1. Introduction
An interview is a formal conversation between an interviewer and a candidate. The purpose of an interview is to know more about the candidate's knowledge, skills, personality, confidence, communication ability, attitude, and suitability for a particular job, course, scholarship, or position.
Facing an interview successfully requires preparation, confidence, good communication, proper behaviour, and a positive attitude.
2. Meaning of Interview
The word interview means a meeting in which one person or a group of people asks questions to another person to collect information and assess their suitability.
For example:
A company interviews a person before giving them a job.
A college may interview a student for admission.
An organization may interview candidates for a scholarship.
An interview is not simply a question-and-answer session. It is also an opportunity for the candidate to present their abilities and personality.
3. Objectives of an Interview
An interview has several important objectives.
1. To know the candidate
The interviewer wants to understand the candidate's background, interests, education, and experience.
2. To test knowledge
Questions may be asked about the candidate's subject, job, or field.
3. To assess communication skills
The interviewer observes whether the candidate can express ideas clearly.
4. To check confidence
The interviewer notices how comfortably the candidate answers questions.
5. To understand personality
The interview helps assess qualities such as honesty, patience, responsibility, and teamwork.
6. To check suitability
The interviewer wants to know whether the candidate is suitable for the position.
4. Types of Interviews
There are different types of interviews.
A. Personal Interview
This is a direct interview between the candidate and one interviewer or a small group of interviewers.
Example: A company interviews a candidate for a job.
B. Panel Interview
In a panel interview, several interviewers ask questions to one candidate.
The panel may include:
Manager
Subject expert
Human resource officer
Department head
The candidate should answer the person who asks the question while also maintaining appropriate attention toward the panel.
C. Telephone Interview
The interview is conducted over the telephone.
In this type of interview, voice, clarity, pronunciation, and confidence are especially important because the interviewer cannot see body language.
D. Online/Video Interview
This interview is conducted through an online video platform.
The candidate should check:
Internet connection
Camera
Microphone
Background
Lighting
Device battery
The candidate should also join the meeting on time.
E. Group Interview
Several candidates may participate together.
The interviewer observes:
Communication
Teamwork
Leadership
Listening ability
Cooperation
Confidence
A candidate should express ideas without dominating others.
F. Structured Interview
The interviewer asks a prepared set of questions to each candidate.
This makes it easier to compare candidates.
G. Unstructured Interview
The questions are not completely fixed. The interviewer may ask questions according to the conversation.
5. Importance of Interview Preparation
Good preparation reduces nervousness and increases confidence.
Before an interview, a candidate should:
Learn about the organization.
Understand the position or course.
Revise important subject knowledge.
Read the information given in their application or résumé.
Prepare answers to common questions.
Practise speaking clearly.
Prepare appropriate questions to ask the interviewer.
Arrange necessary documents.
Preparation is one of the most important steps in facing an interview successfully.
6. Preparing for an Interview
A. Know About the Organization
Before attending an interview, learn basic information about the organization.
Find out:
Name of the organization
Main activities
Services or products
General goals
Nature of the position
Basic requirements
This shows that the candidate is genuinely interested.
B. Know the Job or Position
Understand what the position requires.
For example, if the position requires good communication skills, the candidate should be prepared to explain their communication abilities and experiences.
C. Prepare Your Introduction
A candidate should be able to introduce themselves briefly.
A good introduction may include:
Name
Educational background
Relevant skills
Experience, if any
Interests related to the position
Career goals
The introduction should be short, clear, and relevant.
7. Common Interview Questions
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is one of the most common interview questions.
A good answer should focus on:
Education
Skills
Experience
Relevant interests
Career goals
Avoid giving unnecessary personal information.
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2. What are your strengths?
Mention genuine strengths that are relevant to the situation.
Examples:
Good communication
Teamwork
Time management
Quick learning
Problem-solving
Responsibility
Adaptability
Give a small example when possible.
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3. What is your weakness?
The candidate should answer honestly but constructively.
For example:
> "I sometimes spend extra time checking my work because I want it to be accurate. I am learning to manage my time better while maintaining quality."
The answer should show self-awareness and willingness to improve.
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4. Why do you want this position?
Explain your interest and connect it with your skills and goals.
Avoid answers based only on salary or personal benefits.
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5. Why should we select you?
The candidate should briefly explain how their:
Skills
Knowledge
Attitude
Experience
can be useful.
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6. Where do you see yourself in the future?
Give a realistic answer showing that you want to learn, develop your skills, and take greater responsibility.
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7. Why did you choose this subject or field?
Explain your genuine interest and what attracted you to the field.
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8. Do you have any questions for us?
It is often useful to ask a relevant question.
For example:
> "Could you tell me more about the responsibilities of this position?"
This shows interest and preparation.
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8. How to Answer Interview Questions
A good answer should be:
Clear
Speak in simple and understandable language.
Brief
Do not give unnecessarily long answers.
Relevant
Answer the question that was asked.
Honest
Do not give false information.
Positive
Focus on what you can learn and contribute.
Well-organized
Think for a moment before answering difficult questions.
If you do not know something, it is better to say:
> "I am not sure about that, but I would be interested in learning more about it."
Do not invent an answer.
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9. Body Language in an Interview
Body language plays an important role.
Good Body Language
Sit comfortably and upright.
Maintain natural eye contact.
Keep a calm facial expression.
Listen carefully.
Nod naturally when appropriate.
Keep your hands relaxed.
Avoid unnecessary movements.
Poor Body Language
Avoid:
Looking continuously at the floor.
Constantly moving your hands or legs.
Slouching.
Looking at your phone.
Interrupting the interviewer.
Showing boredom or disrespect.
Body language should look natural rather than forced.
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10. Dress and Appearance
A candidate should wear clean, neat, comfortable, and appropriate clothing.
The purpose is not to wear expensive clothes. The important things are:
Cleanliness
Neatness
Professional appearance
Comfort
Personal grooming should also be appropriate.
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11. Importance of Communication Skills
Communication is one of the most important interview skills.
A good candidate should:
Speak clearly.
Use understandable language.
Use suitable vocabulary.
Listen carefully.
Avoid unnecessary repetition.
Speak at a comfortable speed.
Organize answers logically.
Good communication does not mean using difficult English. Simple and clear language is often more effective.
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12. Listening Skills
Listening is as important as speaking.
A candidate should:
1. Listen to the complete question.
2. Understand what the interviewer is asking.
3. Think briefly.
4. Give a relevant answer.
Do not interrupt the interviewer.
If the question is unclear, politely ask:
> "Could you please repeat the question?"
or
> "Could you please clarify what you mean?"
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13. Confidence in an Interview
Confidence means believing in your ability while remaining respectful.
Ways to build confidence:
Prepare well.
Practise common questions.
Learn about the organization.
Revise important topics.
Practise speaking.
Reach the interview location on time.
Take a few calm breaths before entering.
Confidence is different from overconfidence.
Confidence: "I can learn and perform this task."
Overconfidence: "I already know everything."
A good candidate should be confident but humble.
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14. Handling Nervousness
Feeling nervous before an interview is normal.
To manage nervousness:
Prepare in advance.
Arrive early.
Take slow, comfortable breaths.
Focus on one question at a time.
Do not worry about giving a perfect answer.
Remember that the interview is also a learning experience.
If you make a small mistake, continue calmly instead of becoming discouraged.
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15. Punctuality
Punctuality creates a good impression.
A candidate should:
Know the interview location beforehand.
Plan the journey.
Arrive with enough time.
For an online interview, join a few minutes early.
Being late without a valid reason can create a negative impression.
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16. Documents to Carry
Depending on the interview, candidates may need:
Résumé/CV
Educational certificates
Identity document, if required
Experience certificates, if applicable
Portfolio or work samples, if required
Passport-size photographs, if requested
Other documents mentioned in the interview instructions
Keep documents organized.
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17. Things to Avoid in an Interview
A candidate should avoid:
Arriving late.
Using a phone during the interview.
Interrupting the interviewer.
Giving false information.
Speaking negatively about previous teachers, employers, or institutions.
Arguing unnecessarily.
Giving extremely long answers.
Using slang or inappropriate language.
Showing arrogance.
Memorizing answers so rigidly that they sound unnatural.
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18. The STAR Method for Answering Questions
For questions about experiences or situations, the STAR method can help organize an answer.
S – Situation
Explain the situation.
T – Task
Explain what you needed to do.
A – Action
Explain what you did.
R – Result
Explain what happened as a result.
Example
Question: "Tell me about a time when you worked in a team."
A good answer can explain:
Situation: There was a group project.
Task: The group had to complete it within a deadline.
Action: You helped divide the work and communicated with team members.
Result: The project was completed on time.
This method makes answers clear and organized.
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19. Etiquette During an Interview
Interview etiquette means appropriate behaviour during an interview.
Important points include:
1. Greet the interviewer politely.
2. Wait until you are invited to sit.
3. Sit properly.
4. Listen carefully.
5. Answer respectfully.
6. Avoid interrupting.
7. Thank the interviewer at the end.
8. Leave politely.
Good manners create a positive impression.
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20. Beginning of an Interview
A typical interview may begin with a greeting.
The candidate can say:
> "Good morning. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."
Then wait for instructions from the interviewer.
A polite and confident beginning can help the candidate feel more comfortable.
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21. During the Interview
While answering questions:
Stay calm.
Listen carefully.
Think before answering.
Speak clearly.
Maintain natural eye contact.
Give honest answers.
Provide examples when useful.
Ask for clarification if necessary.
The candidate should try to have a natural conversation rather than simply reciting memorized answers.
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22. Ending the Interview
At the end, thank the interviewer for their time.
A simple ending could be:
> "Thank you for your time and for giving me the opportunity to speak with you."
Then leave calmly and politely.
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23. Online Interview Skills
Online interviews require some additional preparation.
Before the interview:
Check the internet connection.
Test the microphone.
Check the camera.
Charge the device.
Choose a quiet place.
Keep the background neat.
Keep important documents nearby.
During the interview:
Look toward the camera when appropriate.
Speak clearly.
Avoid unnecessary background noise.
Do not repeatedly look at your phone or other distractions.
If the connection breaks, reconnect calmly.
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24. Qualities of a Good Interviewee
A good interviewee should demonstrate:
Confidence
Honesty
Good communication
Good listening
Positive attitude
Punctuality
Knowledge
Politeness
Responsibility
Adaptability
Teamwork
Willingness to learn
No candidate is expected to know everything. The willingness to learn is also an important quality.
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25. Do's and Don'ts of an Interview
Do's Don'ts
Prepare well Do not come unprepared
Arrive on time Do not arrive late
Dress neatly Do not dress carelessly
Listen carefully Do not interrupt
Speak clearly Do not mumble
Be honest Do not give false information
Maintain natural eye contact Do not stare continuously
Stay positive Do not complain unnecessarily
Ask relevant questions Do not ask careless questions
Thank the interviewer Do not leave abruptly
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26. Interview Checklist
Before the Interview
☐ Research the organization
☐ Understand the position
☐ Revise important knowledge
☐ Prepare your introduction
☐ Practise common questions
☐ Prepare documents
☐ Choose suitable clothes
☐ Plan your journey
☐ Get enough rest
During the Interview
☐ Greet politely
☐ Sit properly
☐ Listen carefully
☐ Speak clearly
☐ Maintain natural eye contact
☐ Be honest
☐ Stay calm
☐ Give relevant answers
After the Interview
☐ Thank the interviewer
☐ Leave politely
☐ Think about what went well
☐ Identify areas for improvement
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27. Sample Interview
Interviewer:
Tell me about yourself.
Candidate:
"Good morning. My name is ____. I have completed my education in ____. I am interested in ____. I consider communication, teamwork, and willingness to learn among my strengths. I am looking for an opportunity where I can develop my skills and contribute positively."
Interviewer:
What are your strengths?
Candidate:
"My strengths are that I am responsible, willing to learn, and comfortable working with others. I also try to complete my work carefully and on time."
Interviewer:
What is one area you want to improve?
Candidate:
"I want to improve my public speaking skills. I am working on this by practising speaking and participating more actively in discussions."
Interviewer:
Why are you interested in this position?
Candidate:
"I am interested in this position because it matches my interests and gives me an opportunity to use my skills while learning new things."
Interviewer:
Do you have any questions for us?
Candidate:
"Yes. Could you please tell me more about the main responsibilities of this position?"
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28. Importance of Facing an Interview
Learning how to face an interview is useful because interviews are common in:
Employment
College admissions
Scholarships
Internships
Training programmes
Competitions
Professional opportunities
Interview skills can also improve communication, confidence, listening, and presentation skills.
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29. Conclusion
Facing an interview successfully requires more than knowing the correct answers. A candidate should be well-prepared, confident, honest, polite, punctual, and a good listener. Clear communication and positive body language also create a good impression.
The most important point is to be yourself, prepare properly, and answer honestly and confidently. Even if an interview does not produce the desired result, it provides experience that can help a candidate perform better in future interviews.
