Types of Interview and How to Prepare

The interview is your chance to enforce everything that the employer has gleaned from your CV and to gain an insight into the workings of their organisation.

There are several forms of interview, with varying degrees of formality. Whilst interviews can be nerve wracking, it should be remembered that the interviewer is only human. Enter with a confident air, be friendly and open, and don't forget to breathe.

One-On-One Interview

Be prepared to talk about yourself in detail, why you want the job and what you can contribute to the Company.

Tips: Carry out research into what the Company do and think of some questions you want to ask. Do not volunteer information that the interviewer doesn't ask for.

You want them to want you on their team, therefore you have to impress them with your personality, your qualifications and your career ambition. Dress conservatively to impress, arrive punctually and be chatty with plenty of eye contact. Establish a rapport with the interviewer.

Lunch or Dinner Interview

An interview over lunch or dinner will be more casual than in an office, however do not let down your guard.

Tips: Make your life easier by not ordering messy food and order something that is a similar price range to the others in attendance. The decision whether to smoke or drink alcohol should be based upon the location and what the interviewer is doing. Follow the lead of the interviewer in behaviour, tone and ordering.

Screening Interview

A brief meeting with the Company used to weed out unqualified and uninterested Candidates. Screening interviews occur if there a lot of Applicants, however on the whole, Candidates are rarely asked to attend them. Interviewers are usually human resource professionals and the format is usually that of straight questions and answers.

Tips: Confirm to the interviewer what they have already read in your CV. Do not deviate from the truth. Providing facts is more important than building a rapport.

Telephone Interview

Used to overcome distance or as a screening process to eliminate the weaker Candidates early on. This is not an easy option, it should be conducted in an equally professional manner as a standard interview and the same rules apply. The only difference is that your body language no longer applies.

Tips: Do not let the interviewer totally lead the conversation.  If it is appropriate push for a face to face meeting, saying something like "I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you in person, so we can both better evaluate each other. I am free either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning, which would be better for you?" 

Speak in a clear voice, answer the interviewer's questions precisely and try to elaborate without talking too much. Exude controlled professionalism.

Group Interview

Often group interviews are used to introduce the Company and describe the job to an assembled audience of Candidates. As this form of interview is not one-on-one, there is not so much pressure on an individual Candidate.  However, the aim is to stand out from the crowd and be noticed.

Tips: Ask questions and speak to Company personnel afterwards to establish a brief rapport.

Committee / Panel Interview

Companies use this method when hiring for advanced positions or to add gravitas to the process. During committee interviews, Candidates are questioned by several Company personnel at once. This can be daunting, but try to keep calm and collected. Be sure to impress all of the interviewers; do not cater to just what one or two want to hear.

Tips: When an interviewer addresses you with a question, respond to the person that asked that question, while being conscious of how the others will interpret what you are saying.

Deliberate Attempts to Unnerve You

Interviewers may try to test your nerve, to see how you handle yourself under pressure. The interview may start out in a relaxed fashion, with standard questions being posed.  The interviewer may then change tack to challenge you with direct questions about educational or career failings and/or full explanations behind the reasons for leaving previous roles etc. You should be prepared for this and calmly answer each question.

General Preparation Before Any Interview

Carry out research into the Company and get know it's products or services, size, income, reputation, image, goals and problems. How many people do they employ and what is the Company philosophy? Know the Company's origins; is it a family Company and where and when was it established?

Study any recent press cuttings about the Company and try to incorporate your knowledge into the conversation.

You may like to practice your responses to some of the more common interview questions and prepare a list of questions that you want to ask.

Prepare your interview resources before the day of the interview. You will need to take a couple of copies of your CV, a reference list and if possible, some examples of work you have done in the past.

Always dress professionally (unless specifically instructed otherwise) and portray a smart business image. It is recommended that both men and women wear a suit and sensible shoes. Women wear a moderate amount of makeup and simple jewellery. Men should be clean shaven with a conservative tie and ironed shirt.