How to Interview People Well

Interview is a very important technique of gauging the abilities of a candidate. An interview helps the concerned authority to take the right decision of selection or rejection of the respective candidate, as the case may be. It is the best way of understanding a complicated situation from the perspective of another person.

Following are some of the important factors that an interviewer must keep in mind for a successful interview.

1. It is very important that you choose the right form of interview. You can go for face –to- face interview or telephonic interview. However always avoid email interviews because the results are not satisfactory.
2. Confirm the date and venue of interview to the candidate. A reminder of the same is always better because any miscommunication can lead to unnecessary hassles.
3. Avoid group interviews. An interview ideally is a one-to-one situation but many interviewers like to have a colleague in on the interview. This can be avoided if you are confident about yourself and third party involvement is not the prime requirement of the interview session.
4. It is always judicious to prepare and research in advance. Whatever questions you wish to ask the respective candidate you must have substantial knowledge on that subject. You don’t need to prepare a list of questions but you must be sure of all that you want to cover in the interview session.
5. You can begin the interview by introducing your self to the interviewee. Try to polite to the candidate and avoid rude tone. Ensure the respective person is comfortable in your company.
6. Be it a personal, subjective or discursive interview, just be you. You don’t need to be too loutish or too genteel. Let the interview look very natural. You can always discuss on any subject that is of common interest to both of you. This will help you to know the person better.
7. Always listen carefully to the candidate. You can often pick up a word or a phrase in an answer which you can play back to the interviewee. This is one of the ways by which you can get something much more interesting or honest than expected. Interviews are not scripted questions and answers, they are serious professional conversations and hence you need to concentrate.
8. Try to focus on what you need. Ensure you do not get diverted from the main subject. Often people either people get absorbed in details or get too waffle. Sometimes timely intervention is required to redirect the interview.
9. You have to be patient, don’t lose your control. You don’t need to be bossy but it is vital that you get what you need from the interview and you maneuver it in the direction you want to go.

So, now you know what the pre-requisites of a good and successful interview are. If you sincerely adopt the above mentioned techniques in your interview session, you are sure to achieve your goal.

Watch a video instruction how to interview well

See also

How to Cite an Interview

How to Answer Interview Questions

How to Get Job Interview Preparation Advice

How to Prepare for a Google Interview