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Accomplish January 10, 2019
All the different ways you could hear, "What are your weaknesses?"
You’d be surprised how many types of job interviews are out there. As if interviewing wasn’t hard enough, suddenly employers are asking to do a call instead of meeting in person. What?
But don’t freak. No matter the form, job interviews are all fairly similar, and ENTITY can explain their few differences. Here are five types of job interviews and how to succeed at each one.
When someone hears “job interview,” a one-on-one usually comes to mind first. A one-on-one job interview is a face-to-face meeting between a recruiter and an applicant. The applicant drives to a set location to have a meeting that lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.
In these one-on-ones, you don’t have to deal with technology, with the exception of remembering to turn your phone off before you walk into the interview. However, you do have to think about your appearance and timing.
Wear a professional outfit and bring multiple copies of your resume, cover letter and portfolio (if you have one) to the interview. Then be sure to arrive 15 minutes early. If you’re late, you can pretty much kiss the job goodbye.
Types of job interviews where applicants have to deal with technology require a new level of responsibility. This includes phone calls. While you can dress however you want (pajama day, anyone?), make faces at the phone or look at your notes, you also need to think of details you wouldn’t have to remember in a one-on-one.
For example, make sure you’re in a quiet area. If your recruiter can hear background noise, whether it’s an air vent or people talking, they’ll view you as unprofessional. Plus, wherever you go, make sure there’s reception!
You also need to charge your phone and keep track of the battery. If your call dies mid-conversation, that’s a huge con on your part.
And don’t assume your recruiters can’t hear what you’re doing. If you’re walking around outside, moving stuff in your room or typing on your computer, they can pick up on that. Don’t risk it.
You can use applications other than Skype to have a video chat, but to avoid saying the phrase “Video Chat Interview,” Skype interview will have to do.
If a candidate can’t meet in person, and the recruiter wants to see their face, this is a good alternative to a one-on-one. There are some drawbacks to this sort of interview, though. Unlike a phone call, candidates don’t have the luxury of walking around in pajamas, and they can’t pick any quiet space outside to do the interview. They’ll have to go to an empty apartment, room or professional setting.
They also have to deal with another layer of technological issues. They’ll need to check their reception, web camera and microphones. Like a phone interview, run a test call with a friend an hour or so before the scheduled chat. A recruiter might not blame a candidate for malfunctions, but it’s definitely not a pro. Companies generally want employees who can adapt to their needs, and this includes technology.
There are still benefits that come with these types of job interviews, though! Recruiters only see what the camera sees. Bubble-jobs.co.uk suggests putting post-its on your computer with research notes and company information. While applicants should definitely not solely depend on these notes in an interview, it’s nice to know that there’s a safety net if they get lost along the way.
In a group interview, you’ll be paired with other candidates. When I had this type of interview, I had about 15 people in my group, but I’ve also heard of interviews in pairs and trios.
According to WikiJob.uk, companies usually conduct these interviews in order to save time, assess teamwork or compare individuals directly. You might do a group activity, then answer questions afterward.
This is tricky. You want to show that you’re the best candidate, but you also want to show off your teamwork skills. How do you balance the two?
Overall, lean towards showing off your teamwork skills. Make sure to contribute to the group, and encourage others to contribute as well. But don’t shy away from emphasizing your strengths! The interview is your time to shine. Being humble and shy has no place in your responses. Firmly state why you would be a good fit for the company, and back it up with personal anecdotes. These examples of personal experience will ensure that your answers are not the same as the other applicants’.
A pre-recorded video interview asks candidates to answer questions on videos and send them in. There’s no meeting with an actual person.
To be honest, this sounds a little ridiculous to me. Why wouldn’t I simply type out my list of answers and send it in? What’s the point of not meeting with someone?
But after some thought, I realized that companies that offer this opportunity are being very kind. These pre-recorded types of interviews allow candidates to present themselves at their best. Some applicants get overly nervous in person and come across as uptight or unprofessional. Unless the position is very sociable, why should companies let that hinder their chances?
That being said, although you can prepare your answers beforehand, there are still ways to come across as uptight or unprofessional in your video. Because you can practice your responses, it’s easy to sound rehearsed. Bubble-jobs.co.uk advises against robotic and stiff answers by moving your hands, letting your voice fluctuate and showcasing your personality.
If you didn’t know how to nail those five types of job interviews, now you do! In general, stay calm and composed. Determine why you would be a good fit, and explain how your experience fits the role.
And if you’re struggling to get ahead of the competition, here are three ways to stand out from the crowd while applying for a job.
