Interview types

Method

Most interviews are face-to-face. Initial telephone interviews are sometimes used to narrow down the list of applicants.

Structure

Interviews are usually structured. All applicants are given a set of questions or activities, on which they are assessed.

Unstructured interviews are less formal, allowing you to direct the interview and focus on your strengths.

Self-advocacy interviews allow a set time (30-45 minutes) to present yourself to a panel of interviewers. These are not used very often, and tend to be for more senior roles.

Single or series

You could be asked to attend a single or series of interviews. Graduate recruitment often involves more than one interview.

Late round interviews help employers refine the list of applicants. Often a more senior staff member will conduct second or later round interviews and the questions may become more difficult.

Format

Some interviews involve just you and the interviewer. More commonly, a panel of people will interview you.

Some organisations interview groups of applicants. This enables them to see a large number of people and to narrow down a short-list. Group sizes vary. Employers will not always tell you how the group interview will work or what they are looking for.

There are several styles:

• Group activities; see assessment centres
• Posing questions to the group for individual responses; putting applicants in this situation allows the employer to see who performs best in a competitive environment
• Being invited to a meal with several applicants and the employer - this informal situation is still an interview.

Online resources

• Panel interviews (mpeg4, 17mb) (transcript).

Resources

Graduate interviews videos.