Personal Interview Definition:
Interview is the widely used (election method. It is a face-to-face
interaction between interviewee and interviewer. If handled
carefully, it can be a powerful technique in having accurate
information of the interviewee otherwise unavailable. At the same
time, if the interview is not handled carefully, it can be a source of
bias, restricting or distorting the flow of communication.
Different scholars have defined interview differently. According
to Scott and others, an interview is a purposeful exchange of
ideas, the answering of questions and communication between
two or more persons. Bingham and others define an interview as
a conversation with a purpose. Thus, interview can be defined
as an attempt to secure maximum amount of information from
the candidate concerning his/her suitability for the job under
consideration.
Objectives of Interview:
In the selection process, interview serves the following
objectives:
1. Verifies the information obtained through application form and
tests.
2. Helps obtain additional information from the applicant
otherwise not available.
3. Gives the candidate necessary facts and information about the
job and the organisation.
4. Helps establish mutual understanding between the company
and the candidate and build the companys image.
According to Richard Calhoon, employment interview
serves the following three objectives:
First, it is the only way to see an applicant in action how he
looks, his manner, his bearing.
Second, it is the only way to witness how he interacts and how he
responds, his way of thinking, the effect of his personality on
others.
Third, it is perhaps the best way to get at the will do features of
a performance- motivation, initiative, stability, perseverance,
work, habits and judgments.
Types of Interviews:
Formal / Informal Interviews
Some interviews may be very formal, others may be very informal
and seem like just a chat about your interests. However, it is
important to remember that you are still being assessed, and
topics should be friendly and clean!
Preliminary Interview:
The interviews conducted to screen the applicants to decide
whether further detailed interview will be required are called
preliminary interviews. The candidate is given freedom by giving
job details during the interview to decide whether the job will suit
him.
One of the drawback associated with the preliminary interview is
that it might lead to the elimination of many desirable candidates
in case interviewers do not have much and proper experience in
evaluating candidates. The positive argument, if any, for this
method is that it saves time and money for the company.
Patterned Interview:
In this interview, the pattern of the interview is decided in
advance. What kind of information is to be sought or given, how
the interview is to be conducted, and how much time is to be
allotted to it, all these are worked out in advance. In case
interviewee drifts, he/she is swiftly guided back to the structured
questions. Such interviews are also called standardised
interviews.
Stress Interview:
Such interviews are conducted for the jobs which are to be
performed under stressful conditions. The objective of stress
interview is to make deliberate attempts to create stressful or
strained conditions for the interviewee to observe how the
applicant behaves under stressful conditions.
The common methods used to induce stress include frequent
interruptions, keeping silent for an extended period of time,
asking too many questions at a time, making derogatory remarks
about the candidate, accusing him that he is lying and so on. The
purpose is to observe how the candidate behaves under the
stressful conditions whether he looses his temper, gets confused
or frightened.
However, stress-inducing must be done very carefully by trained
and skilled interviewer otherwise it may result in dangers.
Emotionally charged candidates must not be subjected to further
stressful conditions. The candidate should be given sufficient
chance to cope with such induced stress before he leaves.
Depth Interview:
As the term itself implies, depth interview tries to portray the
interviewee in depth and detail. It, accordingly, covers the life
history of the applicant along with his/her work experience,
academic qualifications, health, attitude, interest, and hobbies.
This method is particularly suitable for executive selection.
Expectedly, depth interview involves more time and money in
conducting it.
The Telephone Interview
Often companies request an initial telephone interview before
inviting you in for a face to face meeting in order to get a better
understanding of the type of candidate you are. The one benefit
of this is that you can have your notes out in front of you. You
should do just as much preparation as you would for a face to
face interview, and remember that your first impression is vital.
Some people are better meeting in person than on the phone, so
make sure that you speak confidently, with good pace and try to
answer all the questions that are asked.
The Face-to-Face Interview
This can be a meeting between you and one member of staff or
even two members.
The Panel Interview
These interviews involve a number of people sitting as a panel
with one as chairperson. This type of interview is popular within
the public sector.
The Group Interview
Several candidates are present at this type of interview. You will
be asked to interact with each other by usually a group
discussion. You might even be given a task to do as a team, so
make sure you speak up and give your opinion.
General Interview Preparation
Heres a list of questions that you should consider your answers
for when preparing
Why do you want this job?
Why are you the best person for the job?
What relevant experience do you have?
Why are you interested in working for this company?
What can you contribute to this company?
What do you know about this company?
What challenges are you looking for in a position?
Why do you want to work for this company?
Why should we hire you?
What are your salary requirements?
Before the interview
Interviews require much research and planning. Generally, you
should do the following when preparing for interview.
anticipate potential questions and prepare answers
accordingly;
consider how you'll explain problematic aspects of your CV,
such as leaving an employer;
contact your references, alerting them that you'll be
interviewing and that they may receive a call;
fully understand the role that you're applying for by
revisiting the job description, identifying what skills, interests
and experiences the employer is looking for;
prepare questions to ask the interviewer;
read the organisation's website, social media profiles and
key literature (e.g. business plan, financial reports and
corporate social responsibility strategy), ensuring that you're
prepared to share your views and ideas;
research the news, trends, competitors, history and
opportunities of the organisation and its job sector;
review your CV and application form.
Choose your outfit the night before, getting plenty of sleep and
avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Plan your journey,
aiming to arrive ten minutes early. Completing a 'dry run', if
possible, also combats nerves. On the day, eat a good, healthy
breakfast and avoid too much caffeine.
How to make a good impression
Generally, you should:
answer questions clearly and concisely;
ask relevant, thought-provoking questions at appropriate
moments, as this can show that you're genuinely interested in
the role and really listening to the interviewer;
avoid talking about any personal problems;
be as enthusiastic as possible;
be well-mannered with any staff that you meet before the
interview;
display positive body language, speaking clearly, smiling
frequently and retaining eye-contact;
don't badmouth any previous employers;
give a firm handshake to your interviewer(s) before and
after;
highlight your best attributes, experiences and
achievements, based around the skills that you've identified as
important to the organisation, and evidencing them with
practical examples;
inform your interviewer(s) that you're available to answer
any follow-up questions;
let your personality shine;
relax and sit naturally, but without slouching in your chair or
leaning on the desk;
show your hands, as this is a sign of honesty;
wear smart business attire with comfortable, polished shoes.
WHAT IS CURRICULUM VITAE? ITS MAJOR TYPES
The abbreviation - CV - comes from Latin words curriculum vitae. CV may be
loosely translated as [the] course of [my] life.
The content of CV may vary depending on the author. Every single person has
different work experience, skills, abilities, education and other features;
nevertheless, the type of CV you decided to choose should as far as possible
accentuate you strong features. Worth remembering is that CV should be no longer
than 2 pages' long
Types of CV
Chronological
Functional
The European Curriculum Vitae
The Internet CV
The Scanning CV
CHRONOLOGICAL CV
This is the most traditional CV format. It emphasises your experience and career
development. The main part of the CV lists the jobs you have held in chronological
order, usually with the most recent information listed first. Its useful when you are
staying in the same field of work. Your career history shows natural progression,
growth and self development.
It is the most common type of CV with the focus on the candidates experience.
Posts are to be listed in reverse chronological order starting with the latest
graduated school or employment. It also contains the detailed information about
qualifications and education alongside hobbies.
HOW TO STRUCTURE CHRONOLOGICAL CV?
personal details,
education in reverse chronological order,
employment in reverse chronological order with bull-pointed responsibilities
and/or key achievements,
other useful information, e.g. licenses, courses,
hobbies and personal interests
ADVANTAGES
if you are applying within the same or similar industry, chronological CV
may be found particularly useful since it presents your career development,
it is the favorite form for most employers
DISADVANTAGES
it reveals potential gaps in employment
FUNCTIONAL CV
it emphasizes skills and expertise that are desired for a given position. The data
about work experience and education should be limited to the minimum. Instead of
focusing on any particular job, general description of experience is recommended.
HOW TO STRUCTURE A FUNCTIONAL CV ?
personal details,
the achievements, skills and personal qualities presented in decreasing order
of importance,
additional useful information: licenses, courses, etc.,
hobbies and personal interests
ADVANTAGES
the functional CV helps to hide employment gaps,
if you have changed frequently jobs and your experience is gained from
different unrelated posts, the functional CV will help to accentuate your skills as a
whole rather than in relation to a particular job,
the functional CV will be advisable for more mature applicant since it takes
an employers attention off the age
DISADVANTAGES
it is not a friendly format for those with consistent career progress
The European Curriculum Vitae
The idea of developing a common European format for CVs was recommended by
the European Council in 2000. There is no compulsion for individuals to use this
format. It is intended to enable European citizens to present their qualifications
more effectively, thus easing access to training or employment in Europe. The
European CV provides information on:
language competences
work experience
education and training background
additional skills and competences acquired outside formal training schemes
Because it presents skills and experience clearly and comparably, the European CV
is expected to enable employers to make decisions about applicants based on equal
information and so guarantee more equal treatment for jobseekers. The template is
based in an online library in The European Centre for the Development of
Vocational Training
Anyone can log on to this site to download the template. This website also has
sample CVs showing how people from different countries with various
qualifications and experience have used this model to apply for training or
employment.
The Scanning CV
Some large employers use electronic processing systems to handle volumes of
CVs, or a smaller employer may subscribe to a scanning service. Many recruiters
who use the internet to look at hundreds of CVs will often use an electronic
scanner to check for the presence of key words that they are interested in.
So how does it work? The company scans your paper CV into its database where it
is stored as pure text. When a job comes up, the company can then do a keyword
search for the experience, qualifications and skills that are required.
Practical points to consider
Make sure that letters do not touch.
Underlining and horizontal or vertical lines should not touch any letters
Use a common, non-decorative font (e.g. Arial, Helvetica) of between 10 14 points
Avoid columns, tabs, graphics, bold and lines
Use capital letters instead of bold, for headers
Do not use hollow bullet points, &, or % signs
Use white paper without speckles
Do not staple pages
Do not fold your CV
Use a laser printer
The Internet CV
As more and more companies have access to the internet, recruiters are
increasingly asking for application letters and CVs to be sent by email. One of the
main reasons for you to create an electronic CV is to enable you to respond. You
will also be able to post it on a website which recruiters can access e.g. the
Activate website
What is a cover letter and why is it important?
What is a cover letter? Its a letter of introduction that highlights your key
accomplishments and fit for a job opening. A cover letter adds focus to your
resume. Few employers seriously consider a resume that is not accompanied by a
cover letter; thus, a cover letter needs to be part of your job-search strategy. Each
cover letter must be tailored to each job, each employer.
Why is a cover letter so important? A resume is of limited value to an employer if
he or she doesnt know what kind of work you want to do. A cover letter tells the
employer the type of position youre seeking and exactly how you are qualified
for that position.
Your cover letter can explain things that your resume cant. If you have large gaps
in your employment history, reentering the job market or changing the focus of
your career, or relocating and conducting a long-distance job-search, a cover letter
can explain these circumstances in a positive way.
What are some of the most important tips when writing a cover letter?
Whenever possible, address your cover letter to a named individual
Grab the readers attention by writing an appealing first paragraph
Highlight your three to four key accomplishments/skills/experiences
Focus on the fit between your qualifications and the job requirements
Whenever possible, relate yourself to the company
Never include any negative information
End your letter by requesting an interview
Mention that you will follow-up your letter and then do so
Cover letters should be kept to under one page; electronic versions even
shorter
Avoid all types of mistakes, including typos, misspellings, and grammatical
errors
A definition paragraph is a paragraph explaining a term or subject, so your
audience comprehends the topic of the paragraph. This can be done in three
different ways: Synonym, Class, and Negation.
Synonym is explaining the term by using the words that mean the same thing.
EXAMPLE: To procrastinate is to slack.
Class is when you put your topic in a larger category to explain your term.
EXAMPLE: A pineapple is a tropical fruit that has an acidic and sweet taste.
Negation means that the write first says something is not, and then says what it is.
EXAMPLE: A snowcone is not an ice creamcone, but rather a shredded ice and
syrup treat.
Classification paragraphs
Classification Paragraph: the purpose of a classification paragraph is to clearly
define something and place it in a group according to some basis or rule so that it
only fits in one group. In order to be sucessful at this you have to be very detailed.
The same information can be classified into more than one category, but the
classification paragraph sticks to one basis of classification. The topic sentence has
two parts: the topic, and the basis of classification, which is the controlling idea; it
controls how the writer approaches the subject.
Classify- to gather into types, kinds, or categories according to a single basis of
division.
Logical sequence- list the categories in this order: either most to least outrageous,
least to most expensive, from largest to smallest and so on.
Transitional expressions:
can be divided
can be classified
can be categorized
the first type
the second kind
the last category
Qualities of good Paragraph
A good paragraph has the characteristics of unity, coherence and emphasis. In unity a paragraph must be
unified on its structure. In coherence a paragraph must establish continuity within or towards the other
paragraph. In emphasis the idea within the paragraph should be given importance and made to stand.
Unity
Coherence
Development
Emphasis
correctness
creativity
PARAGRAPH DEVELOPMENT -->- Support and evidence provided by the
writer can be explained in different ways, These details can be provided by giving
or using:
a. narration telling a story
b. description painting something or someone by use of words
c. comparison showing how two subjects are similar
d. contrast pointing out how two subjects are different from each other
e. example providing illustrations or representatives of an idea or topic
f. classification organizing or grouping together subjects with the same
qualities or characteristics
g. division taking out a part from the whole to fully discuss or emphasize
how the part is integral to the whole
h. definition giving the meaning of a term, idea, or concept
i. process analysis telling how something is achieved or came to be; or
telling how to do something
j. cause and effect showing reasons/results of a phenomena/process
Emphasis
Emphasis is the principle of the paragraph composition in which the important
ideas are made to stand. In here it is very important that the main points of the
writer should be evident inside the paragraph.
Having an emphasis can be achieved by using some devices such as the use of
emphasis by proportion, emphasis by pause and emphasis by position. In the
emphasis by proportion, the subordinate ideas should be given less substance while
ideas which have greater importance should be given more substance. In the
emphasis by pause, the emphasis is established by making chapter divisions,
paragraph breaks as well as mark of punctuation. In the emphasis by position, the
beginning and end of the paragraph are considered as crucial points where
emphasis should be placed, emphasis are usually positioned in these places
Correctness: A paper should be written in generally correct standard English,
with complete sentences, and be relatively error-free.
