The different types of interviews & how to handle them

A job interview is a conversation between a job applicant and an employer or a representative to determine the hiring of new employees. A structured interview is one in which a candidate is asked a predetermined list of questions in a specific order. Interviews can range from completely unstructured and free-form conversations to structured interviews. Let’s look at the different types of interviews.

Check out: Commonly asked interview questions and how to answer them

What are the different types of interviews?

Interviews are a critical part of the hiring process, and they help you assess whether a candidate is right for the job and determine if they would fit into the company’s culture. There are many different types of interviews, such as:

Face-to-face interviews

Face-to-face interviews are the most common and are conducted in person. Interviewers like face-to-face interviews because it allows them to observe your body language and eye contact for as long as necessary. 

• Prepare for the interview by researching the company and the position you are applying for. It can help you clearly understand what they are looking for in an employee and how your skills align with that.
• Professional attire is a must. Make sure you look polished and put-together but also comfortable.
• Be prepared for questions about anything from your background to your interests outside of work—they want to know who you are as much as they want to know what makes you qualified for this role.

Video interview

Video interviews are becoming more common and are a good way to get a sense of the candidate’s personality. Video interviews are usually done remotely via video conferencing tools, so it is convenient for both parties involved. 

• Make sure you’re comfortable with your surroundings. You don’t want to be distracted by loud noises or bright lights.
• Have some questions prepared ahead of time. You can even write them down on paper so that you don’t have to think about what to ask.

Also read: Tips to ace your interview

Recorded interviews

Recorded interviews are pretty self-explanatory. They’re recorded on a device, and you’ll be able to watch them back later if you want to see how your answers came across on camera. Your interviewer will ask the questions and record them rather than asking them in real time in front of you.

• Research well about the company and the job profile you’re applying for.
• Try to imagine you are talking to a real person, and don’t get nervous.

Group interviews

Group interviews are a great way to test your ability to work with others and handle pressure. You will be asked to discuss a problem or issue, and then you’ll be expected to work with other candidates on the same task. Group interviews require you to think on your feet, communicate clearly, and display leadership skills by facilitating problem-solving.

• Be prepared for potential curveballs. You never know what kind of question could come up—so make sure you have your elevator pitch ready.
• If you disagree with something someone else in your group has said, keep it positive and focus on what you agree with. It will help you build rapport with the interviewer and show them that you can work well with others.

Telephonic interview

A telephonic interview is an interview that’s held over the phone. Make sure you have a clear, professional-sounding voice, or perhaps get all your questions and answers written down before the big day. Telephonic interviews are most commonly used for candidates who are located in different cities or countries but can also be used to screen candidates who live nearby.

• Make sure your voice is clear, loud enough to be heard clearly, and without background noise or static interference.
• Listen carefully and respond appropriately.
• Don’t repeat yourself—this will show that you’re nervous and unsure of yourself.

Also read: What do recruiters across domains/ industries look for in candidates?

Case interview

Case interviews are used to assess your problem-solving skills, and many consulting firms often use them. Case interviews are structured interviews where the interviewer poses a business scenario or problem and asks you how you’d approach it. The goal is to evaluate how well you can think on your feet — how much of an analysis toolkit you have at your disposal for identifying different problems, breaking them down into smaller parts, coming up with potential solutions, and evaluating their feasibility before recommending one over another.

• Prepare thoroughly for the case interview. The best way to prepare for a case interview is to read through sample cases and practice answering them.
• Be ready with a few stories about yourself that showcase your strengths, particularly those that relate well to the company or industry you’re interviewing for. You can mention these stories when answering questions about yourself at the end of an interview.

Stress interviews

Stress interviews are designed to test your ability to handle stress and anxiety under pressure. The goal of the interviewee is usually to demonstrate that they have the right balance of self-confidence and humility while having reasonable expectations regarding their abilities and limitations.

• Take a deep breath if you feel you are getting worked up or stressed out—it will help calm your nerves and keep your mind focused on answering questions.
• Visualizing yourself succeeding is one of the best ways to manage your stress. Think about how you want to present yourself when you answer questions during an interview and imagine yourself confidently answering all of them correctly. It will help you stay focused on the task rather than worrying about what might go wrong.

Online Manipal makes you job-ready through vigorous interview preparation

Besides providing high quality education in online mode for learners from diverse backgrounds and regions, Online Manipal also assists learners to get placed right after completion of their online programs through rigorous placement training activities like interview preparation, resume building, skill assessments & enhancements, and placement drives.

Check out: Hear from OM learners on how they have been trained to face placements 

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a variety of types of interviews that you may encounter as a job seeker, and you can follow the simple tips provided above to successfully crack your interview. You can prepare for them by practicing, staying positive, and researching the company or person you’re interviewing.