Interview

2. Interview

3. Six Common Types of Interview

4. 1. Traditional one on one job interview 2. Panel Job Interview 3. Behavioural Job Interview 4. Group Job Interview 5. Phone Job Interview 6. Lunch Job Interview

5. 1. Traditional one on one job interview This is the traditional one on one interview is where you’re interviewed by a company representative, most likely the manager of the position you are applying for. If you get the job you will be working with this person directly. They will want to understand who you are and if your skills match those of the job requirements. You may be asked questions about your resume and your experience, what you can offer the company and what you can bring to the position. The interviewer may ask you questions such as “Why would you be good for this job?” or “Tell me about yourself.” The one on one interview is by far, one of the most common types of job interviews.

6. 2. Panel Job Interview These can be difficult. In a panel interview, you will be interviewed by three to four interviewers. The panel may consist of different representatives of the company such as human resources, management, and employees. The reason why some companies conduct panel interviews is to save time or to get the collective opinion of panel regarding the candidate. Each member of the panel may be responsible for asking you questions that represent relevancy from their position. Government agencies typically conduct panel interviews.

7. 3. Behavioural Job Interview In a behavioral interview, the interviewer will ask you questions based on common situations of the job you are applying for. The logic behind the behavioural interview is that your future performance will be based on a past performance of a similar situation. You should expect questions that inquire about what you did when you were in XXX situation and how did you dealt with it. In a behavioural interview, the interviewer wants to see how you deal with certain problems and what you do to solve them.

8. 4. Group Job Interview Many times companies will conduct a group interview to quickly pre-screen candidates for the job opening as well as give the candidates the chance to quickly learn about the company to see if they want to work there. Many times, a group interview will begin with a short presentation about the company. After that, they may speak to each candidate individually and ask them a few questions. One of the most important things the employer is observing during a group interview, is how you interact with the other candidates. Are you emerging as a leader or are you more likely to complete tasks that are asked of you? Neither is necessarily better than the other, it just depends on what type of personality works best for the position that needs to be filled.

9. 5. Phone Job Interview A phone interview may be for a position where the candidate is not local or for an initial pre-screening call to see if they want to invite you in for an in-person interview. You may be asked typical questions or behavioral questions. Most of the time you will schedule an appointment for a phone interview. If the interviewer calls unexpectedly, it’s ok to ask them politely to schedule an appointment. On a phone interview, make sure your call waiting is turned off, you are in a quiet room, and you are not eating, drinking or chewing gum.

10. 6. Lunch Job Interview Many times lunch interviews are conducted as a second interview. The company will invite you to lunch with additional members of the team to further get to know you and see how you fit in. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have about the company or position as well, so make sure you prepare your questions in advance. Although you are being treated to a meal, the interview is not about the food. Don’t order anything that is too expensive or messy to eat. Never take your leftovers home in a doggy bag either. You want to have your best table manners and be as neat as possible. You don’t need to offer to pay, it is never expected for a candidate to pay at a lunch interview. Chew quietly and in small bites so you don’t get caught with a mouthful of food when the recruiter asks you a question.

11. So, now you have an idea of these six common types of job interviews. However, no matter what type of job interview you go on, always do your best to prepare for it the best you can ahead of time so you can do your best and show them the best of who you are.

12. Before the Interview

13. Review your resume. Sure, you know it by heart. But what was it that caught the eye of this recruiter or the HR pro? Specialized experience? Unique training? A steady history of career advancement? Revisit your resume from the point of view of the interviewer. It may provide insight into the company's employee needs – something that would certainly be advantageous to know going in.

14. Get back on-line. The Internet served you well in the preparation of personalized cover letters targeted at the recipients' needs. Okay, visit the company web site again and start taking notes. Corporate officers, the latest press releases, the company's annual report. Gather as much information as you can on your soon-to-be-employer.

15. Study, study, then cram. The more you learn about your callback company, the better you're going to feel walking in that door. Knowledge is power. Knowledge will make you more confident in your attitude and your answers. You know this stuff. You've studied it! Knowledge of company products, services, procedures shows the interviewer that you're proactive, with an eye for detail and an appreciation for the power of preparation. In other words, you'll make a positive impression.

16. Rehearse your interview. How can you rehearse for something that doesn't have a script? Write one. You know the typical questions you'll be asked so write down some of your most insightful, witty thoughts regarding the state of your industry and profession. Be prepared to describe past positions, responsibilities and accomplishments. This is not a time for false modesty, so don't be afraid to highlight your professional strengths and play down your terrible typing skills. Remember: it's no brag if it's the truth. Ask your spouse, your child or a friend to play the role of interviewer so you become more comfortable speaking about yourself in front of others. Again, this is a confidence builder. The more you practice, the more confident you'll be.

17. Develop your list of questions. Your interview shouldn't be seen as some type of interrogation. It's a "getting to know you" meeting, so feel free to ask questions. However, your first question shouldn't be "How much do I get paid?" Instead, ask questions that show you understand the job and the company's needs. Be quick to pick up on the interviewer's comments and ask relevant questions.

18. Dress for success. An interview is a performance with people playing different roles. Your role is successful job prospect. Play the part. Whether you're female or male, the conservative business suit is the recommended attire for any interview. If your business suit needs a pressing, send it to the dry cleaners. If you don't own a suit (you'd be surprised at the number of us who don't) go out and get one. It doesn't have to be an $800 designer suit, but it should be conservative black, blue or gray.

19. Gather your materials. The day before the interview, gather your materials and place them in a briefcase. Bring extra copies of your resume in a manila envelop. Bring a pad and pencil to take notes. Bring a calculator (you never know). Bring your address book and copies of your business card. If you've been asked to provide additional information (recommendation letter, e.g.) make sure you've got clean copies ready to hand over.

20. Sleep tight. The night before the interview, go to bed early. Have some warm milkor herbal tea. Relax. Set the alarm and sleep comfortably in the knowledge that you're as prepared as you'll ever be. No, not every interview will be a success. You won't get the job every time – but don't take it personally. It's not about you; it's about the needs of the company. However, you can increase the chances of success by presenting a professional, prepared, and confident you to the interviewer. That's how you turn an interview into a job offer.

21. The interview is over and you’re quite comfortable with how it went. Though you cannot predict the results of your face-to-face meeting (or telephone discussion), you do sense that there’s a good chance you’ll be offered the position. But after the initial excitement begins to wear off, you realise that you’re confused about what to do next. Though your job search isn’t finished, you feel a little stuck in a “no man’s land” of waiting and wondering. At this point, there are three “Dos” and two “Don’ts” to keep in mind as you wait for the results of your interview.

22. After the Interview

23. DO… Continue to Send Out CVs Many job seekers enter a sort of self-made “purgatory” after the end of a good interview. They want the position so badly that they are unwilling to make any moves, including sending out CVs to prospective employers. While it’s a good sign that you had an encouraging experience with your interview, it doesn’t mean you’ll land the job. Thus, it will behoove you to continue your job search until and unless you are offered an acceptable contract.

24. DON’T… Call the Employer Incessantly You won’t win any points with a hiring manager by calling him or her every few days (or goodness forbid, hours) to find out if he or she has made a decision on the position. If the person with whom you interviewed indicated that you could call after a few weeks (if you hadn’t heard about the job), then it’s fine to make the phone or email contact at that point. But if you weren’t given the go-ahead, use discretion and don’t become a pest.

25. DO… Keep Performing Your Current Job After a satisfactory interview, many job seekers have a bad habit of slacking off at their current place of employment, assuming that their days there are “numbered” anyway. Instead of completing assignments and meeting deadlines, they fantasise about their new careers. Such choices can backfire tremendously, especially if you don’t get the job for which you interviewed. Remember that if you’re being paid to do work, it’s important that you remain a solid employee until your last moment with that firm or company.

26. DON’T… Announce to Your Current Employer That You’re Leaving Unless you are extremely close with your current employer or with your direct manager, it’s not a smart idea to tell him or her that you “expect to be leaving soon.” Sure, your interview ended on a high note, but what happens if you don’t get offered the position? You’ll be left working at your current job and your employer will know that you’re hoping to leave soon. That can make for some awkward “water cooler” discussions.

27. DO… Remain Positive Even if you hear a disappointing “No” from a potential employer, it’s not a reason to hang your head and assume the worst. Who knows? You might have been in the running for the job, but ended up not being offered the position because someone’s nephew interviews, too (it’s sad and unethical, but it happens). Therefore, it’s essential that you keep up your spirits and not allow yourself to become depressed. Sure, you wanted the job. You thought you had the job. You felt like you deserved the job. But the job isn’t yours. The sooner you can pick yourself up and move on, the better it will be. And who knows? That next big interview could be right around the corner…