InterviewsInterviews are a fact-finding technique whereby the systems

analysts collect information from individuals through face-to-face interaction.

What is an interview? An interview is like a conversation but different.

Like a conversation, an interview involves two people talking to one another about something they are interested in. But an interview is more one-sided than a conversation because one person, the interviewee, talks more and offers more explanations, while the other person, the interviewer, has to listen very carefully to what is being said and ask follow-up questions. When you do an interview you must both listen and respond at the same time. That’s not easy!

Types of interview• Managers used several type of interview for selection

process.

• Traditional Face-to-Face Interview• Most interviews are face-to-face. The most traditional is a one-on-one conversation.• Your focus should be on the person asking questions. Maintain eye contact, listen and respond once a question has been asked.• Your goal is to establish rapport with the interviewer and show them that your qualifications will benefit their organization.

• Panel/Committee Interview• In this situation, there is more than one interviewer. Typically, three to ten members of a panel may conduct this part of the selection process. This is your chance to put your group management and group presentation skills on display.• As quickly as possible, try to 'read' the various personality types of each interviewer and adjust to them. Find a way to connect with each interviewer.• Remember to take your time in responding to questions. Maintain primary eye contact with the panel member who asked the question, but also seek eye contact with other members of the panel as you give your response

• Telephone Interview• • Many organizations will conduct interviews by

telephone to narrow a field of candidates. Telephone interviews may also be used as a preliminary interview for candidates who live far away from the jobsite.• It is important to treat this interview as you would a face-to-face connection. Arrange for a quiets pace and time to schedule the conversation. Clear a work surface to minimize distractions.• Focus on the conversation. Listen to the questions carefully before you answer. Since your voice is key,convey energy with inflection in your voice.

• Have a copy of your resume nearby as a reference.

• Avoid using a phone with call waiting. You do not want to be interrupted during an interview

• Group Interview• • A group interview is usually designed to

uncover the leadership potential of prospective managers and employees who will be dealing with customers.

• • The front-runner candidates are gathered together in an informal, discussion type interview. A subject is introduced and the interviewer will start off the discussion.

• • The goal of the group interview is to see how you interact with others and how you use yourknowledge and reasoning to influence others.

• Components of a Successful• Selection Process• 1) Develop Job Description and Task Analysis• 2) Prepare Interviewers• 3) Recruit Applicants• 4) Prepare Applicants• 5) Screen Applications• 6) Conduct Employment Interview• 7) Document, Evaluate, Select• 8) Make the Offer• 9) Close with Other Candidates• 10) Ensure Effective Use of Probationary Period

Types of Interview Questions

Standard or traditional-targeting your education, work experiences, and

career goals

Sample Questions• Tell me about yourself?• What is your greatest strength? Weakness?• Why did you choose to interview with us?• What did you like most about your last job? Least?• What are your short and long term career goals?

• Types of Interview QuestionsBehavioral Questions

-These focus on your actions and/or behaviors in a previous setting.

- Past behavior provides clues to future behaviorSample Questions

• Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision?

• Tell me about a time you worked under a deadline?• What do you do when a team member is not pulling

his/her weight?• Think about a time you made a mistake. What did

you learn from it?

• Types of Interview Questions

Inappropriate or unethical questions

- Questions which probe into your private life or personal background

- Questions about your ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disabilities, marital status

Sample Questions

• How old are you?

• Do you have children?

• Do you have a disability?

• What religion do you practice?

General Interview Strategies

-Be prepared to talk about yourself and your experiences

-Master the art of storytelling

-Provide specific and concrete examples of your results/accomplishments

-Remain positive, enthusiastic, poised, and confident throughout the interview process

• Remember an interview is a formal conversation--avoid filler words like “Um”, “Ah”, & “You know”

• Avoid indecisive phrases like: “I think,” “I guess,” “probably,” or “pretty good”

• Think before speaking

• Avoid long verbose answers--limit your response to 1-2 minutes

• If you do not hear or understand a question, ask them to repeat or clarify it for you

Types of Interview Questions

Open-ended questions allow the interviewee to respond in any way that seems appropriate.

Closed-ended questions restrict answers to either specific choices or short, direct responses.

DURING THE INTERVIEW ROLE OF INTERVIEWER

Opening the interview :

• Your aim is to put the interviewee at ease and help him/ her to relax by being friendly and reassuring.

• Create a climate of confidence. You can do so by giving the interviewee your undivided attention.

• Smile, nod, use appropriate gestures to exhibit genuine interest in the interviewee and what he/ she has to say.

• Question-types :

• Beware of closed questions; instead use open questions.

• Keep an open mind and don’t just stick to your prepared questions; allowing the interviewee to speak freely.

• Avoid allowing the interviewee to ramble irrelevantly.

• Keeping interview on track :

• If your interview meets a dead end, you should redirect the conversation back toward your subject matter.

• You must also be precise in your questions and project your point of view such as giving examples of answers needed.

• Assessing the candidate:

• You need to assess the candidate’s professional, technical (if the job is of this nature), practical and communication abilities.

• Be sure to listen carefully to what they are saying but observe closely their body language, voice and eye contact too.

• Ending the interview :

• Sum up the interview by stating any action you are going to take or anything expected of the interviewee after the meeting.

ROLE OF THE INTERVIEWEE

LISTEN CAREFULLY

You will be judged on the basis of your answers to questions, so listen to them carefully. Pick out the key details of the question and pause briefly before answering, keep answers on target.

Never interrupt the interviewer.

TAKE CARE TO USE CORRECT EXPRESSIONSInterviews, especially those for jobs, tend to be fairly formal occasions, so

utilize language suitable for the situation. At all costs avoid slang and expressions like `you know’, `sort of’, `er’, etc. Speak clearly and distinctly.

OBSERVE ETIQUETTE

Even if you are invited to do so, don’t smoke, eat, or drink during the

interview. Address the interviewer as “Mr.” or “Ms” unless if he/ she

indicates otherwise. Never touch objects and papers on the table.

MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT

Look directly at the interviewers and project that you are confident. Sit up straight, control nervous habits and smile naturally as you are greeted.

These are all nonverbal behavior that you will be observed.

BE HONEST

Do not say what you think the interviewer wants or expects you to say. Putting your

views and your personality across as courteously as possible is better than giving

bland, non-committal responses to the interviewer’s questions. Also do not pretend you have qualifications or experience which

you do not – you are bound to be caught.

ASK QUESTIONS

A good interviewer will give you the opportunity to ask questions. This does not mean you should ask about holidays and salary. Find out about potential for the

future, your responsibilities, training and other work-related questions.