Discuss FACTORS RELEVANT TO THE JOB

INTERVIEW

$$ The interview setting

The environment in which the interview takes place must be pleasant and comfortable. An

interview across a desk can be too formal. Two comfortable chairs with a low table would appear

friendlier.

$$ The interviewer

Must be well prepared. The questions must be thought out in advance and a clear approach and

structure followed.

$$ The interviewee

Must also be well prepared by having familiarised him$/$herself with the company and the job being

applied for. He$/$she should also prepare for a wide range of possible questions.

$$ Purposes

This refers to the objective of the interview, which should be clear if the interview is to be

successful. The interviewer must be sure about what he$/$she wants to gain out of the interview,

and make these objectives clear to the interviewee.

$$ Level of preparation

The interviewer needs to be well prepared for the interview if he$/$she wants the interview to be

successful. Plan and prepare a good interview with suitable questions. The interviewee must also

prepare himself$/$herself by studying the company and preparing for possible questions

$$ Perceptions and thinking patterns

We all have our own perceptions and thinking patterns. Therefore, each party must strive to

understand the other to reach a better understanding.

$$ Types of questions

A good interview is characterised by well$-$chosen open questions on specific areas. These would

encourage a free flow of information. Closed questions should be used when details are required

and to fill in the gaps

$$ Listening skills

Active listening is vital to avoid confusion for both parties. The interviewer must listen carefully to

the interviewee$$s answers to gain facts and attitudes. The interviewee must listen carefully to the

questions and answer accordingly.

$$ Language ability

This is an important consideration since we are living in a multicultural society. Both parties

must be able to communicate in the language in which the interview is to be conducted. If

either party is unfamiliar with the language, they should prepare carefully.

$$ Sensitivity to non$-$verbal communication

Analysing people$$s non$-$verbal communication can give information about their biases and

stereotypes. Therefore, it is important for both parties to be sensitive to these cues, and

ensure that they are listening actively.

$$ Memory

Both interviewer and interviewee must remember what the other has said to ensure

effective communication. It will also enable the interviewer to guide the interviewee by

returning to key points for clarification