TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
Before we go into interviewing dynamics, let’s review the various types of interview settings so you will know what to expect from each one. Most interviews are conducted with the interviewer and interviewee sitting across from each other. However, there are other types of interview scenarios that you will want to become familiar with, some which are fast becoming very common.
Telephone Interview
A telephone interview is the first step in the interview process. It is a screening process. Usually, a company will contact you and schedule a time to interview you by telephone. However, you should always be prepared for the possibility that the initial telephone contact may be the actual telephone interview. Either way, read the following tips to ensure your own telephone interviewing success.
- Have a cheat sheet accessible and near the telephone. Keep your resume or list of achievements handy as a reminder of topics you want to cover.
- Find a quiet place to have the telephone conversation and by all means, ignore the call waiting.
- Stand-up for the first several minutes of the interview. When you stand, you speak with more authority, and sound confident. Do not speak in a monotone voice. Remember, this is a conversation. Do not chew gum, smoke cigarettes, eat or drink anything while on the telephone.
- Be an active participant in the conversation. If the interviewer is extremely talkative, you can show interest by answering with a “yes” or “I see.” Demonstrate enthusiasm in your voice and smile. The interviewer will readily notice this enthusiasm.
A panel interview is a formalized setting with three or more individuals in attendance who are prepared to interview a job candidate at the same time. This is a fairly common interviewing technique for positions in education and government. Often times, for those being interviewed in this setting, it can be somewhat intimidating. To reduce your level of anxiety, keep the following in mind:
- Obtain business cards if possible from each participant of the panel interview. You will want to place these cards on the table in front of you, in accordance to where they are sitting on the panel. This will help you to remember their names.
- Use visualization to put yourself in a relaxed frame of mind immediately upon entering the room. It helps if you can picture the interviewers in costume or disguise.
- Answer each question to the best of your ability. Remember, you can only answer one question at a time. Be inclusive in answering your questions. Make eye contact with all members of the panel when answering any question.
The purpose behind the behavioral interview is to make the interviewing process as objective as possible. To achieve this, the interview questions are designed by a psychologist in order to identify particular personality types. The interview questions are open-ended, requiring an elaboration of an answer relating to your work experience. Questions can also deal with ethical or hypothetical dilemmas or situations. The
interviewer will write down or record your answer verbatim. In a more “traditional interview”, you will also find some open-ended questions. Either way, in a behavioral interview, all questions are recorded in some way.
Reflect on the contributions you have made in your work history, especially where there is measurable or noticeable change. Later on, we will discuss a formula called the 3 Whats. This formula provides a framework for answering behavioral related questions.
Situation Interview
In a situation interview, the work environment is artificially created. It can be something as common as a typing test, or something more elaborate requiring you to spend a good portion of the day in the work environment. The purpose of situation interviewing is for the company to get a good idea of how you would actually react in certain work situations. In many instances, a group or individual will observe you
performing your work. For example, you may be asked to develop a procedure or method, solve a hypothetical problem, write a proposal, or give a presentation. Situation interviews are becoming more common because of the number of individuals misrepresenting themselves on a resume. This type of interview assists the interviewer in observing whether the candidate actually possesses the required skills and/or experiences required.
Meal Interview
You may be asked to go to a luncheon meeting with a prospective employer. This is a less formal method for employers to interview potential employees. Normally, if you make it this far, the odds are in your favor that you will probably be hired for the job. However, it is still an interview nonetheless and a certain precaution should be followed. Here are some helpful tips for meal interviewing:
- You will probably be asked to order first. Once you’ve ordered, don’t change your mind on the food item. This could make you appear to be indecisive.
- Order menu items that are priced in the “middle of the road” and are not “sloppy” foods.
- Avoid alcohol. If drinks are ordered, politely decline or “nurse” a drink.
