Various Types of Selection Interviews

CA Sanat Pyne (F.C.A. & M.COM) (19987 Points)

20 September 2010  

Various Types of Selection Interviews

Employing a new candidate for a company is very difficult for the interviewer. Because in this job market competitors are increased and new interview methods are introduced. There are many types of interviews. If you attended any interview you can realize that you had faced the given below interview types.

  • Face to Face interview
  • Group interview
  • Behavioral interview
  • Telephone interview
  • Panel interview
  • Stress interview

1. Face to Face interview

Most of the interviews are face to face interviews. This is also known traditional interview in which job seekers meet the employers in face to face. Whether you are fresher or experienced you are in need to attend the interview. The advantage of the traditional interview is that the employer and job seekers can get to know each other about their environment. In face to face interview, they may ask questions like the strengths and weakness of the candidates, expecting salary etc.

Before interview the candidates should have knowledge about the company, their products and financial positions. Also the candidates must be prepared with their resumes. Most employers will ask questions from the resumes. So be prepared and dress neatly while going for interview.

2. Group Interview

Group interviews are conducted by some large companies for graduates who are all interviewed at one time. They may give some exercises to solve in a group and observes how the candidates react with other people. The group interview will show the candidates

  • Knowledge level
  • Leadership qualities
  • Communication skill
  • Team work
  • Listening Capacity
  • Reaction under stress

In group interview express your opinion confidently and allow others to speak. Don’t interfere while other candidates speak. After the interview send at least one thank you letter, to the head of the committee

3. Behavioral  Interview

In behavioral interviews, candidates are asked to explain their skills, experience, activities, hobbies, school projects, family life – anything really – as examples of your past behavior. The purpose of this type of interview is to predict future based on past experiences. This interview shows the candidates willingness in learning, willingness to travel, self-confidence and Creativity. Listen each question carefully, and give an example that provides an appropriate descripttion of how you demonstrated the desired behavior.

4. Telephone   Interview

Telephone interview is a technique used to recruit the candidates for employment through phone. The main purpose of conducting telephone interview is to reduce the expenses of the out of state or out of town candidates. Telephone interview is also conducted in professional manner as like other interviews. During telephone interview you have to sell yourself only through your voice and confidence in speech. At the last, if you don’t have confirm information, be sure to ask for the interviewer’s exact title and name spelling, along with a street or email address, so that you can send a thank you note. This method is used to obtain additional information about a candidate’s skills and experience than can be obtain from the application or resume.

In this method, you never know when a company is going to call and you may not be prepared for the interview at that time. This will become one of the advantages for the company to know your capability and this situation makes them to judge you. Most of the companies use this method to eliminate the candidates who don’t have essential skills, knowledge, education etc. Candidates who are capable for the required position will attend the next level face to face interview.

5. Panel Interview

In Panel interviews or Committee interviews candidates will meet several higher authorities and this method is used to hire for advanced positions. Questions may be asked by all panel members and you can expect any type of critical questions from them. Try to answer for all questions and be sure to impress all of the interviewers.

The Panel members may be:

  • The supervisor
  • The manager
  • The human resource officer
  • The union representative
  • Employees who are in recruiting team

Make eye contact with each member of the panel while you answering the question. Preparing best before the interview will succeed you in this type of interview.

6. Stress Interview

Stress interview creates discomfort in you and the main purpose of stress interview is to give you stress and difficult situation. This type of interview is to test the candidate’s ability in stress situations. The interviewer’s may try to introduce stress by asking continuous questions without giving time to think and answer the questions. Starting you might be asked to wait in the waiting room for an hour before the interview. The interviewer might openly challenge your believes or judgment. You might be called upon to perform an impossible task on convincing the interviewer to exchange. Answer each question in calm as it comes.