Inter v iewi ng Reso urc e : Ty pes of I nter v i ews
STUDENT
EMPLOYMENT
CENTRE
Not all
interviews are
the same
Types of
Interviews
How are they
similar to or
different from
each other?
Depending upon the company and the position, it is possible that you will
have to participate in multiple interviews. If this is the case, each round of
interviews may be a different type. You should prepare for all types of
interviews just as you would for an in-person interview.
1. Phone/Skype Pre-Screening – remember to speak professionally and choose a
quiet location to take the call
2. One-on-one –the interviewer may still be taking notes on your answers when
you have finished answering the question; be comfortable with the silence and
don’t try to fill it with chatter
3. Panel – two or more interviewers; could be from a variety of positions within the
company
4. Group – make your points without dominating the other job seekers in the room
5. Interview Day/Serial – as you move on to each following interview, be consistent
in your answers
6. Testing, presentation or assignment – make sure you know the requirements
ahead of time
Phone/Skype Pre-Screening
 This type of interview tends to last 15-30 minutes.
 Typically used to evaluate whether or not the candidate has the
minimum qualifications for the position and should move onto the
next round
 Even though you are not on-site at the company, you should dress
professionally, just as you would for an in-person interview.
One-on-one (Standard In-Person) or Panel
 These interviews tend to last 30-60 minutes.
 Candidates are asked a series of questions by one or more members of
the company.
 Candidates are usually provided time to ask the employer(s)
questions about the company and position.
Group
 In a group interview, multiple candidates are interviewing together for
the same position.
 Organizations use this interview style to see how you interact with
colleagues as well as to assess your overall skills and abilities.
 The objective is to keep your answers focused on you and your skills.
Interview Day/Serial
 Candidates are scheduled for multiple interviews within a company during a
single day
 Interviews could be with human resources and/or a potential supervisor leading
to a final interview with the hiring manager or head of the department
 Each interview will last 30-60 minutes and could include one or more
group interviews
Examples
Douglascollegesec.ca
Refer to online Interviewing Skills Tip Sheets and Resources
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