When you are seeking employment, you will encounter different types of job interviews. It is crucial that you understand the difference and practise the techniques needed to help you perform well.
10 Types of Job Interviews
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One-on-One interview
One-on-one interviews are the most traditional type of interviews as they take place in-person and usually involve only one interviewer and one candidate. This sort of interview allows the interviewer to ask about your past experiences and skills while also assessing how well you would fit in with the company. The interviewer will ask the same questions to other candidates. Sometimes, the interviewer will be given a standardised setlist of questions but will ask more based on your answers.
2. Group interview
Group interviews are where multiple people get interviewed at the same time for one or more positions. Employers are given the chance to choose the interview style such as whether to interview multiple candidates or how candidates behave in a group setting. Interviews will likely watch how you interact with a group of people. Therefore, make sure to be polite, professional and provide unique answers to the questions.
3. Panel interview
A panel interview often involves a group of interviewers that will question one candidate. The panel may be a small group of three to five interviewers or even a larger group. Usually, these interviewers take turns in asking questions either from a pre-made list or response-inspired questions. If the panel has more interviewers, then some job interviewers may just observe instead of participating in the interview.
4. Remote video interview
Remote video interviews are usually where the interviewer has the interview done over a video call. Usually, the candidate lives in another place. This form of interview gives advantage for long-distance candidates who are unable to travel to the office for an interview because it saves both parties’ time. Although these interviews are conducted in the privacy of your own home, they must be conducted in the same manner as in-person interviews. If you encounter technical difficulties, such as a faulty internet connection or software, notify your interviewer as soon as possible.
5. Phone interview
Phone interviews are usually done before the official interview. These job interviews are usually done to cover basic topics in order for them to get to know the candidate and determine the minimum requirements needed for the position. You must always prepare for phone interviews as you would to any other interview such as by preparing questions and knowing your desired salary range. Make sure to find a quiet spot to have this interview.
Related link: 10 Red Flags to Look Out for in Job Descriptions
6. Lunch interview
Lunch interviews or restaurant interviews usually happen where both the candidate and interviewer would eat together. These interviews usually happen during lunch time. However, the interview may change the timing to dinner or breakfast. These interviews are usually less structured compared to a traditional interview. Other than being interested in the answers you give, the interviewer will also pay attention to how you interact with the host and serving staff.
7. Behavioural interview
Behavioural interview is where interviewers assess your performance for specific situations at work. Interviewers may ask candidates to describe how they would handle a situation in the future if they were to get the job. They may also ask how you handled certain situations at your past employment. For example, the interviewer asks how you handled a challenging customer and depending on your answer, it will show the interview how you react to certain situations. a behavioural interview can exist independently but often are a part of multiple interviews.
8. Competency-based interview
This kind of interview is done to assess a candidate’s skills and competencies. It is usually to test specific skills that are related to the position such as assessing leadership and communication skills for a management position. Competency-based job interviews can be rather similar to behavioural interviews. The primary difference is that behavioural interviews look for behavioural patterns while competency-based interviews look for evidence of your skills.
9. Stress interview
Stress interviews are done to assess how a candidate responds to extreme pressure and stress. Usually, the questions in a stress interview can be challenging as the interview may be trying to frustrate or intimidate you. Furthermore, you must always remain calm rather than react with anger or frustration. These interviews are usually for a candidate to navigate through a lot of stressful situations.
10. Informal interview
Informal interviews are less-structured interviews that resemble casual conversations. These are usually used to screen candidates and can take place in an informal off-site setting such as a coffee shop or via a remote interview. Informal interviewers are typically done to get to know you and determine whether or not you appear to be a suitable fit for their company culture. Even if the interviewer does not use standard interview questions, it is still a good idea to come prepared with answers about why you want to work for the company.