How To Conduct An Interview

By Jason Taingahue
Learning how to conduct an interview is all about strategically placing various questions in the actual interview itself. Also noting their replies and watching their body language as you conduct the interview.

To conduct an interview, prepare yourself a couple of days before if possible, otherwise the night before will be fine as well.

To do the preparation work for the interview you will only need a piece of paper.

With this piece of paper you will then start with the name of the person at the top and their physical address and various other details. With these details at hand you know what area they live in, so you know whether they are near/far away from the actual job (which we will use as an example) itself, which will then possibly lead to questions like, "How do you travel to work" (means of transportation), which in turn could put them in a position of time management/punctuality and also good preparation skills.

Next to add to our list, is the form of greeting when they come through the door, which in most cases is a firm hand shake, but not too firm on a female.

Then to conduct an interview we will offer them a seat and in some cases a drink of coffee/water/tea. At this stage we are also observing their body language and watching to see if they are maintaining a good posture and steady eye contact, which is a means of alertness on behalf of that person.

Also to jot down when learning to conduct an interview is to observe there grooming efforts, as a well groomed man/woman indicates the dedication to look good, and time and effort spent on grooming such as ironing, polishing shoes and well groomed hair to seek the attention and positive vibes from that of the person who is to conduct an interview.

Now we need to write down a series of questions and leave spaces. To conduct an interview, we will be taking notes of each and every question that they answer. This helps us with the process of elimination so to speak, especially if there are many that have been put forward for a particular position.

Now the questions can vary and firstly an open speech of "Did you find us alright" can be the start of a series of questions that will follow, such as these questions in this particular order. Some can be adjusted but learning how to conduct an interview, I would find these the most suitable questions to use in this particular order:

I call these questions my Super 4.

1. So how did you find out about us?? Carefully listening to there answer on this question and seeing how brief and to the point they can be and noting down weather they had the exact date of the newspaper etc.
2. What experience do you have in this field? At this point you should have there curriculum vitae open at your table and passing it towards you while telling you of there experience. Then running through their resume and seeing if their verbal expression matches to that of the resume.
3. What was the reason for leaving your last job? This question is strategically placed to throw them off line a bit, so to speak. The most important part of their answer is in their body language and eye contact. This in turn will tell you whether or not they are telling the truth. Some like to re-arrange the story a wee bit to suit themselves at times.
4. Why should we employ you? This is so placed because it is the last of the super 4 questions and this is where they really need to sell themselves, letting you know themselves, whether they are a team player, punctual, honest and dedicated to any given task.

With these 4 simple questions we are able to make a sound judgement on weather the person is suitable for the vacant position.

All things are taken into consideration and answers will vary.

Consideration is given to punctuality, honesty, body language, eye contact, posture and short, straight to the point answers, as opposed to long drawn out ones, which can bore the person who is conducting the interview.

When learning how to conduct an interview the above given steps that you have written on your piece of paper can help you in basic life requirements to, such as conversation and reading body language of others when they are dong simple tasks or answering you simple questions themselves.

Now that you have all this information jotted down and have the in-depth knowledge of how to conduct an interview, conduct away and good luck.

See Also:
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