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Prepare
for the Job Search ~ Interviewing ~
Types of Interviews
TYPES
OF INTERVIEWS
Screening
Interviews
These
are usually shorter interviews used for the purpose of conducting
a brief evaluation of a candidate. Employers are usually looking
for reasons to screen an applicant out. On-campus interviews,
typically 30 minutes in length, are screening interviews. Job
offers typically do not come as a result of this interaction.
One-On-One
Interviews
These
interviews are quite common and involve the candidate being questioned
by one person.
Phone
Interviews
Upon
receipt of a candidate’s application materials some organizations
will call to conduct a brief phone interview. It is important
to remain composed if you get such a call. If the timing of the
call is inconvenient, let the employer know. Ask if you can call
them back at a more convenient time. Also, while conducting a
phone interview, arrange to have a copy of your resume and cover
letter in front of you to use for reference.
Panel/Committee
Interviews
This
scenario involves a panel of interviewers each with questions to
ask. These interviews are common for government, academic and
some corporate positions. It is important to establish eye contact
with each member of the committee early in the interview.
Case
Study Interviews
Some
organizations, especially management consulting firms and companies
recruiting for entry-level training programs, rely on case study
or situational questions to evaluate a candidate’s analytical skills.
Second
Round or Site Interviews
Often,
the interviewing process entails several rounds of interviews. If
you are considered a serious candidate, after the first interview
you may be contacted for a second on-site interview with other
members of the organization. If travel arrangements are involved,
usually the company will pay for your expenses and make the necessary
travel and lodging arrangements. Site interviews usually consist
of a series of interviews with several individuals including your
potential supervisor, co-workers, and higher-ranking staff members. These
interviews can range from very casual to very technical. You may
spend a half or whole day interviewing, which may also involve
a luncheon, dinner meeting, or social activity.
Stress
Interviews
Although
many interviews can be nerve-racking, some are designed to cause
the applicant stress. The interviewer may ask confrontational
or particularly difficult questions. It is important to remain
calm and think carefully about your answers. Don’t be afraid to
take time to think through your answers and don’t get tricked into
losing your temper. The purpose of these types of interviews is
to evaluate your behavior and maturity in difficult situations. Stress
questions are most commonly used for those positions in which your
reaction to stress is critical.
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