Recruiters may have certain types of interviews in mind before or during the meeting. As a candidate, understanding the types of interviews you may undergo beforehand can help you prepare and feel more at ease during the interview. The following describes various forms of traditional interviews, which usually take place after the phone interview. Many of traditional interviews tend to be described as behavioral interviews.
One-on-One Interview
This common form of traditional interviewing consists of discussing the candidate's qualities and experiences as well as attributes of organization and position attributes.
Screening Interview
This form generally concentrates on educational background, evidence of work history and the candidate's transferable skills. This 30-45-minute-interview type tends to be an on-campus or via telephone.
Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Interview
While the employer may not directly refer to the meal as an interview, you must assume it is. This is a way for employers to informally learn more about you as a candidate and also to assess your dining etiquette. Conversation may seem casual; however, remember that an assessment is still being made of your potential candidacy.
Group Interview
In this format, a group of candidates are assigned a task to complete in a team dynamic, which allows the employer to assess candidates' ability to work as a team and lead. It also demonstrates other interpersonal traits essential for the position. It may also simply be an interview in which all candidates for a position are inteviewed at the same time. Although fairly uncommon, the key is to differentiate yourself based on your responses to questions.
Panel Interview
The panel interview places the candidate in front of two or more interviewers at a time, creating a unique environment and allowing multiple interviewers to assess the same response. A single interviewer or multiple interviewers may ask questions.
Case Interview
The case interview is an interactive process in which the interviewer asks the candidate to analyze a question or case study. This often requires the candidate to ask logical questions and make assumptions to derive a solution.
Call-Back or On-Site Interview
Generally the second phase of the interviewing process, this format allows recruiters to drill down further into a candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and strengths. The focus tends to be on experiences, outcomes, development and potential. On-site interviews are likely to include a combination of one-on-one, group, panel, meals and behavioral formats.
Video Conference interviews
This interviewing strategy uses videoconferencing technology such as Skype. It may be used for screening purposes and/or for time- and cost-saving purposes, especially if it's a small business. Treat it like a real, in-person interview!