Different Types of Job Interviews
You can be interviewed by a potential employer in the following ways:
- Telephone Screenings - the employer will call you, usually over the phone, and "screen" whether you should be considered further for the position. Take this screening as an interview. If they do not get a good vibe from you, they can eliminate you from consideration based on that call.
- How to prepare? Be ready to ask general questions including, but not limited to, hours, location and salary range (do not try and negotiate your salary). Sound intelligent and articulate. Don't keep the person on the phone long. Keep the discussion relevant and up beat.
- Telephone Interviews - the employer will have a recruiter call you on the phone to conduct an interview. These take place when an applicant is in another part of the country and the company takes this more economical approach to avoid travel costs. I do not telephone interviews. You do not get an opportunity to display your personality and wit in person.
- How to prepare? The same way you would for a face-to-face interview. You have researched the position, know what's on the job description, understand the responsibilities and be able to explain why your are the best person for the job.
- Face-to-Face Interviews - the employer will call you in to meet a recruiter or another employee in the company and have a face-to-face conversation. This is where you get the opportunity to sell yourself and convince the employer that you are right for the job. These are also called one-on-one, selection or personal interviews.
- How to prepare? Research the position, know what's on the job description, understand the responsibilities and be able to explain why your are the best person for the job. There is an added element - your appearance. Dress for the occassion. Be conservative. Although it depends on the type of job you are applying for, I always tell folks to be conservative. Men: Dark suit. white shirt, conservative tie and polished shoes. Easy on the jewelry and cologne. Women: Same rules apply (except for the tie of course). Easy on the jewelry and perfume.
- Panel Interviews - the employer will have you meet with several people at the same time. Usually one is the recruiter and the others are peers or the manager you will be working for. These are also called group interviews. The recruiter should tell you ahead of time whether you should have a panel interview.
- How to prepare? These interviews can make anyone nervous.. However, you can master them. Make eye contact with ALL of the interviewers not just the one who asked the question. Smile, be confident and show your personality. If you like to to talk about yourself to others, you will love a panel. However, do not go overboard. Remember the mission and objective: to sell yourself to the interviewers and convince them that you are the right person for the job. Most importantly, can you work with them and can they work with you.
haveagreatinterview.com
