Use of Interviews in Organizations:

Types of Interview Purpose

Selecting new employees for the
Employment interviews organization or selecting current
employees for transfers within the
organization
Orientation interviews Familiarizing new employees with the
organization
Counseling interviews Helping employees with career,
personal or job-related problems
Performance Evaluating the employees job
appraisal interviews performance
Grievance interviews Hearing and responding to employee
complaints
Instructing employees to change
Correctional interviews behavior the employer considers
unsatisfactory
Gathering information from and
Exit interviews providing help to an employees who is
leaving the organization
Information-gathering Collecting
interviews
DESIRABLE QUALITIES:
While appearing at job interviews, the prospective
candidate must aim at reflecting the following traits:

 Clarity of thoughts
 Presence of mind
 Balanced point of view
 Cool composure
 Logical thinking
 Maturity
 Sincerity
 Openness
 Capacity to conceptualize
 Good understanding of fundamentals
The Eight Types of Interview Questions

Interviewing is not a science. Nor is it an art. It is part

science, part art and part ethereal. It is simply an
imperfect form of human communication designed to
increase the predictive validity of potential employer-
employee relationships. And it is very imperfect. There
are eight basic types of questions you may face during
the course of your interview
Credential verification questions
This type of question includes
"What is your GPA?" and "How long were you at
_____?" Also known as resume verification questions.
The purpose is to objectively verify the credentials
presented in your background.

Behavioral questions
This type of question includes "Can you give me a
specific example of how you did that?" and "What were
the steps you followed to deliver that result?" The
purpose is to objectively measure past behaviors as a
potential predictor of future results.
Experience verification questions
This type of question includes "What did you learn in
that class?" and "What were your responsibilities in that
position?" The purpose is to subjectively evaluate the
experiences in your background.

Opinion questions
This type of question includes "What would you do in
this situation?" and "What is your greatest weakness?"
The purpose is to subjectively analyze how you would
respond in a series of scenarios. The reality is that
Response in your brain typically kicks in ("I know the
answer to that one!") and plays back the pre-
programmed answer.
Competency questions
This type of question includes "Can you give me a specific example
of your leadership skills?" or "Explain a way in which you sought a
creative solution to a recent problem you needed to solve." The
purpose is to align your past behaviors with specific
competencies which are required for the position.
Brainteaser questions
This type of question includes "What is 1000 divided by 73?" to
"How many ping pong balls could fit in a Volkswagen?" to complex
algorithms. The purpose is to evaluate not only your mental math
calculation skills, but also your creative ability in formulating the
mathematical formula for providing an answer (or estimate, as can
often be the case).
Case questions
This type of question includes problem-solving questions ranging
from: "How many gas stations are there in Europe?" to "What is
your estimate for the global online retail market for books?" The
purpose is to evaluate your problem-solving abilities and how you
would analyze and work through potential case situations.

Nonsense questions
This type of question includes "What kind of animal would you
like to be?" and "What color best describes you?" The purpose is to
get past your pre-programmed answers to find out if you are
capable of an original thought. There is not necessarily a right or
wrong answer, since it is used primarily to test your ability to think
on your feet.
It is interesting to note that the first three types of
interview questions listed have a predictive validity for
on the job success of just 10 percent.
And 10 percent predictive validity is the same level
that is generated from a simple resume review.
Brainteaser questions increase the predictive validity to
15 percent (since they test intelligence, commonly a key
competency for most positions) and case questions raise
the predictive validity to 25 percent (and slightly higher
for consulting positions).
Behavioral and competency interviewing, on the other
hand, yield a predictive validity of 55 percent. Still far
from perfect, yet much more reliable for most
interviewers.
Interestingly, the first three question types are still the
favoured approach by most untrained interviewers,
simply due to lack of experience.

Behavioral and competency interviewing is gaining

greater acceptance by trained interviewers because past
performance is the most reliable indicator of future
results, especially when it is tied to the specific
competencies required for the position.
Interestingly, the first three question types are still the
favoured approach by most untrained interviewers,
simply due to lack of experience.

Behavioral and competency interviewing is gaining

greater acceptance by trained interviewers because past
performance is the most reliable indicator of future
results, especially when it is tied to the specific
competencies required for the position.
 DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Interviewing for a job is stressful enough without
having to worry about your clothing and appearance.

All interviews are formal situations.

A clean and neat professional appearance is an
important step in making a good first impression.
You want the interviewer to focus on you and your
skills not your clothes.
Dress as you want to be seen: professional, successful,
and the kind of person the company wants to represent
it.
When you feel good about the way you look, you
naturally convey confidence and a positive attitude.
 These nonverbal messages are as important in the
interview as the verbal skills you use in selling
yourself.
Shirts: A light or solid coloured long-sleeved shirt is always a good idea for
interview dressing. You can either go for a plain shirt or a one with micro
checks.
Suits and blazers: You can also opt for a formal suit or simply throw on a
blazer over a light or solid coloured shirt. For suits and blazers, it is best to go
for colours like black, navy blue, dark grey, dark brown, etc.
Trouser: Choose a dark-coloured trouser, preferably in black, grey, or blue
colour. You can experiment with the fit of the trouser with a slim, medium,
or regular fit. Prefer a plain trouser over a printed one.
Socks: Select a plain pair of cotton socks that match with the colour of
your trousers.
Shoes: A pair of formal shoes will complete your look. Choose a
comfortable pair of shoes. It is always a safe bet to go for colours like black or
tan in shoes.
Tie: Put on a traditional tie to complete the formal look. For
the tie, it is advisable to select a color and pattern that
complements your shirt. Here is how to tie a tie !
Belt: Add a hint of style with a solid textured belt. You can
select colours like black, brown, or dark blue in belts.
Watch: Add a finishing touch to your look with a classic
watch.
Bag: Carry a basic brown or black small laptop bag or
briefcase for your documents.
Points to remember for male interview dressing
Have a look at these key points:
Always wear clean and well-pressed clothes.
Avoid loud colours/prints in shirts. Avoid flashy ties.
Do remember to wear a mild deodorant.
Make sure your shoes are free from stains and dust.
Opt for a clean-shaven look or a well-trimmed beard look.
Apply a limited amount of aftershave.
Maintain neatly trimmed nails.
Carry resume and important documents in a briefcase or
laptop bag.
Unlike Men, Women have a large number of options as a
formal dress code. Some of the most commonly accepted
professional interview dress code for females are:

Traditional Indian suit: A well-fitted traditional Indian suit is a

good option for female candidates. However, avoid wearing a
tight-fitted suit with glitter, lace, or animal print.
Saree: You can also opt for a simple cotton saree in solid or
pastel colours for a formal look.
Western wear: ?
Pantsuit: A dark or pastel coloured pantsuit with light coloured
shirt makes for a classy interview dressing.
Shirt/Top: Full-sleeved or half-sleeved shirt or top with a knee-
length pencil skirt is acceptable as professional dress code.
Choose light and pastel shades for shirt/top with minimal print.
Formal dress: A well-fitted, knee-length dress in straight style is
also a good option for female candidates.
Shoes: Formal women shoes with fairly low-heel look impressive. Go for
colors like black, tan, beige, blue, dusky pink, etc.
Pumps: Pumps look impressive with almost any outfit. They are also
versatile and stay in fashion forever. Make sure to choose a comfortable
heel or go for flats.
Accessories:
Handbag: Female candidates can carry a smart and basic hand bag to
keep their documents in place. Go for neutral shades or basics colours
like black, tan, and blue.
Minimal make-up. A hint of blush, mascara, and natural-colored lip
gloss are usually enough while going for an interview. You can also
add a bit of kohl and eyeliner, if you wish.
Nail paint: Choose neutral colors for nail paint.
Hairstyle: Hair should be neatly styled in a basic manner. Generally, a
low or high ponytail looks good with suits and skirts. You can also opt
for a well-combed straight hair look. Another formal hair stlye that
goes well with most outfits is a low and polished bun.
Points to remember for Women interview dressing
Make sure your outfit is neat, clean, and well-pressed.
Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and suits as it imparts causal look.
Wear a mild deodorant or perfume.
Make sure your hair is fresh and clean.
Avoid hair accessories that are flashy or shiny.
Keep your nails clean and well-shaped and avoid very long nails.
Avoid gaudy bracelets and dangling earrings. It may spoil the
formal look.
Avoid wearing stilettos for an interview; reserve them for parties.
Avoid carrying huge handbags. Opt for a subtle coloured and
medium-sized handbag.
Why is body language during an interview important?

The body language during a job interview projects your emotions

to the interviewer.
There are certain movements and body positions that indicate
negative emotions like nervousness or disdain, while others project
interest and ease.
Neutral or positive body language allows the interviewer to focus
on what you are saying rather than how you look.
When the interviewer can easily process what you are saying, you
are more likely to be called back with a job offer.
Prepare in private.
Be aware in the waiting room.
Maintain good posture.
Keep your palms open.
Use effective eye contact.
Be responsive.
Prepare in private
Confident people are prepared. When you arrive at your interview,
take some time to gather your documents, put your phone on silent
and review any information before you enter the building. As soon as
you walk inside, you will be interacting with company employees,
and you immediately want to project confidence to them. Gather
your thoughts and materials in a private place.
Be aware in the waiting room
Waiting for the interview to begin may seem like a great time to catch
up on emails or send a text, but your time would be better spent
introducing yourself to the receptionist and waiting patiently. If
you're able to, choose a seat where you can see the door you think the
interviewer will enter through so there is no awkwardness when
they come in.

Maintain good posture

Once you are in the actual interview, keep your posture upright.
Choose a straight-backed chair if possible, and keep your chin up
and shoulders down. Great posture displays confidence.
Keep your palms open
You can use your hands to talk if that is natural for you, but make
sure you keep your palms open as you do so. Open, upward-facing
palms demonstrate you have nothing to hide and are confident in
what you are saying.

 Effective eye contact

In terms of eye contact, treat the interviewer like an old friend. Make
eye contact with them regularly, but look away when it feels natural
to do so too. Always maintain eye contact when shaking hands.
Be responsive
Nod and smile to indicate you are listening to the interviewer when
they are speaking. These actions show you understand what the
interviewer is saying and agree with their statements.
Tips for maintaining good body language during an interview
Keep the following tips in mind during your next interview to make
sure your body language indicates confidence, positivity and interest:

Handshake: You will likely shake hands with the interviewer. Your
handshake should be firm and last a second or two.

Posture: Be aware of your posture at all times. Keep your shoulders

back and down and your chin lifted. Practice this posture regularly so
it is comfortable for you.
Be responsive
Nod and smile to indicate you are listening to the interviewer when
they are speaking. These actions show you understand what the
interviewer is saying and agree with their statements.
Tips for maintaining good body language during an interview
Keep the following tips in mind during your next interview to make
sure your body language indicates confidence, positivity and interest:

Handshake: You will likely shake hands with the interviewer. Your
handshake should be firm and last a second or two.

Posture: Be aware of your posture at all times. Keep your shoulders

back and down and your chin lifted. Practice this posture regularly so
it is comfortable for you.
Leg position:
Your legs should be still and uncrossed if possible. Crossing your
legs may become uncomfortable, meaning you will need to stretch
them out during the interview. This discomfort could be
misinterpreted as disinterest in the interview.

Restlessness:
If you have a nervous habit like jiggling your leg or tapping the
table, do your best to suppress it. Restless habits can be distracting
and may demonstrate nervousness or disinterest to the interviewer.

Hand position:
If you are seated at a table or desk for the interview, keep your
hands visible. This will demonstrate you have nothing to hide. If
you are in a chair with nothing in front of you, keep your hands in
your lap with the palms visible to indicate openness.
Eye contact: Eye contact should be moderated. Too little eye contact
gives the appearance of nervousness, while too much is aggressive.
Pretend you are having a comfortable conversation with a friend
during the interview to guide your eye contact.

Where to sit: When in the waiting room, choose a chair that gives
you the best visibility of people coming and going so you won't be
caught unawares by the interviewer. In the interview, if given a
choice of seats, choose a seat that will allow you to maintain
excellent posture and able to comfortably make eye contact with
everyone in the room.

Your personal items: If you have a briefcase or purse, set it on the

floor by your side so you can easily grab it and shake hands with
the hiring manager once the interview is over. If you plan to
provide any documents or take notes, get those items out of your
bag as soon as you enter the room so you don't disrupt the flow of
conversation.
Mirror:
We naturally tend to mirror the people with whom we are
speaking. Be aware of this and mirror the interviewer's body
language to set them at ease.

Walking:
Walk smoothly and confidently between the waiting area and the
interview room. Maintain excellent posture while walking and
firmly hold on to your belongings so you don't drop anything.

Breathe deeply:
Deep, even breaths calm the body and may help reduce the desire to
perform nervous actions like jiggling your leg or drumming on your
arm.
Responsiveness:
Show you are interested in what the interviewer is saying by
smiling, nodding and leaning forward when they are speaking.
 Before the interview
1. Company information
2. About the interviewer
3. Evaluate job description
4. Fit in skills and qualities
5. Make a list of questions
6. Mock interview
7. Organize documents
8. Check your social presence
9. Interview dress
10. Check directions
 During the interview
1. Timing
2. Interview body language
3. Questions for interviewer
4. Ending the interview
After the interview
1. Analyze the interview
2. Inform your references
3. Follow up

Some don'ts of interview preparation

 Do not arrive late for the interview.
 Do not arrive for the interview without a copy of the resume.
 Do not speak loudly on the phone while waiting for your turn.
 Do not laze around or hunch while sitting in the waiting area.
 Do not ask the interviewer any personal questions.
 Do not use bad words about your previous or current
company/employer in your social media posts.