A big part of preparing yourself for the interviewing process is being aware of the types of interviews to expect. In addition to an arranged, face-to-face interview with a hiring manager, there are other types of interviews you might encounter.
The screening interview
Frequently a company will conduct a screening – or initial – interview to determine whether or not you should be considered more seriously as a candidate before engaging in a longer, more in-depth meeting. A screening interview can take place in person or by telephone. A Human Resources professional or a hiring manager (or even an external recruiter) might conduct it. Whatever the circumstances, it is still an interview and your goal needs to be to keep yourself in the running and be asked back for another interview. It is rare that an offer is made at a first interview so it is in your best interest to avoid or defer discussion of salary or benefits until you know more about the job and/or an offer is made.
The telephone interview
Telephone interviews are becoming a more common practice and can occur in a number of ways. As just mentioned, they can be part of the screening process as a way of speeding up the initial selection, part of a conversation with a contact or hiring manager that moves into a discussion of an opening, or a planned event when both parties agree in advance to speak at a future time. In all cases, you need to be prepared and conduct yourself as you would in a face-to-face meeting.
From the employer’s standpoint, the telephone interview is effective for eliminating unqualified candidates with a minimum commitment of time and resources. For you, a telephone interview has its advantages and disadvantages. One big advantage is that you can work from notes and other written material.
Screening interviews on the telephone can happen when you least expect them. If you receive a call that you perceive to be a screening interview and you are not total prepared or it is not convenient for you, explain that this is not the most opportune time and ask to reschedule the call. A telephone interview is just as important as a face-to-face one and you want to be sure you are prepared and not distracted.
An experienced interviewer typically begins the interview with an overview of the job, a reference to your CV and perhaps an explanation of why you have been selected as a candidate for the position (i.e. identifying some areas of your experience that qualify you for the job). A telephone interview usually lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, with questions being asked about your education, job skills, technical knowledge and work experience.
The group (or panel) interview
Group or panel interviews are meetings with more than one person at the same time in the same room (although there are occasions when they might be conducted by telephone or video conference). Group interviews are conducted for a variety of reasons: to allow all people involved in the hiring to interview you at the same time; to get a cross section of opinions; to see how you fit into a particular group; and to see how you handle talking with several people at the same time.
A group interview requires that you adopt more of a presentation style to your answers and questions. Try to remember each person’s name and title (or ask for business cards before or after the meeting) and direct answers or questions to individuals as appropriate. Maintain good eye contact with each person when answering questions. Shake hands with all members of the group when entering and leaving the interview, and send a follow-up letter to your primary contact, acknowledging the others in attendance.
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