TYPES OF INTERVIEWS
You should be prepared for any of the following types of interviews:
Group/Panel Interview
You may walk into the room and face a table of recruiters. Don’t let this intimidate you!
When one person in the group asks you a question, look at them most of the time when
you give your answer, but do look at the other individuals as well. If possible, get a
business card from everyone and arrange them in the order in which they are sitting so
you can use that person’s name when responding.
Meal Interview
Knowledge of proper table manners is a must, so if you don’t know the basic rules of
dining etiquette, contact your career services office for help. You need to learn to be
comfortable conducting business in a social setting. Order food that is easy to eat and do
not order alcoholic beverages.
Situational Interview
In this type of interview, you may be required to take part in some kind of simulated
activity. You may be part of a group activity in which your teamwork, leadership and
creativity are observed.
Behavioral Interview
The behavioral interview, which is very common nowadays, is based on the premise that
past performance is the best predictor of future performance. This particular style
of interview focuses on:
•
•
•
What applicants have accomplished or failed to accomplish
How they went about doing it
What situations they’ve faced that are similar to ones they will face on the job.
The behavioral interview asks, “What did you do when?” versus “What would you do
if?” You may be asked questions that begin with “Tell me about a time when… How did
you…Give me an example of…” We suggest you use the STAR method when
responding to past situation questions. If you follow these guidelines you will provide
the interviewer with the appropriate answers.
S = Situation What circumstances led to the situation? Give a little background to set
the stage.
T = Task
What specific task(s) were you required to perform?
A = Action
What specific action did you take to resolve the situation? Use only
enough detail to demonstrate your skills in this area.
R = Result
What happened as a result of your actions? Give a short summary of the
final outcome of the situation.
Telephone Interviews
Telephone interviews are often used as the initial screening interview or as an in-depth
interview which can last anywhere from 30-60 minutes. Don’t blow your professional
image by having music (of any kind) on your answering service. Your message should
be businesslike. Never interrupt an interview to take another call; disengage call-waiting
during a phone interview. Don’t try to “wing it” through a phone interview. Be prepared
and rehearse! Have your resume and job description if possible at your fingertips. Since
the only impression you can make is through your voice, be sure to sound confident,
energetic and enthusiastic.
Second Interview/Plant Visit
If you are called back for a second interview or plant visit, then you are being considered
for the position. Questions in a second interview will be more probing as your suitability
for the job is being examined. It’s okay if you pause before answering a question. During
the second interview particulars such as salary and benefits are discussed. You may want
to take notes during this interview, but don’t forget to ask the recruiter’s permission to do
so. You may or may not receive a job offer at this time. However, be sure you are given
some idea of when the final decision will be made.