When you’re interviewing, it helps to know you may encounter several types of interviews, and you should be aware of different interview styles so you will know how to react. As one job candidate commented after getting the schedule for their interview the following day:
“I was never so shocked to read that I would be meeting with eight managers instead of one.”
Here are the most common interview styles you need to be familiar with. You will most likely encounter at least one of these during your job search, if not several of them.
Types of Interviews
There are common types of interviews you should be aware of and prepare for, and each have common characteristics but are different in their approach. Here are the first two:
Screening Interview
This screening interview is usually conducted by human resources personnel or by an internal recruiter. This type of interview can be conducted on the phone or in person.
The goal is to screen the applicant (you) to find out if you have the qualifications and experience to fit the position. Questions can focus on years of experience, specific skills and education. Their job is to screen you in or screen you out depending on your answers and background.
Initial Interview
This interview is usually a face-to-face interview and can occur with human resources and your direct report or supervisor. Questions in this type of interview will become more specific to the needs of the position. This is a great time to start developing a good rapport with the interviewer, so you can proceed with the next steps or reach the not-a-good-match category.
During an initial interview, it will be important to show how well you know the company, their product or service and why you want to work for them. Knowing your skills and being able to describe them in a results-oriented way will strengthen your chances of moving to the next step.
The interviewer is on a fact-finding mission at this point. Your resume and background will be discussed in detail.
As I mentioned, there are several types of interview styles, and I’ll address more of them on Friday, so check back.
