Job interviews are the most effective way to grab the job you dream of, and when you are doing it for the first time in your life, you are maybe not aware of all the types of meetings with the recruiters you will meet in your life. When we watch movies and shows, we see a self-confident candidate who gets in the room and every person is impressed by their appearance and knowledge. They start working in the company, and they are an example of a great employee since day one. But, in the reality, things are a little bit different, and you may need to check expert articles published on gradinterviewprep.com or other similar websites, so you can get to know the basics better.
But, can you imagine that there are different types of interviews in the real life, and as a professional, you have to be ready for every one of them? And, here are some of the most common types within the recruiters:
1. Behavioral round
This is a phase when the potential employer is trying to meet and get to know the candidate better. Most of the things they will ask are pretty common for the interviews, for example about your ability to work with a team, the challenges, the pressure, and your way to deal with specific problems. You have to be very detailed, because they will anyway ask more questions, including why you choose that option instead of another, so the recruiters can get to know your skills and behavior. The answers will help them determine if you are eligible to deal with the pressure and the problems in the workplace, which is maybe an even more important skill than the knowledge in the niche they cover.
2. Case interview
This is the part when they give you a particular situation and ask you to manage it and deal with the problem. In this phase, they will recognize if you have the right skills that are required for the position you want to get. Keep in mind that these questions don’t have one specific answer. They will score the way you approach to solve the problem. Your response will tell them if you are the right one for that position or not.
3. Stress test
In some companies, the atmosphere is always intense, because their job is very dynamic, and sometimes it puts a lot of pressure on the workers. The recruiters may even make the interview uncomfortable to you, so they can create a realistic scenario, to see how would you deal with that. You can’t be completely ready for this, but you may be able to predict when it’s coming. If you feel like they are getting rude and impolite with you, that may be the part of this important test, and if you pass it, you are getting to the next round. Some of the questions can be pretty intense, like asking about some previous experience, or even about details from your personal life. It’s on you to stay calm and handle the situation the best you can.
4. Checking your competency
This is the moment when you have to show what you know and why are you the best fit for the open position. You will have to present your soft skills, but also the specific knowledge you have, based on your education and experience. Also, during this part, you will demonstrate your communication skills, team managing, decision making, and choosing the best possible solution between a few choices. It’s possible that you will get a test for your knowledge, but that will happen if there are too many candidates for the same position.
5. Group interview
Not every company will organize this, but you should be ready that you may be faced with the other candidates for the same position, or for other positions, so you all can simulate a real situation, and find a solution together. This is a very specific step, and once again, not every company is brave enough to do that. But, anyway, be ready for it.
6. Panel interview
Maybe you’ve already been in a situation like that, but you weren’t aware of it. Panel interview means that not only one recruiter will be present during the process. It may happen that you will have to talk and show your specific skills in front of a few people from the same company. Usually, you will get a lot of questions, and they will try to confuse you. Their goal is to be sure they are hiring the best candidate. If you can’t deal with the situation, you will be eliminated, or they will try to give you another chance, based on how you performed.
7. Remote interviews
In the past, this type was performed if the candidate is from another city or country. Today, knowing that the coronavirus situation changed the general approach, many interviews are done remotely, through video-call applications, web survey forms, phone calls, or live messaging. There is nothing scary with them, and probably you’ve been through at least one of this type, but you can always get even better, and increase the chances to get the job you want.
8. Outside the office
Sometimes your potential boss will invite you for a coffee or lunch to meet you in person. For some candidates, this type is more relaxed, because they are avoiding the formal part. You don’t have to worry a lot, but don’t order foods that will make a mess on the table, or alcoholic beverages and something that will make you gassy or stinky. Be polite and show your manners, and of course, avoid telling your political and religious views, because that information is private and shouldn’t affect the outcome of the interview.
These are the most common types of interviews, and at some point in your life, you will be invited to a few of them. But, now when you know about them, it will be easier for you to prepare, and also, to be ready for many specific situations that will determine if you are the right candidate for some position or not.
