Types of interviews

Telephone screening

A call from an employer to eliminate candidates based on essential criteria. An employer may call you without an appointment.

Have your job search records organized and handy. Refer to your resume as needed.

In-person screening

Used instead of a telephone screening interview, but with the same basic purpose. Provides an initial impression of your attitude, interest, and professional style.

You may not be meeting with the final decision maker, but don’t slack off. Sell yourself as you would in a “regular” interview.

Selection

In-depth questions to evaluate your qualifications for the position and your ability to fit in. There may be more than one interview at this stage.

Establish a connection with everyone you meet (before and after the actual interview). Sell yourself as a natural addition to the team.

Behavioral

The interviewer will ask questions that require you to describe how you have handled work-related situations. This provides more information about your behavior, personality, and character.

Think of a few examples ahead of time. Use examples that illustrate your skills and give a good impression of you.

Work sample

Gives you a chance to show your work. May be a portfolio display, a presentation, solving a typical problem, or other demonstration of your skills.

Run through different ways to describe the projects in your portfolio. Practice your presentation until it is smooth.

Peer group

Meeting with your prospective coworkers to explore how you fit with the team.

Don't forget to smile. It shows openness and confidence.

Group or panel

Three or more people ask questions on your qualifications and assess how you fit with the team. It may include other candidates for the position.

Direct your answer to the person who asked the question, but keep some eye contact with the group. If other candidates are present, introduce yourself and be polite. Volunteer to respond first to a few questions, but do not dominate the entire interview. Compliment another candidate’s response and then build on it with your own thoughts.

Lunch

Interview conducted in a restaurant to assess how well you handle yourself in social situations.

Pick easy things to eat so you can answer questions and pay attention to the conversation. If the location is a coffee shop, the interviewer is probably looking for a more casual conversation.

Stress

Questions intended to make you uncomfortable and to test how you will handle stress on the job.

Keep your cool and take your time in responding to the questions. Don't take anything personally.

Video conference

Uses technology for a “person-to-person” interview by video. Allows people from different locations to interview without traveling.

Practice before a video camera, mirror, or via Skype, if facing a camera during an interview makes you nervous.