Types of Interviews

We’re living in a time of revolution — the market is changing and so are the skill sets employers are looking for.

Likely the most familiar scenario to all jobseekers, one-on-one interviews are fairly clear-cut. Interviewers would ask a series of questions to assess your suitability for the position in question. On occasion, organisations will use a few rounds of personal interviews with various heads of departments before arriving at a decision.

Tips • Show your interest by asking simple yet relevant questions, such as questions about daily tasks, career path and work culture. • Refer to how the job position aligns with your career plans, aspirations and interests. • Discuss any transferrable skills you’ve picked up and demonstrate them. • Keep in mind that body language is just as vital as verbal communication, so maintain a level of confidence throughout the interview with eye contact, smiles and sitting upright.

While panel interviews typically consist of three to eight interviewers, graduate panel interviews usuallyonlyinvolve three interviewers, consistingofHR personnel, managers and some department heads. As it is not a one-on-one interview, panel interviews tend to be more vigorous and fastidious as there are multiple interviewers. While the prospect of sitting through a panel interview can sound daunting, they just want to evaluate if a candidate would be a good fit for the company.

Tips • When talking, address the interviewers by name. A common trick is to get their name cards before the interview starts and arrange them in front ofyou according to the sitting arrangement of the interviewers. • If an interviewer looks bored, don’t worry — different interviewers would have different areas of interest, so not everyone would be interested in the topic you’re discussing. • On occasion, you may be asked the same question twice. If this happens, stick with your earlier answer. • Maintain eye contact with the interviewer talking to you, but don’t ignore the others!

Typically used to filter out candidates at an early stage ofthe graduate recruitment process, video interviews are a fairly new trend. Though it may look intimidating with various platforms and potential technical issues, it is simply part of the recruitment process. These interviews may take place “live” on real-time, or pre-recorded, such as through video submissions.

Tips • Get comfortable being on screen first. Switch on the webcam on your laptop and pretend you’re sitting for a video interview. • Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is strong so that the interview will not be cut off halfway. • Dress smartly and make sure your surroundings are suitable for a video interview. • If you are having the video interview through your laptop, ensure it has been connected to a power source. The interview may go on longer than you thought.

A phone interview is often a screening exercise where employers check some basic information before a face-to-face interview. It is also used to filter through suitable candidates early in the recruitment process. The relative anonymity of a phone interview may allow you to speak to your interviewer without the stress of travelling to an unfamiliar place in professional attire but that doesn’t mean that you should let your guard down!

Tips • Before the phone interview begins, choose a quiet and conducive environment with little to no background noise. • Keep your résumé or application form in front of you for the duration of the phone interview in case you need to refer to them. • Anyimpactyou’re lookingto make will come through yourvoice, so ensure you sound enthusiastic and attentive. Avoid getting distracted byyoursurrounding environment as to refrain from asking the interviewer to repeat the question.