In today’s job market, there are many different types of job interviews that employers use to assess candidates. Understanding these different types of interviews can help you to prepare and improve your chances of interview success. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of job interviews and how to approach them.
Phone Interviews
Phone interviews are often the first step in the interview process. They are typically conducted by a recruiter or HR representative and last between 15-30 minutes. The purpose of the phone interview is to screen candidates before inviting them for an in-person interview. To prepare for a phone interview, research the company and position and be ready to answer common interview questions.
Phone interview Tips
- Prepare and Research
Learn as much as you can about the company and the position you are applying for. Review the job description, company website, and other relevant resources online to help you understand the organisation’s mission, values, and culture. As this is likely to be a screening call, be prepared to be asked what you know about the company and its values. - Choose a Quiet Environment
Find a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted or distracted during the interview by family members or pets. - Dress Appropriately
Although you won’t be seen by the interviewer, dressing professionally can help you feel more confident, prepared and interview ready.
- Have Your CV and Notes Nearby
Keep a copy of your CV and any notes you’ve taken about the company or job in front of you. This will help you answer questions and refer to important information during the telephone interview.
- Practice Common Questions
Be prepared to answer common phone interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses,” and “Why do you want to work for this company?” Practice your answers with a friend or family member. - Speak Clearly and Slowly and smile!
When speaking on the phone, it’s important to speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Enunciate your words, and avoid speaking too fast or too softly. Smiling whilst on the phone can make you sound warmer and more enthusiastic.
Video Interviews
Video interviews are similar to phone interviews, but they are conducted over video conferencing software, such as Zoom or Skype. They allow the interviewer to see and hear the candidate and can be used to screen candidates before inviting them for an in-person interview. To prepare for a video interview, test your technology beforehand and ensure that you have a quiet, well-lit space to conduct the interview.
Video interview Tips
Test your Equipment
Make sure you test your internet connection, webcam, and microphone before the interview. Do this the day before the interview if you can in case of any issues.
Check that your video conferencing software is working properly and that you have the necessary login information.
Choose a Professional Setting
Choose a well-lit, quiet, and clutter-free area for the video interview. Make sure the background is clean and unobtrusive. Sit at a desk or table, rather than on your bed or couch so that you maintain an upright posture.
Dress Appropriately
Dress professionally as if you were attending an in-person interview.
Make Eye Contact
Look directly into the camera to make eye contact with the interviewer. This will help you appear engaged and confident.
Practice with a Mock Interview
Practice with a friend, family member or interview coach beforehand to get comfortable with the technology and to practice answering common interview questions. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace, and use nonverbal cues such as nodding and smiling to show engagement.
In-Person Interviews
In-person interviews are the most common type of job interview and typically take place at the employer’s office. They may involve one or more interviewers and can last from 30 minutes to several hours. To prepare for an in-person interview, research the company and position, dress professionally, and practice answering common interview questions.
Tips for in-person interviews
Arrive at the location of your interview 15 minutes early
This allows you to mentally prepare for your interview. Factor in some extra time for unexpected delays.
Use the STAR framework
Formatting your interview answers in the STAR format will help you to answer your questions concisely.
Group Interviews
Group interviews involve multiple candidates being interviewed together. This allows the employer to evaluate how candidates interact with each other and assess their teamwork and communication skills. To prepare for a group interview, research the company and position, dress professionally, and be ready to collaborate with other candidates.
Group Interview Tips
- Get to know the people you are working with. This will allow you can work together more efficiently, as you will have a better idea about their individual strengths and how to divide responsibility.
- Make your voice heard/stand out You are unlikely to make a good impression if you don’t contribute much.
Behavioural Interviews
Behavioural interviews are designed to assess how candidates have handled past situations and how they would handle similar situations in the future. Candidates are asked to provide specific examples of their experiences and may be asked follow-up questions to further explore their responses. To prepare for a behavioural interview, research the company and position, and be ready to provide specific examples of your experiences.
Behavioural Interview Tips
- Have examples prepared beforehand that demonstrate the qualities the role you are interviewing for requires.
- Practice talking about these examples out loud.
Case Interviews
Case interviews are commonly used in consulting and finance industries. Candidates are presented with a business problem and are asked to analyze it and provide a solution. This type of interview is designed to assess a candidate’s analytical and problem-solving skills. To prepare for a case interview, research the company and position, and practice analyzing business problems and providing solutions.
Case Interview Tips
- Ensure you have done thorough research about the company and area of work you are interviewing for as this will help you answer questions more easily.
- Practice working under pressure, as this will help you be more decisive during your interview.
Technical Interviews
Technical interviews are used to assess a candidate’s technical skills and knowledge. They may involve coding challenges or other technical assessments and are commonly used for positions in engineering, IT, and other technical fields. To prepare for a technical interview, research the company and position, and practice your technical skills and knowledge.
Technical Interviews Tips
- Revise what you know about the skills and knowledge you will need for the job.
- Practice explaining these details clearly, as this will make you stand out from those who can’t.
Informal Interviews
An informal interview is a casual chat between an interviewer and a candidate that is less structured and less formal compared to a traditional job interview. It is generally used to get to know the candidate personally, rather than professionally, to see if they would be a good fit for the company and the culture.
Informal Interview Tips
- While this is an informal interview, you should still be polite and respectful to the interviewer.
- Figure out ahead of time questions you may be asked in this kind of interview, such as what your salary expectations are and how easily you can commute to their office.
Assessment Centres
An assessment centre is a process used typically by graduate employers to evaluate the skills, abilities, and personality traits of students and graduates. They typically involve a series of interviews, group activities, presentations and tests.
Assessment Centres Tips
- Practice working as part of a group, as this is a key skill that you will need in almost any job.
- Ensure you contribute to any group discussions, as you will not impress if let other people do most of the work in a group task.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different types of job interviews and how to approach them can help you prepare and improve your chances of success. Researching the company and position, dressing professionally, and practising your interview skills can help you make a positive impression and stand out from other candidates. Good luck!
Image by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels
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