Types of Interviews and How to Prepare

Initial round of interviews to narrow down candidates.

Tips for preparing/answering:

• Treat this interview as you would a face-to-face conversation. Arrange for a quiet space that will be free from interruptions.
• Focus on the conversation. Listen to the questions carefully before you answer.
• Since the interviewer cannot see you, be sure to convey energy and enthusiasm with your voice.
• Have a copy of your resume, the job description, and any notes you’ve made in front of you as a reference.

Most common type of interview. Can be with just one person or a group of people. Can last as little as 30 minutes or as long as all day.

Tips for preparing/answering
• Before the interview, get information on the structure of the interview – how long it will be, who you will be meeting with, etc. Be sure to research the department and jobs of the people interviewing you, so that you have a basic understanding of their roles and can prepare some questions in advance.
• Prepare for this interview by practicing answering interview questions and coming up with questions to ask the interviewer(s). (See page 31 for sample questions.)
• Maintain eye contact and answer questions thoroughly yet succinctly.
• If interviewing with more than one person at a time, direct your answer primarily to the person asking the question, but make eye contact with the others as you answer.

Behavioral interview questions are asked based on the assumption that your past behavior is predictive of your future performance. They can be asked in any interview situation. These questions typically start with “Describe a situation where” or “Tell me about a time when.” (See page 31 for examples.)

Tips for preparing/answering
• The interviewer is looking for results and outcomes, so tell the story, but then be sure to talk about the outcome(s) and what you learned from that experience.
• Think of specific examples that demonstrate your competence in core behaviors such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, creativity and leadership.

Situational interview questions focus on future performance rather than past performance. The interviewer will give you a problem and ask how you would deal with it. For example: “Your boss is on a whirlwind business trip. He assigned you a report to write for a client while he is gone, and he expects a first draft in two days. You thought everything was clear, but when you look back through your meeting notes and emails, there are outstanding questions that will make it difficult to complete the report. What do you do?”

Tips for preparing/answering
• Employers want to know how you would likely solve a problem and, in some cases, they want to measure your expertise. Address the problem and describe your solution, including the action(s) that you would take.

Case interviews are used almost exclusively in the consulting industry and focus on your problem-solving skills. The interviewer will outline a situation and ask you to formulate a plan that deals with the problem. For example: “How many pounds of hamburger meat do New York City McDonald’s restaurants go through each month?” You do not have to come up with the ultimate solution. The interviewer is looking for how you apply your knowledge and skills to a real-life situation.

Tips for preparing/answering
• Before answering, be prepared to ask the employer numerous questions for clarity and informational purposes.
• Speak and reason aloud so that the interviewer has a full understanding of your thought process.

Sometimes part of the interview will take place during a meal. While this part of the interview may feel more casual, remember that it is still a formal part of the interview process.

Tips or preparing/answering
• Use the interview to develop common ground with your interviewer.
• Follow his/her lead in both selection of food and in etiquette; but never order alcohol, even if the interviewer does.
• Choose food that is easy to eat, so that you can answer questions and pay attention to the conversation.