Interviewing

Interviews occur in your job search process where employers make their hiring decisions. They provide an opportunity for you to make a strong connection with the employer and demonstrate why you'll be a good fit for the position and the company.

Different types of interviews will be encountered on your job search which are detailed below. Those include, face to face interviews, job fair interviews, panel interviews, group interviews, phone interviews, or web based interviews. Stages of an interview will help you prepare before the interview, during, and after.

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Types of Interviews

Face to Face Interviews

In these interviews candidates will meet in person with human resources representatives, recruiters or supervisors. Meetings can take place at the company site, on campus, at a job fair or at an independent meeting site. The interview format may be as short as an hour or as long as a full day or half day visit. Candidate may interview with one person, a series of individuals or with a group. Employers will always let you know in advance what the format will be.

Job Fair Interviews

These are often a very brief exchange that allow you to tell a recruiter about yourself and your interest in the organization or position. You may need to do this in a noisy room with many distractions, or there may be quiet interview space available for the recruiters to use. Present your pitch concisely and clearly. Sometime job offers may be made on the spot, but it is more common for employers to invite the top candidates for an on-site interview at the company.

Panel Interviews

In these interviews, several employer representatives will interview the candidate. Questions can come quickly and the interviewee needs to listen carefully and provide clear and concise answers. While speaking to a group may seem daunting, observing the dynamics of the group can offer valuable insights about the company and its management philosophy.

Group Interviews

In these interviews, several candidates participate together in a group interview. Questions may be directed to all the applicants or to an individual applicant. Employers are able to observe factors such as candidate self-confidence, teamwork, presentation skills and the ability to think on your feet.

Phone Interviews

Some employers find it efficient to conduct initial screening interviews by phone. Those candidates that stand out during the phone interview are often invited to an in-person interview at the company. Phone interviews are similar to other interviews, but present some unique challenges. Some good advice for phone interviews:

• Have a copy of your resume, notes on the organization and questions you want to ask nearby.
• Verify time zones if you are interviewing from a distance.
• Set up the call in a quiet room, free of distractions. If possible, use a land line to avoid dropped calls or poor reception. Never interrupt a phone interview to take another call or to speak to someone who enters the room.
• Practice ahead of time.

Web Based Interviews

These formats provide efficient and cost effective ways to interview for positions in other geographic locations. Things to remember for these formats include:

• Test your connections or equipment in advance.
• Always verify time zones.
• Have a phone readily available as a back-up.
• Be aware of background images and noise.
• Dress professionally and wear solid-colored clothing that contrasts with your skin tone.
• Focus on the interviewer’s image, speak clearly, and avoid quick movements.

Interview Stages