Interview
Definition of Interview
·
The word ‘interview’
is derived from two words: ‘inter’ meaning between and ‘view’
meaning to see.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “An interview is a meeting in
which someone asks you questions to see if you are suitable for a job or
course.”
·
An
interview is a formal and planned conversation where one
person (the interviewer) asks questions and the other (the interviewee)
responds.
In simple terms, an interview is a verbal exchange between an
interviewer and an interviewee.
·
An
interview provides accurate data and insights about the interviewee.
It helps assess the skills, abilities, and personality of the
candidate and plays an essential role in selecting the most suitable person for
a job or course.
·
Generally,
an interview has three main stages:
1.
Introduction – establishing a comfortable environment.
2.
Getting
to Know You – asking detailed questions about
qualifications, experience, and personality.
3.
Closing – final comments, clarifications, and next steps.
Objectives or Goals of an Interview
·
To collect
personal and professional information about the candidate.
·
To verify
the accuracy of the facts presented in documents like a résumé.
·
To
evaluate the competence, confidence, and communication skills
of the candidate.
·
To
determine the suitability of the candidate for a specific task
or position.
·
To observe
the candidate’s behavior, attitude, and decision-making ability.
·
To allow
the candidate to clarify questions about the organization or
job.
·
To promote
mutual understanding between the interviewer and the
interviewee.
Preparing Effectively for a Successful Interview
1. Clarity
·
Have a clear
understanding of the date, time, and location of the interview.
·
Review
your resume or application form and be ready to discuss every
detail.
·
Practice
answering common interview questions in a logical and structured
way.
·
Ask
yourself potential questions and prepare clear, concise, and confident
responses.
·
Understand
the role and responsibilities of the job you are applying for.
·
Keep your documents
organized and ready for submission.
2. Impression
·
Make a strong
first impression through your appearance, manners, and confidence.
·
Be
well-prepared so that during the actual interview, you can answer without
hesitation.
·
Research
the organization, its goals, and its work culture in advance.
·
Review the
job description to understand the interviewer’s expectations.
·
Be honest,
humble, and show a positive attitude throughout.
3. Presentation
·
Arrive
early (at least 10–15 minutes before the
scheduled time).
·
Dress
neatly and appropriately for the job role.
·
Greet the
interviewer politely and maintain eye contact.
·
Sit
comfortably with good posture.
·
Speak
clearly, with a pleasant tone and confidence.
·
Avoid
negative body language such as fidgeting or crossing arms.
·
Always thank
the interviewer at the end of the session.
Types of Interviews
A. Based on Nature
1.
Structured
Interview:
o
A formal
interview where all candidates are asked the same set of questions.
o
It
provides fair and objective evaluation.
o
Commonly
used for job recruitment.
2.
Unstructured
Interview:
o
An
informal conversation with open-ended questions.
o
Helps
understand the personality and ideas of the candidate.
o
No fixed
format is followed.
3.
Stress
Interview:
o
Designed
to observe how the candidate performs under pressure or challenging
situations.
o
Tests
patience, emotional control, and decision-making.
4.
Personal
Interview:
o
Focuses on
questions about the candidate’s personality, ethics, and values.
o
Determines
if the candidate fits the organizational culture.
5.
Board
or Panel Interview:
o
Conducted
by a group of interviewers (experts or senior members).
o
Each
interviewer may assess different aspects such as knowledge, behavior, or
technical ability.
6.
Group
Interview:
o
Conducted
in two ways:
§ Panel Group Interview: Several interviewers question each candidate.
§ Candidate Group Interview: Several candidates are interviewed together to test teamwork
and communication.
B. Based on Process
1.
Telephonic
Interview:
o
Conducted
over the phone.
o
Useful for
shortlisting candidates.
o
Saves time
and money.
2.
Online
Interview:
o
Conducted
using video conferencing platforms like Skype, Google Meet, or
Zoom.
o
Ideal for
remote candidates and international interviews.
3.
Face-to-Face
Interview:
o
Traditional
and most common form.
o
The
interviewer observes both verbal and non-verbal communication.
o
Builds
personal connection and trust.
C. Based on Purpose
1.
Technical
Interview:
o
Assesses
the candidate’s specific technical knowledge related to the
job.
o
Common in
fields like engineering, IT, and medicine.
2.
Behavioral
Interview:
o
Focuses on
how the candidate handled situations in the past.
o
Tests
qualities like teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability.
3.
Exit
Interview:
o
Conducted
when an employee leaves the organization.
o
Helps
understand reasons for departure and improve management practices.
4.
Promotional
Interview:
o
Conducted
for employees seeking higher positions within the
organization.
Exercises
A. Answer the following
questions (10–15 sentences each)
1. Why is knowing how to face an interview an
important skill?
Knowing how to face an interview is a valuable life skill because it helps
build confidence and communication ability. It prepares an
individual to present themselves effectively and handle
questions professionally. By practicing before the interview, one learns to
answer clearly and confidently. It also helps reduce nervousness and anxiety. A
well-prepared candidate is more likely to impress the interviewer
and secure the opportunity. Additionally, understanding interview etiquette and
structure helps a person make a positive first impression. This skill is not
just useful for jobs but also for academic admissions, scholarships,
and professional networking.
2. Why are interviews important?
Interviews play a vital role in the selection process. They
help employers analyze a candidate’s skills, experience, and
personality beyond what is written on paper. Interviews also allow
candidates to express themselves freely and demonstrate their
strengths. They help in verifying the accuracy of the given
information and assessing communication and problem-solving skills.
From the employer’s perspective, interviews help in identifying the right
person for the right job, ensuring efficiency and harmony in the
workplace. They also help build mutual understanding and confidence between
both parties.
3. What are three ways in which you can prepare for
an interview?
The three key ways to prepare for an interview are Clarity, Impression,
and Presentation.
·
Clarity: Understand the purpose of the interview and prepare by studying
your resume, practicing answers, and knowing about the company.
·
Impression: Present yourself with confidence and good manners. Research about
the organization and prepare thoughtful answers.
·
Presentation: Dress neatly, be punctual, maintain proper posture, and communicate
clearly. Together, these three aspects help you appear confident, competent,
and professional.
B. Example Activity –
Interview Practice
Situation: You
applied for a loan to study abroad and have been asked to attend an interview
at the bank.
|
Question |
Possible Answer |
|
1. Why do you want to go abroad for
study? |
I wish to gain international exposure and
access to better educational resources. |
|
2. Where do you plan to study? |
I plan to study in China. |
|
3. Why did you choose China? |
China has advanced medical institutions
and affordable education for international students. |
|
4. Which course do you wish to pursue? |
I want to study MBBS. |
|
5. How much loan do you require? |
I require a loan of about ₹50 lakhs to
cover tuition and living expenses. |
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