Types of job interviews: Find out what they are and how to prepare

Yes, because depending on the type of interview, the approach to the questions and the way it is done varies.

In this article you will see what are the types of job interviews, how to prepare for them.

In addition to tips that will help you have more chances to pass the selection process.

How important is the job interview?

This is one of the most important steps in the recruitment and selection process.

Because it is there that the recruiter really knows the candidate and assesses whether what he said in the resume is true and whether he has the ideal profile for the vacancy.

It usually happens in the form of a conversation and in it the interviewer asks some questions to learn more about professional life.

As well as technical and behavioral knowledge of the candidate.

That’s why this is when you have the chance to show your potential and prove to the recruiter that you are the right choice.

What are the types of job interviews?

There are different types of job interviews, each of which has a different approach and is intended to test the candidate.

They can assess your technical knowledge, ability to express yourself and speak in public.

In addition to analyzing whether the professional has the characteristics that the organization is looking for.

Let’s get to know what are the main types of interviews that you can find.

Technical interview

This interview, as the name implies, evaluates whether the professional has the technical skills to perform the job he is applying for.

It is usually given by a professional in the same area or in a leadership position to prove the candidate’s knowledge.

Competency-based interview

In this case, the interview aims to analyze the behavioral characteristics of the interviewed professionals.

In addition to assessing whether they have the right profile for the position and company culture.

It is usually carried out by an HR professional or the manager of the position in question.

The questions encompass the candidate’s professional experiences and, according to their answers, it is possible to identify specific behaviors during their work routine.

The main objective is to assess whether the professional has the right profile for the vacancy.

Collective interview

This interview is usually applied in selection processes for candidates who are starting in the job market.

It aims to assess how respondents behave in a group, their technical knowledge and skills that stand out from others.

Case study interview

In this type of interview, the recruiter assesses the professional’s analytical ability to solve problems and challenges.

So he asks the candidate to do a market case analysis involving a certain problem that is related to the company.

The intention is for the candidate to present a solution.

This type of interview is usually given by the manager of the position for which the candidate is applying or by the director in charge of the area.

Mock interview

This interview serves to assess the professional’s ability to tell his professional trajectory in order to make a good impression on the recruiter.

It is usually given before the final interview and evaluates how the candidate behaves and exposes himself.

Usually at the end of it, the candidate receives a response about how his performance was.

Panel interview

In the case of this interview, the candidate is evaluated not just by one recruiter, but by several.

These people are typically professionals in leadership roles who will have a professional relationship with the candidate in the role in question.

They will ask questions related to the reality of the work routine that the candidate will have if selected.

The goal is to see if he has the necessary skills for the vacancy.

Online interview

This type of interview is becoming more and more common, as it became a reality during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It takes place in the same way as the face-to-face interview.

However, it happens through the internet, and the following tools can be used: Google Meet, Zoom Meeting, Skype, among others.  

Interview by phone or whatsapp

This interview usually occurs when the company contacts the candidate for the first time.

It aims to collect data that the candidate did not explain well in the curriculum.

In addition to being a means to schedule an interview in person or online later.

Field interview

It occurs when the company visits a school or university and interviews students.

Candidates tend to present themselves more confident, as it is an environment they know well.

Thus, the recruiter evaluates which students stand out.

Interview by stages

As the name already reveals, this type of interview takes place in stages, that is, there is not just one definitive interview, but several.

In addition, there may be tests as well where the recruiter will assess the candidate more carefully.

It usually occurs when the company is in no hurry to fill the vacancy.

Stress interview

Just like the field interview, the HR sector does not use this type of interview very much.

It aims to analyze the candidate’s behavior in stressful situations, as in the case of asking questions quickly.

Challenge interview

In this case, the candidate is placed in ludic situations, such as games, for example, so that he can achieve certain objectives.

Its intention is to motivate the professional and integrate him into the team so that he can meet goals.

Generally, challenging situations involve the use of logical reasoning and knowledge that the professional used in previous experiences.

How to prepare for the job interview?

It is important that you are prepared to deal with different types of interviews and understand how to behave in each one of them.

Check out how to do in the main types of interviews.

Technique

In the case of the technical interview, you must:

• research about the company, understanding the way it works, the services and products it offers and its organizational culture;
• train to answer questions about hypothetical situations, opting for a situation that is related to the position;
• be prepared to talk about your past experiences and achievements, taking care to mention only those relevant to the role;
• read the job description and see what areas and subjects the interview may cover and study;
• work on your soft skills to show that you have good communication skills and are able to deal with the pressure of the interview with ease.

behavioral

In the case of the behavioral interview, you must:

• be critical thinkers and use your past experiences to answer situational questions;
• structure your answers in an organized way and be sincere;
• take a deep breath and try to face the situation naturally.   

Online

On the other hand, in the case of online interviews, you must:

• choose a silent environment and preferably just you;
• wear appropriate clothing, like what you wear to go out, and maintain good posture;
• check if your connection is good to avoid internet drops during the interview, to avoid problems you can connect the internet cable directly to your computer.

Collective

In that case you must:

• highlight your skills, experiences and knowledge that you have and that are in accordance with the vacancy offered;
• actively participate in the dynamics, interacting with the other candidates and collaborating so that together they achieve the result;
• communicate well and be polite and optimistic;
• prepare yourself emotionally for the interview and remain calm, so try to relax before the occasion;
• if you have participated in previous press conferences, evaluate which actions you need to improve in order to have a better performance;
• having initiative, but not exaggerating and wanting to be the center of attention;
• be yourself and don’t try to act like you’re someone else just to impress.

Tips to increase your chances of passing the selection process

Now that you understand how to prepare for each type of interview, check out general tips that can help improve your chances of going through this stage.

Be careful when choosing the clothes you are going to wear

The first thing you should pay attention to is the clothes you are going to wear on the day of the interview.

After all, as the famous phrase of the Chinese philosopher Confucius says “a picture is worth a thousand words”.

That is, the first impression that the recruiter has of the candidate is his appearance.

Therefore, before choosing the ideal outfit, it is important to analyze the company’s profile and check whether it is formal or informal.

If it’s formal wear social clothes and if it’s informal, jeans and a social shirt is enough.

Arrive before time

It is essential to be ready for the interview when the recruiter calls you, as the business world values ​​punctuality.

So leave home 15 or 20 minutes in advance, depending on the distance between your home and the interview location.

But if something unexpected happens and you arrive late, it’s a good idea to get in touch with the recruitment team and inform them of the delay.

keep a good posture

You should also maintain good posture when you introduce yourself to the recruiter and sit with your back straight.

Also, you should face the interviewer’s direction and avoid overdoing your hand movements.

Speak slowly, in a paused way to avoid nervousness.

Train before the interview

Another tip is to train before the interview, so you will be more confident at the time.

So do a simulation with the questions you imagine the recruiter will ask you.

So maintain good posture and look in the mirror or call a family member or friend to help.

Answer honestly, be yourself, don’t embellish or try to sound like someone else.

Develop your self-awareness

Candidates are usually asked about their strengths and weaknesses during the interview.

That’s why it’s important that you develop your self-knowledge and understand what your qualities are and the points you need to improve.

That way you can answer honestly, showing the strengths that make you stand out as a professional.

In addition to mentioning your flaws, but showing that you want to develop and improve them.

Show excitement and motivation

Companies in general want to hire professionals who have a vision of the future and want to continue to grow professionally.

Because it is these candidates who take the company forward and help it to develop as well.

So you must be excited and motivated during the interview, really wanting to grow in the profession and become an even better professional.

Pay attention to the final questions

Usually the recruiter asks if you have any questions about the company or the job that you want to know.

It is important to think well at this moment and ask relevant questions that show your interest in the company and in growing.

For example, you can ask how many professionals who joined the company in the position you are applying for got a promotion.

In addition, you can inquire about the role’s work routine and what the company’s expectations are in relation to your performance.