INTERVIEW
Department of English, MES KEVEEYAM COLLEGE
INTERVIEWS
An interview is a conversation
between two or more people
where questions are asked by the
interviewer to elicit facts or
statements from the interviewee
Interview
Definition:
Paulty V Young defined interview as a systematic
methods by which a person enters more or less
imaginatively into the inner life of a comparatively
strangers.
PURPOSE OF AN INTERVIEW
From the employers perspective
They want to find out:
Can you do the job?
• Do you have the appropriate background, including education, skills, and experience?
• Do you have the expertise needed to make you "stand out?"
• Are you able to learn and adapt?
Will you do the job?
• Do you want to work for this company, or do you simply see it as a stepping-stone?
• Are you aware of and honest about your future goals and plans?
• Are you motivated and eager to learn?
Will you fit in?
• Do you work well with others?
• How do you respond to supervision and criticism?
• Do you have the skills to balance where their team is currently weak? Do they like you?
PURPOSE OF AN INTERVIEW
From the candidate's perspective
you want to find out:
What do I want my typical work day to look like? What are my career goals for the next five
years?
• Do I want to spend a lot of time on the phone?
• Do I want to work with new people every day?
• Will this job help me to achieve these goals?
What kind of work schedule do I want?
• Does this position require a great deal of overtime?
• Will I be required to travel?
• Are evening hours involved?
What kind of work setting do I want?
• Do I want to work mostly in the office?
• Do I want travel involved?
Am I willing to relocate?
PURPOSE OF AN INTERVIEW
An interview is a formal meeting with a view to
ascertain your suitability for the job before entering a
contract or agreement. It is like a tape recorder in which
your past incidents, feelings and reactions are played
back to the person, who can then get a glimpse into
your inner qualities which otherwise can’t be easily
exposed. It is a social process which involves interaction
between two persons the interviewer and the
interviewee. Through this method, it is possible for a
person, to come into contact with the other and know his
attitudes, characteristics and ideas on a variety of
subjects on such an occasion the socio-cultural barrier
between the two are removed and free-flow of ideas
takes place.
Kinds of Interviews
1. Traditional face to face interview
The most traditional way of interview is the face-toface interview. Here we have to maintain eye
contact, listen and respond once a question has
been asked.
Kinds of Interviews
2. Panel or committee interview
In this situation 3 to 10 members of the panel may
conduct the interview. Here we get a chance to put
our group management and group presentation
skills on display.
Kinds of Interviews
3. Behavioral interview
With the behavioral interview, the interviewer is
looking for results not just an activity. This type of
questions generally starts with words like, “ give me
an example when…….” Or “tell me about a time
when ….”.
Kinds of Interviews
4. Case interview
Here interviewer will outline a situation or provide
you with a case study and ask you to formulate a
plan that deals with the problem. The more you are
able to analyze and dissect the case study, the
more you will likely impress your interviewer.
Kinds of Interviews
5. Telephone interview
Many organizations are now conducting the
interview by telephone. This is conducted to the
candidates who stay far away from that place. Try
to use a landline, since your voice is the key in
telephone interview, so convey energy in your voice.
Kinds of Interviews
6. Group interview
A group interview is usually designed to uncover the
leadership potential of prospective managers and
employees who will be dealing with customers.
Kinds of Interviews
7. Lunch or dinner interview
Here the setting may be more casual. Remember it
is a business meal and you are being watched
carefully. Avoid messy food and do not drink
alcohol.
Kinds of Interviews
8. Stress interview
This type of interview is very common in sales
position and rare today. The stress interview is
usually a deliberate attempt to see how you handle
yourself under pressure.
Kinds of Interviews
9. Walk-in-interview
A particular day and time will be advertised in the
paper and the candidate has to attend the
interview
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
Appearance
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The single word meaning ‘outward look’ of visual impression has a vital role
to play in interview. Our appearance makes a real impact on others,
especially the selection board which happens to look at you on both angles subjectively and objectively. Appearance include you overall look which is
the sum total of your
Clothes
Hair style
Facial expression
Way of entering and leaving the hall
Sitting posture before the interviewer
The Russian proverb is mentioning here “when you meet a man you judge
him by his clothes. When he leaves, you judge him by his heart”.
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
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YOUR CLOTHES
The Russian proverb says, “When you meet a man you
judge him by his clothes. When he leaves, you judge him
by heart’’ .Your dress is always important. The right
dress enhances your appearance.
It should be well tailored and not outdated. This does
not mean you should be fashionable.
Your dress should suit to the post you are competing for.
Don’t wear a new dress because we may not know how
we will look in our new dress.
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
HAIR STYLE
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Before entering into your interview hall:
you should check that your hair is neatly combed. It is
always better to keep a pocket comb.
A hair cut just before the interview should be avoided.
It changes your appearance of face for some time and
could make you feel uncomfortable.
For girls it is recommended that they carry a small comb
in their purse and tidy the hair before entering the
interview hall.
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
FACIAL EXPRESSION
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It is said that “your face is the index of your mind” and the
interviewer can judge a lot from your facial expression.
Smile when you enter your interview room and politely ask,
“May I come in please”.
The smile should continue on one’s face till you greet the
member of the interview board. This indicates the
candidate’s self confidence and relaxed attitude and will
help to develop a quick rapport with the board members.
However, don’t continue to smile once the interview is going
on. Your ides is to come out successful, and it can be possible
if you are able to create a feeling of mutual rapport.
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
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ENTERING THE INTERVIEW HALL
As you are shown the venue of the interview hall, thank
the person who has guided you towards the room.
If you enter the room on your own, close the door
behind you with one hand without turning your back
towards the interview board.
Smile and say in a firm voice “good morning sirs” or
“good morning gentlemen”.
Do not sit down until you are asked to do so.
Though these are the little things, they are important if
you want to give a good impression.
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
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YOUR WAY OF WALK
The sum total of your appearance depends on the
way you walk and carry yourself.
Cultivate a “dashing forward”, way of walking with
an upright military bearing.
Your way of walk depicts your confidence in
yourself and your confidence in yourself and your
forward walking shows fearlessness and ambition to
rise to height by overcoming obstacles.
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
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YOUR WAY OF SITTING
When you are asked by the chairman to sit, lift the
chair and place it slowly towards you.
Do not sit facing the interviewer directly.
Pull the chair at an angle and sit about 1 meter away
from the interviewer’s desk.
Sit back comfortably in relaxed way.
Don’t stumble into the chair.
Do not change position frequently because it will give
the interviewer the impression that you are not at ease
and that you lack self-confidence and you are nervous.
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
YOUR WAY OF LEAVING THE INTERVIEW HALL
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After the interview when the chairman asks you to leave, get
up and thank all the members present.
If the chairman extends his hand take the opportunity to
shake the hands with confidence. This will prove that you
don’t have a complex of any kind.
Leave the chair calmly and put it back in proper position
and turn to leave portraying and upright bearing.
Walk confidently giving the impression of having achieved
the desired goal.
Do not forget to close the door while leaving the room and
also do not look back.
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
SPEECH MANNERISM
The interview is an oral examination to assess your
personality. Your speech mannerism therefore
assumes much importance. They are the medium of
communication and also show the cultural and
environmental influences on your personality.
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
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CLARITY OF SPEECH
We are judged by our speech modulation. When we
speak to someone, our effort should be to make the
listener hear each word and thus understand your view
point.
The tone of your voice should be light and audible.
Cultivate the habit to speak in firm and crisp and
ringing voice.
Keeping pleasant expression while speaking is a must
and do not rush your sentence
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
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GESTICULATION
It is the movement of the part of the body which
shows inclination or dissatisfaction towards
something.
Gestures should be natural and suited to the
occasion and topics being discussed
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
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Gestures Having Positive Impression
Nodding the head to express yes/no or do something.
Raising the upper eyebrows to show surprise.
Movement of hands while taking and make your ideas
more impressive.
Keep sober expression if the topic is serious.
Smiling while expressing your thanks or being
appreciated. At the same time avoid bad habits and
mannerism like scratching, shaking your legs, picking
your nose etc.
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
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SELF CONFIDENCE
It means having full belief and trust in oneself.
Self-confidence is one of the most desirable
attributes of a good and strong personality.
Self-confidence is thus the supreme guiding force
for a person is successful career.
Self-confidence helps us to overcome doubts, banish
fear and create healthy attitude towards everything
in life.
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
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MENTAL ALERTNESS
Alertness means your preparation and quick
understanding. This includes:
Quickness of thinking
Quickness in grasping others point of view
Quickness in response
Quickness in reaching conclusion and taking decision
Readiness with suitable answers
Relaxed attitude and presence of mind
Mental ability and quickness of observation
GENERAL PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR
INTERVIEW
CONSISTENCY
It involves firmness of opinions, mature thinking and
an attitude not guided by emotions or external
impressions.
DON’Ts IN AN INTERVIEW
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Don’t study late in the night before the day of the
interview. A full night sleep is necessary to keep
you fresh.
Don’t eat heavy breakfast. It may make you feel
uncomfortable.
Don’t forget to ask permission before you enter the
interview hall.
Don’t forget to close the door, after you have
entered.
Don’t forget timely salutation.
DON’Ts IN AN INTERVIEW
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Don’t sit on your own, wait for chairman’s
instruction.
Don’t speak too fast. Talk clearly.
Don’t show excessive gesticulation.
Don’t enter into any argument with the board.
Don’t try to avoid questions.
DON’Ts IN AN INTERVIEW
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Don’t give confusing answers.
Don’t play with your button, hair or anything else,
as it shows your nervousness.
Don’t change your stand, be constant.
Don’t give up while arguing a point.
Don’t miss the opportunity to thank the
interviewers.
DO’s IN THE INTERVIEW
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Read the morning newspaper and note down the important
heading.
If there is time, try to hear latest news bulletin.
Get ready a little before time so that you have sufficient
time available for collecting your folder and other things
to avoid a last minute panic.
Try to reach the venue of the interview atleast half an hour
early.
While starting from your house keep a margin for
unforeseen traffic jams or any other factor that may delay
you.
Introduce yourself in a courteous manner.
DO’s IN THE INTERVIEW
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While you are waiting to be called in, talk to the other
candidates and discuss with them important current
affairs and news items of the day.
Read company materials while you wait.
Greet the interviewer and have a firm handshake.
Use body language to show interest.
Listen and don’t talk too much.
Smile, node and give non-verbal feedback to the
interviewer.
Ask for the next step in progress.
THANKS…
…FOR YOUR CO- OPERATION
…FOR YOUR FOLLOW UP
Department of English, MES KEVEEYAM COLLEGE