Thursday, August 25, 2011

Types Of Interviews | Self Improvement Articles and Tips

Types Of Interviews

Interviewers are of different types and personalities. They may be amateurs or professionals. They could be polite, and encouraging or bossy and rude.

Similarly, interviews can be of different kinds based on the personality and conveniences of the interviewer and the requirements of the employer. Some of the common types are listed here:

Screening interview

Many organizations use screening tools to check if the applicants meet the minimum requirements. The tools used include telephone, computer programs or professionals. Such interviewers have skills to detect anything that disqualifies you from being interviewed. Their focus here is not to see whether your skills fit their job vacancy but mainly to find out if you are not eligible to comply with their requirements. They will pick gaps in your work history or any inconsistencies on your resume. Another area they look into is the costs of hiring you. If you prove to be too expensive for the organization, chances are that you may never get that crucial call.

Telephone Interviews

Many companies use telephone interviews for the initial screening. So be prepared for the same after applying for a job. You can list down all the information regarding the position, company and job description of the post you have applied for. You can use this information to your own benefit when you get a call from the company. Phone interviews give a chance to the company to design a feedback of your interests, skills, expectations etc. If their requirements match with your strengths then the next step would be a personal interview.

Phone interviews generally follow two steps. The first call would be from the Human Resources department. The next step call could be from the manager or supervisor, who would be conducting a technical interview. These are usually conducted for out station candidates. This initial screening is done to ascertain that your technical kills match with their requirement before deciding to invest time and money in scheduling a personal interview.

Points to remember during screening interviews

? Highlight your educational qualifications and skills.

? Answer questions clearly and concisely. The interviewer is more interested here in screening your qualifications than focusing on your personality.

? While dealing with salary expectations, be tactful by giving a range rather than quoting exact figures. Express your willingness to consider the best offer of the company.

? In case of phone interviews, keep essential information ready on cue cards or postids and place them near the phone.

Group Interviews

Many employers interview a number of candidates of a group. Don?t relax in such social settings. The interviewer is watching and evaluating your responses in the context of the group. Your team skills would be clearly known in this setting.

Points to remember while navigating a group interview

? Be polite to the others while exerting your influence over them.

? Avoid direct confrontations which may sound bossy and uncooperative.

? Do not get so swayed by the group that you fail to pick important cues from the interviewer.

Panel Interviews

A panel may consist of a group of interviewers, anywhere between three to eight people who will be interviewing you simultaneously. This may make you nervous but you can handle it if you are confident and answer without any hesitations. Be careful of your posture but don?t appear to be self-conscious.

Remember to address the person while answering the question asked by him and at the same time directing your eye contact with the other interviewers of the panel. In fact your eyecontact with a friendly face in the panel can relax you to a great extent. Later remember to write a thank-you note to all the members of the panel and get the required contact information for the same.

Keep a few guidelines in mind while attending a panel interview.

? Regard each member of the team with respect and address them by name if possible. Speak directly to the member of the panel asking you the question.

? Make use of this opportunity to gain different perspectives of the company.

? Be prepared to demonstrate your skills in a number of ways to the different members of the panel.

? You have to be more energetic and alert in this kind of an interview than the traditional interview.

One ?On ?One Interviews

This is a traditional way of interviewing. It would be better to match the style of the interviewer and maintain proper eye contact with him. Generally, these interviews are informal and hence, not difficult to handle. You would find yourself freely exchanging information as in a normal conversation. But remember that if the interviewer is serious, it doesn?t help if you sound jovial in the interview.

On-campus interviews

On-campus interviews present a challenge to the students as they have limited time with the recruiting agency. You have to prepare yourself to use the time beneficially.

On-Site interviews

When the interview is scheduled at the office of an employer, you need to keep certain things in mind. Arrive at the venue in advance so that you can be relaxed and get acquainted with the environment. Be polite to everyone you meet on site. Remember that they may be employees of the company so never give out personal opinions to any one you might meet at the venue.

Hypothetical Interviews

Hypothetical Interviews are basically used by companies to test the candidates? skills in proplem solving and logical reasoning. You are put in a situation where you have to think fast and assess the problem by keeping in mind the company?s values and policies.

Your goal should be to use logical thinking and analysis to arrive at a solution and not necessarily worry about the final outcome. Many a times there cannot be one definite solution for a problem. You can use one or a combination of strategies to tackle such interviews like gathering, evaluating and prioitizing information. Later you may also choose, propose and discuss all possible solutions as well.

Examples:

What will be your reaction if you see an experienced employee of the company stealing from the department? How will you handle the situation if four out of five employees are absent during their shift? What will you do to curb unethical practices in the work place?

Stress Interviews

You might be made to wait for a long time before getting to meet the interviewer. You may be greeted with hard stares and long silences or directly challenged by the interviewer on your opinions. This is done to test whether you can handle the company culture and its clients

Stress Interviews are intended to test your stress levels. The direct and persistent questions by the employer may put you off guard. The focus here should be on staying cool and calm and in command of the situation. It is necessary to show your employer that you will not buckle under pressure.

Examples:

I don?t know if you are suitable for this post.
Why is your GPA so low?

Points to remember

? Don?t forget that it is a built up situation and not a personal war.

? Try to be cool and tactful even if the interviewer seems insulting.

? If you are stressed out , it will be difficult to have a clear perspective so try and be relaxed and calm while attending the interview

Case Interview

Some consulting companies and big businesses test your critical thinking during the interview process. Such interviews demand a two-way communication between the interviewer and the candidate. More than the appropriate answers, what you are tested for in such interviews is your skills in problem solving, your creativity and common sense.

You may use the same set of skills as in Hypothetical interviews, like gathering, evaluating and prioitizing information. Later choosing, proposing and discussing the possible solutions is also an option for you.

The questions may be related to the current case or ongoing project of the company or they may be any general questions like why is a round shaped disc used to cover a man-hole? How many coins can fit in a square box?

Informational Interview

An informational Interview is initiated by the job seeker for reasons like seeking advice of an influential person in their current field or to get references of people in that field. Employers, who like to know of the talent available in the market, even though they do not have immediate job openings in their company, are ready to give time for such interviews. There is a great exchange of information during informational interviews and the atmosphere is more relaxed.

But all the same attending such interviews need careful planning and keep some guidelines in mind

? Prepare a list of intelligent questions relating to the company and its working.

? Try to collect references of people related to this field and ensure that the interviewer has no hassles if you use his name to contact the references.

? Give a copy of your resume, contact information and card to the interviewer before leaving.

? Don?t forget to send a thank you letter to the interviewer for his time and attention.

Mealtime interview

Companies whose jobs require interpersonal skills prefer to interview their candidates over meals. You may be tested for your personal skills in a social setting. Are you natural and relaxed or jittery and confused? The manner in which you handle the meal, the guests, host and serving staff may also be a subject of scrutiny.

Keep in mind basic social etiquettes while mixing pleasure with work.

? Sit down only after the host does and order some simple, no fuss dish. If your host recommends a particular dish or appetizer, give in. Wait for your host to begin the meal. You may have to keep your host?s company if he prefers to have dessert and coffee.

? Discern the mood of the interviewer and discuss the issues that he brings forth, whether it is his travel plans or business.

? Avoid stating your dietary preferences and being averse to particular foods.

? Select manageable food and avoid having food sticking to your teeth. Check it discretely.

? Have practice sessions discussing important issues and eating meals at the same time.

? Don?t forget to thank the interviewer for the time and the meal.

Related posts:

  1. Behavioral Interviews
  2. The Process Of Interview
  3. How to Preparing for Job Interviews
  4. How To Prepare For Your Scholarship Interview
  5. Methods Of Interviewing
  6. Job Interview Guide: Importance Of Writing A Thank You Letter
  7. Information About The Interview
  8. Preparing To Face An Interview
  9. Reasons To Have A Resume
  10. The Firefighter Oral Interview
  11. Common Questions Asked In An Interview
  12. Job Search Tips: Job Search Checklist and Timeline
  13. Writing Cover Letters
  14. The Objectives Of A Resume
  15. Job Interview Tips: Negotiating Salary

Source: http://www.e-self-help.com/types-of-interviews/

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