Common Types of Interview and What to Expect

If you've not had an interview for a while, it's worth knowing that organisations use several types of interview for different types of job. Here is a list of the more common types:



Competency-based


These interviews focus on the skills and attributes needed for the job, so you'll have to relate your skills and experience to the job in question.




Technical



These are for technical positions such as IT or engineering jobs. You may be asked to demonstrate your technical knowledge of a certain process or skill. This could include talking about your technical experience or by asking you hypothetical questions, such as "what would you do if you were working on this project?"




Face-to-face


This is where the interviewer meets with the candidate in person.




Telephone



Some organisations use telephone interviews as the first stage of screening. You may be warned in advance or contacted out of the blue. First impressions count, so you should prepare for a telephone interview just as much as you would for a face-to-face interview.




Panel


This is where more than one person is giving the interview. Usually, one person chairs the interview and panel members take it in turns to ask you different questions. You should direct your answer mainly towards the panel member that asked the question.