Career and Job Training Readiness Center

Job interviews aren’t simply question and answer fests anymore.  If it’s been a while since you’ve been through one, you should be advised that there are a number of different styles that interviewers use these days.  Being familiar with the main varieties can help you feel more prepared and allow you time to think through your answers to possible interview questions.

• Personal Interview: This is the type of interview that most people think of when they think of the word “interview.”  One person, an employer, supervisor, or personnel representative, meets with the job candidate and chats.  Casual questions are asked and answered.  It’s a chance to show what you know about the position and the company, and generally doesn’t seem too intimidating.
• Committee Interviews: Sometimes, you will find yourself facing an entire group of company representatives, such as a board or a department.  These people will ask you questions and come from different angles.  It feels more intimidating to many people, but may be quite necessary for a job that involves working with a team or presenting to a group.
• Behavioral Interview: It’s quite common for interviewers to ask you to give examples from your previous jobs or experience.  They are looking for the depth and quality of what you have already done that is related to the job at hand.  Prepare for this sort of interview by reviewing highlights of your career or experience, as well as reviewing problems you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them.
• Stress Interview: One technique to be aware of is the Stress Interview.  In this method, the interviewer intentionally tries to cause you discomfort and stress.  It can be done in subtle ways, like making you wait an inordinate amount of time, or in more open ways like asking questions that seem antagonistic or rude.  A position that requires you to work with potentially unhappy clients might be one where stress interviewing techniques are used.  Try to keep your cool!  Recognizing the interview type can go a long way to helping you manage the situation.
• Situational Interview: Job candidates might be asked how they would handle a specific situation, or even asked to role play a given scenario.  Interviewers are trying to assess your probable responses to common situations in the job you are applying for.  To prepare, think through how you would act in situations that would be common in the job you are applying for.  Consider what resources you could access, what policies you’d need to follow, and what you could expect from coworkers.
• Group Interviews are quite common for jobs that rely on teamwork with coworkers.  Many candidates are together for this kind of interview, and they are often given a typical task to perform.  The interviewer watches to see what roles people take in the group and how they function in the group setting.  Your interpersonal skills are what’s important here.  Try to show leadership and perseverence without being domineering or acting like a show-off.

These are just a few of the more common interview styles that are popular right now.  Remember, too, that many larger companies have candidates interview with a number of people over the course of days, weeks or even months.  Be prepared to put your best professional foot forward, and help yourself recognize the type of interview that you are participating in.

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And remember, if you’d like to take a close look at your professionalism and find ways to improve, drop a blank email to professionalism@jobtrainingreadinesscenter.com to enroll in the free e-course!