02 Track 2

Unit 1

The world of work

Chapter 2

Job Interview Types

Page 19

Job Interview Types

If you are going to apply for a job in the United States, be prepared in advance for the types of interviews you can expect during the hiring process. Here are the major ones, and tips on how to handle them.

Screening Interview

A screening interview is meant to weed out unqualified candidates. Interviewers will work from an outline of points they want to cover, looking for inconsistencies in your resume and challenging your qualifications.

Provide answers to their questions, and never volunteer any additional information; this could work against you. One type of screening interview is the telephone interview.

Telephone Interview

Telephone interviews are merely screening interviews meant to eliminate poorly qualified candidates so that fewer people will need to be brought in and interviewed in person.

You might be called out of the blue, or a telephone call to check on your resume might turn into an interview. Your mission is to be invited for a personal face-to-face interview.

Here are some tips for telephone interviews.

Anticipate the dialogue. Write a general script with answers to questions you might be asked. Focus on skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Practice until you are comfortable.

Keep your notes handy. Have any key information, including your resume and notes about the company, next to the phone. You will sound prepared if you don’t have to search for information.

Make sure you also have a notepad and pen so you can jot down notes and any questions you would like to ask at the end of the interview.

Be prepared to think on your feet. If you are asked to participate in a role-playing situation, give short but concise answers. Accept any criticism with tact and grace.

Avoid salary issues. If you are asked how much money you would expect, try to avoid the issue by using a delaying statement, or give a very broad range. At this point, you do not know how much the job is worth.

Push for a face-to-face meeting. Sell yourself by closing with something like: “I am very interested in exploring the possibility of working in your company. I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you in person. I am free either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. Which would be better for you?”

Try to reschedule surprise telephone interviews. If you are called unexpectedly, try to set an appointment to call so you can be better prepared by saying something like: “I have a scheduling conflict right now. Can I call you back tomorrow after work, at 6 P.M.?”

One-on-One Interview

In a one-on-one interview, it has already been established that you have the skills and education necessary for the position.

The interviewer wants to see if you will fit in with the company, and how your skills will complement the rest of the department. Your goal in a one-on-one interview is to establish rapport with the interviewer and show him or her that your qualifications will benefit the company.

Lunch Interview

The same rules apply in lunch interviews as in those held at the office. The setting may be more casual, but remember, it is a business lunch and you are being watched carefully. Use the lunch interview to develop common ground with your interviewer.

Follow his or her lead in both selection of food and in etiquette.

Committee Interview

Committee interviews are a common practice. You will face several members of the company who have a say in whether you are hired. When answering questions from several people, speak directly to the person asking the question; it is not necessary to answer to the group.

In some committee interviews, you may be asked to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. The committee will outline the situation and ask you to formulate a plan that deals with the problem.

You don’t have to come up with the ultimate solution. The interviewers are looking for how you apply your knowledge and skills to a real-life situation.

Group Interview

A group interview is usually designed to uncover the leadership potential of prospective managers and employees who will be dealing with the public. The front-runner candidates are gathered together in an informal, discussion-type interview.

A subject is introduced and the interviewer will start off the discussion. The goal of the group interview is to see how you interact with others and how you use your knowledge and reasoning powers to win others over. If you do well in the group interview, you can expect to be asked back for a more extensive interview.

Stress Interview

Stress interviews are a deliberate attempt to see how you handle yourself. The interviewer may be sarcastic or argumentative, or may keep you waiting. Expect this to happen and, when it does, don’t take it personally.

Calmly answer each question as it comes. Ask for clarification if you need it and never rush into an answer. The interviewer may also become silent at some point during the questioning.

Recognize this as an attempt to unnerve you. Sit silently until the interviewer resumes the questions. If a minute goes by, ask if he or she needs clarification of your last comments.