Interview; Types, Objectives & Prerequisites

An interview is generally a structured form of conversation where one participant asks questions with specific objectives, and the other provides answers. An interview is a conversation between two people, the interviewer and the interviewee, where questions are asked by the interviewer to obtain information from the interviewee. Interviews may range from unstructured interviews with no predetermined plan and prearranged questions to highly structured conversations with specific questions in a specified order.

Objectives of the interview

To analyze the overall personality of the candidate

To know the ability of the candidate to perform the required job or not

To know the skills and attributes that are mentioned in the resume.

To know the attitude and additional skills, strengths and the weaknesses of the candidate

Types of Interviews 

Face-To-Face Interview:  The main concept of the interview is to meet the candidate directly to understand the attitude and aptitude of the candidate. The interviewee may utilize the opportunity to build rapport with the interviewer and show how the qualifications will benefit the organization.

Behavioural Interview: The modern behavioural interview, which is also called a competency-based interview, is based on the notion that a candidate's previous behaviours are the best indicators of future performance, where the interviewer tries to know the reaction of the candidate in the previous specific job contexts.

Electronic Interview: An electronic interview is an interview through means of electronic conversation such as telephone or online video communication. The electronic interview is preferred when the interviewer wants to reduce the number of prospective candidates before shortlisting for face-to-face interviews, to avoid long-distance travelling, or to know the electronic communication skills of the candidate for some specific jobs like customer support.

Panel Interview: Panel Interview is where a selection committee is appointed to interview the candidate. Essentially, a Panel Interview is conducted for recruitment to the key posts, where the members of the panel collectively rate and select the candidate.

Stress Interview: A stress interview is conducted to determine the reaction of the candidate to aggressive, embarrassing, rude, and insulting situations. The main objective of the stress interview is to know the ability of the candidate to work under pressure.

Technical Interview: A technical interview is conducted to learn the technical skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity of the candidate.

Prerequisites for Interviewee:

• Confirm the place, date and time of the interview.
• Keep multiple copies of the resume, credentials, and photos. 
• Practice good verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Practice on an impressive self-introduction, your experience, ability, and skills and frequently asked questions.
• Dress well.
• Punctuality.
• Research the company and position.
• Clarify your suitability to the organization.
• Recall your past achievements. 
• Presence of mind.
• Express confidence in Body Language: Keep proper eye contact, relax, smile, avoid one-word answers and make your answers simple and honest.
• Substantiate the arguments along with the evidence in the resume.
• Practice negotiation skills.
• Don't appear desperate
• Ask questions

Preparation for Conducting the Interview:

• Review the job.
• Set the stage.
• Review the applicant’s resume.
• Introduce yourself. 
• Start with generalized questions. 
• Ask some consistent questions. 
• Vary your questions.
• Give candidates a chance to ask questions.
• Provide a timeline