Types of Interview

What could your interview be like? 

virtual interview

Virtual interviews are very common nowadays. They involve you accepting an invite to interview via a digital platform. The time and date will will be emailed to you and it may be with one person or it may be that you are interviewing with a panel. 

​For more information on virtual interview techniques including Dos and Don'ts, click here.

PANEL INTERVIEW

Your interview is conducted by more than one person, typically between two and five individuals. Panel interviews are used by employers for several reasons, the main one being that it allows members of staff from different areas of the business to ask you questions and then collectively discuss your suitability for the role.​

​ONE TO ONE​ INTERVIEW

This is the most common type of interview. Your interview is conducted by one person and usually consists of the interviewer asking you questions about the information you have given on your job application or CV. Usually, interviewees are given the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the interview.​

​COMPETENCY BASED INTERVIEW

In a competency based interview, the interviewer will ask you questions that are designed to find out how you have used specific skills in previous work or personal situations and how you approach problems, tasks and challenges. Competency based interviews are becoming increasingly common. 
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To find out how to shine at a competency based interview, it’s useful to learn the STAR technique.

STAR Technique

​GROUP INTERVIEWs & Assessment days​

If you are invited to a group interview or assessment day, you will be interviewed with other candidates. An interview like this will often begin with the interviewers giving a short presentation about the company. After that, they may speak to each candidate individually and ask them a few questions, and it may end with a group task.

One of the most important things to know about this type of interview is that the interviewers are constantly observing you during group tasks and judging how you interact with other candidates. Are you a good team player? Are you a natural leader? How well do you communicate with others?

​​PSYCHOMETRIC TESTING

This is used by employers to identify suitable candidates for a job and to evaluate the candidate’s performance. Psychometric Testing is often used by employers as a way of pre-screening potential interviewees and can be part of an assessment centre.
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The main tests are:

• Aptitude test: Can include numeracy skills, a verbal test, literacy skills, reasoning tests and more.
• Behavioural tests: There are several different tests depending on the job you are applying for, including personality questionnaires, motivation tests and leadership tests.