What are the Different Types of Interviews?

There are many types of job interviews. For most of us, the most familiar type of interview is face-to-face, however, with modern video conferencing and new remote work styles, interviews are changing. Below are several common types of job interviews and their purposes.


Pre-Screening (or Phone Interview)

To save time and money, an interviewer may pre-screen applicants with a short phone call. This helps the interviewer short list candidates, confirm if you are a good match for the position, and determine if you will be called back for a second interview.

Interviews are a two-way street between employer and applicant.

One-on-One (or Traditional Interview)

This is the traditional, face-to-face job interview we often imagine. It may be in-person or by video and likely takes place at the workplace.

Panel

The panel style involves two or more interviewers. Each interviewer will ask questions to identify specific skill-sets, and after the interview they will compare notes to make a group hiring decision.


Preparation for the Interview

Taking the time to prepare will help you to succeed in your interview, as the more time you put in, the more confident you will become. There are many things you can do before the interview to improve your chances of landing the job, which include the following:

Practice - Take some time to practice the interview beforehand. Standard interview questions such as “why do you believe you are a good fit for this job?” or “Could you share some relevant work experiences?” are a good place to start. Presenting yourself well in the interview is also important. Use clear language and avoid slang terms. Be confident in your responses, show interest, and match the interviewer’s tone. Also, have your resume handy and be ready to share your copy with the interviewer.

Research - You’ll want to research the employer’s website and social media to learn about the company. By doing this, you will gain information on products and services they produce, the number of employees and locations, and the workplace culture. Alternatively, asking for an informational interview is also a good way to learn more about a company.

Logistics - Plan ahead to ensure you know how to get to the location of the interview. Have a backup plan for transportation, and have contact names and phone numbers on hand in case you cannot make the interview or are running late. If your interview is virtual, make sure you do a test run to check that all technology is in working order.

“If you have a strong knowledge of your strengths and the company’s needs, you can answer almost any interview question.”

– Indeed

Pro Tip

Your goal in an interview is to make a good first impression, so you’ll want to start by setting up a professional voicemail. Having a voicemail message ensures a hiring manager can reach you in case they want to invite you to an interview. A good voicemail confirms that the number belongs to you, and it clearly states your name in a professional way.

Voicemail DO NOT: “Hi. I'm busy or can't find my phone. If this is not spam, I'll call you back.

Voicemail DO: “You’ve reached Bill Jones’ phone. I’m unable to take your call right now. Please leave your name, phone number, and the reason for your call. I’ll call you back as soon as I can.”

Let’s Keep Learning!

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Reflection

One of the most common interview questions is “tell me about yourself.” What is this question really asking? This open-ended question gives the interviewer an opportunity to get a better sense of a candidate’s goals and motivation. They are also evaluating how confident interviewees are in themselves. This gives them an idea of how new hires might present themselves to customers, clients, and colleagues.

A good rule is to tell them about yourself as it pertains to this job. When you answer, you want to take the opportunity to set the tone for the rest of your interview by making it clear why you’re the right person for the job and why this is the right job for you.

Task: Read the following worksheet and use it as a guide to answer the question “tell me about yourself”. Type your answer in the Quest Submission Form, and submit once complete.