Types of Interviews
By Ken Hyndman, AACC Member
There are many different types and styles of job interviews. Knowing about some of them will help you to feel more comfortable when you are faced with different job interviews. Here is a brief description of some of the common types and styles of job interviews, and hints for each.
Screening Interview
A screening interview is generally a brief interview used by employers to quickly and efficiently eliminate unsuitable, unqualified or unaffordable candidates. The screening interview is often carried out over the telephone and focuses on clarifying and confirming information contained in your application.
Hints:
- First impressions count! It is important to make a good impression on any telephone and face-to-face interviews. (In fact you should consider how to make a good impression in all interactions including emails, letters, résumés etc.)
- Remember that even a “casual” telephone conversation may make the difference between being screened out or continuing in the selection process
- If you can’t talk freely when you are called, arrange another time for the interviewer to call back – you need to be able to perform to your best. Sometimes it is even worth asking the interviewer to call back in five minutes. This will sometimes give you enough time to be prepared
- Have your application and advertisement close to the phone so you can refer to it during the interview
- Have blank paper and pen handy
- During the selection process always use correct phone manner when answering the telephone. For example – “Good afternoon, Nicole speaking.”
- Think carefully about how you respond to each question - each one is important
- Speak a little slower than usual
- Communicate your enthusiasm in your tone and words as the interviewer cannot see your non-verbal expressions
- Don't worry if there are pauses in the interview. The interviewer may be making notes
- As with all interviews, practice telephone interviews. Ask someone to call you and practice your technique with them
‘On the spot’ Interview
An ‘on the spot’ interview is an informal and unstructured interview which tends to be a spur of the moment meeting, and often happens when employers are approached directly. You should be prepared at all times for this type of interview, especially when you are directly approaching employers to seek employment, or are attending networking meetings and job fairs. An ‘on the spot’ interview provides employers with the perfect opportunity to ask the candidate questions to decide whether they would be interested in formally interviewing the candidate.
Hint:
- When going into any situation when you are meeting employers, prepare as if you will be offered an interview on the spot.
Telephone/webcam interview
In a telephone/webcam interview, the interview is carried out remotely. This style of interview is used as part of the recruitment process when the applicant is not able to attend an interview in person due to distance, time or cost constraints.
Hints:
- It is just as important to make a good impression when you are being interviewed on the telephone/webcam as with face to face interviews. Remember that first impressions count.
- Be aware of how you sound (and look, if using a webcam). Practise on a telephone or webcam with a friend, and if possible record your practise session so you can get an idea of how you are coming across.
- Make sure you allow enough time, as interviews can take up to an hour.
One On One Interview
This is when each applicant is interviewed by just one person. This interview tends to be informal as only one person is involved. The interviewer will often have a series of prepared questions, but some interviewers make up questions as they go.
Hints:
- Try to develop a connection between yourself and the interviewer – developing a relationship with your interviewer will be important.
- Maintain eye contact with the person interviewing you.
Panel interviews
In this type of interview an applicant is questioned by several people who make up a ‘panel’. The actual number of interviewers can vary, but a panel may be any size from two upwards. On a panel, there is often a person who coordinates the questions and a specialist who knows about the job in detail.
Hint:
- As the panel members will compare their opinions about you, make sure you maintain eye contact with each person interviewing you. Avoid looking at just one person, or worse still, looking at no-one.
Follow Up Interview or Second Interview
Following the first interview, those applicants who are being seriously considered are sometimes asked to return for a follow up (or second) interview. Follow up interviews are generally only offered to a small number of candidates. The purpose of the interview is:
- to ensure that positive impressions gained in the first interview were right
- to give the opportunity for other staff members to meet the applicants, and
- to make a decision between the strongest applicants.
Hints:
- A follow up interview sometimes seems like a casual conversation, but remember it is still very important to make a good impression on your interviewers. The successful applicant is likely to come out of this interview.
- Follow up interviews often include more in-depth questions. Make sure you prepare well for the interview.
Group Interview
The group interview is when several (up to 20) applicants are interviewed at one time. Job applicants are brought together to participate in an informal, discussion type interview where a topic may be introduced and the interviewer starts off the discussion. A group interview can last anywhere from two hours to a whole day and usually will include a group problem solving exercise. Observers record the responses and interaction styles of each applicant and compare notes at the end.
Hints:
- Treat other group members with respect throughout the interview.
- While it is important for you to be involved in the discussion, make sure you actively listen to others’ opinions.
- Avoid dominating the discussion as this will make you look uncooperative.
The Sequential Interview
Sequential interviews are where an applicant is interviewed in stages. For example, an applicant may have several interviews in turn with different interviewers. Generally each interviewer will have different questions, but sometimes they will ask similar, or the same questions.
Hint:
- Treat each interviewer as important.
- You may find yourself answering the same questions over and over. If this happens, make sure you answer each one as fully as the time before. Don’t be afraid of repeating yourself.
The key to all of these different types of interviews is to prepare well. Find someone you trust to question you as if you are being interviewed, so that you become experienced at answering interview style questions. It is well worth the time and you will feel more confident when you go into your next interview.