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Types Of Interviews

You just got the all-important phone call inviting you for the much-awaited interview. You are very excited and you are sure you will ace this interview. Better yet, you have done your homework and researched on common interview questions. What you don’t know, however, is that there are different types of interviews and you could face any of them.

Interviews have evolved over time because employers keep devising new strategies to get the best talent that the market has to offer. Employers conduct different types of job interviews, such as behavioural interviews, case interviews, group interviews, phone and video interviews, online interviews, second interviews, and even interviews held during a meal.

No matter the type of interview, you need to be prepared beforehand.

Here are types of interviews and how to ace them:

1.The Traditional Interview/ Face-to- face Interview

This is the most common interview where you meet with one or two people a specific department that needs a recruit, or the hiring manager. It is tailored to discuss your qualifications and skills in relation to the position you are interviewing for. Book yourself a mock interview coaching session at our offices and become better at this type of interview.

How to Pass: The key to acing this type of interview format is to prepare well and have a good understanding of your skills and the company. Also, understand what the job involves and revise common interview questions because 99% of the time you will be asked common questions.

2.Panel Interview

A panel interview comprises of a team of people who might be from different departments, all having a direct relationship with the role you are applying for.

In a panel interview, there is always a leader, and the interview is meant to bring everyone on board at the same time to avoid wasting time holding many one-on-one interviews.

How to Pass: Questions can come in no particular order, thus, you need to stay alert and pay attention to how the questions are being asked.

In this kind of interview, it might look like you are being interrogated, but you should focus on your suitability for the role, rather than how many people are interviewing you.

When a question is asked by one of the panel members, always ensure that you answer them directly and show confidence.

Don’t be intimated by the numbers, be confident!

3. Group Interview

This type of interview is common with Graduate Recruitments and Sales Promotion roles. It involves several candidates being put together and being tasked to do something as a group, or answer questions.

The idea of a group interview is to see how well you fit into a group, and how well you work with others. The main emphasis is usually on teamwork.

How to Pass: You have to note that it is not a competition, but a chance for you to join forces with others. However, you must endeavour to shine and not remain dormant. Also, be very attentive so as not to repeat what has been said by the other candidates.

4. Case Interview

A case interview can be a follow-up or a first time interview. In this type of interview, you are presented with a case and asked to come up with a strategy or a solution to a problem. It is very common in the consulting field and sometimes happens in a group setting.

How to Pass: Show that you have good analytical skills and engage with the interviewer by asking questions. Show a step by step approach in your answer and demonstrate industry knowledge.

5. Lunch Interview

It’s not very common, but sometimes it takes place. Here, the interviewer wants to know you a little bit better, and it is assumed that they are interested in you. Also, the employer might be looking to see your communication and interpersonal skills.

How to Pass: Ask for meals you are familiar with and focus on the interviewer and not the food. Also, make the interview interactive.

6. Telephone interview/Skype

This type of interview is designed to see whether you are an eligible candidate.

How to Pass: First and foremost, ensure you are in a comfortable place, not somewhere you have to whisper/shout to be heard.

Make notes that you can refer to when answering questions since no one can see you. Also, don’t be in a hurry to give answers. You need to take your time. Make the conversation as natural as possible and you can also use hand gestures as you would a normal face to face conversation, to avoid being nervous.

7. Portfolio interview

Some interviews are more technical and may require you to present some of your work. Therefore, you need to be up to date with trends and speak about your strengths in your presentation.

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8. Competency based interview

This type focuses on skills and how best they can be used in carrying out day to day duties.

In this case, you need to demonstrate your skills and how you handled a previous problem or improved a previous situation.

Be specific about what you have done.

9.Follow-up Interview

This type of interview happens after the first interview. Being called for the second time either shows that the interviewer was impressed, or they were undecided and needed to consult a colleague for a second opinion.

Here, you are already familiar with the company; therefore all you need to do is to polish your answers. This is your time to shine!

Stay consistent and deliver very hard facts about why you are the perfect candidate by demonstrating your ability to get work done.

10. Puzzle Interview

This kind of interview occurs where the competition is very high and the interviewer wants to examine how fast you can think.

If you are interviewing for a writer position, for example, you might be asked to write an article.

In this type of interview, the trick is to give the answer in a careful, thought-provoking process. Analyze the question and give the perfect answer!

Those are some of the common types of interviews in Kenya.

Do you have an upcoming interview? Book a mock interview coaching session today. Click here.