Howdy Ags!
Here are a few of the types of interview styles commonly used
by employers that you can prepare for.
Traditional Interview
The first is the Traditional Interview. This is the most common type of interview, consisting
of a one-on-one conversation through a series of questions. The best way to prepare for
this type of interview is thorough research and practice. Keep your responses focused
on the company needs you identified while studying the employer before the interview.
Serial Interview
Next is the Serial, or Sequential Interview. This is similar to the Traditional Interview, but
involves a pre-planned sequence through a series of steps with several interviewers.
There are typically two types of Sequential Interviews.
The first type involves meeting with your future manager first, before meeting several
peers, often from related departments within the organization. This type of interview is
sometimes used to gauge organizational fit.
The second format of Sequential Interviews involves meeting with your future manager first,
then a series of meetings with senior managers
within the organization’s chain of command.
In both interview formats, be sure to treat each person you meet with respect, as if he
or she is a key player in the decision of your employment. Maintain a consistent attitude
when meeting each interviewer. The post-interview evaluation process will involve a comparison
of reliability in answers and an analysis on every interviewer’s perception of the candidate.
Then, there is the Behavioral Interview. This interview method is becoming increasingly
Behavioral Interview
common, and it operates under the assumption that the best predictor of a potential hire’s
future performance is their past behavior. In behavioral interviews, the interviewer
will ask an open-ended question that will require you to recall a situation that you
have encountered in the past. The S.T.A.R. Method is the most effective way to respond
to behavioral questions in the interview. Make sure that your answers are honest, concise,
and reflect positively on you.
There is also the Group, or Panel Interviews. This type of interview is generally given
Group Panel Interview
at the employer’s location, and will feature a panel of 3 to 10 interviewers that will
ask you questions. The strategy to use when facing this type of interview is to include
equal amounts of eye contact with every person on the panel. When responding or listening
to a question, give indications that you are listening to the speaker through eye contact
and positive body language.
Last are Technical, or Case Method Interviews. This type of interview involves questions
or activities in which you will be asked to solve hypothetical industry-related problems,
similar to ones the organization encounter during their normal course of business.
When this interview method is used, interviewers
evaluate your problem-solving skills and analytical reasoning.
To prepare for the Technical or Case Method interview, review the job position
to identify technical skills required for the job. Be sure to know how to do each task
and use each program that is specifically mentioned in the listing.
For more information on job search resources Texas A&M provides for its current and former students,
please visit the Career Center at HireAggies.com, or call us at (979) 845-5139.
Your future starts now!