Types of job interview

Job interviews aren’t just the simple formal chat they used to be. You could be faced with tests, phone interviews, and presentations. So what are the new types of interview like? And how can you prepare for them?

No one warned him about the dress code...

Types of interview question

Thought you were just going to be asked, ‘What are you good at?’ Employers now use different types of questions to find out what you’re like. Here’s an example of what to expect:

• Competency based -You’ll be asked to give examples of when you’ve used particular skills and they’ll expect you to refer to specific situations to demonstrate these. Use the STAR framework: Situation, Task, Action, Result, to answer.
• Problem solving – Rather than a direct question, you could be given a brainteaser to test your creativity, problem solving skills and reasoning.
• Stress interviews – Interviewer ridiculously rude? They’re probably not a horrible person; they’re just seeing how you behave under pressure. Don’t be phased and stand your ground, without being rude back.
• Panel interviews – As if one potential employer isn’t intimidating enough, a panel interview involves around three. Make sure you talk to and make eye contact with everyone, not just the person asking questions.
• Case study interviews – You’ll be given an example of a problem that might come up on the job and asked how you’d deal with it.
• Portfolio-based interviews – These are used mostly for creative jobs where you’ll talk through the work in your portfolio.

Doing a presentation

You could be asked to prepare a presentation before you get to the interview. Or you’ll be given the task on the day. Make sure you keep it simple, stick to the time limit, practise, be confident, and have a clear and concise conclusion.

“The key thing to remember is you’re presenting to human beings and they’re not there to catch you out,” says Saiyada Smith, Careers Advisor for The Careers Group. “They’ve all been in your shoes and had those butterfly moments, and they’ll be supportive if you do too.”

Job interviews on the phone

OK, so you can do this one sitting in the bath – but we wouldn’t recommend it. You want to give the best possible impression, so make sure you’re dressed to impress in a place that will put you in super-professional mode. Ask friends or family to call you up and ask mock questions to practise. And be practical, too – make sure your phone is fully charged, and that you’re not surprised by the call in a busy supermarket or something.

Group interviews and tasks

Both group interviews and tasks are meant to assess how good you are at working with others. “The key thing to remember is to be assertive without being dominating – you don’t have to lead all the discussions,” Saiyada advises. “Be inclusive, so make sure everyone within your group gets the opportunity to shine and that will demonstrate you can relate to people well.”

Psychometric tests

Psychometric tests are often used early on in a selection process, often way before you get to interview. There are two types – to assess your personality and aptitude. You can often do them online, and they’ll be timed.

For the aptitude test, do practice tests to get used to the layout and the type of question. Although, because of the way the tests are designed, heavy revision won’t help. You can do practice ones through your University Careers Service, or find some free ones online.

With personality questionnaires it’s important to be honest, don’t say what you think your employer will want to hear. You’ll end up looking inconsistent, or tripping up in interview.

Assessment centres

If you’re applying to a graduate training scheme, you’ll almost undoubtedly be asked to attend an assessment centre. Graduate websites like prospects and the milkround have details of the different things you may face at graduate interviews.

Remember, an assessment centre isn’t just an opportunity for them to check you out, you can decide whether you like them too.