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Types of Job Interviews

There are many different types and styles of interviews. Your job is to be prepared for whatever interview situation is presented to you. Some typical types of interviews include:

Telephone Interviews
Because of the large number of applicants businesses receive, many employers conduct preliminary telephone interviews. By asking a few questions concerning your application and evaluating your "telephone personality," employers screen out quite a few applicants. Be cautious. Have a copy of your resume and the job description close by for reference. Make sure you are in a quiet place without distractions.

Human Resources Interviews
If a company has a human resource department, one of their functions is usually to screen qualified applicants. Human Resources may have the total responsibility of hiring new employees; or they may perform a preliminary interview. This interview is to gather a pool of applicants who have suitable worker traits and experience for their company. The interview may include assessment tests to verify your knowledge. A select number of qualified applicants are then forwarded to a department manager or supervisor for further consideration.

Management Interviews
In many cases, managers interview for positions in their departments. Many managers have never been trained in interview techniques; therefore, you many encounter many interview styles. There are formal interviews where everyone is asked the same list of questions. You may also have more of a free exchange of information, with the interviewer asking questions randomly. There are also informal interviews such as touring the facility while talking, or interviewing over lunch.

Panel/Group Interviews
Many companies have several people conducting the interview process. They may be supervisors, human resources representatives, or other people who work in the department. It is most helpful to establish who each person is and what their role would be in the interview and use their names if possible during the interview. Direct your attention at the beginning and end of your response to the person who asked you the questions, while in between looking at each member of the panel.

Dinner Interviews
These interviews may be structured, informal or socially situated, such as in a restaurant. Decide what to eat quickly. Some interviewers will ask you to order first (do not appear indecisive). Avoid potential messy foods, such as spaghetti. Conversation can switch between friendly chat and direct interview questions so be prepared to switch quickly. The casual discussion can be very important though, so don't take it lightly.

Stress Interviews
These interviews are used when the job involves the individual performing under an extreme amount of stress. Often this is found in the sales or marketing areas. Various techniques may be used to assess the candidate's ability to deal with the unexpected. The employer may line up a bunch of interviewers whose mission is to intimidate you.

Follow-Up Interviews
During the selection process, you may be called back for further review. This interview could be in almost any style. The information covered could be totally different or much of the same. Middle or senior management usually conducts this interview. Questions will be more in-depth and the employer will expect a greater level of preparation from the candidates.

PREPARATION IS ESSENTIAL FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW!

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