Different Types of Interviews
One-to-one Interview
This is the most common type of Interview. In the One-to-one interview
the candidate for employment meets directly with the interviewer.
Phone interview
Phone Interviews are becoming increasingly popular among large
corporations who are conducting a mass-hiring of employees. These
interviews are conducted entirely over the phone and eliminate bias that
may arise from a candidate’s appearance, mannerisms, or ethnicity. Often
times, phone interview questions are structured and the question are
behavioral in nature; to further eliminate bias.
When preparing for a phone interview you should follow all of the
steps listed above including getting dressed for the interview. Studies
have shown that people who dress professionally for a phone interview
will perform better than those dressed casually.
Group interview
In the group interview style you will be interviewing simultaneously
with two or three other candidates all vying for the same position. In
this interview style one or more applicants may be asked the same
question or the pool of applicants can be broken into teams to determine
a solution to a problem posed by the interviewer. This style of
interviewing is most common in the technology fields or any field where
group cohesiveness is of extreme importance.
The best way to prepare for a group interview is to follow the steps
listed above.
Panel Interview
A panel interview involves three or more members of the hiring
organization meeting simultaneously with the person being considered for
the position. This interview style is most common in academia or when
hiring a senior level corporate executive. The term “search committee”
is commonly used to describe a Panel Interview.
In preparing for a panel interview it is best to understand an
organization from every point of view. For example, if you are going to
be interviewed by an organization’s Customer Service Manager, Finance
Manager, and Human Resources Manager; you should familiarize yourself
with current information about the organizations customer service
policies, finance policies, and HR policies.
Mock Interview
The Mock Interview allows prospective job candidates to practice
their interviewing skills in a simulated interview environment. Mock
interviews provide constructive feedback to the participants to enhance
job prospects by improving interview skills.
Career fair interview
A conversation during a career fair can be considered a screening
interview. It is generally, 2-10 minutes in length with a human
resources representative or a technical manager in your field. If mutual
interest is established, it is likely you will be invited for further
interviews.
Because your meeting is brief, you will need to make an immediate
positive impression. Research the employer and be prepared to match your
background and interests to their needs.
Site interview
The site interview takes place at the employer's site. It is a
selection interview, following a successful screening interview (phone,
career fair, on-campus). This is very good news for you since you are
now 50% closer to a job offer. There is however, still work to do!
Clarify the details of the visit in advance (date, location, length of
visit, travel arrangements, suggested attire, expenses.) You may be
scheduled for a half or full day of interviews, which may include a
meal, a tour of the facility, and an overnight stay.
To prepare for a site visit, conduct in-depth research on the employer
and their location. Dress professionally and arrive 15-20 minutes early.
Bring ten copies of your resume, reference list (graduating students),
and unofficial transcript. If you have a portfolio or sample of your
work, bring it with you.
Behavioral Interviewing
(Behavior Based Interviewing
or Structured Interviews)
A structured interview is a type of interview that is utilized by
many larger organizations.
This interview is especially popular when there is more than one of the
same position
available within the organization. In a structured interview every
applicant for the
position is asked the same questions as every other applicant applying
for the position. A
structured interview may contain standard interview questions,
behavioral interview
questions, or a combination of the two.
Informational Interviewing
Interviews During A Meal |
