How to Succeed in any Type of Job Interview
Depending on the Employer, Interview Could Take Several Forms
Mar 31, 2009
When the average job seeker accepts the offer of a job interview from an employer, he or she typically expects a personal one-on-one interview with the hiring manager. However, it doesn’t always work that way.
In point of fact, depending on the employer, any one of several job interview types may be considered. In order to be successful at landing that dream job, the candidate must learn these different types of job interviews and how to succeed in each.
Effective Job Interviewing: The Telephone Interview
The purpose of the telephone interview is to screen the candidate before he or she walks through the company’s doors. This interview is often employed to save the company time and to filter the qualified candidates from the unqualified.
Key tips for success in the telephone interview include:
- be ready with resume and interview questions printed out
- standing up rather than sitting down
- show enthusiasm and proactivity
- be concise in answering questions
- do not get overly casual and give the employer more information than he or she needs to know
- say “yes” and smile often, even though the employer cannot see the candidate
The One-On-One Interview
The one-on-one job interview is the traditional interview type most people think of. The interviewer may be the hiring manager, a human resources manager, division director, vice president, or departmental manager.
Often times during the interview the candidate will meet with several interviewers consecutively (but not all at once). This is especially true in instances where the first interviewer (typically a human resources manager) screens the candidate and the interview proceeds from there.
Key tips for success in the one-on-one interview include:
- arrive at least 15 minutes early to go over interview questions and prepare notes
- bring extra copies of the resume
- maintain eye contact
- do not drift or gaze out windows
- keep the conversation focused on key strengths and skills
- be aware of non-verbal communication and smile often
The Panel Interview
Most job seekers consider the panel interview to be the most intimidating interview type of all.
During a panel interview, two or more representatives from the company interview the candidate at once and take turns asking questions. Typically the interview is hosted by at least one human resources manager and one departmental manager.
Key tips for success in the panel interview include:
- bring extra copies of the resume
- divide eye contact equally between interviewers
- do not drift or gaze out windows
- keep the conversation focused on key strengths and skills
- be aware of non-verbal communication and smile often
- ask for business cards at the end of the panel interview for follow-up
The Group Interview
While not a very common interview type, employers will sometimes interview several candidates at once. This can be competitive, but the candidate should be seen as constructive, energetic, and a team player.
Handling Job Interview Types
Many job seekers go into a job interview blindly. However, in learning how to handle job interview types such as the phone interview, the one-on-one interview, the panel interview, and the group interview, candidates will be armed with the knowledge they need to succeed in landing a new job.
See related articles, “10 Steps to a Successful Job Interview,” “Questions to Ask During a Job Interview,” and “Best Websites for Career Planning.”
 |
