Different Types of Interviews
- Behavioral Interview
- The behavioral interview is one of the most common types of interview. Emphasis is placed on past performance and behaviors. Interviewers have a list of key skills or behaviors they feel are necessary for the role. They will ask specific questions to drive at a candidate’s possession of such skills and behaviors. Screening Interviews, phone interviews, on-site interviews, one-one-one interviews, and panel discussions are all likely to have a behavioral component to them.
- Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner
- While the interviewer may not directly refer to the event as an interview….it is. This is a way for interviewers to informally learn more about the candidate and to make assessments. Topics of discussion are open to anything (hobbies, interests, current events, etc.)
- Case Interview
- The case interview is an interactive process in which the interviewer asks the interviewee to analyze a business question. Frequently this requires the candidate to ask logical questions and make assumptions to derive at a solution. Interviews can vary widely in duration and content but most likely fall into one of these three categories: business case, guesstimates, or brainteasers.
- Group Interview
- The group interview allows an interviewer to observe how candidates react in a group situation. It is likely that the group of candidates will be assigned a task to complete jointly. From this exercise, the interviewer can focus on teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal traits.
- Informational Interview
- An informational Interview is an interview that you initiate -- you ask the questions. These are conversations with people who are currently working in your field of interest.
- One-on-One Interview
- The one-on-one interview is the most common type of selection interview and consists of an interviewer interacting personally with a candidate.
- On-site Interview or “Callback”
- The onsite interview probes more deeply into a candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and strengths. Interviewers are more focused on experiences, outcomes, development, and potential. A sequence of interviews is likely in store and may include a combination of the following: one-on-one interviews, group interviews, panel interviews, and meals.
- Panel Discussion
- The panel discussion places the candidate in front of two or more interviewers at a time. This creates a unique environment for the candidate and allows multiple interviewers to assess the same response. The questions may be asked by a single interviewer or the interviewers may take turns.
- Phone Interview
- The phone interview is frequently used for screening interviews or when geography presents a challenge. The interview is in many ways the same as a one-on-one interview. The most distinguishable difference is the loss of non-verbal communication. Extra attention should be paid to the clarity of speech and the location the interviewee performs the interview.
- Screening Interview
- The screening interview generally concentrates on educational background, evidence of work experience, and the character traits of the candidate. Rarely will any portion of the interview be in-depth or concentrated. The interview is frequently conducted over the phone or on campus and is typically 20-45 minutes in duration.
