Getting a job

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Work Connect #HowToSeries - Types of Interviews

Host [Yvette Harry-Wright, Career Development Consultant]:

Kia ora koutou. Welcome to the Work Connect How To Series on types of interviews.

It’s exciting to have an interview, but it can also be a little bit scary. So to avoid any surprises, it’s important to ask the interviewer what type of interview it will be. Ask who will be there, do some research on them and prepare for your interview.

There are many types of interviews, here we explain what you can expect at each of them.

First of all, we have some tips on what you should do for every type of interview:

Research the company and the interviewer.

Prepare some questions that you can ask.

Practice answers to commonly asked interview questions.

Presentation; good posture, speak clearly and slowly, and smile.

[Phone Interview]

Phone interviews are where the initial screening is done. It is crucial for you to perform well as getting through to the next stage is dependent on this.

Here’s some tips for success. For scheduled appointments, be prepared as if it was a face-to-face interview, and make sure you are in a quiet place.

HR Manager: Kia ora Donna, my name is Rebecca and I am the HR manager for Tempo Ltd, how are you today?

Use the interviewer’s name at the beginning and end of the conversation.

Job candidate: Thank you for calling Rebecca, I’m glad to hear from you. I am really interested in the job that you are offering.

Listen carefully and don’t interrupt the interviewer while they are talking.

HR Manager: So first of all I just wanted to give you some more information about the job to make sure that it is right for you. We are looking for somebody to…

End on a positive note. Thank them for the call and let them know you are interested.

Job candidate: Thanks Rebecca, I don’t have any more questions at the moment and I am definitely interested in the role you are offering.

You may get a call from an employer or recruiter without warning after applying for a role. If this happens and you are not in an appropriate place to talk, ask to reschedule for an appropriate time.

[Informal Interview]

This type of interview will be in a relaxed setting so you may think it’s just a catch-up. But be beware. The interviewer is assessing you all the way through.

Unlike in a formal job interview where there is structure, in an informal café interview there isn’t. The goal is the same though; to determine if you would be a good fit, or not, for the company.

[Video Recording Interview]

In this type of interview, you will be required to record a video of yourself. It may be that you will need to record answers to certain questions or record a short video talking about yourself and strengths.

Make sure you dress professionally, as if you were going to a face-to-face interview.

Check the technology you are using, make sure your device has enough power, the lighting in the shot is good, mute all devices, and ensure your head and shoulders are in the shot.

Sit up straight and look straight at the camera when talking.

Check where the camera is on your device, don’t just look at the screen.

Think about what you are going to say beforehand. Write it down and practice.

[Online Assessment]

This type of interview is a combination of practical assessment activities. They measure your abilities and if you are a good fit for the role. These may include:

Psychometric assessments

Presentations,

Tasks with instructions.

[Group Interview]

This type of interview is used to screen a pool of candidates before going into individual interviews.

Group problem solving activities are normally included to assess skills such as teamwork, participation, leadership, communication and collaboration.

Here’s some tips for success:

Participate in discussions.

Listen actively.

Acknowledge everyone's ideas.

Put forward your own ideas.

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