1.1 Types of Interviews

What is interview? 

An interview is like a conversation between you and a potential employer. They ask you questions to learn more about your skills and experiences, helping them decide if you're the right person for a job. It's your chance to showcase what makes you awesome!

Types of Interviews  :-

Here's a list of various types of interviews:

1. Structured Interview

2. Unstructured Interview

3. Behavioral Interview

4. Panel Interview

5. Phone Interview

6. Video Interview

7. Case Interview

8. Group Interview

9. Technical Interview

10. Stress Interview

11. Informal Interview

12. Situational Interview

13. Phone Screen Interview

14. Skype Interview

15. Mock Interview

16. Exit Interview

17. On-site Interview

18. Lunch/Dinner Interview

1. Structured Interviews:

- Explanation:

In a structured interview, the interviewer follows a planned set of questions. It's like sticking to a script to ensure fairness and consistency for all candidates.

 It's like making sure everyone gets the same ingredients to see who cooks up the best responses. 

- Purpose: Helps employers compare candidates more objectively since everyone gets asked the same questions.

Example :-

 "Can you provide an example of a situation where you had to work under tight deadlines? How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?"

In a structured interview, all candidates would face a similar question like this, allowing the interviewer to compare responses consistently.

So, it's like having a clear plan of what to ask everyone to make the hiring process fair. 

2. Unstructured Interviews:

- Explanation: It's like having a friendly chat rather than sticking to a specific set of questions. The conversation flows naturally, and there's no fixed script.

- Purpose: Gives more flexibility to explore various aspects of a candidate's personality and experiences.

- Example: Instead of a set list, the interviewer might start with "Tell me about yourself" and let the conversation evolve based on your responses.

So, it's a bit more casual and free-flowing compared to a structured interview. 

3. Behavioral Interviews:

Explanation:-

Focus on your past experiences and actions to understand how you handle different situations. Employers believe past behavior predicts future behavior.

Behavioral interviews are like storytelling sessions. Instead of just talking about what you would do, you share real-life stories from your past to show how you handled different situations. It helps employers understand how you might handle similar things in the future.

 

example: 

If asked about teamwork, instead of saying "I'm a team player," share a specific situation like, "In my previous job, we faced a tight deadline. I collaborated with colleagues, delegated tasks effectively, and we successfully completed the project on time." It adds depth to your response.

Purpose :-

The purpose of behavioral interviews is to understand how you've handled situations in the past. By sharing specific examples, employers can predict how you might approach similar challenges in the future. It helps them assess your skills, behavior, and suitability for the role.

4. Panel Interviews:

In a panel interview, instead of one interviewer, you meet a team. It's like a group conversation with everyone throwing questions at you. To ace it, maintain eye contact with each member, handle questions from different angles, and showcase how you fit the whole squad. It's a bit like impressing a group of friends, but these friends decide if you get the job. Be ready for a variety of questions, stay calm, and show them you're the perfect match for their team.

Example :- 

In a panel interview for a teaching position, imagine sitting with the school principal, a fellow teacher, and maybe someone from the school board. They might ask about your teaching methods, classroom management, and your passion for education. 

Purpose :-

Panel interviews have a simple purpose: they bring together different people from the company to assess if you're the right fit for the job. It's like getting a variety of opinions to make sure they choose the best candidate. Each panel member adds their perspective to make a well-rounded decision.

5 & 6. Phone and Video Interviews:

Phone and video interviews are like regular interviews, but they happen over the phone or through a video call. It's a way for employers to talk to candidates without everyone being in the same place. For phone interviews, you answer questions and talk about your qualifications. Video interviews use a camera, so you see each other on the screen. It's like a face-to-face chat through the computer or phone. They're convenient for both employers and candidates who might be far apart.

Example :- 

Phone Interview:

You're at home, and your phone rings. It's a call from a potential employer. They ask about your work experience, strengths, and why you want the job. You answer their questions and have a conversation over the phone. It's like a job talk without being in the same room.

Video Interview:

You're sitting in your room with your computer or phone. The employer sends you a link, and when you click it, you see their face on your screen. They can see you too. They ask questions, and you respond, just like in a regular interview, but through the screen. It's like having a chat through your computer or phone camera instead of in person.

Purpose :-

Phone and video interviews help employers get to know candidates without meeting face-to-face. They're like virtual conversations to see if you're a good fit for the job. Phone interviews use calls, and video interviews use cameras on computers or phones, making it easier for both sides to connect, especially if they're far apart.

7. Case Interviews:

 Explanation:

a case interview as a job interview with a twist. Instead of just answering questions, they give you a business problem to solve. It's like a work challenge on the spot – can you figure out the best solution?

 It's like being handed a puzzle related to a business situation. Your job is to figure out the best solution or strategy.

- Example: Imagine they ask you, "How would you launch a new smartphone in a market full of competitors?" You'd need to think it through and present your plan.

- Purpose: They want to see how you tackle problems, think critically,વિવેચનાત્મક રીતે seriously and make decisions on the spot.

Think of it as a business challenge you get to solve during the interview. 

8. Group Interviews:

In a group interview, a bunch of people applying for a job hang out together with the employer. Instead of taking turns, you all dive into questions and activities as a team. The company wants to see how you shine individually and play well with others. It's like a job interview with a teamwork twist.

Example :

Let's say you're interviewing for a marketing job. In a group interview, the employer might present a marketing challenge, like promoting a new product. You and other candidates would brainstorm ideas, discuss strategies, and maybe even create a mini-presentation together. It's a way for the company to see not just what you know but also how well you collaborate and contribute in a team setting.

Purpose :-

Group interviews happen so employers can check how well you work with others. They want to see if you're a good team player and can handle group stuff. It's like a teamwork test during a job interview.

9.Technical Interview

In a technical interview, a company wants to know if you have the skills and knowledge to do the job. They might ask you to solve problems, explain concepts, or even write code. It's like a test, but it's also a chance for you to show what you can do. So, be prepared to talk about your experience, answer questions, and maybe even demonstrate your skills.

Example 

Let's say you're interviewing for a technical support role:

Interviewer: "Imagine a customer calls in saying their internet isn't working. How would you troubleshoot this issue?"

Candidate: "First, I would ask the customer to check if their modem/router is powered on and if all the cables are securely connected. If that doesn't solve the issue, I would ask if they're experiencing any error messages on their devices. If they are, I would guide them through basic troubleshooting steps like restarting their devices or resetting their network settings. If the issue persists ચાલુ રહે છે, I would escalate વધારો the problem to our network team for further investigation."

Purpose :-

 In simple terms, a technical interview is like a test where employers ask questions or give problems to see if you're good at solving technical problems and if you know your stuff for the job they're hiring for.

10. Stress Interview

A stress interview is when the interviewer deliberately puts pressure on you by asking tough questions or acting in a challenging way to see how you handle stress and pressure. It's like a test to see how you react under difficult situations.

Example:

Person: "Can you tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem?"

You: "Once, I couldn't find my keys, so I looked everywhere until I finally found them under the couch."

Person: "But why did it take you so long to find them?"

You: "I guess I overlooked that spot initially, but I kept searching until I found them."

Person: "Hmm, sounds like you need to be more careful."

You: "Yeah, I'll try to be more organized next time."

Purpose :-

The purpose of a stress interview is to see how well you can handle tough situations and pressure. It helps employers understand if you stay calm, think clearly, and solve problems effectively when things get difficult.

11. Informal Interview :-

An informal interview is like having a casual chat with someone about a job or opportunity. It's less structured than a formal interview, and the atmosphere is relaxed. You might talk about your experiences, skills, and interests in a more conversational way. It's a chance for both you and the interviewer to get to know each other better and see if you're a good fit for the role.

12. Situational Interview

A situational interview is when you're asked how you'd handle different work situations. It's like imagining what you'd do in certain job-related scenarios.

13. Phone Screen Interview

A phone screen interview is like a quick chat over the phone with a potential employer. They ask you some basic questions about your experience and skills to see if you might be a good fit for the job. It's usually the first step before a formal in-person interview.

14. Skype Interview

A Skype interview is like a regular interview, but it happens over the computer using Skype. Instead of meeting in person, you talk to the interviewer through video chat. It's a way for employers to see and talk to you face-to-face without being in the same room.

15. Mock Interview

A mock interview is like a pretend interview where someone acts as the interviewer and asks you questions just like in a real interview. It's a practice session to help you get ready for the real thing.

16. Exit Interview

An exit interview is a meeting you have with your employer when you're leaving your job. They ask you questions about your experience working there, why you're leaving, and what could be improved. It helps them understand why people are leaving and how they can make the workplace better.

17. On-site Interview

An on-site interview is when you go to the company's location to meet with them face-to-face. It's usually more in-depth than a phone or video interview and can involve meeting multiple people from the company, touring the workplace, and possibly doing tests or tasks related to the job. It's a chance for both you and the company to get a better sense of each other and see if you're a good fit for the job.

18. Lunch/Dinner Interview

A lunch or dinner interview is when the company takes you out to eat while talking about the job. It's like having a chat over a meal instead of in an office. It helps both sides get to know each other better in a more relaxed setting.