Different types of interview

By Kasperoo | Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:19 | 0 comments

Yep, there's more than one...

Before you can start really preparing yourself, it’s important to know what kind of interview you’ll be participating in. There are a number of different types – they can differ in terms of format, and the type of question asked. We talk you through some of the main ones.

Different Formats

One-to-one

When most people think of interviews, they think of one-to-one meetings. You will normally be interviewed by the manager or a supervisor of the company. Often these interviews are conversational and the form can be reasonably flexible.

Telephone

These may be used as an initial screening procedure ahead of an actual meeting. It is important that you speak clearly and keenly. Don’t be distracted, turn off any nearby televisions. The interviewer can only judge you by what you say, so it is important that you are prepared. Keep your CV and research at close hand!

Panel

These interviews are conducted by several people. They are normally more structured, whereby each person takes it in turn to ask their own questions. Although these might sound like a bit of a nightmare, more people means that you have a better chance of being liked by at least one of them.

Group

This is where you are interviewed alongside several other people at the same time. This is usually a screening interview. You will usually be asked to solve a problem together. You need to balance your capacity to work with others against your ability to stand out as a leader

Sequential

You may be asked to attend several interviews, possibly with a different member of staff present at each. These are usually used for high level roles, or jobs which have had many applicants. As the interviews go on, questions will become more probing.

Lunch/Chat/Drinks

This one can be misleading. Generally speaking, this isn’t the casual encounter you might expect. This is essentially the same as a one-to-one interview, only the social setting tests your interpersonal skills and manners.

Different Question Types

Competency

Competency interviews allow interviewers to find out about your skills and qualities, and the supporting anecdotes you can give as evidence for them.

Technical

You will be asked questions relating to your specific knowledge. These are particularly used in interviews for vocational roles such as engineering, which depend upon a technical understanding.

Structured

The exact same questions are asked by the employer to each interviewee, to give a measured comparison of their responses.

Informal

Although you’re still being assessed on your suitability for the job, informal interviews allow conversation to flow. This does however put more pressure on you to make the discussion relevant, and no descend into a chat.

Situational

Candidates are asked scenario questions about how they would react to certain tasks and situations. These allow you to draw on your previous experiences.

Performance

Rather than being asked hypothetical scenario questions, you may be given a role-play to show how well you think on your feet. The classic is ‘here is a pen, sell it to me’.