Prepare for all types of interviews. The job interview is definitely an exciting stage of your job search. Especially when it’s your dream job at stake! So it pays to do your homework and get it right.

Here are 8 styles of interviews that hiring managers commonly use.

1- A phone screening interview is used by 57% of employers.

It eliminates candidates based on their fit and their technical knowledge and saves the employer time. Only short listed candidates go on to face-to-face interviews.

How can you prepare?

Don’t conduct the interview when you’re out and about. Do calmly schedule a new time for you to call them back. Do keep your resume in view and refer to it when needed.

2 – A video screening interview.

SInce Covid, 75% of employers regularly conduct video interviews. Less than 50% of employers require a face to face interview if the candidate passes the video interview stage. For remote roles, 90% of employers would not require an in-person interview at all.

How to prepare?

Treat this interview in the same way as for a face to face meeting. Ensure your background is organised and neat, and that there are no background noises. Look at the camera lens NOT the screen. Place the camera slightly above eye level. Dress in normal interview attire.

3 – In-person screening interview –this is an in-person version of the phone screening interview.

It’s most often conducted by a professional from the People & Culture team. As in the phone interview, they screen you for skills and fit. Body language becomes much more important. Make sure you master Body Language.

4 – Work sample interview – you may be asked to make a presentation.

An online or hard copy portfolio could be needed.

5 – Peer group interview – potential co-workers will evaluate whether you are a good ‘fit’ for the organisation. They will report back to the decision-maker. Your ability to establish rapport and present yourself as likeable and credible is critical.

6 – Lunch Interview – this is to assess how you behave in a social setting.

Sometimes, it’s used to assess your relationship with alcohol or your table manners.

7 – Stress interview – used to determine how well you would handle stress in the job.

It introduces you to an interrogator where you will be treated as an enemy. It may include offensive questions to make you feel uncomfortable. Keep your cool. Take your time answering questions. Don’t take offence.

8 – A panel interview – approximately 48% of interviews consist of up to 5 members.

It is very common in government and is usually very structured and formal. Direct your answer to the person asking you the question but maintain some eye contact with other members of the panel.

Only 30% of interview applicants meet the hiring manager which equates to less than 1% of total job applicants.

Interviews are complicated! It’s time to increase your conversion rate and win that job!