Introduction 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. Although interviews are a standard part of journalism and media reporting, the focus of this piece is on how interviews can be used as a tool for psychological research.

Before an interview, the employer scans the resumes sent by various aspirants to shortlist the candidates whose aptitude matches the requirements. So when an aspirant is invited to an interview, it means that the hiring manager believes the candidate might be a good match for the job opening, and he wants to confirm that. The interview is used to determine whether the candidate is qualified for the position. An aspirant who can answer questions in a way it is acceptable, but not necessarily right, to the interviewer, someone who knows well about the potential employers business and the post they hope to fill, easily cakewalks through the interview. These are essentially the basics to be a successful candidate though there are other aspects that employers may look for in relation to specific posts with their own ideas, ideologies and aspects related to the job and to the companys preference with respect to the employees. Interviewing as a method for selecting an ideal candidate is itself an inherently flawed process. This is because it is almost impossible to judge a candidates true aptitude and experience in an interview spanning just a few minutes. Stages of an interview

Thematizing, the why and what of the investigation Designing, plan the design of the study

Interviewing, conduct the interview based on a guide Transcribing, prepare the interview material for analysis Analyzing, decide on the purpose, the topic, the nature and methods of analysis that are appropriate

Verifying, ascertain the validity of the interview findings Reporting, communicate findings of the study based on academic criteria

Types of Interviews There are several types of Interviews which are available some of them have been discussed below: The Informational Interview An informational interview is not a job interview. It is a chance for interested individuals to meet with a professional to gather industry and career information and advice to help determine if the career is worth pursuing. In addition, it allows the individual to begin establishing contacts and a network for future employment opportunities. Even though these types of interviews are less stressful than regular interviews, you should still come prepared. Here are a few tips for informational interviews: 1. Arrive prepared. You dont want to waste your time or the employers. Do your research in advance and have questions ready about the industry, company, field and the position of the person you are meeting with. 2. When other contacts are given to you, make sure the person is comfortable with you using their name as a reference. 3. When the interview is over, make sure to shake hands and leave your contact info and a resume. 4. Follow up with a thank you note in the next day or two.

Screening Interview Some places are easier to get your foot in the door than others. In some cases, you will have to get by a Human Resources professional before you get to the person who is actually doing the hiring. The purpose of the HR professional is to weed out the duds. But if you can get by them, chances are you will be meeting with a decision maker in the company. When screening, HR professionals are looking for employment gaps and inconsistent information. They may also inquire about salary requirements to see if the company can afford you, or if you are asking for more than you are worth. When asked this question, it is recommended that you stick to a simple answer such as "I would be willing to consider your best offer." Screening interviews are also done over the phone. Again, this is a process used to eliminate job seekers based on standard requirements such as experience, education and skill sets. It is good practice when actively seeking a new job to keep a copy of your resume and references by the phone. Audition Interview Some jobs may require a bit of an audition. This is common practice for positions such as computer programming. The purpose is to evaluate your skills on the fly. In an audition interview, you have the unique opportunity to strut your stuff and prove your abilities by demonstrating your knowledge of particular tasks associated with the job. For an audition type interview, one should always: 1. Practice as many possible skills you posses that are requirements for the job prior to the interview. 2. Ask for clarification on anything that is unclear during the exercise. It is better to ask questions that to be doing something incorrectly because you were confused about directions. Group Interview In a group interview you will be alongside other candidates. This is your chance to demonstrate your leadership potential, communication skills and how well you work with others. Sometimes, you may even be challenged to solve a problem as a group and be asked to work as a team to
3

solve the problem. This allows those interviewing to help determine if you are reserved, pushy or have a balance between offering and listening to ideas. This is perhaps one of the most overwhelming interviews and is easy to get lost in the rest of the faces

1. Speak to everybody in the group with respect, regardless of how much they are contributing to the cause. Always be polite even if other people are not. 2. Do your best to avoid power struggles. They will only result in the interviewers forming a negative opinion about you, perhaps one of childishness and inexperience.

Tag Team Interview As if interviewing with one person wasnt hard enough, tag team interviews are even more difficult. They have multiple parties interview one person you. The purpose of the tag team interview is to get insight from others who work in or for the company. They are not only looking for the usual background, education and experience, but how you get along with various members of the team. Here are some tips to help with success: 1. Ask for each persons business card at the beginning of the meeting. This will help you address them by name when required. 2. Make eye contact with each interviewer and speak to them directly when answering their question.

3. Be prepared to share at least two or three times as many stories as you would with a single interviewer. You are now trying to sell yourself to two or three more people, so you will need to have the appropriate amount of stories. 4. Get a good night sleep. These types of interviews can be very fatiguing. Mealtime Interview A mealtime interview, as the name would imply, is an interview set over the course of a meal. They are often used in situations where the position requires a high level of interpersonal skills. A mealtime setting allows them to see how you act in a social setting, as well as your mealtime etiquette. They are not only looking at how candidate interact with other employees, but also how polite he/she is to other guests and the serving staff

1. Make sure you order a meal that is easy to eat so you do not have to worry about spilling or splattering food all over your clothes. 2. Watch the interviewer for cues. Do not sit until he or she does, do not order alcohol unless he or she does (even so, only has one). And order something a little less expensive. Do not begin eating until the interviewer does. 3. Do not discuss any dietary restrictions or preferences. 4. Allow the interviewer or others at the table to choose the topics of conversation. Be sure to thank the interviewer for the meal.

Stress Interview A stress interview allows interviewers to see how well you work under pressure. These types of interviews can be a little cruel, but it serves a point. These types of interviews may include a variety of odd behaviour, including being held in the waiting room for long periods of time, posing offensive questions, being met with long silence or cold looks, just to name a few. Verbal abuse is also fairly common. All of this just to see if you are able to handle a stressful work environment and company culture.

1. Stress interviews are meant to test your mental strength, not hurt your feelings. If you can identify when you are in one, it will make it that much easier to shine. 2. Stay focused on expressing your point. Do not let the interviewer shake your confidence or get in your head. 3. Stay calm at all costs and avoid rude responses to rude questions. Behavioral Interview A typical interview discusses your skills and how they fit with the job at hand. A behavioural interview is aimed at using your previous behaviour to indicate your future performance. Youve probably heard questions such as, "describe a past work experience where you had to use problem-solving, adaptability or leadership.They are looking for detailed information on how you have dealt with past experiences.

Prior to a behavioural interview, review your resume and generate as many stories as possible based on the information in you interview, and of course practice.practice..practice. Keep them short and concise. Follow-up Interview If you make it through the first interview, you may very well be called back for another, or even a third. This could happen if employers are having a difficult time deciding between a few candidates, or just to ensure you are the right person for the job. If you get a second or third interview, it is your best chance to solidify your placement within the company.

Multiple mini Interview The multiple mini interview (MMI) is an interview format that uses many short independent assessments, typically in a timed circuit, to obtain an aggregate score of each candidates soft skills. The MMI requires less expenditure of resources than standard interview formats. Test security breaches tend not to unduly influence results

Fundamentals of Facing an Interview Intelligence, knowledge, personal qualities and character are revealed and both parties are required to be well prepared. The process allows everyone involved to make some important decisions. The candidate decides whether he should accept the position and the interviewer decides whether the candidate should be appointed; this decision may affect the organizational interests. The following suggestions are advisable when faced with an interview:

Do your homework, e.g. go to the company's website and read about their vision, mission, strategy, products, finances, departments, competitive advantages, and competitors etc.etc. If the company does not have a web presence look them up at the library, call the Chambers of Commerce, and find out everything you can about them. Time Management- Arrive at least 15 minutes early for your appointment. Besides ensuring you are not rushed, the use this time to learn as more you about sit in the the company lobby.

ambience.

Observe

company's

employees

Dress appropriately A well dressed and groomed appearance can do wonders for that first impression. Now is not exactly the time to make a fashion statement so a tastefully chosen professional outfit, with suitable accessories like a hand-bag or brief case should be fine. Posture and Carriage - The way in which the candidate carries himself while walking and sitting tells the interviewer about your confidence. Good carriage and posture have to be developed over a period of time and are essential in distinguishing a shoddy and careless attitude from a sharp and alert one.

Be confident - Self confidence, or the lack of it, is observed through your behavior, right from the way you sit to how you speak. Good manners and proper behavior are obviously necessary. Suitable greetings for the time of the day and other formalities must be known to the interviewee; for example, sit down only after being told to; elbows must not be put on the table; the brief case or bag should be kept on the floor beside the chair and do not play with any of your accessories or clothes. Nervous movements betray show a lack of confidence and concentration.

Mental Preparation - The candidate should be well informed about current events, domestic and international, and topics of general interest. Regular reading of newspapers, listening to radio and TV discussions, participating in group discussions and general reading habits are helpful activities in developing the required mental status for an interview. Information about the organization, its directors, turnover, share capital and other relevant information which are available in its annual report, is expected of candidates by public limited companies. A candidate must know as much as possible about the prospective employer company. Go back to the books - The candidate should also possess adequate knowledge in the subjects studied during graduation and professional examinations. A reasonable revision of the subjects can solve the purpose. Several general questions and biographical questions are usually asked by the interviewers and candidates should be well prepared to answer them. No guessing games - In situations where the candidate does not know the answer to a question it is always better to state ones inability to answer than to make a guess. No one is expected to know everything; admitting that one does not know the answer reflects honesty.

Be clear - A candidate must have clarity of purpose and determination enough to want to know his prospects in the organization. He/she must be able to ask questions about the nature of duties, employee benefits, future prospects and other things which he may want to know about the organization before taking any decision. Know your own worth - It is advisable to talk about salary without appearing to be bargaining and without being driven or defeated. This requires careful prior thinking; if possible this topic should be discussed with the family and with experienced elders or friends. It is useful to assess ones training, experience, proved ability, as well as needs, in order to quantify ones worth. It is, of course, necessary to know the payments made for similar positions or work in other companies. Close the Interview: Take interview as a chance for you to express your talents, interests, and skills to your employer. For the organization it is a chance to sell you on the advantages of working with them. If you like what you have observed and would like to be considered for a chance, inform them about your interest. After the Interview: Write down some points stating your interest towards the position and company. Elucidate why you are eligible for this position, and make clear how you can work with the team successfully. Finally, convey your thanks for getting the opportunity. Keep the message very brief and do not exceed more than four passages. Submit this description to the person to whom you must be reporting. At the end, candidates are usually not sure when to leave. If the interviewers indicate that the interview is over, collect your bag, wish them and thank them for their friendly attitude and leave. Some candidates, due to nervousness, seem to be in a hurry to leave and forget to wish or thank the interviewers. Always remember that your parting movements are also closely observed so hurried and frantic movements may betray an earlier composed attitude.

10

DOs and DONT of an Interview

What to Do....

Do express yourself clearly with a strong voice and good diction and grammar. Do pay close attention to your personal appearance; dress to your advantage. Do make concrete goals in planning for your career. Do offer a firm handshake. Do look the interviewer in the eye (but don't stare him or her down). Do fill out applications neatly and completely. Do have as much knowledge about the industry, employer, and position as possible. Do take criticism gracefully. Do equip yourself with a strong knowledge of the company. Do have prepared questions about the employer and position. Do display a sense of humor. Do display self-confidence. Do bring a pen and small notebook with you to the interview. Do remember the interviewer's name and use it during the interview. Do take time to think before answering difficult or unexpected questions. Do take an extra copy of your resume and a list of references with you to the interview. Do follow-up with a thank-you note restating your interest in the position. Do contact the employer by phone if the interviewer does not contact you one week after the time from which he or she indicated you would be notified.

11

What Not To Do....

Don't be overbearing, overaggressive or conceited. Don't show a lack of interest or enthusiasm. Don't emphasize money as your main interest in the job. Don't expect too much too soon - be open to the idea of starting at the bottom and working your way up.

Don't make excuses for unfavorable factors on your record. Don't condemn past employers or institutions of education; keep comments positive. Don't display a marked dislike for schoolwork. Don't be indecisive. Don't display intolerance or prejudice. Don't interview unless you are interested in the job...don't just "shop around." Don't be late to the interview. Don't state specific geographic restrictions. Don't contradict yourself in responses. Don't take notes during the interview - jot down your notes immediately after the interview.

Don't forget: YOU control the content of the interview. Don't glorify your past experiences - getting into a job for which you are under qualified is not recommended.

Don't assume that all employers will be delighted to hear of your plans for graduate school.

Don't smoke; chew gum, etc. even if offered or if the interviewer does so.

12

Conclusion In order to succeed in an interview each individual must make an honest self-assessment and find out ones areas of strength and weakness. Knowledge of ones deficiencies is useful in overcoming weaknesses and unconscious bad habits of posture or speech can be improved by effort. Shortcomings which cannot be overcome can be accepted and acknowledged so that they do not lead to depression and embarrassment when others notice them. Therefore, coming to terms with oneself and knowing how to deal with ones faults, and how to make the best use of ones knowledge and skills, is another vital element in preparing for an interview.

13

References: http://www.acetheinterview.com/interview/othertips.php http://www.citehr.com/16678-9-tips-facing-interview.html http://www.slideshare.net/siddharth4mba/how-to-improve-your-interview-facing-skills http://www.chillibreeze.com/articles/FacinganInterview.asp

14