Job interviews
Most employers select people for jobs by giving them an interview. An interview enables the employer to decide whether or not you are suitable for the job they have to offer.
Types of interviews
Panel interviews
The panel interview is quite common. Normally two or three people will sit facing you and ask questions in turn. Try not to worry about who to look at when you are speaking; if you look at the person who has asked the question, you won't go wrong.
Group interviews
Group interviews are less common, but they do happen. In this case, you would be interviewed at the same time as a few other candidates. A panel of interviewers will ask you questions in turn. The important things to remember are not to interrupt other candidates when they are answering and to listen at all times.
An interviewer might ask another candidate a question and then turn to you and say "What do you think?" If you have been listening, you can use the other candidate's answer to build up your own, for example, by saying something like "I agree with X, but I think...".
Assessment centres
Some organisations use a method called the assessment centre approach to select suitable people. It will involve you doing things like written tests, taking part in group activities with other candidates and, of course, being interviewed.
Psychometric tests
Psychometric tests are used by some organisations, either at the application stage or at the interview stage. A psychometric test is a special kind of multiple choice-type form. After you have completed the form, it is analysed to assess your personal qualities.
Telephone interviews
Many recruiters use telephone interviews as the first stage of a job interview process. A telephone interview is an effective way for a company to screen many candidates quickly in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews.
Job-seeker's point of view
From the job-seeker's point of view, as well as being an opportunity to demonstrate suitability for the job, an interview can be used to obtain more information about the firm and the job on offer. You will also experience the general atmosphere and environment in the company.
Interviewer's point of view
From the interviewer's point of view the interview is an oportunity to explore more fully what is already known about you from an application form, letter of application or other recommendation. Your social skills, work motivation, keeness for the job, likely long-term commitment and general suitability will all be under scrutiny.
An interview can be in any one of the above formats or a mixture of two or more. Interviews can be as quick as 20 minutes or might involve assessment over a number of days.
Interview preparation
Remember, your objective is to be offered the job by convincing the interviewer that you are more capable than any of the other candidates. To achieve this, careful preparation is recommended.
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