Congratulations, you have nailed your CV and cover letter which has resulted in a job interview! Now the real work begins. Here you will find all the necessary information to bag that next job. Maybe you’re sitting there with no CV or Cover Letter? No worries, we have you covered. Grab a coffee and check out our CV and cover letter guides for all the helpful advice you need!

 

Types Of Interviews

Knowing what types of interviews there are can influence your preparation and mentality. For the first stage, many recruiters favour a telephone interview over a face-to-face one. Whether it is for a part-time, internship or graduate job position, below are some of the interviews you may face. We discuss in detail what kind of interviews you may face, how to prepare for them, and what to expect.

Telephone Interview

Typically the first stage in an interview, a telephone interview allows the employer to find out more about you and why you applied for the role. The employer may ask some competency questions to understand if you are suitable for the position. These questions are for the recruiter to figure out if it is worth inviting you in for a face-to-face interview. You may be asked about salary expectations, what your experiences are, and if you’re suited to the company.

How To Prepare For A Telephone Interview?

• Choose a quiet area with no background noise or distractions.
• Living in a student house? Kindly remind your flatmates not to come storming in with 50 Jägerbombs. You can celebrate after the phone call.
• Are housemates non-negotiable? Head over to your local college or university and book a private room.
• The interviewer can hear your voice, but cannot see your notes. Use this to your advantage and prepare some handy cheat sheets to help with those difficult questions.
• Dress smart. Give yourself the mentality that you are going to a face-to-face interview.

 

Video Interview

This may take place on Skype or Hangout and is becoming a popular method of interviewing candidates. Why? Well, many companies are nationwide or even international, therefore a convenient way to interview someone without unnecessary travel expenses. A video interview is also another form of telephone interview – and this needs just as much preparation.

How To Prepare For A Video Interview?

• Make sure you have a working webcam with a decent wifi connection! Otherwise, the interview will not go far.
• Tidy room? Hey – we’re not judging here, but keep it tidy and make sure all suggestive looking items are not in the frame!
• Sufficient lighting – the interviewer would like to put a face to a name, so make sure you are in a well-lit area.
• Dress to impress! Remember the top half of you can still be seen, therefore choose something presentable and smart (you can still keep your slippers on).
• Practice with a friend.

 

Face-To-Face Interview

Face-to-face interviews are highly common, so whether it is a part-time job or graduate position, you will most likely have one! A face-to-face interview is probably the most nerve-racking one. Make sure you are well prepared and have done your homework. Research the job description and the company you are applying for. You should also consider writing down all your answers to questions you may be asked, and try to remember them. Think of this like study notes for your big final exam at uni.

How To Prepare For A Face-To-Face Interview?

• Practice that handshake! A firm handshake displays confidence and professionalism.
• Consider body language – do not slouch in the chair (regardless of how comfortable it is).
• Arrive on time! 10-15 minutes before is a safe bet. Check on Google Maps and plan your journey (especially if you are taking public transport).

 

Group Interviews

Group interviews involve the interviewer asking group questions, as well as individual ones. If you are applying for placements and graduate positions you may be invited to an assessment day, which follows a similar format. We also have a nice article on how to be assessment-day-ready. In the meantime, why don’t you grab another coffee and enjoy the read?

How to prepare for a group interview?

• Have your self-introduction ready! First impressions count, so make sure it is a good one.
• Teamwork makes the dream work. Yes, everyone is competitive; but the interviewers will be looking at those who are keen team players.
• Listen carefully – it can be distracting having to share your interview with others, but keep your eye on the prize!
• Relax and enjoy it! Remember, everyone is in the same boat as you, so take a deep breath before you walk in and smash it.