As the fun and thrill of college life ends, we all have to get ready to start our professional lives. Whether it’s scouting for jobs independently or appearing for campus placements, have you ever thought what’s the most important thing? You guessed it right! Every potential job seeker has to appear and qualify in interviews before landing their dream jobs.
Needless to say, it is the stepping stone in the professional world where freshers look for their first break while experienced candidates plan to take their careers a notch higher. If we quote recent statistics, only 20% of every 118 candidates get selected for an interview for a single job. So, interviews are important no matter if you are a newbie or a seasoned pro.
However, it is imperative to know that there is no set format or standard interview methods. There are 8 variants and each of these methods has its benefits and tips to follow. Hence, you cannot follow a single generic technique to apply throughout. Instead, you must be well-informed about the preparation techniques for these different types of interviews.
But how? Read this article thoroughly to learn about the interview methods to adequately prepare yourself. Additionally, you will also come across some practical tips you can follow. Scroll down for more information.
1. Structured Interviews
When the interview questions are research-based, it is called a structured interview. Check out the characteristics and tips to ace it.
1.1. Definition and characteristics
The systematic approach, where the questions are chosen after proper research, is known as a structured interview. This approach ensures that every candidate is subjected to the same questions.
- Have predetermined questions
- Standard rating system
- Conducted by trained interviewers
- Same questions for everyone
- Have various types of questions
1.2. Tips for candidates preparing for structured interviews
For those who are about to apply for this kind of interview method. Check out the tips to know how to ace it.
Review common structured interview questions
Conduct your research and list the common questions asked in this interview. Practice your answers beforehand so that you do not falter.
Prepare specific examples and experiences
Remember, there will be various others answering the same question. Hence, frame your answers with individualistic experiences. This will help you to stand apart from the crowd.
Practice concise and clear responses
Avoid vague and stock replies. Do not state irrelevant information. Your answers should be clear, crisp, and concise. Try giving as much information as possible within that given time.
1.3. Benefits for candidates
Such kinds of interviews are proven to be advantageous to candidates.
Consistent and fair evaluation process
The judging process follows a standard system. Hence, this helps to prevent any bias or injustice. Instead, it ensures a fair evaluation of the candidates.
Clarity on expectations and requirements
Since it is pre-determines that applicants are aware of the employer’s expectations. Hence, they can easily frame their answers accordingly.
Opportunity to showcase relevant skills and experiences
The questions follow a mixed-bag pattern. This allows the candidates to simultaneously speak about their abilities, knowledge, and experience.
2. Unstructured Interviews
This is one of the types of job interviews, also known as non-directive interviews. Here, the questions are not previously fixed.
2.1. Definition and characteristics
The kind of interview method where the questions stem from social interaction between the interviewer and applicant is called an unstructured interview. It is characterised by:
- No predetermined questions
- Interview questions are individualistic
- Informal approach
- Open-ended questions.
2.2. Tips for candidates preparing for unstructured interviews
Framing your answers for this kind of interview method is different from others. Check out the techniques below.
Research the company and role thoroughly
Since you have no prior knowledge of the questions, prepare holistically. Begin by studying about the company’s background. Additionally, read thoroughly to understand the job role expectations.
Prepare to discuss your background and qualifications
Secondly, focus on integrating your skills, knowledge, and qualifications into your answers. Remember to provide past experiences to support your claims if relevant.
Practice active listening and asking thoughtful questions
An interview does not mean you need to talk continuously. Rather, listen attentively to what they have to say. You may ask mindful questions if required. Avoid stock queries.
2.3. Benefits for candidates
This kind of interview method offers multiple benefits to candidates, such as a chance to showcase their individualistic ability. Check out the advantages of interview with such an approach.
Opportunity to showcase personality and communication skills
The unstructured framework allows applicants to showcase their communication skills. Additionally, they get a chance to portray their professional personality, unlike in the other variants.
Flexibility to highlight unique experiences and achievements
Since it has a free-flowing conversational approach, the candidates get the flexibility to present their individual accomplishments and experiences.
Chance to build rapport and establish a personal connection
The tonality is informal to a certain extent. Hence, it paves the path for facilitating a personal bond between the hirer and the hiree.
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3. Behavioral Interviews
In this variant of the interview method, the focus is more on your previous experiences. Through those specific behavioural patterns, they will judge your credibility for the present job.
3.1. Definition and characteristics
The interview questions aimed to learn about examples of several specific situations to gauge your ability to fulfil the responsibilities of this job are called Behavioral interviews. Situation-based questions characterise it.
3.2. Tips for candidates preparing for behavioural interviews
In this case, you must follow a particular structure to frame your answers. Check out the details below.
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses
Suppose they ask, “Can you function effectively under work pressure?” You will begin with a relevant incident. Proceed to state how you acted and end with the impact it had. This is called the STAR method.
Prepare specific examples demonstrating key competencies
Try to state examples where your action made a memorable impact. For instance, resolving an issue that retained a valuable client. Avoid inconsequential instances.
Practice storytelling and highlighting positive outcomes
While framing your answers, engagingly integrate your examples. Also, learn the art of highlighting your abilities without boasting. Never sound over-confident, irrespective of any interview method.
3.4. Benefits for candidates
This is the best approach to prove your proficient soft skills. Listed below are other advantages of this type of interviewing.
Opportunity to showcase concrete accomplishments
The applicants get a chance to portray their proper achievements. This means the interviewer cannot rely only on their theoretical skills. Rather, they also get to understand the applicant’s application skills.
Ability to demonstrate problem-solving and adaptability
The questions asked in this interview method help the hirer to satisfactorily judge the candidates’ flexibility in embracing changes. Additionally, they also comprehend the proficiency of their problem-solving skills.
Insight into the employer’s priorities and expectations
This approach gives you an understanding of the interviewer’s expectations of you. Hence, you must frame your answers accordingly.
4. Situational Interviews
As the name suggested in this interview method, you will be asked to respond to different hypothetical situations. Check out the details below.
4.1. Definition and characteristics
In this approach, you will be given hypothetical situations to solve. Your capabilities will be judged based on your reactions. The characteristics are as follows.
- Questions are open-ended
- Hypothetical questions asked
- Judgement based on your reactions
- Hirers judge the professionalism of the candidate.
4.2. Tips for candidates preparing for situational interviews
How do you prepare for such interview approaches? Check out the tips below.
Anticipate common scenarios based on the job requirements
Read through the job profile thoroughly. Search the common skill-based questions interviewers like to ask based on that job profile. Frame your answers centring on that incident.
Practice thinking out loud and explaining your approach
While practising at home, speak out. Hearing your thoughts will help to understand how impressive you are sounding.
Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills
State situations like resolving conflict between the company and client. You can also share how embracing a new trend helped boost your sales. Moreover, you can also add how data analysis helps early detection of an error.
4.3. Benefits for candidates
There are several advantages of interview method with such an approach. Read along to know the significant benefits offered.
Opportunity to showcase analytical and decision-making abilities
It allows the applicants to exhibit their problem-solving, analysis and decision-making skills. After all, these are major abilities required for a company to flourish.
Insight into the challenges and responsibilities of the role
As the interviewer gives you multiple situations to solve, you also get an understanding of real-life issues. In short, you get a practical knowledge of the company’s expectations from you.
Chance to demonstrate adaptability and creativity
The framed questions will also enable you to showcase your flexibility to changes. Make sure you exhibit an enthusiastic tone. Moreover, your different reactions can also portray your creative ability.
5. Panel Interviews
Another interview method is when multiple employers are interviewing you. Read below to learn how to ace such interviews.
5.1. Definition and characteristics
When a panel of hirers interview an applicant simultaneously, it is known as a panel interview. Usually, there is a group of HRs, managers, supervisors, etc. Another characteristic is that the questions can be of various types and can be asked at once.
5.2. Tips for candidates preparing for panel interviews
Appearing for such an interview can be confusing. Check out the tips to prepare for it.
Research the background and roles of panel members
Learn the departments and duties of your employers. This will give you an idea of the questions you will face.
Prepare to engage with multiple interviewers
Frame your answers in a way that would engage with all of them present in the panel. This will highlight your communication skills as well.
Maintain consistency and coherence in responses
Your answers must be wholesome and consistent throughout. This will help establish your consistent nature in a professional backdrop.
5.3. Benefits for candidates
It sounds odd, but panel interviews are beneficial for applicants. Check out the advantages of this interview method.
Opportunity to showcase communication and interpersonal skills
Your first attempt will be to engage all the interviewers with your answers. This will indeed prove your efficiency in communication and proficient interpersonal skills.
Exposure to different perspectives and stakeholders
Different interviewers will offer a new perspective throughout the interview. Additionally, you will learn about the different stakeholders.
Chance to demonstrate ability to build rapport with a diverse group
Last, it proves your flexibility in communicating with diverse groups properly. After all, this is a paramount skill in a professional background.
6. Group Interviews
In this interview method, you will find multiple applicants who have more than two interviewers interview. Check out the details given below.
6.1. Definition and characteristics
The interview format, in which two or more interviewers interview several applicants, is called a group interview. The main characteristics are,
- The same questions are asked of each one
- May include group discussions
- Mainly, open-ended questions
6.2. Tips for candidates preparing for group interviews
There are definitive techniques to ace this kind of interview. Check out the tips below.
Prepare to collaborate and contribute effectively
Do not be overpowered or overshadowed. Maintain a consistent visibility with your contributions to the discussions.
Practice active listening and respectful communication
Train yourself well in active listening. Additionally, you must maintain a respectful tone throughout. It is applicable even if you are refusing or not agreeing to it.
Demonstrate leadership and problem-solving skills
Seize the opportunity to showcase leadership qualities. Moreover, make sure to highlight your problem-solving skills.
6.3. Benefits for candidates
Read along to learn how group interviews can be beneficial for the candidates.
Opportunity to showcase teamwork and collaboration abilities
This approach to an interview offers you a chance to exhibit your proficiency in teamwork. Additionally, it also highlights your collaboration abilities.
Insight into the company culture and team dynamics
The questions will give you an idea of the company’s vision. You will also learn the team dynamics prevalent in the company.
Chance to stand out through unique contributions and ideas
You can prove yourself better and more suited for the job than others. You need to ensure that you have appropriately incorporated your skills to highlight.
7. Case Interviews
As the name suggests, you must answer questions regarding real-life business issues. Scroll down to know how you should prepare for it.
7.1. Definition and characteristics
The interview method, where case studies are given to be solved by candidates, is called case interviews. It is usually characterised by,
- You will need 30-45 minutes to solve one comprehensive question
- It might be broken into smaller parts as well
- The stylistic feature is a collaborative conversation
7.2. Tips for candidates preparing for case interviews
Framing effective replies to case study questions required proper techniques and understanding. Check out the tips below.
Practice common case interview frameworks and techniques
Gather information on case studies relevant to your job role. Moreover, be prepared with relevant information to support your answer. Additionally, prepare yourself for counter-questions.
Develop structured problem-solving and analytical skills
Hone your critical thinking and problem-solving skills for the interview. Efficient analytical skills will aid you to rationalise the case given to solve it logically.
Prepare to think out loud and communicate your approach
You must practice speaking out thoughts and communicate your way of thinking. It will enable the interviewer to decide whether it is the right approach.
7.3. Benefits for candidates
A case study interview can be highly advantageous. Check out the benefits offered.
Opportunity to showcase strategic thinking and business acumen
Gives you a chance to demonstrate your critical thinking ability professionally. You also get to prove your business understanding.
Insight into the types of challenges faced in the role and industry
You get a fundamental understanding of the difficulties and issues faced by the industry. It also gives you a sneak peek of your job duties.
Chance to demonstrate ability to perform under pressure
This interview proves your competency in working under pressure without quality compromisation. It also proves your resilience and dedication towards maintaining professionalism.
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8. Competency-Based Interviews
This interview method is a blend of situational and behavioural interview approaches. Here, you will be given hypothetical situations where you have to integrate your practical experience.
8.1. Definition and characteristics
The interviewing process, in which you must validate your skill with a proper instance in answer to a hypothetical situation, is called a competency-based interview. The primary characteristics are:
- Targets a specific skill
- Systematic approach
- Situation based questions
8.2. Tips for candidates preparing for competency-based interviews
In this interview style, you have to blend two techniques. Hence, it can seem challenging at first. Follow the techniques below to simplify it.
Review the critical competencies required for the role
Understand the skills required in the job role. This will help you to choose the skills you want to highlight.
Prepare specific examples demonstrating each competency
The next step is to account for a real-life instance for each skill. This will help in validating your claims.
Practice concise and structured responses
Remember not to divert from the actual focus. Rather, try to be precise and maintain a proper structure. Additionally, choose compelling experiences that sound impressive.
8.3. Benefits for candidates
It is very beneficial for the applicants. Check out how this approach proves advantageous to the candidates.
Clarity on the skills and abilities valued by the employer
The job role gives you an idea of the expected responsibilities. Hence, you can concentrate on highlighting them satisfactorily.
Opportunity to showcase strengths and suitability for the role
You can frame a more targeted answer that can prove your skills. The selection process thus becomes quite convenient.
Chance to demonstrate fit with the company culture and values
As an applicant, you can explain why you are the best fit for the company. Additionally, you get the chance to explain how you align with the company’s cultures and values.
Conclusion
Interviews are an integral part of our life. Hence, learning what is interview and types of interview are paramount for preparing ourselves. The types and tips above can help you frame your answers effectively. However, along with structured answers, make sure you have excellent and lively body language.
FAQs on Types of Interview Methods
Q1. What are the types of interviews?
A1. There are eight major types of interview methods – Structured, Unstructured, Behavioural, Situational, Panel, Group, Case, and Competency-based interviews.
Q2. What are the various techniques of interview?
A2. Among the several techniques, the most important is engagingly communicating your skills and qualifications. To keep it conversational but clear and focused. Lastly, state relevant skills and impactful experiences.
Q3. What is the interview method?
A3. It is a structure where the hirer asks questions, and the applicant answers them with proper information.
Q4. What is the STAR Method?
A4. This is associated with behavioural interviews. Structure your answer according to STAR – Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Q5. State one interview question example
A5. A common example is – The ‘XYZ’ company suffers from a deteriorating sales percentage. As a sales manager, how do you suggest to recover from it?
