How to Interview

Job interviews can differ greatly depending on the role you are interviewing for and on the interviewer's style. It will help to be prepared for the various types of interviews you might experience - whether you are a mature professional with years of working experience or have just graduated from University and are going to your first interview, the time you take in preparing for an interview is never wasted. Interviews are not part of your daily routine so the more you do it, the better you will get at it, similarly the more comfortable you are in the interview having spent time preparing for it, the better you will go.

Below is a brief description of the more common types of interview.

Screening Interview

The screening interview is usually a short interview where the recruitment consultant or the employer tries to quickly and efficiently eliminate unsuitable, unqualified or unaffordable candidates. Often carried out over the telephone, the screening interview focuses on clarifying and confirming information from the application/resume you provided.

Tips:

It is essential to make a good impression in any interview, be it by telephone or face-to-face. First impressions count!
Remember not to be too "casual", even in a telephone conversation, as that could be the difference between continuing in the selection process or being ruled out.
Always interview at a time when you can talk freely, if needs be arrange a time for the interviewer to call you back, it is important to be prepared in order to perform well..
During the interview have all your paperwork (i.e. your application, the job ad, any company information) close by in case you need to refer to it.
Always have some blank paper and a pen that works.
Don't forget your interviewer cannot see your enthusiasm so try to communicate it with the tone of your voice.
If you hear silence during the conversation don't be worried, probably the interviewer is making notes or writing your responses down. Most will advise you that they will be taking notes during the conversation.
Just as with all interviews, try to practice telephone interviews. Ask a friend to call you so you can practice on them..

One on One Interview

This is where each applicant is interviewed by just one person. This type of interview tends to be informal, as only one person is involved. The interviewer will often have set questions they have prepared, but some interviewers do make up the questions as they go along.

Tips:

Try to keep eye contact with your interviewer.
If possible develop a connection between yourself and the interviewer.
Answer all questions concisely and succinctly – try not to ramble or talk at length about your personal life or problems you have incurred in previous jobs. The recruiter is looking for people that have a successful track record of employment and have valid reasons if they have had several roles during a short timeframe.
Ensure that you have prepared a list of your responsibilities and your achievements in your career and why they are applicable for the role you are interviewing for.

"On the spot" Interview

The 'on the spot' interview is usually an informal/unstructured interview that tends to occur on the spur of the moment, and often happens when you are approached by the recruiter and time is of the essence. You should always be prepared for this type of interview, especially if you are actively applying for roles from online or newspaper advertisements to gain employment, or if you are attending networking meetings and job expos.

Tips:

Anytime you are in a situation when you could possibly meet a recruiter or potential employer, be prepared, as you may be offered an on the spot interview.

Webcam Interview

The webcam interview is carried out remotely and is used when the applicant is not able to attend an interview in person due to distance, time or cost constraints. This form of interviewing is being used more & more so we strongly suggest you have a Skype or similar address so the recruiters at Brainhunters can interview you by this method.

Tips:

Just as with a face to face interview, it is important to make a good first impression.
Test how you look and sound on a webcam and if possible get a friend to practice with you and record it so you can judge how you are coming across.
Always allow plenty of time for the interview, interviews vary in length but can often last over an hour. Do not disadvantage yourself by not allowing sufficient time for the interview to run its course.
If possible develop a connection between yourself and the interviewer.

Group Interview

This is where several applicants are interviewed at one time. Often it is informal and more like a discussion, or seminar. A group interview usually lasts anywhere from two hours to the whole day and will often include group activities and problem solving. The employer and their staff observer will record responses, consider how each applicant interacts with the others and then compare their notes after the interview.

Tips:

Remember to be considerate of other group members.
It is important for you to be involved in the discussion, whilst avoiding being dominant. Make sure you actively listen to others' opinions, otherwise you may appear uncooperative.

Panel interviews

This interview is where several people make up a 'panel' and question the applicant. The panel is usually two or more people but often one person coordinates the questions and when required a specialist who knows about the job in detail may also ask a question.

Tips:

Remember to look at all the panel members but maintain eye contact with the person who asked you the question when you are answering.
Answer the question asked, be detailed if needs be but ensure that the detail is part of a well-thought out response.

The Sequential Interview

This is where an applicant is interviewed in stages, it may be that the applicant has several interviews but with different interviewers. Usually each interviewer will ask different questions, but they will sometimes ask similar or the same questions.

Tips:

Treat each interviewer the same.
Even if you are answering some questions over and over make sure you answer each time as fully as the time before and don't be afraid of giving the same answer to the same question asked by a different interviewer – you have heard the answer before but this interviewer hasn't!

Follow Up Interview or Second Interview

Applicants who are being seriously considered are usually asked to return after the initial interview for a follow up (or second) interview. This interview is usually to ensure that positive impressions gained in the first interview were right, or to give other staff members the opportunity to meet the applicant, and is often used to make a decision between the strongest applicants.

Tips:

A follow up interview may seem like a casual conversation, but remember it is still important to make a good impression on your interviewers. The successful applicant is likely to be chosen from these interviews.
Make sure you prepare well as at follow up interviews the questions are often more in-depth. Even if the atmosphere is 'friendly' or relaxed, your demeanour should be professional at all times and always be prepared for a challenging question.
Some employers will bring a candidate back for three or even four interviews, particularly for more senior roles. These interviews are often to introduce the candidate to senior team members or to expose the candidate to the product line. Your input in these interviews will be vital to your success; participate when appropriate as it is a fine line between being engaging and dominating in a group conversation.