Types of Interview

There are quite a few types of interview you may encounter. Here is our guide to a few of them.

One-On-One Interview

• Usually this interview will be carried out by department supervisor, but maybe personnel staff.
• Try to establish a good rapport early on.

Screening Interview

• A brief meeting with the company to weed out unsuitable and uninterested candidates.
• Screening interviews often occur if there is a large number of job applicants.
• Interviewers are usually human resource professionals and the format is usually that of straight questions and answers.

Providing facts is more important than building a rapport.

Telephone Interview

• A telephone interview is not to be treated as an easier option, it should be conducted in an equally professional manner as a standard interview and the same rules apply.
• Your body language no longer applies so words and tone of voice are very important.

Speak in a clear voice, answer the interviewer's questions precisely and try to elaborate without talking too much.

Group Interview

• Often group interviews are used to introduce the company and describe the job to an assembled audience of candidates.
• As this form of interview is not one-on-one there is not so much pressure on an individual candidate, however the aim is to stand out from the crowd and be noticed.

Ensure you contribute fully.

Committee / Panel Interview

• Companies usually use this method when hiring for higher positions.
• During committee interviews candidates are questioned by several company personnel at once, this can be daunting but try to keep cool.
• Be sure to impress all of the interviewers - do not cater to just what one or two want to hear.
• Maintain eye contact with all members of the panel.

Reply to the person who asked the question, but be conscious of how the others will interpret what you are saying.