Understanding Interview Types: Cracking The Code

Welcome to Our Informative Blog: Understanding Job Interview Types

During the process, employers assess your skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as your ability to handle pressure. Our expert tips will equip you to perform dynamically and stand out from the crowd.

1. Decoding Phone Interviews

Phone interviews often represent the first round of interviews that a candidate will go through. They are designed to screen applicants. They assess whether they should be invited to move on to the next stage efficiently. The interviewer will ask basic questions about your previous experience, qualifications, and skills. They may ask you questions about things that are on your resume. Have a copy of the resume you gave them so you know exactly what information they have.

What should I expect from a phone interview?

Phone interviews are usually short and sweet, lasting between 15 to 30 minutes. Either a recruiter or an email will get in contact to schedule this call with you beforehand. Find a quiet place where you can talk without distraction and feel relaxed.

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of phone interviews?

A phone interview offers the advantage of being fast and less intimidating compared to other types of interviews, as it requires less from you. The disadvantage is that many of us have anxiety around phone calls and it’s generally difficult to make a significant impression over the phone in such a short time, especially since you can’t read the interviewer’s body language.

How can I stand out in a phone interview?

First, to start Excelling in your phone interview you need to get prepared! Have the CV you sent them in front of you and make some notes on the company, including what you like about them and why you want to work for them. If you can talk about some of their recent successes, even better. 

Take note of any questions you have for them and jot down anecdotes that demonstrate your skills which you’re concerned you may forget. While they may reserve in-depth questions for a different interview format, being ready is always beneficial. 

Finally, make sure you’re in a quiet place with good reception and try to sound enthusiastic. You don’t need to sound like someone you’re not, just be genuine about what drew you to the job in the first place.

2. Nailing Your Face-to-Face Interview

When understanding interview types the most traditional form of the interview is where you go to meet with your interviewer in person, usually at the place where you intend to work. Face-to-face interviews will include a sit-down discussion of your skills, experience, and qualifications, but they can also include a tour of the premises and a role-play exercise or small test.

What should I expect from a face-to-face interview?

Expect to wait briefly in a waiting room before the start of your interview, after which one or two interviewers will greet you. At small companies, this may be the boss, but at large companies, it may be a hiring manager and the head of your proposed team. Most face-to-face interviews will last about 30-45 minutes, but they can be longer. If they want you to do a test they should tell you ahead of time including how long the test will take.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a face-to-face interview?

The advantage of a face-to-face interview is they are the most natural and you are essentially just having a conversation with someone. You can read their body language and there will be no technical difficulties. By minimising distractions, you can actively immerse yourself and gain a better understanding of the company. The only real disadvantage of a face-to-face interview is that going in person can be intimidating.

How can I stand out in a face-to-face interview?

Dress in a way that mimics what the people who already work there wear – that will make it easy for the interviewer to imagine you working there. Show interest in the company, smile and greet anyone you see, and focus on how you can solve a problem for the company.

3. Understanding Interview types: Video Interviews

Video interviews have become popular post-pandemic, especially since so many companies are now willing to hire and work remotely. Video interviews are very similar to face-to-face interviews, the only difference being that they take place online through a platform like Zoom or Skype.

What should I expect from a video interview?

You’ll schedule the interview and receive a link you can use to join the call. You’ll usually be on a call with one or two people conducting the interview and you can expect the same kinds of questions as an in-person interview.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of video interviews?

Video interviews offer several advantages: you can participate from anywhere, at any time; you have the opportunity to observe your interviewer’s body language; and there’s no pressure to physically travel to meet them. The main disadvantage of a video interview is the likelihood of technical difficulties, which can make you appear more flustered than you would if the interview was in-person.

How can I stand out in a video interview?

To prepare, make sure you’ve used the conferencing software before. If it’s new to you, download it and do a call with a friend so you know how it works. Make sure you’ve got a quiet place for the interview with a good internet connection and dress for an interview so you look professional. 

To stand out, try to position your camera so you can look into it so you can “make eye contact” with your interviewer. This will help develop a deeper connection. Use all the same nonverbal cues you would in an in-person interview.

4. Group Interview Readiness: Essential Tips

What should I expect from a group interview?

Employers typically use group interviews to efficiently screen a large pool of candidates or to hire for multiple roles that require teamwork. This format involves interviewing multiple candidates simultaneously in a group setting.

The interviewer will ask you and other candidates to engage in a variety of activities and exercises. These activities may include group discussions, problem-solving exercises, role-playing, and presentations.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a group interview?

The advantage of a group interview is that you won’t feel like the pressure is on you the entire time and you can play off of other people’s energy. If there’s one particularly vocal person, you may find it challenging to speak up and make yourself heard, which is a significant disadvantage.

How do I stand out in a group interview?

The employer aims to evaluate your communication and teamwork skills during the group interview. Therefore, it’s not necessary to compete with the most outspoken person in the room or try to appear more charismatic. Instead, focus on effectively collaborating with the team and taking a leadership role if appropriate. Additionally, many candidates may struggle to listen attentively, so by actively listening and following instructions, you can differentiate yourself from the crowd. In the video below created by passmyinterview.com, you will be able to ace a group interview and stand out in the crowd.

5. Understanding Interview Types: Panel Interviews

During a panel interview, a group of individuals from the company will interview you. It’s common for employers to opt for this type of interview when hiring for leadership positions or in the later stages of the hiring process for roles that involve working closely with various departments.

What should I expect from a panel interview?

A panel interview is essentially a face-to-face interview with more people in the room. During a panel interview, you’ll either sit facing the panel or alongside them at the table. All members of the panel will ask you questions, so be ready to switch gears frequently.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a panel interview?

The advantage of a panel interview is you have the opportunity to influence and impress the decision-makers while they’re all in one place. The panel interview can be daunting since you’ll be fielding questions from several people at once, which may feel overwhelming but solid preparation and a good understanding of panel interviews will set you apart from the competition!

How do I stand out in a panel interview?

Be ready to talk to people individually and as a group, even while you’re all in the same room. If you’ve given presentations before, you’ll be familiar with “spreading” your eye contact out around the room, so focus on the person who asked the question and then make contact with others if the information is relevant to them. Keep an eye on your body language – it will be easy to cave your shoulders and feel small, so sit up and know that you are a serious candidate if you’ve made it this far. Need a little more help? Here are some of our top tips for surviving (and nailing) panel interviews.

6. Understanding Interview Types: Assessment Days

Assessment days are a type of recruitment process where employers assess the skills, abilities, and suitability of multiple candidates over the course of a day or several days. Employers frequently employ assessment days to assess applicants for graduate or entry-level positions, as well as roles that necessitate specific skills or competencies.

What should I expect from assessment days?

When attending an assessment day, you’ll take part in various activities and exercises that assess your capabilities and fit for the position. These activities are tailored to evaluate your skills and potential as a candidate. These may include group discussions, problem-solving exercises, aptitude tests, presentations, and individual interviews.

The specific activities and exercises you’ll participate in will vary depending on the role and the employer. Assessment days may be just a few hours, last all day, or span multiple days.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of assessment days?

One of the perks of an assessment day is that it provides you with a solid understanding of what it’s like to work for the company you’ve applied to. Additionally, it simplifies the hiring process by reducing the number of steps required. The disadvantage is you may put a lot of time and effort into a job you ultimately do not get.

How do I stand out on an assessment day?

Research the company and see if you can find out any information about their assessment days from other candidates online. Participating in an assessment day can give you an idea of what to anticipate and prepare for. However, if you’re uncertain, go in with an open mind and be ready to work alongside other candidates while adapting to each exercise presented to you.

Do the questions differ depending on the type of interview?

Yes and no – the questions will generally be the same depending on whether it’s a group or individual interview. During the individual interview, the interviewer may ask you to describe a challenge you’ve faced in the workplace and how you overcame it. Group interviews and assessment days, on the other hand, will focus more on displaying teamwork skills. One way to feel more confident during the interview is to prepare for a variety of questions, including those related to the specific role you’re applying for. This will help you avoid feeling caught off guard. We’ve got more tips on how to answer some of the most difficult interview questions here.

To conclude, now you have an understanding of interview types it is best to prepare for a wide range of questions that will ensure you can easily adapt to any type of interview. Get to know your strengths, weaknesses, and the anecdotes you can tell to demonstrate your experience and skills. Don’t forget, interviews are not just an opportunity for the employer to get to know you, but for you to get to know the company as well. Make sure you do your homework before the interview and come up with questions that can help you decide if the company is the right match for you. With preparation and a positive attitude, you can ace any interview and land your dream job.

We hope we have given you a great understanding of interview types!

Good luck For more advice, check out our other interview tips here.