Some of the other qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powr of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.
The nature and type of the interview will vary according to the purpose.
Primary objective:
"Selecting the right person for the right job".
The Two Important factors which play a decisive role in the interview are candidate's knowledge and the power of expression.
In order to score high marks, the candidate should speak fluently and express himself clearly. At the same time, a candidate cannot talk well, unless he has enough knowledge or ideas on various topics.
Interview is not a mere cross examination. While answering the candidate should take the lead and cover as much of the relevant ground as possible. In other words, simply saying 'yes' or 'no' to a question wil not suffice.
The candidate should explain convincingly why he agrees or disagrees to a given proposition. He must logically and forcefully substantiate his views with valid arguments.
Intellectual Attainments:
1. The extent of knowledge in different subjects - e.g., Science, Economics, Literature, Current Events, visit to places, etc,.
2. The depth of knowledge - How deeply the candidate has studied a subject of his choice or interest.
3. Practical Knowledge - How the candidate has applied his theoretical knowledge in practical situations or how best he can solve the problems.
e.g., What will you do, when you find after boarding the bus, that you had frgotten to bring the money purse with you? How will you organise a picnic? What will you do, if you are not selected at this interview?,
4. General Knowledge - current Affairs, Everyday Science, Burning Topics, Sports, Newspaper Headlines, etc.
5. Grasp - How quickly the candidate understands the question or the subject.
Power of Expression:
1. Fluency - No stammering, gape, etc.
2. Forceful - Lively, enthusiastic and arresting. No monotonous or dragging voice. No swallowing of words. Not speaking very fast. No affectations.
3. Logic in argument - Rational, clearheaded, analytical, systematic, proceeding step by step and no contradictions.
4. Practical approach - Realistic and sensible, use of commonsense, alive to facts and existing limitations.
5. convincing ability - Speaking with sincerity and faith.
Personal Traits:
1. Cheerful, pleasant and similing disposition.
2. Liveliness - Eager, alert sprightly, inspired by urge, fired with ambition.
3. Enthusiasm, keenness and interest.
4. Dress and turnout - smart, clean and suited to the occasion. No shabby clothes, proper haircut, clean nails, polished shoes.
5. Poise - Graceful movements, confident approach, straight walk, looking into the eyes while speaking - not bent headed or looking at one's toes while speaking.
6. Punctuality.
Organising Ability:
1. Clear aim and objective - Ambition and goal in life. Why he/she wants this job.
2. Planning - Working out what is to be done, when and how?
3. Methodical and systematic approach.
4. Mobilisation and utilisation of resources.
Character:
1. Discipline.
2. Loyalty.
3. Integrity and moral values.
4. Sincerity.
Health and Physical stamina:
1. Games and Sports - Indoor as well as Outdoor
2. Athletics.
3. Exercises.
4. Cycling, Swimming, Trekking, Riding, etc.,
5. Physical endurance and stamina.
6. Outdoor life.
7. NCC or Scout training.
8. Camp life experience.
Hobbies and Interests:
1. Utilisation of leisure and spare time - Cinema, radio, reading books, journals, etc.
2. Cultural activites - Social service.
3. Fine arts - Drama, music, dancing, etc.,
Dynamic Qualities:
1. Self-Confidence.
2. Initiative and enterprise.
3. Drive, dash, push, motivation.
4. Courage, pluck, guts.
5. Promptness to take decision.
6. Determination, perseverance.
7. Judgement.
8. Industry, energy, effort, hardwork, active temperament.
9. Power of command.
10. Resourcefulness.
11. Spirit of adventure, willingness to take risks, enterprise.
Psychological Factors:
1. Positive Thinking, confident and determined approach.
2. Optimistic, hopeful outlook.
3. Sense of right and wrong.
4. Absence of anti-social or negative qualities - e.g. unreasonable fear, persecution complex, jealousy, inclination towards crimes, tendency to tell lies, selfishness, quarrelsome attitudes, irritable nature, etc,.
Social Qualities:
1. Sense of responsibility.
2. Adaptability.
3. Cooperation, readiness to help.
4. Tact, pleasing manners and poise.
5. Preference to group life and activity.
6. Considerations for feelings of others, sympathetic attitude.
7. Friendship and friends.
8. Readiness to sacrifice, selflessness,
9. Example - set an example for others, practise what you preach.
10. Persuasive ability.
11. Good manners.
12. Ability to influence others and get things done.
Some Practical Hints:
1. No matter what the extent or depth of one's knowledge or how high one's leadership qualities, one cannot impress the Board unless one can talk well, interestingly and forcefully during the interview.
2. One's words should be audible to all members of the Board. One must speak slowly, laying emphasis on one's words where necessary.
3. One should not sound monotonous by speaking in even pitch or in a dragging or mumbling voice.
4. Instead, one's words should have life. One must raise one's voice where emphasis is required. There is no need at all to be in any hurry.
5. Infact, one should be deliberately slow, so that one could be clearly heard and understood. People who speak very fast often do not pronounce the words fully.
6. The candidate should speak with confidence, and should look into the eyes of the different Members in turn. Although the question may be put by one Member or by the Chairman, the candidate should address the Board as a whole while answering.
7. First, one must understand the question put to one thoroughly. If one is not able to hear clearly or follow the question properly, one can request the member asking the question to repeat it. All that one ahs to say is:
"I beg your pardon, Sir".
"Could you please repeat the question?"
8. The interview is not a mere question-and-answer session, the candidate should converse actively and try to give comprehensive answers.
