Introduction to Interviews

• An interview is a conversation where questions are asked by an interviewer to gather information from an interviewee.

• Interviews are common in various contexts, including job searches, research, journalism, and assessments.

Purpose of Interviews

• To collect data or insights from an individual based on their experiences, opinions, or knowledge.

• In a job setting, interviews assess a candidate's suitability for a position in terms of skills, culture fit, and potential contributions.

Types of Interviews

• Structured Interviews:

  • Utilize a predetermined set of questions.

  • Ensures consistency across interviews for easier comparison of responses.

• Unstructured Interviews:

  • More conversational and open-ended.

  • Allows the interviewer to explore responses in depth.

• Semi-structured Interviews:

  • Combines both structured and unstructured formats.

  • Provides flexibility but retains some consistency in questioning.

Common Interview Techniques

• Behavioral Questions: Focus on how a candidate handled past situations.

  • Example: "Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge."

• Situational Questions: Pose hypothetical scenarios to gauge problem-solving skills.

  • Example: "What would you do if a team member was not contributing?"

• Competency-Based Questions: Evaluate specific skills or competencies relevant to the job.

Interview Preparation

• Research the Company: Understand the company’s mission, values, and recent news.

• Prepare Relevant Questions: Have insightful questions ready for the interviewer to show interest and engagement.

• Practice Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions to articulate thoughts clearly.

Conclusion

• Interviews are crucial for information exchange in several fields.

• Good preparation can significantly enhance interview performance and outcomes.