In the rapidly evolving job market, it's crucial to be prepared for various types of interviews, as the interview process can be a determining factor in securing your desired position. The Interview Types chapter aims to equip you with essential knowledge and strategies to excel in different interview formats, from telephone screenings to virtual and in-person interviews. By understanding the nuances of each interview type and adequately preparing for them, you can effectively showcase your skills, experience, and suitability for the position and the organization.

The Interview Process

It may seem that the interview process should be a one-and-done process--but it can be lengthy and vary widely from organization to organization. Many companies have a process that includes a series of interviews, starting with a screening interview by phone. During the process, you can expect to meet the hiring manager, employees who will closely work with the new hire and possibly other organizational members. Whether you have one or multiple interviews with an organization, you should prepare carefully for each one, keeping in mind strategies for each type of interview.

Candidates need to confirm details with the interviewer, refresh their information about the position by rereading the job description, and consider how they can connect their experience to the requirements of the position. 

Additionally, there are a few tips and tricks you can implement to make sure the phone interview goes well. 

Choose the right location. Pick a place that is quiet, that gets good reception, and where you will feel comfortable. It’s ideal to test the location in advance with a friend or family member to ensure that sound quality and other logistical details are figured out before the interview is scheduled. 

Have your phone charged and available so you’re prepared to answer after only one or two rings. Answer the phone by stating your name to help the interviewer identify you quickly, and be sure to greet them warmly. In a phone interview, tone makes all the difference. 

Create a cheat sheet by printing out your resume and the job description for reference, writing down a few questions for the employer in advance to have on hand, and even having a list of your answers to common interview questions available. 

Prepare for the interview by showering, dressing professionally, and setting up your area to allow you to stand as you respond. 

Speak slowly, remember to breathe, and smile as you speak. 

Ask questions as the conversation progresses. A phone interview has the potential to be more conversational than an in-person or panel interview. No need to wait until the end!

Ask about the next steps. What does the next step of the interview process look like? What is the timeline for notification? Is there someone specific to contact with questions? 

Thank the interviewer for their time and be sure to hang up completely.

Networking

If you’ve met others in the company, mention that up front. It’s a great way to open an interview because you establish that you’ve already met others at the company, and the interviewer also can contact them for feedback.

Focus

The more focused you are during an interview, the more successful you will be. Focus on the question asked and answer it directly. If you think you’ve gone off course for any reason, it’s OK to ask the interviewer if you are on the right track. Your answer should have a beginning, a middle, and an end that includes a real, tangible, and preferably positive result. 

Authenticity and Honesty

Never misrepresent anything about yourself during the interview. Don’t indicate you are fluent in a language if you aren’t. Don’t mention you know a computer program that you clearly don’t know. Don’t mention you’ve been to a certain city if you haven’t been there. Interviewers have a way of discovering any misrepresentations, so save yourself misery and humiliation by being authentic and honest.

What happens before an interview will help you succeed. Here are some steps to take to get ready for the big day.

Ways to Prepare

Preparation is key to succeeding in the interview process. The following steps will help you get a second round of interviews:

• Research the industry, the company, the competitors, and the interviewer (if possible).

• Practice answering interview questions.

• Have a full dress rehearsal three days before the interview.

• Know where you are going in advance, and get there thirty to forty-five minutes early.

• Have a routine the day of the interview.

Know the Industry, the Company, the Competitors, and the Interviewer

Completing the research step ensures that you have fully researched the company, the industry, and the competition. Knowing how to interview well within the industry and company will help you get a second interview. You also might be able to research the interviewer using Google or LinkedIn. Having relevant background information will give you helpful hints on how to position yourself.

Review your Application Materials

Once you got an interview scheduled, it's a good time to go back to your application materials. This is when the job description that you saved during the application process will come in handy. You'll have the opportunity to take another look at the top required skills for the position and any notes that you made related to the values, Mission, or culture of the company.  You'll want to review the resume and cover letter you submitted, to make note of how you targeted it specifically for the position and to utilize the accomplishment statements that you included on your resume in preparation for your STAR story development.

Practice Answering Interview Questions

Before you practice actual questions, you can do five things:

1. Utilize Big Interview for resources and tools to practice your best responses.

2. Meet with a Trainer or a Career Specialist at ACC to practice in real time, either virtually or in person (when the option is available). 

3. Record yourself or look in the mirror as you practice answering these questions. 

4. Get an interview buddy to ask you these questions, as well as probing questions, to dig deeper into your answers.

5. Focus on the results of each of your projects, tasks, and courses. A results-oriented candidate has a better chance getting the second interview and potentially the offer.

Spend time answering the top common questions, which you can find in the next chapter, which focuses on what happens during the interview. You don’t want to sound rehearsed, but knowing what you want to say will go a long way in helping you respond to questions with confidence and clarity. 

Additionally, be prepared to answer questions related to the top skills required for the position and to questions specific to your industry. If you have trouble finding this information, make an appointment with a Trainer or reach out to your network.

Prepare for the Day

Have a full dress rehearsal three days before the interview. Being prepared reduces stress and improves performance. Here is a checklist of things to do and consider before your interview day.

What to Wear

• Make sure your interview outfit is clean and fits well. You should feel comfortable in the clothes you wear for an interview. This helps build your confidence.

• Pay attention to colors and style. If you are interviewing at a company where the dress is casual, it is still best to dress in a professional, conservative manner. Men and women should consider conservative colors such as navy, beige, and black. White or beige shirts give a very professional appearance. 

• Shine your shoes and be certain they are in excellent shape. Women should wear closed-toe shoes with moderate-height heels.

• Take care in all aspects of your appearance, including your hair and nails.

What to Bring

• Bring extra copies of your résumé.

• Write down well-researched questions before the day of the interview.

• Carry a professional-looking briefcase that has an inside portfolio containing paper and a pen.

• Keep a small bottle of water with you in case your mouth gets dry.

• Carry a cloth handkerchief in case your face perspires (for any reason). Some people sweat more than others and using a handkerchief is more professional (and sanitary) than using your hand. 

• Bring a notebook and pen, and copies of your notes about the job description to refer to during the interview. 

Know Where You Are Going

Getting lost on the way to an interview will only increase your stress, so know exactly where you are going, even if you must make a trial trip. Few things are worse than being late or arriving looking like you just did the one hundred-meter dash.

Establish a Routine to Follow the Day of the Interview

The most successful interviewees have a routine that includes the following:

1. Set two alarm clocks to make sure you wake up early enough to have plenty of time to get ready for the day.

2. Have your interview outfit ready to go, your shoes polished, a portfolio with two to three copies of your résumé and a working pen, and five to seven questions already written down.

3. Arrive at least thirty minutes in advance to avoid the slightest possibility of being late. You may wait in your car or a coffee shop until fifteen minutes before the interview. You don’t want to let the interviewer know you are there thirty to forty-five minutes early.

4. Read or listen to something inspirational before your interview.

5. Carry a small bottle of water in your briefcase or bag in case your mouth gets dry.

Here are some things to consider as your practice for the real interview:

Attire

Business casual or formal attire. When in doubt ask the hiring manager.

Body language

Sit up straight, smile and nod your head to show you are interested in the topic. Do not talk out of turn. Listen, think and respond. Do not fidget or sweat as that can show nervousness.

Voice

Maintain a steady pitch throughout the interview session. Speak clearly and slowly with energy in the voice.

Eye contact

Maintain direct eye contact with the interview. Do not look down as that can show lack of confidence.

Virtual Set Up

If it is a virtual interview make sure you check your computer audio, video and internet settings. If it is a face to face interview, make sure you know the directions to the office so that you can reach on time.

Recording

Take a video recording and get it assessed by a professional or maintain a self-assessment checklist to review your own videos. You can also use online tools like Big Interview to assess your readiness. 

Throughout the this chapter, we have examined the various interview formats and provided practical guidance for navigating each of them effectively. By following the tips and strategies discussed, you can maximize your chances of success in telephone screenings, one-on-one or panel behavioral interviews, task-based interviews, and both virtual and in-person interviews. Remember to be aware of nonverbal cues, maintain a focus on the questions asked, and always be authentic and honest during the interview process.

As you continue your job search and interview journey, keep refining and updating your preparation techniques to stay aligned with evolving industry trends and requirements. By staying adaptable and well-prepared for each interview type, you will enhance your chances of making a lasting impression on potential employers and ultimately achieving your career goals.