Exploring the interview process:

1
Exploring the interview process

• The Nature of Interviews,
• Understanding the Process of Interviewing, and
• Appropriateness in Interviews.

2
Definitions

• Interview- A formal two-party communication in
  which at least one of the participants has a set
  purpose.
• Interviewer- The one who determines the purpose
  of the interview and ensures that the discussion
  remains focused on the purpose.
• Interviewee- The one who provides information to
  the interviewer.

3
The interviewer

• Sets a goal for the interview.
• Develops the structure of the interview.
• Prepares and asks questions.
• Controls the direction of the discussion.

4
The interviewee

• Provides clear, complete and appropriate answers.
• Gathers information.

5
Types of Interviews

• Information-gathering
• Information-giving
• Employment

6
Information-gathering Interviews

• This is when the interviewer obtains information
  from an interviewee, usually through a survey or
  an investigation.
• Survey interviews involve getting information
  from a large number of people. Example
  Coke/Pepsi taste test.
• Investigative interviews are used by reporters.
  They usually ask who, what, when, where, why, and
  how.
• Exit interviews are used to determine why a
  person has decided to leave an organization.

7
Information-giving interviews

• Performance appraisal- An evaluation of how well
  you have achieved your goals and objectives over
  a set period of time. Example Employer talking
  to employee about job performance.
• Counseling interview- When an interviewer helps
  the interviewee to decide on a course of action.
  Example school counselor.

8
Employment Interviews

• This is a process employers use to judge whether
  a job candidate is qualified and well suited for
  a position.
• The interview is the single most important factor
  in landing a job.
• Interview skills can be practiced.

9
Preparing for an interview

• Set a goal. This will vary widely, depending on
  the situation.
• Determine the type of interview.
• Determine the structure of the interview.
  (scheduled, nonscheduled, moderately scheduled)
• Research the other party. (company, job
  responsibilities, etc.)
• Write down the questions you want to have
  answered.

10
Types of questions asked in interviews

• Open-ended- Broad in scope, giving the respondent
  a great deal of freedom in his or her answer.
  Example Tell me a little about yourself.
• Closed- Seeks a very specific answer. Example
  What hours are you available to work?
• Highly closed- Not only seeks a specific answer
  but may even provide answers from which to
  choose. Example Would you prefer to work
  mornings, afternoons, or evenings?
• Primary- Begins a new topic. Example Tell me
  about your hobbies.

11
Types of questions, Continued.

• Secondary- Helps the interviewer better
  understand the answer to a primary question.
  (Also called follow-up questions.) Example
  Why do you like that particular hobby?
• Leading- Suggests the desired answer. Example
  You do want to work weekends, dont you?
• Neutral- Implies no specific right or wrong
  answer. Example Would you like to work
  weekends?
• Direct- Straightforward asks exactly what the
  interviewer wants to know and leaves no room for
  ambiguity. Example Can you work Friday
  evenings?

12
Types of questions, Continued.

• Indirect- Seeks specific information without
  directly asking for it. Example What do you
  usually do on Friday evenings?
• Factual- Seeks information that can be proven.
  Example Where do you attend high school?
• Opinion- Asks for the respondents judgment about
  something. Example What is your opinion about
  employees who steal?
• Hypothetical- Asks how a respondent might react
  in a given situation. Example If you knew
  someone were stealing from the company, what
  would you do?

13
Appropriateness in Interviews

• Dress
• Demeanor- outward behavior
• Friendliness
• Verbal skills
• Body language
• Poise and confidence

14
Appropriate questions for the interviewee to ask

• What are the duties of the position?
• Could you describe a typical day at this job?
• Is travel involved?
• What are the hours?
• With whom will I be working most closely?
• Does this job require special skills? Do you
  train new-hires?
• When do you expect to make a decision?

15
Appropriate questions for the interviewer to ask

• Tell me a little about yourself.
• What are your weaknesses/ strengths?
• How will your experiences and qualifications help
  you at this job?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• What is the most important thing you learned from
  your last job, or from school?
• What did you like best/least about your last job?
• Why do you want to work for this company?
• Why should we hire you for this position?
• When are you available to start?
• May we contact your references?

16
Inappropriate Questions for the interviewer to
ask

• (Discrimination means treating people differently
  based on reasons other than personal merit.)
• Questions related to these things are illegal to
  ask in a job interview
• Birthplace, nationality, or ancestry
• Gender or marital status
• Race or color
• Religion or religious days observed
• Physical challenges or disabilities
• Health or medical history
• Pregnancy or child care.

17
Examples of illegal questions for a job
interview

• Hernandez is that a Mexican name?
• Were you born in America?
• Is that your maiden name?
• Are you Baptist?
• Do you ever have to miss work for religious
  holidays?
• Exactly how blind/ deaf are you?
• Do you have any health problems?
• Do you plan to have children?

18
What to do if you are asked an illegal question
in a job interview

• Consider their motive (they could just be trying
  to make conversation)
• Consider how badly you want the job.
• Consider how comfortable you are with answering
  the question.
• Decide if how to answer it.

19
Options for how to respond to an unlawful
interview question

• Simply answer the question.
• Say that you think the question is illegal, and
  then answer anyway.
• Ask the interviewer about the appropriateness of
  the question. Example Why? Is my religion a
  factor in whether or not Ill be hired?
• Change the subject.
• Answer it indirectly.
• Refuse to answer.
• End the interview and leave.