Three Types of Job Interviews Recruiters Use

Marcia Robinson
The unemployed, including college graduates pound the pavement for months looking for work over the next several months. Knowing about the types of job interviews and preparing for them with mock interviews will help job seekers become better prepared to interview well in a competitive job market.

What to expect with group interviews?
Group interviews are sometimes called panel interviews or team interviews. Simply put, job seekers should expect to meet more than one interviewer at the same time. This type of job interview can be a very nerve wracking experience for the new college grad or the inexperienced job seeker. Recruiters will be looking at the comfort level of the college graduate. Key tips for handling the group interview is to stay calm, speak to all the interviewers and not be distracted by what any of the members might be doing.

What to expect with behavioral interviews?
The behavioral interview is designed to examine actual behaviors. With the understanding that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior, recruiters want to know how an interviewee may have behaved in past situations. In behavioral interviews, the candidate is expected to use specific past experiences to answer interview questions. Key tip for this type of interview is to tell stories with a beginning, middle and an end. Place emphasis on situations, specific actions and good outcomes. Be honest with responses.

What to expect with meal interviews?
Often used at the second or third job interview, college grads and other jobseekers should expect to have at least one round of interviews involving a meal. It could be over breakfast, lunch or dinner and it is usually with a senior level executive. Key tip - Relax. You have made it this far. The employer is looking for ability to stay calm in this kind of social situation outside of the routine interview protocol. Job seekers should spend some time learning dining behaviors and etiquette. Follow the lead of the host and avoid alcohol at all costs.

Resources:
Soft Skills to Demonstrate in the Job Interview
Wardrobe Malfunctions in the Job Interview

Published by Marcia Robinson

Marcia has been writing about work, employment, careers, education, entrepreneurship and related political issues for thirteen years. She has a strong commitment to supporting the personal and professional...  View profile

2 Comments

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  • Delicia Powers2/28/2011

    this is a very helpful insight into what to expect, well done!

  • Laura Cone2/28/2011

    nice work~

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