One-On-One Interview

In a one-on-one interview, it should be assumed that you already have the competencies and education needed for the job. The hiring manager wants to find out if you will fit in with the organization, and how your competencies will complement the rest of the division. Your goal in this type of interview is to create a bond with the hiring manager and show them that your abilities will benefit the organization.

Group Interview

A group interview is generally planned to discover the leadership potential of employees and potential managers who will be commencing with the public. The top of the line candidates are assemble together in a casual, conversation type interview. A topic is initiated and the job interview will start off the conversation. The goal of the group interview is to see how you act together with others and how you use your knowledge and analytical abilities to persuade people.

Stress Interview

Stress interviews generally are a premeditated effort to see how you handle yourself. The hiring manager may be cynical or challenging, or may keep you waiting. Anticipate this to occur and, when it does, don’t take it to heart. Peacefully answer each question as it appears. Ask for clarification if necessary and don’t rush into an answer. The hiring manager also may descend into silence at some point during the questioning. Recognize this as an effort to make you feel uncomfortable. Sit quietly until the hiring manager continues the questioning. If a minute goes by, ask if they need further explanation of your last comments.

Lunch Interview

The same rules apply in lunch interviews as those conducted in an office setting. The location may be more informal, however keep in mind it is a business lunch and you are being observed carefully. Use the lunch interview to create a common ground with your interviewer. Follow their lead in both selection of food and in manners.

Committee Interview

Committee interviews are used regularly. You will counter several members of the organization who have a vote in whether you are hired. When responding to interview questions from several people, speak directly to the person asking the question when answering. It is not required to answer to the entire group. In various committee interviews, you may be asked to showcase your problem-solving competencies.

The committee will outline a situation and ask you to create a plan that deals with the dilemma. You don’t have to develop the ultimate resolution. The interviewers are looking for how you apply your knowledge and competencies to a real-life situation.

Before moving onto advice for the interview itself, let’s briefly look at some of the most important preparation issues.

Do you know the format of the interview? For example how long it should last, who it will be with, will it involve group work and whether you need to specifically prepare anything?

Where and when it is to be held? What do you need to take? What do you need to wear? Do you know enough about the actual position you are applying for? Have you done your research on the job itself, matters associated with the job such as market conditions, profile, news and also the organization interviewing you?

What about your psychological preparation? Are you ready in yourself? Most people feel nervous about interviews but it’s important to remember that an interview is all about providing you with the opportunity to clearly display your suitability for a position. An interview gives you the chance of finding out more information about a job and the organization, to interview them and decide whether the position is what you thought it was and is something that you want to pursue.

The Interview

They say ‘first impressions count’ but to what extent?

Studies reveal that first impressions are made up of 55% visual impact, the way you dress, facial expressions and body language; 38% of a first impression comes from tone of voice, whilst only 7% is down to what you actually say. The conclusion: look good and act positively.

Last impressions are important too. Firm handshakes and warm sincere smiles can go along way, as can insightful and positive final comments that can help elevate you memorably above other candidates.

Between favorable first and last impressions through you need to manage your nerves. Breathing a little slower and deeper than usual and slowing your speech and deepen voice tone for gravitas early on will help. Go with the flow when it comes to etiquette and behaviour. Take the interviewers lead.

Be prepared for and aware of different interviewing styles, so that you can handle the interview accordingly.

You will likely be asked any or all of a range of different type questions. Some that seem trivial – ‘have a good weekend?’ and others that seem tricky, ‘what’s the biggest failure you’ve been involved in?’ Prepare questions of your own. Stay calm and considered, but be sure to appear engaged and interested. Never use bad language and never dwell on negativity or bash your current employer. Discretion is the better part of interviews.

Always remember that the currency of the interview is not what either you or the interviewer say – it’s largely the subtext and what that subtext reveals about you that will determine your success.