What are the Different Types of Interviews and Their Common Questions?

Job interviews are an essential element of the hiring process since they allow employers to assess a candidate’s abilities, expertise, and experience.

Understanding different types of job interviews are essential. Because it can help candidates prepare for specific types of questions and scenarios. That may arise during the interview process. 

Definitions of Interview

Scott said that “an interview is a purposeful exchange of ideas, the answering of questions and communication between two or more persons”

Bingham defines an interview as a ‘conversation with a purpose”

According to Gary Dessler, “An interview is a procedure designed to obtain information from a person’s oral response to oral inquiries.”

According to Dr. S. M. Amunuzzaman, “Interview is a very systematic method by which a person enters deeply into the life of even a stranger and can bring out needed information and data for the research purpose.”

An interview has been defined as a conversation between interviewer and interviewee with a purpose – Dexter

Thill and Bovee, “An interview is any planned conversation with a specific purpose involving two or more people”.

There are many types of interview methods. Basically, a few of them are mentioned here, including structured and unstructured interviews, behaviour-based interviews, panel interviews, and many more. 

Job interviews are crucial in the recruitment process. Because they allow employers to evaluate a candidate’s skills, expertise, personality, and appropriateness for a specific role.

Interviews allow employers to meet and compare different job applicants in person, which helps them understand the candidate’s attitude, character, and how they present themselves.

Candidates can showcase their skills, knowledge, and personality during interviews, which can help them stand out from other applicants.

Interviews help employers identify potential employees that are relevant to their company’s objectives and culture.

 Types of interviews

Job interviews are a critical step in the hiring process. So they provide an opportunity to employers to measure people’s skills, experience, and fit for the position. 

So that Job seekers must be prepared to face different types of interviews to increase their chances of landing the job they want. 

here are few types of interviews:-

Traditional Interview

A traditional interview is the most common type of job interview, where an interviewer asks questions to assess a candidate’s qualifications and fit for the position. So the interviewer may ask questions related to the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and goals. 

Common questions asked during a traditional interview include:

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want to work for our company?
• Can you tell us about a time when you overcame a challenge at work?
• What are your salary expectations?
• Why should we hire you?

Tips to ace a traditional interview:

• Research the company and the position you are applying for.
• Prepare answers to common interview questions.
• Dress professionally and arrive on time.
• Make eye contact, maintain good posture, and show enthusiasm.
• Ask thoughtful questions about the company and the position.

Examples of companies that typically use traditional interviews:

• Google
• Goldman Sachs
• Procter & Gamble

Behavioural Interview

Behavioral interviews assess how candidates have handled past situations to predict their future performance. So the interviewer asks questions about the candidate’s behavior in specific situations to evaluate their skills and competencies. 

Common questions asked during a behavioral interview include:

• Can you tell us about a time when you demonstrated leadership skills?
• How did you handle a difficult customer?
• Can you give an example of that time when you had to make a hard decision?
• Can you tell us about a time when you worked under pressure?
• Can you give an example of how you solved a problem in the workplace?

Tips to ace a behavioural interview:

• Research the company and the position you are applying for.
• Prepare stories that demonstrate your skills and competencies.
• Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to answer questions.
• Focus on positive outcomes and how you contributed to them.
• Ask questions to clarify the interviewer’s expectations.

Examples of companies that typically use behavioral interviews:

• Amazon
• Apple
• Microsoft

Phone Interview

A phone interview is a preliminary interview that allows an employer to evaluate a candidate’s qualifications and fit for the position before scheduling an in-person interview. So the interviewer may ask questions related to the candidate’s experience, education, skills, and availability. 

Common questions asked during a phone interview include:

• Can you tell us about your experience in (specific skill or field)?
• What are your salary expectations?
• What interests you about the position?
• Can you work (specific hours or days)?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses? ” literally it’s my favourite”

Tips to ace a phone interview:

• Find a quiet place with good reception.
• Use a headset or earbuds to improve sound quality.
• Smile, speak clearly, and maintain good posture.
• Prepare answers to common interview questions

Video Interview

A video interview is a type of interview where the candidate answers pre-recorded questions on camera. So the hiring manager or recruiter sends a link to the candidate with the interview questions, and the candidate records their responses at their convenience. Video interviews are increasingly popular, especially in the age of remote work.

Common Questions Asked:

• Can you tell us about yourself?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• How do you handle difficult situations?

Tips to Ace the Video Interview:

• Test your technology before the interview to ensure a smooth process.
• Dress professionally and make sure the background is professional as well.
• Speak clearly and maintain eye contact.
• Avoid distractions during the interview.
• Research the company beforehand and tailor your responses to the company culture.

Examples of Companies That Typically Use Video Interviews:

• Apple
• Google
• Amazon
• Hilton
• Deloitte

Group Interview

A group interview is a type of interview where several candidates are interviewed at the same time. So in this the interviewers ask the candidates questions, and the candidates respond in front of each other. Group interviews are often used in industries that require teamwork, such as sales or customer service.

Common Questions Asked:

• Can you tell us about a time when you had to work in a team?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want to work for our company?
• How do you handle conflict?

Tips to Ace the Group Interview:

• Be respectful and courteous to the other candidates.
• Be an active listener and respond to the questions thoughtfully.
• Highlight your teamwork skills.
• Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
• Research the company beforehand and tailor your responses to the company culture.

Examples of Companies for Group Interviews:

• H&M
• Target
• Chick-fil-A
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• Best Buy

Case Interview

A case interview is a type of interview used to evaluate problem-solving and analytical skills. So the interviewer presents a business problem, and the candidate must analyze the situation and offer solutions. Case interviews are often used in consulting, finance, and business.

Common Questions Asked:

• How would you approach this business problem?
• What data would you need to solve this problem?
• What is your proposed solution to this problem?
• How would you implement your solution?

Tips to Ace the Case Interview:

• Understand the business problem thoroughly before presenting your solution.
• Break down the problem into smaller parts to analyze it better.
• Use data to support your proposed solution.
• Be flexible and willing to adjust your solution as new information arises.
• Practice case interviews with friends or colleagues.

Examples of Companies for Case Interviews:

• McKinsey & Company
• Bain & Company
• The Boston Consulting Group
• Deloitte
• PwC