Types of interviews

TYPES OF INTERVIEWS

When participating in an interview, there are a few different types, each with their own guidelines to follow. Consider these tips when preparing for each type:

Phone Interview On-site Interview Skype/Video Interview

• Minimize distractions – It may be tempting to answer the call wherever you are, but find a quiet place ahead of time where there will be minimal distractions, no background noise, and good reception. Fewer distractions mean you will be more focused on the interview, and they will be able to hear you better. • Have materials ready - Have a copy of your résumé and the job description in front of you to be able to reference, but don’t script out answers to common questions. Reading a pre-written answer will come across as unnatural.

Be yourself and let your personality shine. • Speak up and speak clearly – If they can’t hear you, they won't understand why they should hire you. Speak slowly and audibly into the phone.

Sources:

(Cobert) (Frost) (Lindsay) • Get the details ahead of time – If you’ve never been to the location before, be sure to get details on where you’re going, where to park, and what to bring. When you get to this stage of the interview process, they may expect you to bring samples or a portfolio in addition to your résumé. Always come over prepared. • Observe your surroundings – While on site, observe how employees interact with one another, what the environment is like, and the general feel of the organization. If it doesn’t feel like a good fit, it’s better to know before you accept an offer. • Sell yourself – Usually when a company brings you in for an on-site interview, you’ve already had some contact through either a phone or skype interview. They have already seen your résumé and are really wanting to see how you present yourself. Sell yourself, your personality, and your abilities to give yourself the best chance at being offered the job. • Set the stage – Be sure you are in a quiet location where you won’t be disturbed and where there is adequate lighting and a strong reception. Test your computer’s video ahead of time to ensure you’ll have a clear picture the day of the interview. Also, be sure the background is clear and professional, so the interviewer can focus solely on you. • Dress professional – It goes without saying to dress professional when going to an interview, and a video interview is no different. Dress professionally from head to toe to get in the mindset of an in-person interview, and just in case you need to get up in the middle. • Watch your body language – Using technology may seem simple but don’t forget about your body language. Sit up straight and maintain good posture.

Make eye contact with the interviewer as best you can by looking into the camera and not at the screen, and keep your hand gestures to a minimum.

Panel Interview

• Prepare ahead of time – You will likely know in advance that you will be meeting with multiple people, so be sure to bring enough copies of your résumé. If you have their names, look them up on the company website or LinkedIn to have an idea of who you’re meeting with and their background. This can help you frame the questions you want to ask. • Involve everyone - While only one person will be asking a question at a time, try to have eye contact with each interviewer and speak to them as a group. Only one is asking the question, but they are all evaluating your answer. • Follow up with everyone – After the interview, be sure to get a business card from each person so you can follow up individually.

Group Interview

• Don't be intimidated – The other candidates may have impressive résumés and experiences, but so do you. Focus on what you bring to the table, and why you are interested in the job • Build on their ideas - How you answer a question isn’t always about the answer itself, but your thought process. Building off an answer another candidate gives not only shows that you’re a good listener, but will also demonstrate that you can take an idea one step further. Demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and position, and utilize some of the soft skills to give them more. • Be reasonable – The employer might end up hiring more than one of you, so use this as an opportunity to evaluate the types of people they are considering and who could be your coworkers. Be yourself and let the interviewer see how you interact with others.

Sources:

(Cobert) (Frost) (Lindsay)