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The interview process is the last stage but your success depends on how you do in this stage. Interviews are not everyone's strong point and some let their nerves get the best of them. Some people struggle as they do not fully understand what type of interview they will be having. This section will look at the different types of interviews you may face and help explain what is involved in each one. |
Face to Face Interview
This type of interview is between the interviewee and the employer or member of the company. This is good as you only have to impress one person but the questions you have to answer could be more direct. At times there could be two members of staff each taking turns at asking questions. It important to keep good eye contact and answering the questions. A role play exercise can be used to help an interviewer gauge your behavioural reactions.
Panel Interviews
This type of interview will involve three or more people interviewing the interviewee. Not every panel member will ask you questions. At times one of the panel is observing you which will go towards your evaluation at the end after your gone. The important rule is to look at the person who asking you the question.
Telephone Interviews
This type of interview is used as a way to screen interviewees so they have have a short-list for the face to face interview. Like the face to face interview the questions will be direct and you be assessed by not only your answers but also by tone of your voice gauging your stress and confidence. Try not to waffle. At times some of the questions will be a behavioural questions and you be asked to either give a true or false answer or a number rating. Just answer honestly.
Group Interviews
Group interviews can be uncomfortable for many. This type of interview happens when a company has a high volume of applicants and it wants to interview many candidates. A small group of interviewees will be put together and during this process the interiewer(s) carefully watches the candidates. They try to find out which candidate influences others, who clarifies issues, who summarises the discussion, who speaks effectively, etc. They try to judge the behaviour of each candidate in a group situation and look out for the stand out person. Key is to try and stand out and don't let the situation overcome you.
Presentation Interview
This type of interview is were you have been asked to prepare a powerpoint presentation over a topic the interviewer gave you and to deliver it to the interviewers. You can be given a time frame of between 15-30 minutes to do this in. After your presentation is done, the interviewer will ask you questions over your presentation and ask how you felt you did and did you feel you could of done better. It is best to answer honestly. Once this part of the interview is done, the interview goes be being about the job you applied for. The presentation is your first way to impress, make sure you have worked hard on it and have practised it so you don't go over the time limit. Stay relaxed and smile.
Behavioural Interview
This interview is were the applicant is asked to answer questions that need examples of activities that they have previously undertaken and the behaviours performed in previous situations. In this instance you might be asked how you would respond to a particular situation or how you would deal with difficulties on the job. The main reason for this type of interview is for the interviewers to form an understanding of how the applicant would perform based on their past experiences as well as how they will meet the prerequisites of the position. This could also involve a role play exercise.
Assessment Interview
An assessment interview is very similar to a regular job interview but focuses more directly on your personality. The assessment is done through various methods such as role play exercises, written scenarios with your responses, a video assessment were you have to answer questions based of what you seen/remembered or a English and Maths test. These could be done at start of an interview or as a way to screen applicants.
Video Interview
Video interviews are becoming more common techniques for recruiters/employers use to either screen or interview job candidates. Due to it's low cost and more people having access to the equipment needed for these interviews, the number of these type of interviews will continue to rise. Much like a face to face & telephone interview combined, even though you are not in the room, you can see your interviewer over the video screen. While it has many advantages such as you don't have to travel and you're in a more relaxed atmosphere (usually your home) due to all parties relying heavily on technology, it can sometimes cause issues (e.g. time delay in hearing what's being said, image can cut out etc). If you're new to this type then it is advisable for you to practice not only using the equipment needed but also how you project yourself via the webcam.