Interview preparation before a job interview can be essential to interview success. Many employers are diverting away from the traditional and common interview styles to find suitable candidates that perform well.
Panel Interviews consist of a group of two or more interviewers on the panel. This would typically be potential work colleagues and management.
Acknowledge that each interviewer has a different purpose within the interview. Ensure you engage with each interviewer through your non-verbal behaviour as well your verbal communication.
1:1 Interviews are common and are usually with a hiring manager or human representative. These can be up to an hour. Behavioural questions can be asked at this stage rather than technical questions. Your answers will determine to the interviewer if you are a cultural fit for the role. It is important to connect with the interviewer at this stage and present your likable and memorable traits as a candidate.
Rapport is key and by the end of the interview you want the interviewer to vouch for you in the decision-making process and this happens with building a good rapport.
Group Interviews are a great way for organisations to find the best-suited candidate that demonstrates the ability to work well within a team. The size of the group will vary depending on the hiring round.
Group interviews give an insight to employers into how you use your interpersonal skills to interact with others in scenarios and tasks to achieve a goal. These can be highly competitive but it is important to stand out as an effective candidate rather than an ineffective candidate.
Telephone Interviews are usually used in the screening process to confirm things on your application or any concerns. This is an effective tool prior to being invited for an in-person interview.
It is important to be transparent during this stage regarding your expectations as these may be non-negotiable.
Prepare for questions that relate to the responsibilities and job description to get an understanding of the role to be able to articulate how you can add value to the role with examples.
Video Interviews have become more popular owning to COVID-19. Real-time interviews through video connection give a traditional interview format. Building rapport with the interviewers by engaging in a conversation style. Being comfortable on camera can be a challenge so candidates should practice this and ensure connectivity and visibility are not a problem during the interview.