The 6 types of interviews. Know what to expect!

If you’re preparing for an upcoming job interview, you might be anticipating a one-on-one meeting with a recruiter or HR manager. While this is probably the most common type of interview, you might be surprised when you arrive. Companies may use a wide variety of interview formats, depending on the job in question.

Interviewing is a vital part of the job application process, and it’s vital not to be caught flat-footed. In this blog, we’ll describe some pof the most popular interview formats to help you prepare. We’ll cover the following types of interviews:

• Traditional interviews

• Virtual interviews

• Phone interviews

• Group interviews

• Working interviews

• Panel interviews

The 6 most common types of job interview

Different interview formats allow companies to test a range of skills or competencies before hiring a candidate. Here are six interview formats that you might encounter when looking for a job:

1. Traditional interviews

The traditional interview doesn’t need much of an introduction. This is the most common type of interview and it’s likely that you’ve done one before. In a traditional interview, you’ll meet one-on–one with an HR professional or hiring manager.

During the session, the interviewer will ask you a range of questions about your experience in order to find out whether you’re right for the open job. They may also go over your resume with you, and in most cases, they’ll give you a chance to ask some questions of your own. You may complete two or more of these interviews before receiving a job offer.

2. Video or virtual interviews

Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Skype have made it easier than ever to conduct long distance business. During the pandemic years, it became very popular to replace traditional meetings with video conference calls, and many interviews moved online.

In most cases, a video interview will be much like a traditional interview, with the added convenience of meeting in your own home. Make sure that you have the right software installed before the day of the interview and get a working meeting link from your contact. It’s also important to call from a quiet place and dress as you would in a regular interview.

3. Phone interviews

Many companies conduct an initial screening interview by phone before inviting a candidate in for a formal meeting. This allows them to weed out unqualified candidates, saving their time and effort for high-quality in-person interviews.

If you have a phone interview, review the job listing and prepare to answer some basic questions about your background and experience. Leave yourself a little time before the scheduled appointment and ensure that your phone is charged with the volume on so you don’t miss anything.

4. Group interviews

While this isn’t common, some companies interview multiple candidates for the same position at the same time. This allows them to observe the applicants’ in-person interactions and compare their performance directly.

This type of interview can be intimidating and requires special preparation. The most important tools during a group interview are confidence and purpose. Be sure to practice your answers and project confidence by remaining friendly and conversational.

Although it might be tempting to see the other candidates as enemies, it’s vital to make friends while you’re in the interview. Try not to compare yourself to others and don’t be afraid to let your genuine personality show. This can show interviewers that you’re a team player with an ability to make friends in any situation. 

5. Working interviews

If a job requires a specific set of hard skills, a company may decide to conduct a working interview. In this interview format, a candidate will usually work a normal shift or shadow an experienced employee as they complete their tasks. This allows the company to gauge your abilities in a  concrete way. During your interview, stay relaxed and rely on your experience. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; nobody’s expecting you to be perfect on your first day!

6. Committee or panel interviews

In some cases, you may interview with a panel instead of a single representative. The committee could comprise several recruiters, managers, human resources professionals, or executives. While this may seem intimidating, there’s no need to worry, the interview will likely be very similar to a traditional one-on-one meeting.

When you go in, be sure to introduce yourself to each member of the panel and learn their names. Make eye contact with all of them when they speak and try to stay positive. Speaking with purpose can help you project confidence and convey your experience and readiness for the role.

Thinking about polishing your interviewing skills? Our Interview Prep tool offers customized AI feedback to help build your confidence and ace your next interview.

Key takeaways

1. In a traditional interview, you’ll meet with a single interviewer and answer questions about your background.

2. In a virtual interview, a candidate meets with a hiring manager via a video conferencing software.

3. A phone interview is a short telephone conversation that many companies use to screen employees before formal interviews.

4. In a group interview, you’ll meet with a representative along with several other candidates for the open position.

5. A working interview allows job candidates to work a standard shift alongside company employees.

6. In a committee interview, you’ll meet with more than one representative instead of just one.