Spoken interaction: interviews, casual conversation, organizing and directing people

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

• Many organizations will conduct interviews by telephone to narrow a field of candidates. Telephone interviews may also be used as a preliminary interview for candidates who live far away from the job site.
• It is important to treat this interview as you would a face-to-face connection. Arrange for a quiet space and time to schedule the conversation. Clear a work surface to minimize distractions.
• Focus on the conversation. Listen to the questions carefully before you answer. Since your voice is key, convey energy with inflection in your voice.
• Have a copy of your resume nearby as a reference.
• Avoid using a phone with call waiting. You do not want to be interrupted during an interview.
• Try to use a landline phone or a cell phone that is not prone to dropping calls.

Group Interview A group interview is usually designed to uncover the leadership potential of prospective managers and employees who will be dealing with customers. The front-runner candidates are gathered together in an informal, discussion type interview. A subject is introduced and the interviewer will start off the discussion. The goal of the group interview is to see how you interact with others and how you use your knowledge and reasoning to influence others.

Lunch/Dinner Interview The same rules apply at a meal as those in an office. The setting may be more casual, but remember that it is a business meal and you are being watched carefully. Use the interview to develop common ground with your interviewer. Follow his/her lead in both selection of food and etiquette. Avoid messy foods and do not drink alcohol at any point in this part of the interview process.

Avoid messy foods and do not drink alcohol at any point in this part of the interview process.

See the Career Center tip sheet The InterviewEtiquette for additional tips.

Stress Interview

This form of interview was more common in sales positions and is rare today. However, you should be aware of the signals. The stress interview is usually a deliberate attempt to see how you handle yourself under pressure.

The interviewer may be sarcastic or argumentative, or may keep you waiting. Do no take it personally. Calmly answer each question. Ask for clarification if you need it and never rush into an answer.

The interviewer may also lapse into silence at some point during the questioning. This may be an attempt to unnerve you. Sit silently until the interviewer resumes the questions. If a minute goes by, ask if he/she needs clarification of your last comment.