Interview Components

Establishing an interview format Every interview requires a structure format. The format is beneficial to both interviewers and applicants, providing interviewers with a checklist of sorts, ensuring coverage of all the necessary data, and assuring applicants of a comprehensive exchange of information.

The format of an interview should incorporate five critical phases: Making introductory remarks about what is to take place during the interview Asking questions about an applicant’s education and prior work history as they relate to the requirements of the job, as well as about relevant intangible qualities Providing information about the job opening, its salary and benefits, and the organization Answering questions about the job and the organization Informing the applicant about what happens next, before ending the interview on a positive note.

Putting Applicants at Ease Regardless of the format you select, devote a few moments at the beginning of the interview to putting the applicant at ease. During the rapport building stage, you want to use icebreakers: comments and questions that have no direct bearing on the job. Did you have a smooth commute? It’s nice to see the sun shining for a change.”

Getting Started Regardless of whether you opt to begin the core of the interview by asking questions, providing information, or answering questions, getting started can be challenging. Some interviewers get caught up in small talk and are unable to move on. Others do not know what to ask first. Use transitional statements With the weather so beautiful, I’m sure you’re excited to get back outside, so why don’t we get started?

Listening vs Talking Interviewers need to balance the amount of talking they do with listening. Many interviewers talk too much, erroneously believing that they are more in control of the interview as long as they are talking. Experts agree that around 75% of the interview should be devoted to listening.

Listening vs Talking (cont’n) Actively listen Listen for connecting themes and ideas Summarize periodically Filter out distractions Use free information Screen out personal biases Acknowledge any emotional states

Listening vs Talking (cont’n) Thought Speed Researchers have determined that most people think at a rate of approximately 400 wpm; we speak at a rate of approximately 125 wpm. In short, we think faster than we speak.

Listening vs Talking (cont’n) While the applicant is talking, you can use thought speed to accomplish a great deal, including the following: Prepare your next question Analyze what the applicant is saying Piece together what the applicant is saying now in relation to something said earlier in the interview. Glance down at the application/resume to verify information Observe the applicant’s body language Mentally check your own body language to ensure that you are conveying interest and understanding. Consider how this applicant’s background relates to the job requirements. Take notes.

Interpreting Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal communication is vital to the interview process. Often interviewers can learn as much about applicants through their nonverbal messages as from verbal. Nonverbal messages that are misinterpreted by the interviewer can result in poor selection or rejection decisions.

Interpreting Nonverbal Communication (cont’n) Problems occur when body language is interpreted according to the interviewer’s own gestures or expressions.

Interpreting Nonverbal Communication (cont’n) Problems occur when body language is interpreted according to the interviewer’s own gestures or expressions.

Interpreting Nonverbal Communication (cont’n) Each of us has our own patter of nonverbal expression, attributable to a combination of cultural and environmental factors. Proxemics Chronemics etc

Interpreting Nonverbal Communication (cont’n) SMILING In Thailand, people smile to mask embarrassment. In Japan, they smile when confused. NODDING It is commonly assumed that nodding indicates “YES” and shaking it back and forth means “NO.” The opposite is true in Bulgaria HANDSHAKE Americans are taught to shake hands with a firm, solid grip. To Middle Easterners and many Asians, a firm grip suggests aggressiveness.

Encouraging the Applicant to Talk One of the greatest challenges for an interviewer is encouraging applicants to talk. Not all applicants are confident enough to express themselves.

Encouraging the Applicant to Talk (cont’n) Use repetition Summarize Ask close-ended questions Employ certain phrases to encourage applicants to continue talking Use encouraging body language Try silence

Keeping Applicants on Track During most interviews, applicants are responsive to the questions asked. Sometimes, however, applicants try to take over or distract the interviewer by going off tangent.

Providing Information Information about the job and company may be provided at the beginning of the interview or offered between asking and answering questions. Inform the applicant also what will happen after the interview is over.

INFORMATION FROM OTHERS Perception FIRST IMPRESSION INFORMATION FROM OTHERS SINGLE STATEMENTS ETHNOCENTRISM