Types of Interviews

​There is more than one way to interview. It is important to be prepared so that you make a good first impression.  

For any interview:

• Research the company.
• Be prepared to present yourself very clearly and to the point.  Include your key strengths and goals.
• Practice in front of a mirror, with another person, or record yourself.
• Prepare questions to ask at the end of your interview.
• Take notes.
• Be prepared to take tests (i.e., math, typing, problem-solving, drug tests).
• Ask about the interview process so that you are prepared.
• Dress professionally.

Type:  Group Interview

Purpose:  

• The employer sees how well job seekers handle pressure in a group setting.  This will help determine which candidate is most qualified for the job.

Description:

• More and more employers are using a group style of interview process. This can be done in a couple of ways.
• The job seeker sits in front of a panel of company employees. The employees will ask the job seeker questions to learn more about them, their work habits, and how they get along with others.
• The job seeker is in a room with other applicants.  They are provided a presentation in regards to the company, its history, etc. Then, they are asked to get into groups.  They are given different scenarios or tasks to perform. The employees in the room watch and provide feedback to management as to which people performed the best.

How to Prepare:

• Bring samples of your portfolio to leave with the employer.
• Be prepared for a problem solving activity.
• Be prepared to work with others.  Be aware of your verbal and non-verbal communication.

Type:  Informational Interview

Purpose:  

• A job seeker meets with an employer to learn about what they need.  
• This is not a job interview.

Description:  

• Job seeker contacts an employer to learn more about the company needs.  The job seeker leads the two-way conversation.

How to Prepare:

• Research the employer before you contact them.
• Request an interview through a LinkedIn contact or someone you know in the company.
• Prepare questions to help you understand their needs without asking about job opening.
• Be prepared to offer them a service for free (as a presenter, writer, etc.) so they can see your skills.

Type:  Job Fair Interview

Purpose:  

• Collect resumes and screen a large number of job seekers to find qualified candidates for a job.

Description:  

• Employers are part of a job fair event where they can meet a large number of job seekers and conduct on-the-spot interviews.
• Usual Time: 10-15 Minutes

How to Prepare:

• Review the list of employers that will be attending and research their current openings.
• Critique your resume and cover letter based on the job openings.
• Practice your 30 second elevator speech.
• Put together a plan.  Don’t plan to do your first interview with your favorite employer.  Get some practice with other employers first.  Then go for your favorite.

Type:  Phone or Skype Interview

Purpose:  

• Screen qualified job candidates.
• Some companies use a Skype interview rather than a phone interview.  This allows them to interact more with the job seeker.

Description:

• An employer may use the phone interview as an initial interview.  It could be in person or use a set of computerized pre-recorded questions.
• Usual Time:  30 Minutes.

How to Prepare:

• Do not have ring back tones on your phone.
• Make sure your voicemail is set up.  
• Make sure you have access to a good quality phone and cell signal if using a cell phone.
• Be prepare to discuss every item on your resume.  
• Make sure you are in a quiet room without distractions.
• For automated systems - Listen to each question carefully and respond accordingly. If you hesitate too long between the question and your response you could be disconnected as most phone interviews are timed.

Type:  Traditional / Individual Interview

Purpose:  

• Employers meet with a job seeker to determine if they are qualified for the job.

Description:  

• An employer contacts the job seeker.  
• A job seeker meets with a hiring manager or human resources manager to discuss the candidate’s skills, abilities, and experience.
• Usual Time:  30 -90 minutes

How to Prepare:

• Bring samples of your portfolio to leave with the employer.
• Make sure you maintain eye contact during the interview.
• Be aware of your verbal and non-verbal communication.