Interview Techniques
What interview techniques do companies employ? From your experience, have you been in an interview when these were used? Describe the differences and the approach to being successful at them.
Some of the interview techniques employed in TV and film interviews that are also used by companies are breaking the ice and setting the stage.
The difference between TV and company interviews is that while TV interviewers break the ice by having coffee with the interviewee, the company interviewer would usually do it by talking about the weather or by asking how the applicant is.
In TV interviews, the stage is set by preparing the cameras, planning how the shots will be taken and setting up the location for the interview. In company interviewers, the stage is set when the applicant gives his or her resume and portfolio to the interviewer or when the interviewer brings out the applicant’s resume, if it was previously provided. The interviewer can also set the stage by asking the applicant to say something about himself or herself.
I have been in interviews where these techniques were used. To be successful at them, it's important to always be prepared and to conduct yourself in a professional manner. For example, during the breaking of the ice, try to remain positive with your answers and avoid getting into unnecessary details that may prolong this stage of the interview. Also be sure to bring a copy of your resume and portfolio so that you can readily hand them to the interviewer even before he or she asks for them. This shows that you are genuinely interested and serious about the job application. As well, when asked to say something about yourself, share things that are relevant to the job. For example, focus on your academic and work achievements and your attitude about work and not on your social life or your hobbies. It’s also important to maintain eye contact with the interviewer and to stay focused on the topic of the interview.
References
The Art of the Interview [Video file]. Retrieved from http://digital.films.com/
play/VCKSDB
