Interviews

What is an Interview? (and the most common types)

Taking part in an interview is a standard element of the recruitment process. You may participate in an interview when applying for a new job or during the admissions process at a university. Understanding what to expect from an interview can help you better prepare to answer an interviewer's questions and ensure they perceive you as a qualified and dedicated candidate. In this article, we explain what an interview is, explore its key objectives, list their common types and highlight what to expect from them.

Common types of interviews

Recruiters may conduct a variety of different interviews to find the best fit for a job opening. Preparing for different interview styles can help you present yourself as a strong candidate, no matter the situation. Here are different types of interviews to consider:

Traditional interview

During a traditional interview, you and an individual from the company you're interviewing with meet to discuss your credentials. A manager, a supervisor or a business owner in an office or conference room often interviews you. They ask you about your qualifications, prior work experience and relevant skills.

Answer each question directly and maintain eye contact. If you have multiple interviewers, learn each person's position before the interview so you know how to direct your questions.

Phone interview

A phone interview is an introductory interview wherein a recruiter calls you with basic questions to determine your candidacy. Recruiters often use phone interviews to screen a large pool of job applicants. They often have you tell them about yourself and follow up with questions about why you applied for the position.

If they think you fit the job qualifications, they may ask to schedule a traditional, in-person interview. If you're interviewing for a remote position, a phone interview may be a formal one. For a phone interview, look for a quiet location that's free from distractions.

Video interview

During a video interview, employers assess your qualifications by holding an interview through a video platform. Remote employers often use teleconferencing or video interviews to find suitable job candidates for their open positions. To succeed in a video interview, act as if it's a traditional interview. Prepare for questions ahead of time, dress professionally and clean the space where you plan to hold the video interview. It's also important to find a place that's free from loud noises and distractions.

Group interview

In a group interview, a company interviews multiple people at one time. While this type of interview lends itself to a competitive environment, it's important to remain polite, professional and friendly to the other job candidates. Offer answers that can help you stand out among the competition and listen to what the other candidates say and ask so you can think of a unique answer for the same question.

Panel interview

A panel interview is an interview where multiple people evaluate your candidacy at once. Companies may hold panel interviews if the position you're interviewing for involves you reporting or working alongside multiple people. When you answer questions during a panel interview, provide a direct answer to the person who asked it and make sure to maintain regular eye contact with everyone else on the panel. As with other interviews, research the positions of the other interviewers so you know where to direct your questions.

Off-site interview

These interviews take place away from the business location. For example, employers may ask you to meet for a meal or for coffee to get to know you and your qualifications. They may also invite other managers or their colleagues. Though the location may seem informal compared to a traditional office setting, acting professionally is important. Order something similar to the interviewer and select something easy to eat while you speak.

Stress interview

Employers hold stress interviews to determine your ability to handle pressure. They often use this type of interview when filling a high-stress position. During a stress interview, an interviewer asks you unusual questions that don't relate to your background or experience. For example, an interviewer may ask you to solve a puzzle or have you complete an odd task. They do this to determine your typical performance in a high-stress situation. To succeed, remain calm and professional.

Case interview

During a case interview, an interviewer poses a hypothetical business situation for you to analyse and solve. Oftentimes, the cases they present were real-life situations that occurred at the company. Industries like the technology and finance industry may use a case interview to assess your problem-solving skills and determine how you may handle similar situations upon hire. If you find yourself in a case interview, please read the instructions thoroughly to make sure you give the interviewer the right answer.

Job fair interview

A job fair interview is an interview held between a job fair attendee and a company representative or recruiter. Companies often send both representatives and recruiters to speak to job fair attendees about their open positions and the company in general. When you speak to these representatives, they may ask questions about your qualifications and even ask for your resume.

Before attending a job fair, print several copies of your resume so you can hand them to any interested companies. Prepare to speak about your qualifications and your interest in their company. Use the opportunity to learn more about the company and ask them thoughtful questions. At the end of the job fair interview, ask for their business card to stay in touch and follow up with a thank-you email where you can ask them about the next steps in the hiring process.

On-the-job interview

An on-the-job interview gives you the opportunity to highlight your skills as they relate to the job you're interested in. You may get asked to complete real job tasks during an on-the-job interview. For example, if you're applying for a job as an editor, the interviewer may ask you to edit an article based on certain style guides. Prepare for a variety of scenarios for this type of interview and for completing various tasks related to the position you're interviewing for.

Behavioural interview

During a behavioural interview, an interviewer discovers how you may act in certain situations. The questions an interviewer asks require more than a yes or no answer. Prepare for a behavioural interviewer by thinking of your previous work experiences and how they relate to the job you're interviewing for. Then, prepare your answers to various behavioural questions you may receive.

Competency-based interview

A competency-based interview involves an interviewer asking you questions to assess your relevant skills and experiences. To prepare for a competency-based interview, read the job description to identify which of your skills align with what the employer is looking for. Consider how you've used these skills in your past work experiences so you can provide the interviewer with a detailed answer.

Final interview

A final interview is the last interview before a company determines if they want to hire you. You may make it to the final interview if you successfully completed the previous interviews. Final interviews often involve you speaking with the CEO or other senior-level employees.

Before heading to your final interview, think of the preliminary interviews and what you discussed with the interviewer. Then, think of any additional insight you can provide that can help them see why you're the best fit for the role.

Informal interview

An informal interview is an interview that's more laid back compared to a traditional interview. Recruiters often hold this type of interview during the screening process to get to know you better. It often consists of a casual conversation in an informal setting like a coffee shop. Prepare for an informal interview by knowing why you want to work for the company and what you want out of the job. If you don't already have a job in mind, the recruiter may help you find a good fit based on your qualifications.

Informational interview

An informational interview is an interview that helps you learn about a company, its job opportunities and its workplace culture. Taking part in an informational interview helps you identify your career options. To get the most out of an informational interview, conduct research on the company and prepare questions you want to ask.

Mock interview

A mock interview is a practice interview you can conduct to improve your interviewing skills. You can conduct a mock interview with a trusted family member or friend who can provide you with helpful feedback. Hold multiple mock interviews to assess your interviewing strengths and weaknesses best. As you continue to hold these mock interviews, look for ways to apply the feedback you received.

What Is a Mock Interview? (With Sample Question and Answers)