Job Interview Types

Job Interview Types

There are different types of job interviews you may participate in during the
hiring process. Here are the major ones and tips on how to handle them.

Stress Interview
Stress interviews are a deliberate attempt to see how you handle yourself.
The interviewer may be sarcastic or argumentative, or may keep you waiting.
Expect this to happen and, when it does, don't take it personally. Calmly
answer each question as it comes. Ask for clarification if you need it and
never rush into an answer. The interviewer may also lapse into silence at
some point during the questioning. Recognize this as an attempt to unnerve
you. Sit silently until the interviewer resumes the questions. If a minute goes
by, ask if he or she needs clarification of your last comments.

One-On-One Interview
In a one-on-one interview, it has been established that you have the skills
and education necessary for the position. The interviewer wants to see if you
will fit in with the company, and how your skills will complement the rest of
the department. Your goal in a one-on-one interview is to establish rapport
with the interviewer and show him or her that your qualifications will benefit
the company.

Screening Interview
A screening interview is meant to weed out unqualified candidates. Providing
facts about your skills is more important than establishing rapport.
Interviewers will work from an outline of points they want to cover, looking
for inconsistencies in your resume and challenging your qualifications.
Provide answers to their questions, and never volunteer any additional
information. That information could work against you. One type of screening
interview is the telephone interview.

Lunch Interview
The same rules apply in lunch interviews as in those held at the office. The
setting may be more casual, but remember it is a business lunch and you are
being watched carefully. Use the lunch interview to develop common ground
with your interviewer. Follow his or her lead in both selection of food and in
etiquette.

Committee Interview
Committee interviews are a common practice. You will face several members
of the company who have a say in whether you are hired. When answering
questions from several people, speak directly to the person asking the
question; it is not necessary to answer to the group. In some committee
interviews, you may be asked to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
The committee will outline a situation and ask you to formulate a plan that
deals with the problem. You don't have to come up with the ultimate solution.
The interviewers are looking for how you apply your knowledge and skills to a
real-life situation.

Group Interview
A group interview is usually designed to uncover the leadership potential of
prospective managers and employees who will be dealing with the public. The
front-runner candidates are gathered together in an informal, discussion-type
interview. A subject is introduced and the interviewer will start off the
discussion. The goal of the group interview is to see how you interact with
others and how you use your knowledge and reasoning powers to win others
over. If you do well in the group interview, you can expect to be asked back
for a more extensive interview.

Telephone Interview
Telephone interviews are merely screening interviews meant to eliminate
poorly qualified candidates so that only a few are left for personal interviews.
You might be called out of the blue, or a telephone call to check on your
resume might turn into an interview. Your mission is to be invited for a
personal face-to-face interview. Some tips for telephone interviews:
Anticipate the dialogue: Write a general script with answers to questions you
might be asked. Focus on skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Practice
until you are comfortable. Then replace the script with cue cards that you
keep by the telephone.
Keep your notes handy: Have any key information, including your resume,
notes about the company, and any cue cards you have prepared, next to the
phone. You will sound prepared if you don't have to search for information.
Make sure you also have a notepad and pen so you can jot down notes and
any questions you would like to ask at the end of the interview.
Be prepared to think on your feet: If you are asked to participate in a roleplaying
situation, give short but concise answers. Accept any criticism with
tact and grace.
Avoid salary issues: If you are asked how much money you would expect, try
to avoid the issue by using a delaying statement or give a broad range with a
$15,000 spread. At this point, you do not know how much the job is worth.
Push for a face-to-face meeting: Sell yourself by closing with something like:
"I am very interested in exploring the possibility of working in your company.
I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you in person so we can both
better evaluate each other. I am free either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday
morning. Which would be better for you?"
Try to reschedule surprise interviews: You will not be your best with a
surprise interview. If you were called unexpectedly, try to set an appointment
to call back by saying something like: "I have a scheduling conflict at this
time. Can I call you back tomorrow after work, say 6 PM?"