Phone Interview

Common for jobs that are out-of-state. These positions attract many applicants and require superior verbal communicative skills and a strong telephone demeanor.

Screening Interview

Narrows down a relatively large number of likely candidates to a smaller list of possibilities. Companies use screening tools to ensure that candidates meet minimum qualifications. The interviewer’s primary goal is not to determine whether you are the best candidate for the position. The interviewer is instead seeking to eliminate candidates who do not meet the qualifications.

Directive Style

The interviewer has a clear agenda that he or she follows. Interviewers ask each candidate the same series of questions. This technique allows them to more easily compare results.

Meandering Style

Relies on the candidate to lead the conversation during the interview. The interviewer asks open-ended questions like “tell me about yourself;” the candidate controls the interview.

Stress Interview

Designed to see whether you have the ability to withstand the company culture, the clients, or potential stress. You might face long silences by the interviewer; the interviewer might openly challenge your answers.

Behavioral Interview

A technique that focuses on demonstrated behaviors as the best evidence of future performance. Open-ended questions are asked to see how you acted in previous situations.

The Audition

Tests how you’d perform on the job by having you perform as part of your interview. The interviewer devises a simulation to gain a clearer picture of your likely job performance.

Group Interview

An interview with other candidates, which shows a glimpse of how you interact with peers. The interviewer might call on you to discuss an issue with the other candidates or discuss your qualifications in front of them.

Tag-Team Interview

You are interviewed by a group of individuals from the company. They usually alternate in asking questions. This interviewing method is often attractive for companies that rely on team cooperation.

Mealtime Interview

An interview over a meal. Particularly when the company desires an individual with superior interpersonal skills, the interviewer will conduct a mealtime interview to see how you act in a social setting.

Informational Interview

An interview you initiate. It is an opportunity to learn firsthand about a particular career by speaking with someone who works in the profession.