Interview

What is interview?

The word ‘interview’ means ‘view between’ or ‘sight between’. It suggests a meeting
between two persons for the purpose of getting a view of each other, or for knowing each
other. When we normally think of an interview, we think of a situation in which an
employer tries to size up an applicant for a job. The employer’s aim is to know
whether the applicant can be of service to his company, and the applicant’s aim is to
find out whether the job being offered by the company can be suitable to him. An
interview is, thus, a means of two-way communication.

Types / Kinds of interview

1. Selection interview: is only one kind of interview, though it is a major one.

2. Appraisal interview: An appraisal interview is usually held once a year to
discuss the performance of the employees. Such an interview has two goals a)
improved job performance and better relations, and b) improved communication
between the managers and the subordinates.
3. Grievance interview: to learn about their grievances and complaints.
4. Exit interview: The exit interview takes place when the employee is leaving the
organization either voluntarily or through dismissal. If properly conducted, this
interview can be quite useful for the organization.
5. Reprimand interview: To reprimand someone is to criticize him severely for
some undesirable statement or action. The manager summons the employee to
his room and talks to him in his official capacity.

Preparation before the interview

If you are an interviewee, you should prepare yourself on the following lines:

1. Know yourself: This is probably the most important part of your preparation.
Try to find out what you want to achieve through your work-inner fulfillment,
fame, position in society, wealth, security, comfort, travel, and power. Before you
apply for a job, be sure that you know why you are applying for it and whether it
will suit you.

Dr. Tushar Brahmbhatt, Assi. Professor of English & Comm. Skills @ IIIM - CHARUSAT
 2. Know the company: The next thing is to know the company in which you are
seeking the job. You should try to find out as much as you can about its activities,
its growth over the years, its future prospects, etc. if you reveal a sincere interest
in the company and show that your have acquired knowledge about it on your
own initiatives, you will create a favourable impression on your interviewer.
3. Prepare for the question: Anticipate the questions that you will probably be
asked and prepare answer to them. It is not difficult to anticipate these questions,
for, after all, you will be asked questions about your interest, hobbies,
achievements, prospects, relationship with your friends and members of the
family. Try to be clear in your mind about the answers you will be giving. Don’t
lie, for you will surely be caught and will spoil the whole show.
4. Prepare the questions that you would like to ask: If the interviewer does not
offer you full information about the company and the job, you must ask questions
to gain this information. Prepare the questions that you would like to ask. These
questions might relate to formal or informal training, promotional avenues, fringe
benefits, etc.

Tips

1. Don’t be nervous while entering the interview room. See carefully where you are
going and do not trip over the carpet or the doormat. Don’t wear a scowl or a
stupid smile at the time of entering.
2. Greet the interviewer(s) with a polite good morning.
3. Don’t sit down until you have been asked to. Even the posture you in which you
sit is important. Don’t sit stiffly. Don’t be lax. Sit in natural, composed manner.
4. When the interviewer starts conversation, pay attention to what he says. Do not
interrupt him. Respond to him only at the appropriate time.
5. Give very relevant answers to his questions. Don’t ramble along, or the
interviewer will look bored. Don’t be too abrupt, or you will appear to be rude.
6. Do not try to make an exhibition of your knowledge. Don’t boast of your
capabilities. It is for the interviewer to find out how capable you are, and he will
judge you with the help of some penetrating questions, which you must answer
frankly.

Dr. Tushar Brahmbhatt, Assi. Professor of English & Comm. Skills @ IIIM - CHARUSAT
 7. If there is something you don’t know, admit it straightaway. It is useless to
pretend knowledge where you are actually ignorant. Many candidates spoil their
interview by telling a lie and landing themselves in an embarrassing situation.
8. If you are being interviewed by someone who does not possess as many college
degrees as you have, do not put on airs. Give the interviewer your full
cooperation and respect. In addition to knowing your qualifications, the
interviewer must also be preparing some kind of reaction report. And if you try to
look superior, the reaction report is bound to be unfavourable.
9. You are expected to have your individual views and you need not agree with
everything the interviewer says.
10. You must remain calm and friendly throughout the interview. If you lose temper,
the interview is likely to be cut short abruptly.
11. Be positive in your attitude. Express your enthusiasm for the job and the
company. If you give the impression that you are not really interested, you will
discover that your employer is also not really interested.
12. Don’t keep shifting in your seat. Don’t bite or chew your fingernails. Don’t
smoothen your hair. Don’t play with the paper weight or the pin cushion on the
table. Don’t start adjusting the knot of your neck-tie. These all are signs of
nervousness. And nervousness is your biggest enemy during an interview.
13. When you are asked questions about your previous job, be frank but avoid
criticism of your former employer or colleagues. You may bear a grudge against
your former employer, but keep it to yourself. An interview is not the proper
place to express your private grouses. Mention only the positive, pleasant and
constructive aspects of your earlier employment.
14. When the interview is over, do not forget to thank the interviewer. You may even
tactfully ask when the result will be made known to you.
15. If the job is offered to you, you may accept it immediately or ask for time to think
over it, depending upon your circumstances.

Confident entry; polite greetings; taking seat only when offered; being
relaxed; no hurried response; only relevant answers; no irritating display of
knowledge; admitting ignorance if answer not known; no stubbornness;
positive approach; frank personal information, particularly about the previous
job; seeking information about the job; thanks

Dr. Tushar Brahmbhatt, Assi. Professor of English & Comm. Skills @ IIIM - CHARUSAT