Interview tips1(2)

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Interview Guide Tips for Interviewers While you are watching job candidates for cues about how they feel, they will be watching you. Applicants will try to find out whether you are interested in what they are saying whether you approve or disapprove of them, and whether you wish the interview were over already The cues that the person reads In your behavior can serve to make the candidate more relaxed and allow open communication, or they can make the interviewee more tense and nervous; this causes the applicant to become defensive. Since your responsiveness has a strong influence on the success of the interview, you must be constantly aware of the impressions you are giving to the applicant. These impressions can be influenced by both your verbal and nonverbal communication. Nonverbal Signs 1. Head nodding indicates that you understand and agree with the candidate. 2. Smiling or laughing when appropriate indicates that you enjoy the person's company and are listening with interest. 3. Direct eye contact shows interest. 4. A relaxed manner (leaning back in your chair) shows you are willing to listen. 5. Leaning forward indicates interest-that you want the person to continue talking. 6. Silence can indicate a desire for the candidate to continue. 7. Glancing at your watch or around the room indicates boredom, eagerness for the interview to be concluded. 8. Shuffling through papers indicates lack of interest. 9. Constantly referring to a list of questions or the application form indicates lack of confidence in your skill as an interviewer. 10. Concentrating more on notetaking than watching the applicant shows you are more interested in filling out a form than getting to know the applicant. 11. Showing expressions of surprise, shock, or annoyance indicates you are judging the person and makes the applicant regret his or her honesty; this can destroy rapport. Verbal Responses 1. Encouraging comments (good, I see, I understand) indicate you are listening, are interested, and agree with what the applicant says, as long as they are inserted at appropriate times and seem a reflection of genuine interest. An absent-minded comment is far worse than none at all. 2. Supportive remarks and praise ("It's wonderful that you were able to accomplish so much in such a short time") indicate that you recognize his or her achievements. They encourage the person to say more. 3. Playing down negative information ("I certainly understand how that could have happened under those circumstances") reassures the candidate that you aren't judging the
person unfairly, and it also increases the possibility that he or she will reveal additional information that the person might otherwise have tried to hide. 4. Restatement of the candidate's thought ("you were interested in that job because of the advancement potential") indicates that you follow what has been said, and it may encourage further elaboration. Take care in using this technique, however, so that you don't become a "parrot" or try to put words in the applicant's mouth. 5. Interrupting or changing the subject abruptly indicates a lack of interest in what has been said and a lack of courtesy in turning the conversation to a more relevant topic. This can be particularly damaging if you stop the candidate before the person has reached the point of the comment. For example: Applicant: There was only one thing that made me stick with that job so long... Interviewer: Yes, first jobs are frequently that way. Now, tell me more about your organizing the hospital softball team. 6. This type of switch makes the applicant feel a little foolish and, at the same time, resentful toward you for your lack of interest in the story. Tips for Applicants Do • Wear appropriate clothing. • Women should wear a dress or suit that is not extremely short or tight. It is usually advisable not to wear a pantsuit on the initial interview. Men should wear a suit and tie. • Be moderate in hairstyle. Keep neatly groomed. • Shake hands with a firm, almost hard, handshake. Don't make a bad impression with a limp handshake. • Listen to what is said and answer questions directly. Be sure you know the interviewer's full name and title. • Ask questions about the job, the future, what's expected of you, etc. • Remember that, while you are being interviewed, you should be doing the same to the interviewer. Make it known in a nice way that you aren't going to jump into any job without knowing all about it and the company. • Send a letter to the person who interviewed you, saying thank you for the opportunity and if you want the job, say so. It will be appreciated, and it may be the one thing that makes the company decide on you over the others interviewed. Don't
• Sit down until invited to do so. • Ever answer a question with a yes or no answer; make it an opportunity to sell yourself at every question. • Go on an interview unless you are feeling well and are in good health. • Show up late. Why I Didn't Get the Job What are the reasons why you as an applicant sometimes receive only a thundering silence from prospective employers after your Interview has been completed? These are factors that give interviewers negative impressions: 1. Poor manner, lack of poise, poor presentation of self, lack of self-confidence, timid, hesitant approach, arrogance, conceit. 2. Poor personal appearance and careless dress. Inability to express self well, poor speech habits. Lack of maturity. 3. Lack of goals and ambition; not showing interest, initiative; uncertainty and indecision about the job in question. 4. Unrealistic salary demands, more interest in salary than in the job opportunity, unrealistic about being promoted to top jobs. 5. Poor scholastic record without reasonable explanation for low grades. 6. Lack of extracurricular activities without good reason. Lack of leadership potential. 7. Lack of preparation for the interview, failure to get information about the company, inability to ask intelligent questions, lack of interest in the company. 8. Attitude of "what can you do for me." 9. No relevant work experience and did not work while in school.
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