Introduction
Most often, before someone is employed in a company, he/she must have gone through some sort of interview. How well an applicant performs at an interview determines one’s chances of getting employed. However, attending an interview does not necessarily mean you have been employed automatically. This article will help you understand and take you through the types of interviews one can go through and the preparations to be made. It is expected that after paying attention to these guidelines, you will be able to sail through an interview.

What is an Interview?
An interview is a discussion between two groups of people/parties who exchange thoughts and feelings so that they may get to know each other better. Interviews may be formal or informal. A formal interview follows some specific rules and regulations whilst an informal interview does not follow any laid down rules and regulations.

What are interviews used for?

An interview can be used in many ways according to the intended purpose to be achieved. Below are a few uses but are not limited to

• Sending and receive information effectively.
• People getting to know each other better.
• Colleague workers being motivated to work towards a common goal.

What are the types interviews?

Interview can be categorized into many types which include

• Information interview
• Counseling interview
• Appraisal interview
• Disciplinary interview
• Grievance interview
• Exit interview
• Stress interview
• Selection interview

How to well do you preparation for an Interview?

How well an applicant performs at an interview determines one’s chances of getting employed so a minimum, an applicant must be well prepared for an interview. These preparations includes but not limited to

• Finding out about the job/position you have applied for; know the duties and responsibilities attached to the position.
• Finding out about the organization’s Vision and Mission statements, and the Organizational policy, structure, culture and values.
• Prepare yourself mentally/psychologically before goiong.
• Physical appearance is very important – Dress decently.
• Be punctual – report in good time.

What must you do during an interview?

An applicant must do the following

• Must enter the room confidently, greet and wait to be offered a seat before you sit down.
• Use polite language and right forms of expressions
• Listen carefully to the questions.
• Think carefully about the questions before you speak.
• Learn to control yourself and your speech even where you disagree with a point.
• Be honest with the answers you give.
• Sit comfortably and do not fidget with anything.
• Send the right signals out.
• Sit in a relaxed manner.
• Don’t be too stiff.
• Don’t cross your legs.
• Be calm.
• If you don’t hear a question, ask politely for it to be repeated. This shouldn’t be too frequent.

Conclusion
At the end of every interview, the panelists may ask you if you have any questions for them. Note that it is not compulsory to ask any questions if you don’t have any.

But if you do, you may ask when you should expect a feedback on this interview.

After the said interview, the applicant should, if not a must

• Send a short letter to thank them (organization/interviewers) for the interview. As this reminds them (organization) about you and might open an opportunity for you; it may send signals that you seriously want to work with them.