‘WASP’ Technique of Conducting an Interview

An interview is usually conducted in four phases which can be easily remembered by the word ‘WASP’.

W for Welcoming the candidate

A for Acquiring Information of the candidate

S for Supplying Information to the candidate

P for Parting

1)     Welcoming the candidate: The interviewer should welcome the candidate with smile and talk to the candidate in a friendly tone to make him free from nervousness. He cannot expect the candidates to reveal their best unless they have overcome their nervousness.

2)  Acquiring Information: After welcoming the candidate with a few introductory and friendly remarks, the interviewer should set about acquiring information from the candidate. The interviewer may ask about previous experience, duties, likes and dislikes, achievements, salary and reason for changing job. The interviewer may acquire information about qualifications, extracurricular activities, home background, occupation of parents and family finances, social approach and general attitude towards family and children.

3)   Supplying Information: Interview is a two way communication. So, the interviewer should also supply information to the candidate. The interviewer should supply information about the history of the organisation and its objectives and the nature of work, salary etc. the candidate may be encouraged to ask questions to clear any doubts that he may have in mind.

4)   Parting: Parting is as important as welcoming the candidate. The interviewer should thank the candidate for having come for the interview and tell him that he would be informed of the result of the interview. The parting should be smooth and friendly so that the candidate, though not selected, will carry a positive picture of the organisation and will have a favourable impression about the organisation.