Interview Types
An interview done over the phone,
usually a short, it's used often to screen applicants out, so as
not to waste time interviewing unqualified people.
Have your job search
records organized and handy. Refer to your resume as
needed and remember to smile and appear confident,
even when you're on the phone!
In-person Screening
Lengthy interviews can sap an organization's
resources, so they may conduct screening interviews to eliminate
the mostly unqualified, asking the top candidates to return for
additional interviews.
Don't take this interview lightly. Establish rapport with
everyone you meet (before and after the actual
interview). Sell yourself as a natural addition to the
team.
Selection Interview
This is the interview conducted by the hiring
authorities or the people that will be recommending you for
hiring.
After a panel interview, you may meet with a single hiring
manager, that ultimately makes the hiring decision.
You may not be meeting with the final decision maker, but
don't slack off. Sell yourself as you would in every interview.
Work Sample Interview
Organizations may want to see some of your
previous work to determine your suitability for the job.
Run through different ways
to describe the projects in your portfolio. Practice
your presentation until it is smooth and only bring your
best.
Peer Group Interview
A panel of people that you'd be working with
is assembled to add to the decision-making process.
Typically, this won't be the only interview before a decision is
made, but you've GOT to convince this group, if you ever are to
be hired.
Don't forget to smile. It
shows confidence and compatibility.
Panel Interview
Usually consisting of a cross-section of
people, each adding to the composition of the panel.
Sometimes people from other organizations are asked to sit on
the panel to add objectivity.
Direct your answer to the
person who asked the question, but try to maintain eye
contact with all group members. Learn who is from within
the organization and work on your organizational fit.
Luncheon Interview
An informal looking interview with all of the
pressures of any other type interview. The interviewer will be
more relaxed, so you may feel more at ease, BUT don't get TOO
relaxed.
Pick easy things to eat so
you can answer questions and pay attention to the
conversation. Don't act distracted, focus on the reason
for being there.
Stress Interview
Designed to see how you will react under
pressure. You may be given a problem to work out or asked
to compete with other candidates in some type of scenario. The
interviewer's objective is to see how well you cope with
pressure and stress.
Keep your cool and take
your time in responding to the questions. Remember to
respond ethically and with the customer in mind, perhaps these
thoughts will see you through.
Video Conference
An interview of this type is usually done when travel is impractical. The interview may be recorded and screened by others are evaluated again.
Group Interview
Several candidates are
interviewed together. The group interview is intended to
identify candidates with leadership potential and those that can
also get along with others.
The hiring authority is looking for standouts, not
sheepish wallflowers. You'll have to make a mark to get
noticed, while maintaining a sense of professionalism.
Be
yourself, but allow the interviewers to see you leadership
qualities.
Not all of these interview types will be used during a single recruitment, usually one, MAYBE two will be used if candidate pools are large or if the position is at an executive level.
Telephone or video interviews are convenient ways to do interviews for people that live far away or are on the road.
Be sure to review Interview Tips