This document provides information about different types of interviews that a job seeker may encounter. It discusses screening interviews, panel interviews, stress interviews, case interviews, behavioral interviews, and lunch/dinner interviews. For each type, it provides a brief description and tips on how to best prepare and perform, such as maintaining composure during stress interviews, engaging all panel members during panel interviews, and showing professionalism during lunch/dinner interviews. The document emphasizes consistency, preparation, and remaining calm and confident in any interview format.

1. Lecture 3
AMNA A. REHMAN

2. Among those of hundreds of applicants for a job, your resume and
cover letters were strong enough to prompt a potential employer to
invite you for an interview.
You have made it though the “paper chase” of the job search, and now
are ready to move on to the interviewing phase.
Prepare well – it’s the interview that will get you the job.

3. Interviewing
Interviewing is an important method for collecting data on information
system requirements
Interviews reveal information about
◦ Interviewee opinions
◦ Interviewee feelings
◦ About the current state of the system
◦ Organizational and personal goals
◦ Informal procedures

4. Planning the Interview
◦ Five steps in planning the interview are
◦ Reading background material
◦ Establishing interview objectives
◦ Deciding whom to interview
◦ Preparing the interviewee
◦ Deciding on question types and structure

5. Question Types
There are two basic types of interview questions:
◦ Open-ended
◦ Closed ended

6. Open-Ended Questions
◦ Open-ended interview questions allow
interviewees to respond how they wish, and to
what length they wish
◦ Open-ended questions are appropriate when the
analyst is interested in breadth and depth of
reply

7. Advantages of Open-Ended
Questions
◦ Putting the interviewee at ease
◦ Allowing the interviewer to pick up on the interviewee's
vocabulary
◦ Reflect education, values, attitudes, and beliefs
◦ Providing richness of detail
◦ Revealing avenues of further questioning that may have
gone untapped
◦ More interesting for the interviewee
◦ Allows more spontaneity
◦ Makes phrasing easier for the interviewer
◦ Useful if the interviewer is unprepared

8. Disadvantages of Open-Ended
Questions
◦ May result in too much irrelevant detail
◦ Possibly losing control of the interview
◦ May take too much time for the amount of useful
information gained
◦ Potentially seeming that the interviewer is unprepared
◦ Possibly giving the impression that the interviewer is on a
"fishing expedition”

9. Closed Interview Questions
Closed interview questions limit the number of possible responses
Closed interview questions are appropriate for generating precise,
reliable data which is easy to analyze
The methodology is efficient, and it requires little skill for interviewers
to administer

10. Benefits of Closed Interview
Questions
◦ Saving interview time
◦ Easily comparing interviews
◦ Getting to the point
◦ Keeping control of the interview
◦ Covering a large area quickly
◦ Getting to relevant data

11. Disadvantages of Closed
Interview Questions
◦ Boring for the interviewee
◦ Failure to obtain rich detail
◦ Failing to build rapport between interviewer and
interviewee

12. Bipolar Questions and Probes
Bipolar questions are those that may be answered with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or
‘agree’ or ‘disagree’
Bipolar questions should be used sparingly

13. Question Pitfalls
Avoid leading questions, those that imply an answer
Leading questions tend to guide interviewees into responses apparently
desired by the interviewer
These questions should be avoided to reduce bias and improve
reliability and validity
Avoid double-barreled questions, asking two questions at once
These questions should be avoided because interviewees may answer
only one question, leading to difficulties in interpretation

14. Question Sequencing
There are three basic ways of structuring
interviews:
◦ Pyramid, starting with closed questions and working
toward open-ended questions
◦ Funnel, starting with open-ended questions and working
toward closed questions
◦ Diamond, starting with closed, moving toward open-
ended, and ending with closed questions

15. Pyramid Structure
Begins with very detailed, often closed questions
Expands by allowing open-ended questions and more generalized
responses
Is useful if interviewees need to be warmed up to the topic or seem
reluctant to address the topic

16. Funnel Structure
Begins with generalized, open-ended questions
Concludes by narrowing the possible responses using closed questions
Provides an easy, nonthreatening way to begin an interview
Is useful when the interviewee feels emotionally about the topic

17. Diamond Structure
A diamond-shaped structure begins in a very specific way
Then more general issues are examined
Concludes with specific questions
Is useful in keeping the interviewee's interest and attention through a
variety of questions

18. Structured and Unstructured
Interviews
A completely structured interview is planned and the plan is strictly
followed
Closed questions are the basis of structured interviews
An unstructured interview is conversational

19. Recording the Interview
Interviews can be recorded with tape recorders or notes
Audio recording should be done with permission and understanding

20. Advantages of Audio
Recording the Interview
◦ Providing a completely accurate record of what each
person said
◦ Freeing the interviewer to listen and respond more
rapidly
◦ Allowing better eye contact and better rapport
◦ Allowing replay of the interview for other team members

21. Disadvantages of Audio
Recording the Interview
◦ Possibly making the interviewee nervous and less apt to
respond freely
◦ Possibly making the interviewer less apt to listen since it
is all being recorded
◦ Difficulty in locating important passages on a long tape
◦ Increasing costs of data gathering

22. Advantages of Note Taking
During Interviews
Keeping the interviewer alert
Aiding recall of important questions
Helping recall of important interview trends
Showing interviewer interest in the interview
Demonstrating the interviewer's preparedness

23. Disadvantages of Note Taking
During Interviews
Losing vital eye contact
Losing the train of conversation
Making the interviewee hesitant to speak when notes are being made
Causing excessive attention to facts and too little attention to feelings
and opinions

24. Interview Preparation
There are three important keys to effectively
preparing yourself to shine in the interview.
1) Know yourself
2) Dress the part
3) Research the organization

25. Know Yourself
•How well do you fit the job description?
•What are the skills, abilities, and qualities you have that can benefit the
organization?
•Why are you the best fit for the job and the organization?

26. DRESS
FOR
SUCCESS
PROFESSIONAL DRESS REQUIREMENTS – YOU MUST WEAR A SUIT!
Conservative dark suit No visible body piercing, tattoos
Polished, closed-toe dress shoes Minimal jewelry
Conservative hair style (cut and styled) No excessive cologne or perfume
Well–groomed Minimal make-up
Conservative hem and necklines Pressed shirt/blouse
Dark socks (men)

27. What To Bring
Prepare a travel folder that includes:
•Name, address and phone number of the organization
and your contact
•Directions – make sure you know where you are going;
take a practice drive before if possible
•Copies of your resume and reference sheet; paper and
pen
•List of questions you will ask
•Professional portfolio (if applicable)

28. Research The Organization
Employers expect you to know what the organization is, what it does and how that
fits into your employment plans.
•What do you know about the organization?
• What are the organization’s main services/products, values, structure, culture?
Recent news? Leaders?
•Is the organization financially stable?
•Be able to articulate what you have learned, including your understanding of its
mission and philosophy; Integrate what you know into the questions you ask.
•Use the company’s Web site, Career Insider, Glass Door, Wetfeet.com and Google
Alert to find information.

29. The Interview Day
•Take time to compose yourself when you arrive. The
interview begins when you step out of the car.
•Greet everyone in a friendly and professional manner;
often staff are asked their opinion of candidates.
•Greet interviewer by name, with a smile, and direct eye
contact.
•Offer a firm, not bone-crushing, handshake.
•Be calm; be aware of non-verbal/body language.

30. HOW TO SHAKE HANDS
• Smile and make eye contact as you shake hands.
• Extend your hand; your palm should touch the palm of the interviewer
• Use a firm handshake; adjust your grip to the other person’s hand.
• Hold the handshake for 2 to 3 seconds making a slight up and down
pumping motion.
Tip: Carry a tissue in your
pocket. If your palms are
sweaty, wipe them dry before
you go into the interview.

31. Tell Me About Yourself
•Describe yourself professionally, not personally.
•Consider your answer a “30-second commercial” or an
“elevator moment” that is about your professional
accomplishments.
•State your skills and experience and how they relate to
the position.

32. The Interview Begins
• Ask permission to take a few notes during the interview in case you need
clarification at the end of the interview.
•Listen carefully to questions. It’s okay to ask for
clarification
• Use 5-second fillers to help you remember such as, “That is a good
question, let me think about it for a moment,” or, “Would you please repeat
the question so I am sure of your meaning.”
•Show interest in the position through your eye contact,
posture and attentiveness.
• If you are interviewed by several people, make eye contact with each one as
you respond to questions.

33. The Star Method
•Include in your targeted and thorough answer:
• S=Situation (Describe the situation)
• T=Technique (What approach did you use?)
• A=Action (What action did you take?)
• R=Result (What was the result of your action?)

34. Be Prepared To Give Examples
•Behavioral questions illustrate that past experiences can predict future
behavior.
•Always include outcomes – what happened and what did you learn.
•For example:
• Describe a challenging project or assignment.
• Tell me about a time when a project or assignment did not go well.
• Tell me about a time when you improved a process either at work or in the
classroom (can also use athletic examples).

35. “Why Should I Consider You A
Strong Applicant For This Position?”
Articulate what’s in your resume.
• Be self-assured, not arrogant.
• Relate your knowledge, skills and abilities directly to the job.
• Show your passion.
• Tell and sell your story.

36. The “Weakness” Question
•Everyone has a weakness. A weakness is a deficient skill that
you have or need to improve. A weakness is not a character
flaw.
•Be honest and always use an example that is NOT job-related.
•Always describe the weakness in the past tense and discuss
briefly how you have improved.
•Avoid trite answers such as, “I am a perfectionist.”

37. What Questions Do You Have
For Me?
•Prepare a list of at least three to five
intelligent/researched questions.
•Google “Interview Questions to Ask” as a guide
to formulating pertinent questions.
•Lead off a question with what you do know
based on your research.
•Do NOT ask about salary, benefits, or vacation
time. These issues are discussed when you are
extended a job offer.

38. Sample Questions To Ask
•When will you make a hiring decision?
•What would an average day on the job entail?
•What are the challenges and opportunities for the new hires during their first year?
•What goals or projects would you want this person to accomplish quickly?
•How will performance be evaluated?
•Who would be the immediate supervisor? What is the supervisor’s management style?
•What do you enjoy about working at this organization?

39. FOLLOWING THE INTERVIEW
• Be sure you ask for business cards before you leave the
interview.
• Send thank you notes to each interviewer.
• Each interviewer receives a thank you note.
• You can follow up in a few weeks.
• Call the organization and ask about the interview process.
• Remember that finding a full-time position is a full-time job
in itself.
• There may be many applicants and only a few positions available.
• Don’t be thin-skinned.
• Remain positive.
• Continue your search as you wait for job offers.

40. Types of Interview
As a job seeker you can expect to have a number of interviews
before getting a job offer.
Not all of these interviews will be the traditional kind, where you
meet the interviewer one-on-one for a discussion
Regardless the type of interview, your goal is to always come
across as the best candidate.
Knowing in advance which format you’ll be facing can help you
prepare effectively.

41. Screening Interview
Before you even get asked in for an interview, you might receive an
initial phone call from the employer. It could be one of their Human
Resources people wanting to ask you a series of questions that will help
them decide if they want to bring you in for a face-to-face discussion. So
be alert and on your best behavior when your phone rings.
Telephone Interview
Skype interview

42. Panel Interview
It’s nerve-wracking enough to have one interviewer take you through your
paces. Imagine having two, three, or even more people interviewing you all
at once. That’s what a panel interview is all about. It gives the employer
multiple opinions about you.
Your job is to engage each member of the panel when answering a
question. Start by making eye contact with the person who has posed the
query. Then gradually shift your focus to each of the other panel members
while continuing to answer the question.
Several Interviewers
Eye contact with each person
More eye contact with questioner
Patience and calm

43. Stress Interview
You’ve been given a basket full of tasks. The interviewer gives you 20 minutes to sort
through the tasks and put them in the proper priority. Or part way through the session,
your interviewer suddenly starts asking two or three questions a time, glaring at you when
you try to answer, then suddenly gets up and walks out for a few minutes – no explanation
supplied.
Chances are you’re being stress-interviewed. The employer puts you under pressure to
see how you react. You show them what you’re made of by keeping your cool. The more
they continue to apply the tension, the calmer you become.
Remain calm and tactful
De-personalize the process
Example Questions
"(deep sigh) Well, if that's the best answer you can give ... (shakes head) Okay, what about
this one ...?"
"How do you feel this interview is going?"

44. Case Interview
The employer gives you a problem or topic for which you must prepare
a presentation, either before arriving or directly on the spot. They want
to see how you communicate your ideas in front of a small group.
That’s why you do your homework and show up ready to perform. Keep
in mind who your audience is, what they might be expecting to hear,
and the time limit you’ve been given to make your pitch.

45. Behavioral Interview
Behavioral based interviewing is interviewing based on discovering how the
you acted in a specific situation. The logic is that how you behaved in the
past will predict how you will behave in the future.
Instead of asking how you would behave, they will ask how you did behave.
The interviewer will want to know how you handled a situation, instead of
what you might do in the future.
Based on previous activities
Requires specific examples
e.g. interpersonal skills
"Describe a time you had to work with someone you didn't like."
e.g. leadership skills
“Give me a time when you motivated others.”

46. Lunch/Dinner Interview
Sometimes the employer has decided to hire you, but asks you back just
to meet a few more people. Probably their objective is to make certain
they haven’t missed any obvious shortcomings that others might see in
you.
You’re now in a beauty parade. Show up dressed professionally, be
enthusiastic, and don’t give them a single reason to reconsider giving
you the job offer. These sessions tend to last no more than a half hour
each.
This type of interview gives the employer a chance to assess your
communication and interpersonal skills as well as your table manners!
So make sure you order wisely (no spaghetti Bolognese) and make sure
you don’t spill your drink (non-alcoholic of course!)

47. From the screening interview to the final interview, you’ll need to come
across as confident and upbeat.
Having an understanding of each interview format helps. You’ll know
what to watch for and how best to get yourself ready.
Success lies in Consistency
Being yourself each time you’re interviewed makes for a consistent
impression. The employer then begins to trust you and feel more
comfortable. And you will naturally be at your best no matter what kind
of interview they throw your way.