11 Major Type of Job Interviews [Complete Guide]
There are different type of interviews has their own unique characteristics and advantages, and the most appropriate type of interview will depend on the specific job and the needs of the hiring organization. Some common types of interviews include:
- Traditional Face-to-Face Interview
- Phone Interview
- Video Interview
- Group Interview
- Behavioral Interview
- Panel Interview
- Structured Interview
- Unstructured Interview
- Technical Interview
- Case Interview
- Stress Interview
- One-Way Interview
Ultimately, the most appropriate type of interview will depend on the specific needs of the hiring organization and the requirements of the job. It’s important for the hiring organization to carefully consider their needs and choose the type of interview that will best help them evaluate and select the most qualified candidate.
Traditional Face-to-Face Interview
A traditional face-to-face interview is a common type of interview where the candidate meets with the interviewer in person. This type of interview allows for more in-depth conversation and a better understanding of the candidate’s personality and fit for the company.
The interviewer may ask a mix of structured and behavioral questions, and may also ask the candidate to provide examples of past experiences and achievements. This type of interview allows for more back-and-forth dialogue and allows the interviewer to get a better sense of the candidate’s skills and personality.
Phone Interview
A phone interview is a type of interview conducted over the phone, typically as an initial screening process. The interviewer is looking to gather specific information about the candidate’s skills and experience, and may ask a mix of structured and behavioral questions.
This type of interview allows the interviewer to quickly assess the candidate’s qualifications and determine if they should move forward in the hiring process. It also allows for flexibility, as the candidate can take the call from anywhere with a phone connection. However, it does not provide the same level of personal interaction as a face-to-face interview.
Video Interview
A video interview is a type of interview conducted over a video call, such as Skype or Zoom. This type of interview allows for more personal interaction than a phone interview, but does not provide the same level of in-person connection as a face-to-face interview.
The interviewer may ask a mix of structured and behavioral questions, and may also ask the candidate to provide examples of past experiences and achievements. This type of interview allows for flexibility, as the candidate can take the call from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
It is also a cost-effective option for companies looking to conduct interviews with candidates who are not located nearby.
Group Interview
A group interview is a type of interview where multiple candidates are interviewed together. The interviewer is looking for how the candidates interact with each other, as well as their individual strengths and weaknesses. The interviewer may ask a mix of structured and behavioral questions, and may also ask the candidates to work together on a group task or activity.
This type of interview allows for a more in-depth assessment of the candidates’ teamwork and collaboration skills, as well as their communication and leadership abilities. It also allows for a more efficient hiring process, as multiple candidates can be interviewed at the same time.
Behavioral Interview
A behavioral interview is a type of interviews that focuses on the candidate’s past experiences and how they handled specific situations. The interviewer is looking to understand how the candidate may handle similar situations in the future.
The interviewer may ask questions such as “Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a difficult challenge” or “Describe a situation where you had to make a tough decision.” This type of interview allows the interviewer to gain insight into the candidate’s problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and overall fit for the company.
It is also a good way for the candidate to showcase their specific skills and experiences that may be relevant to the position.
Related: 21 Top Behavioral interview questions & Answers
Panel Interview
A panel interview is a type of interview where the candidate meets with a group of interviewers. This type of interview allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the candidate, as the panel members may have different perspectives and expertise.
The panel may ask a mix of structured and behavioral questions, and may also ask the candidate to provide examples of past experiences and achievements. This type of interview can be more intimidating for the candidate, as they have to respond to multiple people at once.
However, it allows for a more in-depth assessment of the candidate’s skills and fit for the company.
Structured Interview
A structured interview is a type of interview that follows a predetermined set of questions, with little to no deviation. The interviewer is focused on gathering specific information and is less interested in the candidate’s overall personality or fit for the company. The interviewer may ask questions such as “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” or “What are your long-term career goals?”
This type of interview allows for a more efficient and standardized hiring process, as the interviewer is following a specific set of questions for each candidate. However, it may not provide as much insight into the candidate’s fit for the company or their ability to handle specific situations.
Unstructured Interview
An unstructured interview is a type of interview where the interviewer does not follow a predetermined set of questions. The interviewer is more focused on having a conversation with the candidate and getting to know them on a personal level.
The interviewer may ask open-ended questions such as “Tell me about yourself” or “What do you think sets you apart from other candidates?” This type of interview allows for more flexibility and allows the interviewer to gather more information about the candidate’s personality and fit for the company.
However, it may not be as efficient as a structured interview, as the interviewer may not gather all the necessary information during the conversation.
Technical Interview
A technical interview is a type of interview that focuses on the candidate’s technical skills and knowledge. This type of interview is common in fields such as engineering, IT, and science. Where specific technical skills are required for the position. The interviewer may ask the candidate to solve a problem or demonstrate their knowledge of a specific technology or concept.
This type of interview allows the interviewer to assess the candidate’s technical abilities and determine if they have the necessary skills for the position. It is also a good opportunity for the candidate to showcase their knowledge and skills in their field.
Case Interview
A case interview is a type of interview common in consulting and other fields where problem-solving skills are crucial. The interviewer presents a real-life business problem, and the candidate is expected to provide a solution. The interviewer may ask the candidate to analyze data, identify key issues, and develop a recommendation.
This type of interview allows the interviewer to assess the candidate’s problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and ability to communicate their ideas effectively. It is also a good opportunity for the candidate to showcase their analytical and consulting skills.
Stress Interview
A stress interview is a type of interview where the interviewer intentionally creates a stressful or uncomfortable situation for the candidate. The interviewer may ask difficult or unexpected questions, interrupt the candidate, or put them on the spot.
The goal of this type of interview is to assess the candidate’s ability to handle pressure and stay calm under difficult circumstances. This type of interview can be intimidating for the candidate. As they may feel like they are being tested or judged.
However, it can provide valuable information about the candidate’s ability to handle stress and perform well under pressure.
One-Way Interview
A one-way interview is a type of interview where the candidate answers pre-recorded questions. This type of interview is typically conducted online and allows the candidate to answer the questions at their own pace.
The interviewer can then review the answers and assess the candidate’s qualifications and fit for the company. This type of interview allows for flexibility, as the candidate can take the interview from anywhere with an internet connection.
However, it does not provide the same level of personal interaction as a face-to-face or video interview.
Key Points:
In conclusion, there are several different types of job interviews that job seekers may encounter during their job search. Each type of interview has its own unique format and focus, and it’s important for job seekers to be prepared for each one. By understanding the different types of interviews, candidates can tailor their responses and increase their chances of success. Whether it’s a structured, behavioral, or case interview, job seekers can prepare themselves for any type of interview and put their best foot forward.
