Psychological Strategies for Interviews

By – Asith Fernando

Content

Self AssessmentWhat is an InterviewWhy is it ImportantTypes of InterviewsInterview Question CategoriesPsychological Factors of an InterviewBefore the InterviewAt the InterviewAfter the InterviewQ & A Session

Self AssessmentWhat skills have I developed?What are my strengths and weaknesses?What have I accomplished educationally?What have I accomplished professionally?What have I accomplished personally?Why should someone hire me?What is the job I am applying for?What is the job description of that job?What can I do to help the organization in that

job?

What is an Interview

A job interview is a meeting organized by a recruiter used to evaluate a potential

employee for prospective employment at a company. Job interviews typically precede a hiring decision and often form part of the

assessment centre process.

Why is it ImportantFirst impressions count, and the first

impression that a potential employer will have of you, is going to depend on how you present yourself.

This is going to be your one and only chance to capture a potential employer’s attention, by persuading the employer, why you should get the job over other applicants

Types of Interviews

StandardMost common type of interviewThis is the traditional method of

interviewing a potential employeeExample questions may vary from,

Tell me about your self?Where do you see yourself in five years?Why are you here today?

BehavioralBehavioral interviews focus on the past so

employers can attempt to predict future behavior. For example, they may say:Describe a time when you didn’t get along with

a colleague.Tell me about your biggest professional failure.

SituationalTypically, situational questions

concentrate on future performance rather than past performance, which is the focus of behavioral interviews. The interviewer will give you a problem and ask how you would deal with it.

Example SituationYour boss is on a whirlwind business trip. He

assigned you a report to write for a client while he is gone, and he expects a first draft in two days. You thought everything was clear, but when you

look back through your meeting notes and emails, there are outstanding questions that will make it difficult to complete the report. What do you do?

Hint.. Hint.. Leadership Development Seminar

CaseCase interviews are used mainly in the

consulting industry and focus on how you would solve specific business issues. These can include quantitative questions that show the interviewer how you think.

ExampleAn online bank is growing well, but it's not

reaching profitability targets. What could be wrong?

How many gallons of ketchup do New York City McDonald’s restaurants use each month?

PresentationSome interviewers will challenge you with a

business issue and ask you to present solutions to one or more employees. You may be given 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes or less to present.

You may be invited to dinner with the board of directors

PanelYou may be interviewed by two or more

people at once.Each person may have a list of questions to

ask you based on their expertiseIt also may be the case where an interviewer

came up with his or her own questions in advance based on your background.

Interview Question CategoriesGeneralPersonal

Intrapersonal (Mental Stability, Core Values) IQ (Intelligence Quotient) EQ (Emotional Quotient)

Social Interpersonal (Relationships)

Educational Short Term Long Term

Professional Short Term Long Term

Intellectual

Lets Play a Game… shall we?

Categorize the following interview questions in to one or more of the

above interview question categories

Tell me about your self?Where do you see yourself in five years?Why are you here today?Why should we hire you?How did you prepare for this interview?What makes you better than the other

candidates?What are you strengths?What are your weaknesses?What are your best qualities?What past experience to you have that will

benefit this position?

Which qualities does a good employee need to possess?

What made you choose this career path?What do you value in a relationship?Are you a team player?Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or

professor? How was it resolved?If I were to ask your boss or professors to describe

you, what would they say?If you had to live your life over again, what would

you change?What do you know about the company?Why are you leaving your current employer?What is your greatest professional achievement?

What's your dream job?What type of work environment do you

prefer?How do you deal with pressure or stressful

situations?What is a time you disagreed with a decision

made at work?What do you like to do outside of work?If you were an animal, which one would you

like to be?Are you planning on having children?How many tennis balls can you fit into a

limousine?Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

10?What was the longest job you have ever had?

Psychological Factors of an Interview

Neuro-linguistic ProgrammingThe neurological system regulates how our

bodies function, language determines how we interface and communicate with other people and our programming determines the kinds of models of the world we create.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming describes the fundamental dynamics between mind (Neuro) and language (Linguistic) and how their interplay affects our body and behavior (Programming). 

Psychological FactorsIn your mind think you already have the job and

you are just answering question to your superior.In your interview outfit, make sure to wear

something that is visible closer to the colors of the company.

You must use light colors for the resume paperEverything you say must indirectly point at the

companies mission statementWhen answering questions, it is important to marry

your core values to the company vision statement

Do not move to muchHave your hand on your lap, NOT on the deskDo not twiddle your fingersDo not put anything in between you and the

interviewerLook directly at the interviewer and relax while

you answer the questionsMake sure to start the sentence with "I" or "We",

based on the type of job you are applying for.Answers should have a logical progression from

the last question you answered.Make sure to smile when necessary but not too

much.

Before the InterviewGoogle the address and know the

exact location of the interviewCall and confirm the interview 2 days

ahead (Some cultures only)Be at the interview site 30 [min]

before the scheduled time.Show the appointment letter to the

secretary and wait until it is your trun

At the InterviewGreet (Good Morning, Good Afternoon)Introduce your self by stating your nameWait until you are asked to sit (Depends on culture)Before you sit down, hand in a copy of your resumeYou may not shake hands at the beginning

(Depends on culture)Make sure to listen to every question carefullyWhen answering the question, you must use the

psychological strategies if you really want the job

After the InterviewMake sure to specify the agreed method of

communication through out the process.Shake Hands.Pack up your stuff neatly and fast as you can. Leave the room. Go home!Week from the interview date, make sure to

call and check the progress of your potential job.