CONDUCTING EFFECTIVE INTERVIEW

AND THE MISTAKES INTERVIEWERS

MAKE
Training Focus

 Objective

 Tips on what to do before, during and after the interview

 Some mistakes interviewers make

 How to manage/avoid the mistakes

Objective
 To highlight tips on what to consider before, during and
after the interview

 To highlight the mistakes interviewers make and ways to

manage /avoid them.
What is an interview?
 An elimination process, or a process used to select the
best fit candidate for a specific position in an
organization.

 It ensures that the candidate possesses the required and

relevant attitude, personality, knowledge, skill and
competency for the position, which will hence see to the
attainment of the Organizational goals.

 Note : An interview typically lasts approximately 30-60

minutes. However, if it is evident that the applicant does
not meet the requirement of the job, the interview may
conclude sooner.
Pre - Interview
Things To Do
 Familiarize yourself with the specification

 Review application letter and form, CV

 Set a clear time and place to meet – A place free
from distractions
 Take all materials you will need with you to the
interview –
 The specification
 A recording device if necessary(audio or video)
 Paper and pen (to take notes)
 Business cards (in case the ask for it)
During Interview
Things To Do
 Open the interview –
◦ Welcomed with a smile, a handshake and a warm and friendly
verbal greeting.
◦ Make Eye contact to establish invitation
◦ Offer a seat, then beverage(optional)
◦ Introduce yourself by name and title(optional)
◦ Continue with introduction of the company (can also be done after
the interview)

 Keep listening-
◦ Listen to the candidate.
◦ Formulate probing questions to follow-up their responses.
◦ Use "summaries" to control talkative candidates.
◦ Silence - ask a question and be patient for the candidate to respon d.
During Interview
Display Good Non-Verbal Skills -
 Maintain a friendly and positive attitude from beginning to end.
 Use eye contact. This establishes to the candidate that you are
interested.
 Encourage candidates to continue by head nodding.

Be aware of the room-

 Try to make the room free from distractions, close the door if
needed
 Make sure you are both comfortable and can hear each other
easily. You may need to move your chair to facilitate this while
managing your space.
Use helping phrases-
 “I see,” “I understand,” “Please elaborate”
“That is really interesting, can you tell me more about that?”
 “Is there anything else you can tell me regarding…?”
After Interview
Thank the interviewee

Ask him if he has any questions for you

Leave he your name and contact information

Tell him when he can expect to be contacted
 Continue with introduction of the company (can also be
done during the interview)
Some Mistakes Interviewers make

Being biased before or during the interview

Not being honest and fair when answering questions

Making promises that will not be kept

Embellishing answers that would give the candidate an

inaccurate portrayal of a situation.

Not being patient answering questions

Not being conscious of time during interview

Asking personal provoking questions

Managing the Mistakes
Go into the interview with an open mind; Do not generalize
Encourage applicant to give more details by using phrases
like
Be honest in answering questions

Asking /probing interviewer with list of specification

Providing a time keeper for the interview

Do not spend too much time in one area and then rush the
others
Listen to what is being said and to what is not being said
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING