Tips for Effective Interviewing

CURRENT PROBLEM

EPs are coming for interviews but they stop responding after the interview. LOW CONVERSIONRATE FROM INTERVIEW TO A MATCH.

If an EP is sitting for the interview, he/she has 60% made up their mind to come foryour internship or they are very strongly considering your internship.

It is how we approach the EP during an interview and how we connect to them andprovide ALL necessary information at the same time is what makes all the difference!

And we keep wondering why the EP didnt respond after the interview. Or why the EP didnt see anyvalue in our opportunity.

Well, something clearly is wrong with our approach!

Here are some common mistakes you as interviewers could be making:

1) TALKING TOO MUCH

If you talk a lot during an interview : you will not be able to gather much information about the EP orconnect with the EP to make an informed decision.

Sometimes the EP can feel that you are not interested in them or their application. You will not beable to judge them or make a decision.

Ideally, you should talk 40 % (ask questions and explain the internship/answer queries) and the EPshould talk 60% (tell about him/herself, ask questions, share stories, expectations, etc)

2) NOT HAVING COMPLETE INFORMATION REGARDING THE INTERNSHIP

This is a major put off for anyone being interviewed. If you cannot provide them details, then why areyou interviewing them in the first place?

Also, if you cannot answer certain queries, say you are not sure and will get back to them. And then,get back for sure! Following up id the key to conversion :)

3) NOT CONNECTING WITH THE EP/TAKING BORING INTERVIEWS.

A lot of times our interviews are a question-answer round. An interview should beinteresting/engaging enough for the EP to open up as well. You can ask them about their lives,

craziest things they've done or want to do in India, etc.

I used to make my EPs sing a song in their own language and sing a Hindi song for them despite beinga bad singer :P

A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE/DURING AN INTERVIEW

● Prepare a list of questions as this helps in keeping you focused onthe important aspects of the internship.

● Go through the CVs before the interview.● Give yourself enough time for each interview. Never rush an

interview.● Be prepared to answer all questions/queries that the EPs might

have.● Be an "active listener", you need to understand "what is really

being said"● Maintain a good eye contact, take video interviews - always

helps in effective communication.● Develop Rapport! Make the interview as comfortable as possible. Find out

some common interests that you both can talk about briefly before startingthe interview, this will help both you and the interviewee to relax. This helpsthe EP in building trust in you and connect with you.

● Take notes during the interview, if necessary to record information.● Commit the EP to make a"go" or a "no-go" decision within 48 hours of the

interview. Ask them to send the EP ANs within the next three working days.● If you have committed to provide any further information, please follow up

with the same within 24 hours.

Its all about creating an impression and connecting to your EPs from thetime of theinterview that helps them make a decision about the

opportunity you are offering them.

I hope this was helpful. Please re-visit your interviewing techniques and questions, aslight change in approach can work wonders :)

Cheers!