Decades ago, a job interview was simple. You knew exactly what to expect, and this made preparing for the interview much easier. However, times are changing. Today, new technology and new concepts have resulted in a variety of formats for interviews. If you are looking for a job, you need to prepare yourself for multiple interviews. Before you start speaking with hiring managers, familiarize yourself with the various types of interviews.
The Screening Interview
The first interview is often the screening interview. At this time, a hiring manager wants to see if you meet the basic requirements of the position. They may ask about your education, skills, and motivation. Typically, this type of interview is quick. It saves the company money by weeding out unqualified applicants. In most cases, the screening interview is just a quick phone call.
To succeed at this type of interview, you should research information about the company. Write down important details about the company and keep your notes in front of you during the call. You should also print out your resume and leave it in front of you during the phone call. Before your interview, pick a quiet place with no background noise.
The Virtual Interview
If you make it past round one or if there is no screening interview, you might be invited to a virtual interview. Thanks to Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype, virtual interviews are quite common. An employer can see a candidate in-person without needing to take the time for a face-to-face interview. Most companies use virtual interviews as a way to save money and to simplify the hiring process.
There’s a lot that can go wrong during a virtual interview. If you have spotty internet, plan on doing your interview somewhere else. Go to a quiet place with no background noise, and check the technology in advance. Even if you already have the app downloaded to your computer or phone, log in and test it out. Make sure your device has a full charge prior to the interview. Dress professionally for the event, and focus on having good body language and clear speech.
Behavioral Interview
During a behavioral interview, a hiring manager asks questions about the way in which you’ve handled situations. They look at your prior performance in the workplace and use this information to determine whether or not you’re a good fit for their company. Although there are no wrong answers to these questions, you need to prepare yourself. You should be able to use real examples to showcase your skills and talent.
As you prepare for a behavioral interview, write down some success stories. Think about times you showed great leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving skills. By reading the job description, you may be able to guess some of the questions the interviewer will ask you. When you answer questions, use the STAR method. Every story and example should describe the situation, explain the task, discuss your action, and describe the results.
Panel Interview
Also known as a board or committee interview, a panel interview involves more than one team member. The team could include several individuals from HR or anyone else from the company. During this interview, the company hopes to learn about your communication style and how well you perform under pressure. Panel interviews can be particularly intimidating. However, it’s a great opportunity for you to shine and for you to learn more about the company culture.
For success, you should research everyone on the panel. You can ask the recruiter to provide you with this list. By looking up the interviewers online, you can learn more about each panel member and use that information to make talking points. Make a list of several questions you have about the job or the company. When you ask your questions, ask them directly to someone from the panel and take the time to listen to the answer. Remember, this is a chance to show how well you communicate.
Case Interview
Although case interviews aren’t as common as the interviews above, they are becoming more prevalent in the hiring process. This type of interview is used to show how well an applicant can analyze and solve a problem. At the interview, you receive a case study along with instructions. After you receive the details, you need to come up with a logical solution. Sometimes, companies use puzzles or brain teasers as case interviews.
It can be difficult to prepare for a case study because it’s impossible to say what the case study will involve. However, you can still practice the process. If you look online, you can probably find examples of case studies in your industry. Ask a friend or family member to host a mock case study interview and have them pick out a case study for you. When you do have your interview, ask questions. The interviewer wants you to gather as much information as you can before you create a solution.
Are You Ready for an Interview?
With so many types of job interviewers, can you ever really be ready? Although the thought of going to an interview might make your hands tremble, you can leave your nerves behind. No matter what type of interview you have, there are a few tips that can help you prepare.
First, dress well. Even if you only have a phone interview, you should dress for success. When you feel good about yourself, you come across as more confident. Plan your outfits well in advance and buy new clothes if you need to. Furthermore, work on your body language and tone of voice. It’s essential to come across as genuine and confident. Focus on your body awareness and try to have a smile on your face.
Finally, educate yourself about the company. You should know about the company culture and their needs and wants from employees. The more you research the company, the better you can prepare yourself for the interview. In the end, it’s not such a scary thing.