Different Types of Interviews
Different Types of Interviews
Screening
A screening interview is a type of job interview that is conducted to determine if the applicant has the qualifications needed to do the job, thus narrowing the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. A screening interview is typically the first interview in the hiring process, and can be conducted over the phone or in-person in such places as a job fair or on a college campus.
Tips: Be prepared to articulate how your qualifications match those of the job.
Telephone
Many times employers use phone interviews in place of an in-person interview as a way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates. Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for an in-person interview.
Tips: Have in front of you: your resume, the job description, examples of how you meet specific qualifications, information about the company, and prepared answers to some challenging questions. Smile, speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
In Person
The personal interview provides the hiring manager the opportunity to meet the candidate in person and review the candidate’s qualifications to determine suitability for the position. It also provides the candidate the opportunity to learn about the position and its requirements, and to present information on ones skills and experience.
Tips: Arrive 10-15 minutes early, be courteous to everyone you meet, be aware of your body language, and focus on what you can do for the organization.
Video Conferencing
More and more employers are using video conferencing software such as Skype to conduct interviews.
Tips: Plan to use a quiet space with a plain background. Check your technology the day before, dress professionally, smile and look straight into the camera to maintain eye contact as if it were a face-to-face setting.
Committee or Panel
This type of interview is where the candidate meets with several decision-makers at once. It’s an efficient way to interview candidates and allows for different interpretations or perceptions of the same answer.
Tips: Be sure to make eye contact with everyone, no matter who asked the question. It’s important to establish rapport with each member of the interview team. Try to find out the names and job titles of the participants so a thank you note can be sent to each person.