Page 81 - DENG401_Advance Communication Skills

Advanced Communication Skills

Notes A successful interview is one in which both the parties—the interviewer and the interviewee—
actively participate. The interviewer asks certain vitally important questions arranged according
to his plan. The interviewee, on his part, gives satisfactory answers to all of them. The interviewer
seeks information, the interviewee gives information. At some stage in the process, most probably
towards the end, the interviewer may also seek some information that the interviewee will
gladly give. In this way, the purpose of the interview, mutually understood, is fulfilled. Moreover,
both the parties must be unbiased, impartial and scientific in their approach to the entire event.

Interview Process

A lot of care is to be taken by the interviewers in order to make the interview effective.
A few aspects regarding interview process are as follows:
1. Arrangement of place, time and questions: The interviewer must himself decide the
unnecessary questions which will not fulfill the purpose of an interview. He must ask
questions in interviews keeping in mind the purpose of the interview. He should decide
the best time and place for conducting the interview. Simultaneously, he should also keep
in mind the arrangements, which the interviewee prefers. In some progressive
organizations, for some positions, even the interviewer’s home or office would not be
suitable. The interviewer must be prepared to suggest an alternative setting. The
interviewer must confirm the arrangement by telephone before the interview.
2. Acquiring job-related information and general knowledge: In the age of information, it is
only the well-informed interviewer who can conduct an effective interview. Therefore,
the interviewer must read books and magazines. He should talk to people in order to
learn about the positions to be filled, responsibilities involved in the job and the
interviewee as well. He should list special vocabulary words or technical jargons, which
may be used by the interviewee. He should also try to list at least a few controversies
connected with the topic.
3. Assessing interviewee’s attitudes: The interviewer should prepare a list of questions, which
can measure some positive as well as negative attitudes of a person while conducting the
interview. He should list the difficulties, which these attitudes might create. He should
also describe the ways with which he could overcome these difficulties.
4. Prepare opening remarks: The first impression lasts long. The first few questions may
unsettle an interviewee in the beginning itself. Therefore, the interviewer must write out
opening remarks, including the first question or questions he might ask while conducting
the interview. Efforts should be made to remind the person about the purpose of the
interview.
5. Recording the proceedings of the interview: The interviewer will decide whether he will
write down or tape-record responses during the interview. It will help him to take a better
decision on the performance of the candidate during the interview. So, the interviewer
should list materials, which he will need for the purpose. If possible, the interviewee
should be informed about the recording of the proceedings of his interview.

Conducting an Interview
Notes
On becoming a senior professional, you may be asked to interview candidates for a job in
your organization. There are certain specific guidelines in the form of DO’s and DONT’s
given below to help you conduct an interview effectively.
Contd...

74 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY