An interview seems like a pretty simple process – a conversation between 2 parties that is structed and prepared to achieve a purpose involving exchange of information. Seems quite simple.. but only it isn’t. The interview has 3 stages: The preparation stage, conducting the interview itself and follow up. What several employers don’t realize is that the even though the conducting the interview itself may be the most important phase, but without the proper preparation, the interview itself would be useless as it wouldn’t provide honest answers and information. It is the interviewers job to make sure that all the interviewee feels at ease so that the information collected is useful and true.
Of course asking the right questions is one of the most important skills to ensure that the interview obtains correct, honest and useful information. However, if the interviewer is unprepared and creates an uncomfortable environment for the interviewee that may result in the interviewee not speaking out freely. Therefore, one of the most important tasks in the first stage of preparation is preparing the questions. The interviewer should know beforehand what questions he/she is going to ask. The best way to deal with this is to prepare a list beforehand that covers all aspects and will collect all the information that will be needed. The preparation stage is as important as the interview process itself. While preparing the questions, they should make sure that they cover all ground and ask questions that will make the interviewee feel calm. It’s best to avoid any questions that may make the interviewee uncomfortable or feel threatened. Its rude to ask direct questions about the interviewees religious or political affiliation, marriage or relationship status as these questions aren’t relevant to a person’s professional capabilities. So the interviewer should make sure that the questions they plan to ask are appropriate. Asking questions does hold its importance but there are other factors in the preparation stage that can make an interview successful.
Its very important that the interviewer books a place before hand. They should make sure that they don’t hold the interview in a crowded place where there are so many distractions that the interviewee doesn’t feel comfortable. One should make sure they go to a private and confidential place only then will the interviewer be able to see the real candidate without any disruptions from other collegues. Therefore, one of the most important stages in preparing for the interview is to book a place before hand so that theres no confusion. Another very important aspect is for the interviewer to make sure they allocate time properly. Not only is it important to make sure you’re free during the time scheduled for the interview but its also important that you go the extra mile to make sure you don’t get any phone calls or drop bys. If you have more than one interview you should keep a 10-15 minute window in between so that even if the interview runs a little over time, you don’t keep the other candidate waiting. If you get phone calls or seem busy during the interview, the candidate would feel unwanted and threatened, this would result in them not opening up and feeling like their time isn’t worth as much as yours. Another very important step of the preparation stage is for the interviewer to research about the candidate. You should spend time to thoroughly go through their CV before the interview. The interviewer should know a little about the businesses where the candidiate worked before. A quick Google Search or LinkedIn search can help the interviewer find out a lot about the candidate. Researching can also help you frame your questions about the candidates experience and background.
Its also necessary for the interviewer to know their goals – to know exactly what it is that they want from the interview. Going into the interview with a clear image of what it is that they want to achieve from the interview is important so that they don’t steer off topic and achieve their goals.
Now let’s talk about how the interviewer can create a calm psychological environment for the candidates where they feel safe and comfortable to open up. Its also important to realize that the interviewers perception of the climate may be different to that of the interviewee. Whether it’s a smile or a warm handshake, these little things can create a relaxed environment for the candidate. The interviewer needs to be aware of the fact that the candidate is probably very nervous as the recruitment process is quite a nerve-wrecking one. Its essential that the interviewer does his level best to make the situation positive for the candidate. The interviewer can use tools such as small talk or refreshments to make the candidate feel less nervous. Even though it might seem like a small thing, the seating arrangement can have quite a major effect on the psychological environment. Therefore, the interviewer should make sure that the seating arrangement isn’t made to intimidate. The interviewer should try their level best to be as hospitable as possible, through offering refreshments, smiling, talking politely or just listening to the candidate, since all these things help the candidate feel comfortable enough to open up.
The interviewer should also make sure that they reach on time since arriving late may make the interviewee feel like they aren’t as important to you or their time isn’t worth anything to you. Your welcoming demeanor should make the candidate feel wanted and secure. Instead of jumping right into the questios, it’s good to make a little small talk before to establish some comfort. The interviewer should understand that walking into a strange place with strange people can be very intimidating for someone, so giving the candidate a tour of the office, or introducing them to a few other employees is a good idea to break the ice. A warm introduction can take the edge off and can make the candidate open up more.
All of these things can help make the interview successful and the interviewer can actually achieve the goals that they set. By ensuring a comfortable environment, the candidates will themselves warm upto you and you’ll have all the honest information that you needed from them.
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
9. What (4) motives did Iberian rulers have for expanding their influence and conquering new lands?…
- 430 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Research on interviews has generally shown that standardized procedures are higher in their reliability and validity than unstructured interviews. Learning how structured interviews are constructed is an important component of the selection process, as is getting a “feel” for what it’s like to give and receive an interview. This case gives you an opportunity to do both.…
- 2288 Words
- 10 Pages
Powerful Essays -
Researching what to do in an interview can be one of the main phases of the actual interview. This is because if I am more prepared for the questions that I am going to be asked then I will be more prepared in giving the right answers so I get the job. Also knowing more about the interview will benefit me because I will be more confident when I go into the interview.…
- 1401 Words
- 6 Pages
Good Essays -
I always get very nervous during interviews and I want to make a positive impression. I will practice with these questions.…
- 412 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
1. Preparation- the professional arranges an interview somewhere private, where you both are seated at eye level with no barriers between you. Open with a casual conversation to ease any tension; avoid subjects of politics, religion or social problems. After rapport is…
- 524 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Interview: some of the questions one would be asking at an interview stage to gather information could be:…
- 2141 Words
- 6 Pages
Better Essays -
The very first, and most important, step in preparing for an interview is to establish the objective of the interview.…
- 2326 Words
- 10 Pages
Powerful Essays -
▪ Purpose –what is the purpose of the interview? What are the expected outcomes? What style is appropriate? What atmosphere is better relax or…
- 1670 Words
- 7 Pages
Good Essays -
the right person with the right qualities for the position. While this is not a hard…
- 944 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
Although interviews have low validity for predicting future job performance, they are very important because employers and candidates can exchange important information about the organization and about the candidate. It is also important for the interviewer and the candidate to meet in person so that the interviewer can get a feel for the candidate and the candidate can get a feel for the organization and possibly a realistic job preview (Levy,…
- 1087 Words
- 5 Pages
Better Essays -
By having the ability to send and receive messages to the person that you are interviewing in a way that they can understand is a quality that an interviewer should possess (Gosselin, p- 13). An interviewer should not be cold and standoffish, or be on the defense or apathetic towards the person being interviewed. The person being interviewed may be going through some sort of personal conflict, be it anger or confusion. They need someone to guide them through the interview (Gosselin, p. 13). A good interviewer should not be condescending or act as if he is superior to the interviewee. A good interviewer should not be prejudiced because of someone’s appearance, past criminal history, or intellect (Gosselin, p. 14). Lastly, a good interviewer should want to know everything about the case even if the interviewee’s morals and values are different from his own (Gosselin, p-14).…
- 840 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
A variety of issues may be explored in the interview. The knowledge you gained from Parts 1 and 2, as well as your sense of the person/couple you interview, will guide you in how personal you can get with your questions. Cultural groups and individuals vary on how private they are. Use their feedback regarding what areas you can probe. If the person is very open, go deeper. If not, then respect that cultural boundary and ask yourself why this boundary is there. Issues that you may wish to explore during the interview include, but are not limited to, the following:…
- 661 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
The interview process is something that everyone will experience at some point in their life. It does not matter if a person is seeking employment, trying to get them or their child into a social organization, or an entrepreneur trying sell sell their company, good interview skills are important to everyone. Good interview skills are what separate individuals that may possess equal talents.…
- 740 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Once we know who we’re going to interview, we then need to figure out the objectives of the interviewing process. The general areas needed to be…
- 964 Words
- 4 Pages
Good Essays -
o Record your interview. You will be expected to give a detailed account of the…
- 642 Words
- 7 Pages
Satisfactory Essays