A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Interviews

Interviews can be nerve-wracking as they determine whether one gets the job. However, knowing about different types of interviews beforehand can help in preparation for them. Read on to learn about the popular types of interviews that companies conduct when applying for a job.

Top Different Types of Interviews that Are Prevalent

Here is an overview of the different types of interviews​ which you need to know about:

• Structured Interviews

In these types of interviews, an employer asks a set of questions to candidates who come for an interview. The employer asks only a fixed set of questions and records the answers of every candidate. These responses are graded against a preferred scoring system. Upon scoring successfully, candidates are hired.

• Personal Interview

This is yet another one of the different types of job interview. A personal interview is also known as an individual interview. It refers to a face-to-face meeting between a recruiter and a candidate. The goal of such an interview is to determine the capabilities and skills of a candidate to find out whether they are suitable for a job at a company.

• Unstructured Interviews

Regarding an unstructured interview, the responses are recorded spontaneously and conversationally. The interviewer asks the candidate questions about their relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. Unlike structured interviews, these interviews do not follow a set pattern. By utilising this type of interview, an interviewer gauges a candidate's interview skills by comparing their results to others. 

Also Read:- Common Cyber Security Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

• Situational Interviews

Employers give the appearing candidates problems to solve in these types of interviews. The scenarios generally depend on the situation. Through these interviews, an employer gains perspective on how a candidate will behave in different job-related scenarios. 

• Informational Interviews

In this interview format, a candidate interacts with a professional working in a company they want to apply to. The candidates contact professionals from various companies and schedule a meeting. This helps candidates gain information about the expected responsibilities and work culture of a company. 

• Behavioural Interviews

This is also one of the different types of interview techniques that employers use to gauge and evaluate the past behaviour of a candidate regarding different situations. These interviews help in gaining an understanding of how a candidate will perform if those situations were to arise in the future.

• Stress Interviews

Employers try to understand the ability of a candidate to interpret stress in different scenarios. There are a few job roles, such as consulting, in which employers conduct stress interviews to spot the more sensitive applicants and separate the ones with a higher stress tolerance level.

• Technical Interviews

Technical styles of interviews are where an employer asks job-related and technical aptitude questions for different fields. For instance, when a candidate applies to the healthcare industry, they are more likely to face healthcare-related (technical) questions. This helps employers understand whether a candidate has the skills to complete their job-related duties.

• Phone or Video Interviews

These types of interviews happen over the phone or via video. An employer usually holds these interviews when a candidate is unable to attend an in-person interview. Just like the other types of interviews, employers hold phone interviews to screen potential candidates. 

• Panel Interview

In such interviews, many interviewers assess a candidate. The primary questions covered in these interviews are about future aspirations for expertise and skills. The interviewers who conduct these interviews are managers in different departments within the organisation. 

• Exit Interview

An exit interview enables companies to get a perspective on why employees leave their organisation. The employers use the reviews to make necessary changes and improvements in the workplace. 

• Second Interview

A second interview is usually the final stage of the interview process, which happens between an employer and a candidate. It is also known as an on-site interview. Here, the employer asks challenging questions related to the industry or field.

• Testing Interview

This form of interview has a structure and a set pattern of questions that the candidates must answer. For instance, an employer may ask short test questions during these interviews to evaluate a candidate's technical knowledge and skills. 

Final Words

Interviews make everyone nervous, but preparing well for them beforehand really helps a lot. By understanding the different types of interviews and preparing accordingly, you can face your interview rounds level-headedly. 

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