up phone call or email is acceptable.

Types of Interview Questions:

In addition to there being different types of interviews, the questions asked within an interview vary as well.

Behavior-Based Questions

One might encounter Behavior-Based questions. These are questions that are asked to describe a specific time when interviewee exhibited a certain behavior, or completed a certain task or accomplishment. They might often begin with “Describe a time when…” or “Give me an example of a…” or “Tell me about a time when…” or “What would you do if…”

These questions are asked to provide the employer with concrete examples of what you do and how one responds in a variety of situations. Behavior-based questions are more specific and require more information than a question such as “What motivates you?” Below is a list of some behavior-based questions.

1. Describe an unpopular decision one had to make but made anyway.
2. Describe a situation where one heard of some new technology and implemented it.
3. Describe a time when a project under your direction was late and how you dealt with the issue.
4. Give me an example of a problem, issue, or concern that you handled in a unique and creative way.
5. How do you instill ownership in people when new ways of doing things are introduced?
6. Tell about a project interviewee is particularly proud of having been associated with and why.
7. Tell me how one can stay current in your field on new or evolving technologies or programs.
8. If you observed someone displaying inappropriate work behavior, what would you do?
9. If you heard it through the grapevine that someone did not care for you, what would you do, if anything?

Case Questions

A second specific type of interview question is Case interview questions. Case interview questions are commonly used by consulting firms or other industries that are looking for individuals with skills in persuasion and logic. The purpose of case questions is to observe how you solve problems, and handle pressure, to test your analytical and logical thinking abilities, to see if you are interested in problem solving, and to glimpse more of your personality. The following are some “Case Commandments”

• Listen to the question
• Take notes
• Summarize the question
• Verify the objective
• Ask clarifying questions
• Organize your answer
• Manage your time
• Be creative and brainstorm
• Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude
• Bring closure and summarize

Types of Case Interview Questions

Brainteasers

e.g. There are three bags of gold. One of the bags contains fake gold. All the bags and all the coins look exactly alike. There is the exact same number of coins in each bag. The real gold coins weigh one ounce each, the fake coins weigh 1.1 oz apiece. You have a penny scale and one penny, which means you can weigh something just once. How can you tell which bag has the fake gold?

Business Case Questions- Number Cases

The total mobile market is Rs 170 million, and our sales are Rs 30 million. What percentage of the market share do we hold?

You bought a stock for Rs 36 a share. Today it jumped 6%. How much is your stock worth?

American Express is facing stiff competition from a host of new credit cards that have no annual fee and low interest rates. In response, American Express is considering dropping its Rs 50 annual fee. What are the economics of dropping the Rs 50 fee?

 First Impressions

The familiar saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” couldn’t be more applicable to the interviewing scene. The interview image must be buffed and polished until you have mastered a flawless presentation of yourself. The image, of course, begins well in advance of your personal interview. All correspondences, resumes, telephone conversations and informal visits should reflect the image one wants to convey. This is not to suggest that one should not be one’s true self. Certainly everyone has a different style and portrays a unique image. Stressing the “flawless image” means simply organizing and preparing to the extent that one portrays the most perfect you. Below are some suggestions and things thatine should be on the lookout for.

Appearance:

• Dress professionally; feel good about the way one looks.
  • Dress one step above how you would dress on the job
  • Err on the side of being overdressed not underdressed
  • Avoid soiled, wrinkled or worn clothing
• Use make-up moderately
• Make sure hair, mustaches, and beards are well trimmed
• Don’t overdo use of jewelry
• Don’t forget to shine shoes, clean fingernails, etc.
• Do not wear strong perfumes, colognes or aftershaves – avoid them altogether if possible

Attitude:

• Project confidence and enthusiasm
• Show sincerity, commitment
• Be optimistic

Behavior:

• Arrive early, but not too early. 5-10 minutes is a good range
• Carry yourself proudly, don’t bring in too much baggage. (so you are free to shake hands)
• Use a firm handshake, but do not try to prove your strength by being too firm
• Maintain good eye contact
• Speak in a controlled voice at a reasonable volume
• Smile and be friendly to everybody

Do Not:

• Smoke or chew gum
• Fiddle or scratch
• Laugh uncontrollably
• Appear confused or use defeating expressions

What To Do If Asked An Illegal Question:

It is your choice whether or not to answer an illegal question. Your response can range from

• Answering the question directly (it is not illegal for you to answer).
• Answering the perceived underlying question without answering the question directly (if asked “Are you married or single?” you might respond “if you are concerned about my willingness to travel, I can assure you that I am fully dedicated to my career and willing to fulfill all the expectations of this position).
• Asking how the question is relevant to the qualifications for the position.
• Stating that you do not think the information is relevant to your qualifications for the position.
• State that the question is an illegal question and/or you would prefer not to answer.
• Terminate the interview if you are uncomfortable and illegal questions continue.

Questions applicants might ask

Research the position and organization. Avoid questions one could have easily answered through a bit of research. Some of these questions are sensitive and require the use of tact and discretion on the part of the applicant.

Job Description/History

• Can you give me a detailed job description?
• What specific responsibilities would I be expected to carry out?
• Are there particular requirements or quotas to be met?
• Is there any flexibility in how this position is defined?
• Is this a regular, long-standing position, or has it been newly created?
• What might a typical workday in this job be like?

Other Post: Frequently asked interview questions