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Every interview leave an impression that helps the interviewer to take a decision on the candidate that will match their requirements.
Normally, interview has following stages:
- First Impression
- Main Body of interview : which has two parts
- Open Ended Questions
- Close Ended Questions
- Closing the Interview
- Follow Up
An interview is a two way where both sides: candidate and the organization sizes up each other. Organization has to determine whether to select the candidate and the candidate has to make up his mind as to whether he would like to work for the person and the organization.
Irrespective of the outcome of any interview for a particular assignment, it is always useful to leave good lasting impression so that if another opportunity presents, the old memories are helpful.
Both sides therefore need to prepare themselves so that they bring out their best. We will be discussing here the interview from candidates perspective.
He needs to study the organization, its products/services, width, wherever possible, turnover, profitability market share and broad strategies and policies of the organization. He also needs to carefully analyze the assignment and find out key elements of success. He should then brush up his
- Conceptual knowledge and
- Relevant part of experience
well before going for the meeting.
First Impression: First impression is carried from the way you conduct yourself:
- Appearance :
- dress, smile, handshake
- Way he sits in the reception
- Postures of entering the room
- Eye contact with the interviewer(s)
- If there are more than one, understanding role of each interviewer
- Confidence and comfort with which he sits
- Confidence and attention with which he answers the initial questions
Main Body
Generally has two components; first is initiated with open ended questions, e.g. “Please tell us something about yourself?” The interviewer finds out from the answer to such questions:
- what the candidate has to offer in terms of skills.
- whether he has studied to the job and the organization.
- His communication and Presentation skills: Good communication is precise, concise, comprehensive and in proper chronological order.
- His attitudes : where he is shallow or has depth.
Second part is close ended questions: where the interviewer asks specific questions related to the assignment e.g. do you have sound knowledge of US GAAP; if so, please tell us your experience about it. Here he is determining the individual’s competence on specific skills.
Close of the Interview: This comprises of parting comments: Mr ….. will be in touch with you/let you know the outcome, etc.
One should always thank the interviewer’s time and attention and let them feel that he is impressed with the assignment and the organization. He would consider it as a privilege to work for the same.
It is always good to follow up the interview with a “thank you” mail to interviewers and to HR person coordinating the meeting.
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