Types of Interviews

You'll encounter different types of interviews as you apply for jobs and internships. You'll most likely have a one-on-one interview. Still, it's a good idea to speak with your interviewer beforehand to see if you'll be having an in-person interview, phone interview, group interview, web interview or lunch interview.

In-Person Interview An in-person, or behavioral-based interview, can last about 45 minutes to a couple of hours, though some take a full workday or more. You’ll be asked to share:

• Past experiences with projects, bosses, and co-workers (to find out what kind of employee you’ll be).
• Quick demonstrations of your thinking skills by answering a few problem-solving questions.

Phone Interview Phone interviews are a way for job recruiters to thin out the pile. Their job is to get the number of applicants reduced to a manageable number. So your voice is all you have to make the best impression. Here are some tips for handling yourself during a phone interview:

• Plan on speaking for 15-30 minutes
• Smile; you'll actually sound more enthusiastic.
• Modulate your voice, speaking clearly and steadily.
• Choose a quiet location with no noise or distractions.

Group Interview
Group interviews let employers see how you behave and interact with others. Typically, the group is provided with a hypothetical situation and asked how they would solve it. You are being observed for how you communicate, so here are some things to keep in mind:

• Are you being too competitive, jumping in and cutting others off?
• Are you hanging back and letting everyone else answer, indicating that you don’t know how to answer the question?
• Be very aware of your body language; act confident, relaxed, positive and, most of all, patient.

Web Interview Employers use video interviews more and more often, because it’s fast and cost effective. To prepare yourself for a video interview, follow these guidelines:

• Practice with a friend.
• Ensure the best camera position, and lighting.
• Get comfortable with the technology, so it doesn’t add to your nervousness.
• Know that your video interview may be sent to the hiring manager to screen applicants.
• Know how to use the equipment that will be used during the interview.
• Dress professionally, as you would for any interview.
• Keep your surroundings professional, neat, and clean.
• Make good eye contact.

Interview Over a Meal
Lunch interviews let employers see how you react and behave in public. This is your chance to prove that when you interact with clients, you’ll represent your company well. Keep the following dining tips in mind:

• Balance your eating and talking; keep it conversational and relaxed.
• Be polite to everyone, especially the wait staff.
• The employer will pay for the meal. Thank him or her.