An interview is a standard tool of selection which is defined as a formal meeting arranged between two parties; interviewer (the question asking party) and interviewee( the answer giving party). In general, an interview is a verbal interaction held in order to extract necessary facts about the interviewee (applicants or candidates).
Based on the convenience of interviewer and interviewee, an interview can be organized in various ways. Some common types of interview are concisely described below.
1. One-on-one interview
A one-on-one interview is the most common and widely used type of interview. Under this approach, single interviewer interviews single candidate and these interviews are held in series. For an example, the candidate is first interviewed by the HR manager, followed by the interview with departmental manager and finally with the general manager.
In such interview, general or technical type of questions (depending upon the nature of the job) are raised by the interviewer with a single motive, i.e. to check whether or not the candidate is fit for the post. Then the interviewer analyzes the interviewee on the basis of answers given. Apart from answers, the interviewer also evaluates body language, personality, attitude and past experience and achievements of the interviewee.
Usually, a one-on-one interview takes place in presence of both the parties at some designated place, but nowadays, these interviews can be held indirectly as well. Some examples of the indirect interview are briefly described below.
i. Telephonic interview
Generally, the telephonic interview is a pre-screening interview in which the interviewer analyzes the candidate through a phone call. Such calls can be made with or without prior information. Telephonic interview is not a reliable way of the interview because the interviewer is unaware of the person on the other side of the phone.
ii. Video-call interview
The video-call interview is the next level of the telephonic interview which allows the interviewer to see who he/she is interviewing. Applications specialized for video chats and voice call such as Skype, Google Chat, WebEx, Blue Jeans, etc are used to conduct such interview. Usually, such interview is preferred when either of the party cannot be physically accessed.
2. Panel interview
A panel interview is a type of interview which is conducted between the single candidate and a panel of interviewers. A panel of interviewers may include 2 or more experts from the specific field. In such interview, questions are raised by every member of the panel in order and the interviewee is asked to answer them.
This approach is considered more scientific and advanced than a one-on-one interview because appropriate questions and sound judgment can be expected from the interviewer’s panel, which results in the accurate selection of an employee.
3. Group interview
A group interview is a type of interview in which a group of candidates is interviewed at a single time. The interviewees may be evaluated by a single interviewer or a panel of the interviewers.
In such interview, the group of interviewees is given a relevant topic for discussion and supervisors or observers assesses the performance of each candidate carefully. Candidates should actively participate in such discussions and make responses to many questions as possible, complimenting other candidates’ views and debating politely. Finally, the interviewers withdraw results in accordance.
Aspects assessed by supervisors during group interview
- Leadership
- Initiaveness
- Assertiveness
- Oral communication skill
- Enthusiasm
- Self-confidence
- Tactfulness
4. Lunch interview
Interviews which are conducted at restaurants or cafes are known as lunch interview. In such interview, the interviewer can easily evaluate interpersonal skills and communication skills, along with table manners of an interviewee. It is obvious that such interview includes food or drinks. So an interviewee must make an order carefully so that he/she can easily focus on food and questions at the same time.