Types Of Interviews

Phone Interview

The phone interview is used as a way of ‘screening out’ candidates by recruiters, so it is important that you treat the phone interview seriously just as you would a ‘face to face’ interview.

Things to remember:

1. Find a comfortable and quiet place to answer the questions
2. Use a high quality phone do not talk on a cheaply made phone or cell phone that cuts in and out.
3. Have your resume and cover letter in front of you
4. Have a pen and paper in front of you to take notes or write down any important information that the interviewer might mention

Panel Interview

The panel interview might include your future manager, personnel from the human resources department and your co-workers.  It is used as a way to get a variety of opinions about your suitability for the position.

Things to remember:

1. Relax! Focus on answering the questions and not the number of people who are listening to your answers.
2. Make eye contact with the individual who is asking the question.  But try to direct your answers to the group who will be listening intently or writing notes on your responses.
3. The panel will not only be listening to your responses but they will be looking at your body language and non-verbal responses to the questions that are asked.  Be aware of the signals that your body language will be saying.  

Behavioural Interview

The behavioural interview is the interviewer’s way of finding out how you reacted to a situation in your last employment position.  The idea behind asking behavioural questions is that your past performance is the best predictor of future performance.

Things to remember:

1. The interviewer will be looking for answers that will reveal if the candidate has certain competency skills that may include: commitment to tasks, decision making, leadership, management skills, communication skill, problem solving…etc