Interviews

The interview is one of the procedures for the selection of an employee. It is the
most widely and popularly used selection technique. Irrespective of nature, size,
and type of organization, all organizations use ‘interview’ as the best tool or weapon
to select an employee.
The interview is conducted not only for selecting an employee; it is even
conducted for placement, counseling, separation, disciplinary action, and even for
admitting students for higher learning.
According to McFarland, “an interview is a purposeful two-way exchange of
information between the participants. Both learn things of vital importance to
their mutual decision, some intended and others not intended.”

Interviews are of different types which are described below:

1. Formal and Informal Interview.
2. Structured or Patterned and Un-structured or Non-directed Interview.
3. Stress Interview
4. Group Interview
5. Depth Interview
6. Panel or Board Interview
7. Exit Interview
8. Walk-in-Interview.
Formal Interview: It is a planned and well-arranged interview. It is conducted in a formal
atmosphere in a fixed venue, time, and through a panel of interviewers. All the formalities and
procedures are followed in this type of interview. Even questions to be asked are decided well in
advance.

Informal Interview:
It is an unplanned and unscheduled interview and may take place anywhere. The venue and time is not
fixed. Questions are not prepared well in advance. Whenever staff is required, this kind of interview is
conducted by asking simple questions like name, age, qualification birth place, etc., if candidates
approach the employer.

Structured or Patterned Interview :

It is a fully planned interview and the questions to be asked are already structured well in advance on
the basis of an analysis of job specification. The time to be allowed to each candidate and the
information to be collected is also predefined. The interviewer is carefully selected and he has no or
little scope for deviation. Thus, a standardized pattern is adopted to conduct the interview.

Un-Structured or Non-Directed Interview:

It is an unplanned and un­structured interview where questions to be asked, time to be allowed and
responses to be collected are not thought in advance. Broad general questions are asked to the
3. Stress Interview:
It is a deliberate attempt to create tension and pressure to observe how an applicant responds
under stress and strain. Interviewer puts the candidate by putting him under stress and strain by
interrupting the applicant from answering, criticizing his opinion, asking questions in rapid
succession and keeping silent for unduly long period of time etc. This kind of interview is
conducted just to find out how a candidate behaves in stressful situation.

4. Group Interview:
In this type of interview, group of individuals are interviewed. For this purpose, a problem is
given to a group of candidates for discussion. The candidates are carefully observed as to who
will lead the group, who is active and who is in-active, who will dominate and who will keep
silence. Actions and reactions of the members in the group are also observed and potential
candidate is selected.

5. Depth Interview:
Depth interview is conducted to test the candidates in depth knowledge in a special area of
interest and to get true picture of the candidate in such area or subject. Experts in the concerned
area of subject ask the question to test the candidate’s capacity in the concerned subject. Thus,
candidate is examined thoroughly before he is selected for a particular post.
Employers use many different types of interviews to evaluate candidates. In most cases, they would
tell you in advance what type of interview to expect. Here are the 10 most common interview types
employers use for recruitment:

Face-to-face interviews

A face-to-face interview is one in which you and the interviewer meet in person to discuss your credentials.
The interviewer can be the employer, manager, someone from the HR department or a third party
recruitment consultant hired by the company.
After asking general questions related to your skills, education and experience, the interviewer usually
proceeds to assess your subject matter expertise.

Tips for preparing

Research the company and their work culture while preparing for these interviews. Understanding the
company's business model and work ethics well can give you an advantage over other candidates. Another
important aspect to keep in mind while attending face-to-face interviews is your body language. The way
you walk, sit and speak communicates your personality to the interviewer. Be confident and comfortable
while attending the interview. Use this personal meeting as an opportunity to leave a positive impression on
the interviewer.
Panel interviews

In a panel interview, you would be facing questions from multiple interviewers. The
interview panel may include people from different departments or disciplines. The panel
usually takes a collective decision about your selection for the job. For example, an interview
panel may include a project lead, HR manager, and subject matter expert.

Tips for preparing

In a panel interview, you are required to impress all the interviewers to increase your
chances of selection. Greet the panel members when you enter the interview room. Make
eye contact with all the panel members during the interview. But, direct your response to
the interviewer who asked you the question. Ensure that your answers to questions and
counter-questions from different interviewers are consistent.

Group interviews
In this type of interview, companies interview several candidates simultaneously. Companies
mostly use group interviews when they require to recruit multiple candidates in a short
period of time. The interviewer may ask questions to the entire group at a time or may ask
each candidate to answer individually.
For example, the interviewer may ask all the candidates present to divide themselves into several small
teams. Each team may require to interact with its members to understand one another. After giving
some time to spend together, the interviewer may ask each candidate for their opinion on who would
be a good leader for their team and why.
Tips for preparing
In a group interview, look for ways to make yourself stand out from others. Whenever required, express
your opinion clearly and confidently. Listen carefully when others are speaking. Respect others'
opinions and be polite to other candidates. Try to present yourself as a positive individual with a
problem-solving attitude.

Telephonic interviews
Companies often use telephonic interview to shortlist candidates for a subsequent face-to-face
interview. When there are multiple rounds of interviews planned for a position, companies may
conduct a telephonic interview in the first round. They may ask you some basic questions like your
background and why you applied for the position. If they decide to move further with your selection,
they may call you for a face-to-face interview.

Tips for preparing

The advantage in the case of a telephonic interview is that you can refer to notes during the interview.
But, try to prepare for it as you would for a formal face-to-face interview. Remember that you are
required to express yourself only through your voice unlike in the case of a face-to-face interview,
where gestures and body language serve as an additional means of communication. Try to find a quiet
and distraction-free place for the interview.
Video interviews
Companies usually conduct video interviews for remote positions or in cases where it is not possible for
the candidates to attend an interview in person.

Tips for preparing

In terms of interview questions, you can prepare for a video interview just like you would do for a
traditional face-to-face interview. Dress professionally in clean and tidy clothes. Have a steady internet
connection with reasonably good speed. Find a quiet place with a neutral backdrop and organize your
workstation well.

Off-site interviews
Off-site interviews are mostly informal in nature. The recruitment manager may invite you for a personal
meeting over lunch or dinner. Your etiquette and personality may be more in focus during these types of
interviews.

Tips for preparing

Although the interviewer may try to make you feel comfortable by creating an informal atmosphere, be
sure to act professionally. Be careful to eat and drink properly without spilling on the dress or table.
Stress interviews
Companies use stress interviews to see how a candidate reacts in a stressful situation. You may
encounter this type of interview if you are applying for a high-stress position. The interviewer may try
to assess your ability to solve challenging problems, work in a multi-tasking environment or deal with
clients that are difficult to handle.
To create a stressful situation, the interviewer may ask you unusual questions, interrupt frequently,
increase the pace of the interview, get rude to you, behave unusually or ask you to perform an odd
task. You may feel uncomfortable or intimidated but be sure to remain calm, handle the situation
gracefully and focus on solving the problem.

Prepare for some common stress interview questions and comments like:
•I do not think you are suitable for this position.
•What would you do if you were caught stealing?
•How would you sell this item to a customer?

Tips for preparing

The easiest way to prepare for a structured interview is to look for common questions asked in such
interviews and think of the answers beforehand. Ask yourself what skills you possess that can help you
excel in the given position.
Case interviews

In a case interview, the interviewer gives you a problem or explains a situation and asks you to
provide a solution. The problem or the situation given can be an imaginary one or based on a real-
life experience. The idea is to test your problem-solving aptitude at work.

Tips for preparing

Listen patiently and pay attention to the details. Analyze the given situation and try to give a
practical solution that would be apt for the given scenario.

Tips for preparing for Unstructured interviews

To do well in an unstructured interview, prepare for the common types of questions related to your
area of expertise. Instead of memorizing the answers, focus on understanding the logic behind
them

Tips for preparing For Structured interviews

The easiest way to prepare for a structured interview is to look for common questions asked in such
interviews and think of the answers beforehand. Ask yourself what skills you possess that can help
you excel in the given position.
Interview Preparation Tips ( Before )

1. Company information
The most important step is to read and research the company you are interviewing for.
Go through the company website, blog, and social media pages to assess its products, services,
and client-base. Also, read recent press releases for insight on projected growth and stability.

2. About the interviewer

If you know the interviewer’s name already, research about him/her.
Visit his/her profile on Naukri or LinkedIn and find out whether the person is an HR professional
or a Technical Manager.

3. Evaluate job description

The recruiter puts the effort into mentioning a detailed job description for a reason.
They are looking for someone who perfectly complements the job profile and role.

4. Fit in skills and qualities

While you analyze the job description, outline the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.
Examine the hierarchy and determine where the position fits within the organization.
Analyze what the employer is seeking concerning your qualifications. Tweak your resume
accordingly.
5. Make a list of questions
As per the company background and job role, make a list of questions you can expect to be
thrown at you.Research answers to these questions via the company website, social media
pages, company news, etc.
Related: Common HR interview questions and answers

6. Mock interview
Find a friend or a family member and hand them down the list of questions you prepared.Ask
them to play the role of an interviewer. Practice answering all the questions on the list.

7. Organise documents
Keep two copies of all the important documents such as your resume, cover letter, degrees, mark
sheets, identity proofs, photographs, etc., ready.

8. Check your social presence

Your social media profiles are capable of providing a glimpse of your personality.A recruiter would
generally check your social media presence before or after interviewing you.

9. Interview dress
Choose a formal outfit for the interview. If you are not sure about the color, wear black formal
trousers and a crisp shirt, preferably in white, blue, pastel, or nude shades.
10. Check directions
Check the distance of the venue a day before. Decide beforehand how you would like to commute
and plan your timing accordingly.

11. Sleep and eat well

A night before the interview, sleep well for at least 6 to 7 hours.Eat something an hour before the
interview so that you have the energy and patience to sit through it.

During the interview

1. Timing
It is best to arrive 20-25 minutes before prior to the interview time. It will give you time to relax.

2. Interview body language

In the interview room, sit and answer questions confidently. Be firm, yet polite.In case you do not
know an answer, be honest about it and pass on to the question.Keep your statements crisp, short
and precise.
3. Questions for interviewer
It is most likely that the interviewer will end the interview with the question - 'Do you have any
questions for me?'.Use this opportunity to ask smart questions about the company, position, and
culture.
4. Ending the interview
At the end of the interview, shake the interviewer’s hand and thank for his/her time and
consideration.

After the interview

1. Analyze the interview

It is one of the most important exercises to do post an interview.
Sit down for a few minutes and write down the questions that you were asked during the
interview.

2.Inform your references

Inform your references beforehand that they might receive a call from the company you
interviewed for

3. Follow up
If you do not hear from the interviewer within the expected number of days, do not hesitate to
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.
•(35) Best Interview Answers | TIPS | Infosys Interview Experience - YouTube

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•(35) Interview Tips For Freshers | Job Interview Questions And Answers For Freshers | Simplilearn - YouTube
Most Common Interview Questions

1.What are your strengths?

2.What are your weaknesses?
3.Why are you interested in working for [insert company name here]?
4.Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
5.Why do you want to leave your current company?
6.Why was there a gap in your employment between [insert date] and [insert date]?
7.What can you offer us that someone else can not?
8.What are three things your former manager would like you to improve on?
9.Are you willing to relocate?
10.Are you willing to travel? *(Post COVID-19)
11.Tell me about an accomplishment you are most proud of.
12.Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
13.What is your dream job?
14.How did you hear about this position?
15.What would you look to accomplish in the first 30 days/60 days/90 days on the job?
16.Discuss your resume.
17.Discuss your educational background.
18.Describe yourself.
1.Would you work holidays/weekends?
2.How would you deal with an angry or irate customer?
3.What are your salary requirements?
4.Give a time when you went above and beyond the requirements for a project.
5.Who are our competitors?
6.What was your biggest failure?
7.What motivates you?
8.What’s your availability?
9.Who’s your mentor?
10.Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your boss.
11.How do you handle the pressure?
12.What is the name of our CEO?
13.What are your career goals?
14.What gets you up in the morning?
15.Why are you looking for a new job?
16.Would you work holidays/weekends?
17.How would you deal with an angry or irate customer?
18.Tell me how you handled a difficult situation.
19.Why should we hire you?
20.Why are you looking for a new job?