50+ Sample Interview Sheet

What is an interview sheet?

There are many kinds of interviews, depending on the kind of establishment or institution holding the interview. But generally, an interview sheet is a kind of document that interviewers have when interrogating someone. An interview sheet serves as a guide for the interviewer in order for him or her to certainly follow the recommended procedure, as well as to avoid missing out points that are necessary in the exchange. This is also where they are able to write comments, observations, and even score the interviewee regarding his or her answers, eventually leading to the decision of whether or not the interviewee passes.

Key Elements of an Interview Planning Sheet

One type of interview sheet is the interview planning sheet, wherein the encounter has not happened yet, and the interviewer has to come up with certain ideas or points of information to bring up during the actual exchange of both parties. An interview planning sheet is important since it allows the interviewer to further personalize questions and other details that tailor-fit the kind of interviewee he or she is going to have. Most if not all interviews are scheduled and are made through appointments, which means that the interviewer has the time to perhaps go over the interviewee’s application form or curriculum vitae, and formulate queries that can give the latter the chance to elaborate on the things written in their passed document. An interview planning sheet is a preemptive take on the interview, and enables both parties to have a better experience.

Date and Time of Interview : The date and time of interview are more likely scheduled already based on a call-back that the institution may have given the interviewee. This is still an important detail to be reflected in your interview planning sheet for several reasons. For one, it establishes the holistic identity of that planning sheet, hence, making traceability a lot easier in the future. It also works well in terms of the requirement to keep record on the history of interviews to be made. Second, as mentioned previously, the interview planning sheet is a document for the interviewer him or herself. This means that details like the date and the time of interview are pieces of information needed for the interviewer to be reminded of the set schedule, and allows them to prepare and do the necessary tasks to be done before such interview.Name and Details of Interviewee : Speaking of the necessity for the interview document to be clear of its identity for traceability and record-keeping purposes, the most important detail is surely the name of the interviewee. This also reminds you of exactly who you will be speaking with, hence allowing you, as an interviewer, to address the person better, and more specifically. Other than the interviewee’s name, details like their contact number, the e-mail address, and et cetera should also be included. You may use this as a guide for you to remind them about the interview when the date is near. These could also be pieces of information you can use if you are to inform them that they have passed the interview.Interview Format : For record-keeping purposes, and for you to be reminded of the nature of the interview in and of itself, the interview format should be written down on the planning sheet as well. You may write down whether it is in person, over the phone, or on Zoom, perhaps. This allows the interviewer to have the grace period needed to prepare, and do the necessary things required specifically for the certain interview format, i.e. make a Zoom link.Purpose of Interview : The purpose of interview is an important detail to add in the interview planning sheet, because from here, you can branch out on different topics which you have to formulate for the set of questions to be asked. The purpose of interview could be for a college application, a job application. Depending on the position they are applying for, or the kind of college program they would like to get into, you are better able to know the necessary things you have to know about the interviewee.Important Questions to Ask : The important questions to ask are the bread and butter of the interview planning sheet, and the interview proper in and of itself. In terms of planning, it is necessary for you to be able to prepare a set of questions that directly concern the intended result of the interview. For example, if the interviewee is to have the interview by virtue of him or her applying for a writing job in children’s book department, you need to have questions regarding their experience with children, stories for young readers, and their writing history. You may also ask about their previous job, and examine whether or not this is aligned with the job they want to apply for. You can also ask them that question yourself, to see if their personality or way of thinking is fit for the job, regardless of their previous professional experience not being related to it. The important questions to ask should be those that determine their credibility as an applicant, from which you can make a decision whether or not to make them pass.Interesting Questions to Ask : The interesting questions to ask are not the main purpose of the interview unlike the required or important questions, but they sure do make the experience a lot better, and adds more salt to the interview. These may come in the form of an ice breaker, perhaps something that could help the interviewee loosen up before you can start asking the real questions. These also make the interviewee a lot more comfortable, and gives you the chance to know their personality, which is by the way very important in gauging their compatibility with what they are applying for. The interesting questions may also come in the very end, or perhaps in the middle, since these can help the interviewee dive in a little bit deeper about themselves. Generally, these also prevent the interview to have awkward dead airs or moments of silence, which is why it is better if you prepare them.Notes : You can only write notes during the interview proper, which are your additional observations regarding the interviewee. These comments can help you or the board of directors to decide on the fate of your interviewee. It is still important for you to leave a space for them in your interview planning sheet, since this could be where you write whether the interviewee passed or failed.

How to Conduct an Interview

While an interview sheet is important in terms of keeping a legitimate record of the interview, as well as to serve as a guide for the interviewer during the meeting proper, its purpose is further materialized during the interview itself. Having the interview sheet as a helping hand for the interview to flourish, interviewers are also required to have that specific charisma, and interpersonal skills that can level up the encounter in many ways. Interviewers also need to follow the proper procedure in conducting an interview, including formalities and such. With that being said, let us discuss how you are to conduct an interview.

Step 1: Self Introduction

The first thing you have to do during an interview is to introduce yourself as the interviewer. You may state your name and your credentials. After that, you are to give an overview of the background of the company or university you are working for, and how you are directly tied to the institution. That way, the interviewee can know you more, and in a way, feel more comfortable within the space. This is an important step because this is going to be the first impression that the candidate will be getting from you, as well as the institution.

Step 2: Run-through

In this step, you are to set the stage, and tell your candidate the flow of the interview. You may set their expectations for the duration of the interview, and give a review of the position they are having the interview for. This is technically the synopsis of the whole interview, and it allows the interviewee to settle in a little more, and emotionally or mentally prepare him or herself for the questions and the assessment.

Step 3: Questioning

After asking your candidate if they are ready to begin the questions, you may start doing so. You may begin by asking the candidate a little bit about themselves and their interests. After that, with the use of your interview planning sheet, you may start asking the questions that you have prepared. These questions may be regarding the points of information that they have written in their resume. It is strategic for you to allow them to elaborate on these details in order to know the extent of their skills and knowledge. Remember to keep a calm and friendly tone within the questioning in order to guarantee that your candidate is comfortable, and ask some of the interesting questions you have written if you want them to loosen up, or if there are other things regarding their personality that you want to uncover more. Make sure that the important questions to be asked are prioritized and are raised first.

Step 4: Receiving Questions

After the questioning portion, give the interviewee a chance to also ask questions regarding the position at hand, or questions regarding your establishment. Answer their question well and concisely, and in a friendly manner.

Step 5: Concluding the Interview

Closing the interview is important, since this is the last moment you get with your interviewee. You may do this by thanking them for coming to the interview, and telling them about future notifications and updates regarding their position. You can also give them a card, or make sure that they have a way of contacting you for further questions and clarifications. Afterwards, greet them, and then shake their hand (assuming that the meeting is face to face).

What are a few interview guidelines?

Some interviews may have specific rules such as a dress code, or perhaps documents and other materials to bring. But generally, a few interview guidelines by virtue of precedence are the practice of good non-verbal communication, for instance, and not using the appropriate language.

What are the types of interview questions?

There are different types of interview questions. The first one is the open-ended question which is one that is not only answerable by yes or no, meaning that the interviewee has to elaborate on their answer. This may come in the form of questions regarding their skills, past experiences, and educational background. The second one is the situational question, wherein the interviewer makes up a scenario and the interviewee has to say what they are going to do in order to solve the problem. This question is used to gauge the critical thinking of the candidate, and the extent of their knowledge regarding their desired position. The last one is the behavioral question, which mainly concerns the personality of the interviewee.

Is an interview sheet required?

Yes. The interview sheet serves as the establishment’s official record of the interview, and is where the interviewee’s answers are reflected on.

Interviews are essential in getting to know the extent of skill and knowledge of a certain candidate, hence determining their compatibility with the standards a certain establishment has set for itself. The competency of an establishment’s constituents makes up its whole identity and productivity, which is why the people accepted are those who are thoroughly screened, and are made sure to be tailor-fit for the positions they desire. It is the task of the interviewee to sift through details in order to determine the competency of a candidate, as well as to guarantee that the candidate is not holding back by virtue of intimidation or nervousness. Keeping a kind and calm atmosphere is essential, and asking the right questions as well.