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Careers Hub

Types of Interviews

So, you’ve been asked to attend an interview or complete an assessment – congratulations.

Employers can use different types of interviews at each stage of the recruitment process. It is acceptable for you to request information about this from the employer if none is provided.

This can be an intimidating prospect. Knowing what kind of interview to expect and who is interviewing you is useful for your preparation and confidence.

Face-to-face

This is a traditional interview and is still the most frequent. You and an interviewer representing the employer will meet to discuss your credentials. You will be interviewed by a manager, a supervisor or the organisation owner in an office or conference room. They ask you questions about your qualifications, your prior work experience and your relevant skills.

  • Employers can get to know you in person and discuss your relevant skills and experiences
  • Often used to assess your confidence, face-to-face communication skills and punctuality

Panel

A panel interview is an interview where several people gauge your candidacy at once. Organisations may hold panel interviews if the position you’re interviewing for involves you reporting or working alongside a team. When you answer questions during a panel interview, direct the response to the person who asked it, but also maintain eye contact with other panel members. If you are able, please research the position of all the interviewers so you know where to direct your questions.

  • Each person making up the panel could be assessing different things, and your role might link to each of theirs
  • Employers can evaluate how well you speak under pressure and to an audience

Telephone Interview

A telephone interview is usually an introductory interview where a recruiter calls you with basic questions. Recruiters often use telephone interviews to screen a large number of applicants for the position on offer. Be prepared to give details about yourself with further questions about why you applied for the position.

Make sure that for a telephone interview, you have a quiet location that’s free from distractions.

  • Often used to find out if you sound like a good match for the role before an invitation to meet face-to-face
  • You can ask any questions you may have about the employer or role
  • Employers can assess your overall confidence, verbal communication and listening skills

If the employer thinks you might fit the job qualifications, the next stage is likely to be a traditional face-to-face interview. However, if you’re being interviewed for a remote position (working away from the office), a telephone interview may serve as a formal interview.

Video or Online Interview

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, an increasing number of interviews are working this way. To succeed in a video interview, treat it as a traditional face-to-face interview and

  • Prepare for questions ahead of time (Insert a link :HowToPrepareForAnInterview)
  • Even though you are not sharing a room with the interviewer, dress appropriately (see: What NottoWearForAnInterview)
  • Tidy the space where you plan to hold the video interview. Look behind you!
  • It’s also important to find a place that’s free from loud noises and distractions
  • Also check the tech! (See https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zxcy6g8)

Group/Assessment Centre

In a group interview, an employer interviews multiple people at one time. While this type of interview will be competitive, it’s important to remain polite, professional and friendly to the other job candidates. Assessment centres are not always a direct competition for a single role.

If all eight people in a group display the right qualities there is a chance that all eight people will be made an offer, so focus on presenting your best self and try not to worry too much about the outcome. Offer answers that can help you stand out and listen to what the other candidates say and ask so you can think of a distinctive answer for the same question.

  • Employers can discover stand-out candidates within a group
  • You may be requested to complete tasks rather than answer questions
  • Especially used to assess teamwork and leadership skills, as well as communication and problem solving

Career Fair Interview

A Jobs Fair is a one-off event, where local employers present employment opportunities at a large venue (usually a sports stadium, theatre, or conference centre). Job seekers, such as you, from the local area then arrive to speak with these recruiters about their vacancies.

Keep an eye out for these. This interview type is a little different, but they are a useful way for you to meet several employers on the same day. A clever idea is to find out which organisations will be attending so that you can do valuable research in advance.

A Career fair interview is likely to involve you and a company representative or recruiter, to discuss their open positions and the organisation in general. When you speak to these representatives, they may ask you questions about your qualifications and may even ask for your CV. So, before attending a Career fair, print copies of your CV to hand to any organisations in which you’re interested. Be prepared to speak about your qualifications and your interest in the organisation.

At the interview end, ask for their business card to stay in touch and follow up with a thank-you email where you can ask them about the next steps. At the very least this will be good interview practice for you.

Finally, it’s always useful to ask for feedback – it also shows pro-activity and a willingness to learn.