Interviews can be stressful. And it can be made worse when you’re unsure what to expect. You might think all interviews are the same, but there are many kinds of interviews you may be asked to participate in during your job search. Here are the different types to prepare for and their benefits and challenges.
What Are The Different Types of Interviews, and How Can You Prepare For Them?
One-On-One
The interview style most people are familiar with is the one-on-one interview. What used to be entirely face-to-face, these individual interviews are now also frequently conducted via video conferencing. Part of that was necessary during the pandemic, but in many cases, it’s become the default, especially if the person interviewing is outside the business’s location. The best way to prepare for a one-on-one interview is to go over some commonly asked questions, be sure you know the directions or how to use the video conferencing tool, and dress professionally.
Panel Interview
A slightly less common interview style, though very common in some industries such as academia, is the panel interview. This is where you will be meeting with multiple people at once. Again, just like one-on-one interviews, it can be in-person or over a service like Zoom. You would prepare for this in much the same way you would a traditional interview.
Group Interview
The group interview is the opposite end of the spectrum from the panel interview. This is where a company will bring in multiple potential employees for one meeting to gauge interest in the job. These are less common today, but some companies will still use them. This is not necessarily a great environment for a candidate to put the best foot forward, so always research before attending a group interview.
Telephone Interview
Before an invitation to a traditional interview is offered, companies will often conduct a telephone interview. This is also known as telephone screening. It’s to get some basic information out of the way to determine if you’re the right person to move on to the next step. If you can, prepare ahead of time for a scheduled call. If you are contacted and have to discuss this on the spot, try to be in a position to write down information.
Meal Interview
Some business deals are still done over food or drinks. You may be invited to breakfast, lunch, or coffee to discuss the job further. Often this is one of the last steps before a formal offer is made. For these interviews, you’ll want to keep etiquette in mind and put your best foot forward.
On-the-Job Shadowing
You may also be asked to do on-the-job shadowing as a way for you to know if the position will be a good fit for you. The immersive experience is designed for you to get to know the company culture and the work itself. This is a fantastic opportunity, and to make the most of it, come prepared with questions, pay attention to the person you’re following, and ask questions along the way.
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