Do you know what your first interview is about? Has the prospective employer clarified the interview process involved? If not, you might like to ask prior to attending your first interview. Here are some of the types of interviews you might be asked to attend:
Telephone Interview
One-On-One Interview
Casual Interview
Panel Interview
General Interview Tips
Telephone Interview
Telephone interviews are 'screening' interviews that help to eliminate candidates that are not suitable to proceed to a personal interview.
When joining a telephone interview, always ensure you're in a quiet space where interruptions are unlikely. Listen carefully to the questions to ensure your answer provides the most relevant response. You may choose to write down the gist of the question in case you lose your train of thought.
Goal - Impress with your skills in order to confirm a personal one-on-one interview.
One-On-One Interview
In a one-on-one interview, it has been established that you have the skills and education necessary for the part time position. The interviewer wants to see if you will 'fit' with the company and how your skill set, experience and personality will complement the organisation and staff.
- establish rapport with the interviewer and show him/her that your qualifications will benefit the company.
Casual Interview
The setting is more casual, but whilst it may be a business lunch or coffee meeting you are still being watched carefully. The interviewer wants to assess your company 'fit', watching how you handle yourself in an informal or supposedly relaxed setting. Follow his/her lead in both selection of food and in etiquette (alcohol should be avoided).
Goal - Develop common ground with your interviewer.
Panel Interview
Panel interviews are now common practice and usually occur once the job applicants have been shortlisted. You will face several members of the company, all will have a say in whether you receive the job offer.
In some panel interviews, you may be asked to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. The panel will outline a situation and ask you to formulate a plan that deals with the problem. Whilst there may not be a 'correct' answer as such, the interviewers are looking at how you apply your knowledge and skills in a typical situation.
Goal - Develop a connection with each panelist at some point during the interview. When answering questions from several panelists, speak directly to the person asking the question. You may also glance at the rest of the members to acknowledge their presence but it is not necessary to answer to the group.
General Interview Tips
- Anticipate the types of questions you might be asked in an interview and prepare answers to those.
Remember that many interviews now incorporate 'behavioural' questions that identify how you may have handled a specific situation in the past. Make sure to prepare some experience-based examples which demonstrate your capabilities.
- Be clear about the message you wish to communicate regarding your skills, experiences and accomplishments, and then practice until you are comfortable.
- Listen to the question the interviewer is asking. Ensure that you answer their question as clearly and concisely as possible.
- Think before you speak. Nervous? Ask for a glass of water before you start the interview. Take a sip if you need to gather your thoughts before answering the question.
- Use examples. Examples of how you successfully handled a situation in the past are very important.
- Research the company and the industry and make sure you have relevant questions to ask. It is important to show interest in the organisation and where it is heading.
- Be prepared to think on your feet: If you are asked to participate in a role-playing situation, give short but concise answers. Accept any criticism with tact and grace.
- Avoid salary issues: If you are asked how much money you are looking for early in the interview, try to delay the issue or give a broad range with a $15,000 spread. At this point, you do not know how much the job is worth.
- Communicate why you want to work Part Time or in a Job Share situation and how you intend to make it work. The more confident and comfortable you are, the more convincing you are likely to be.
