Thread by @TundeTASH

Here are some 'Types of Interviews' you might come across and how to handle them.

The Do's and Don'ts.

Understand that every organization is unique, and each will use the interview type that best fits their budget, time and organization culture.

I'd touch a few of the interview types that are common, and will also share an experience of how I goofed a particular one 😆

1. Panel Interview:

Some companies do not have the time to conduct traditional 'hierarchical' interviews where you meet with HR first, then Hiring Manager, then Head of Department. Ain't nobody got time for that 😂

Panel straight.

I call this interview type, 'We Die Here'!

Do's:

- Make sure to remember their names & address them accordingly when answering questions from them. This goes a long way.

- Look the person asking question 'koro-koro' in the eyes. Also, maintain eye contact with others as well.

- Use your firm handshake for all of them.

Don't:

- Don't use bass tone for one person and use soprano for the other. Maintain the same energy for every body.

- If you know you are not good with names then don't try to address them by their names. You don't want to be calling Yemi by Remi.

2. Phone Interview:

This one is called 'Don't waste our time' interview. Org use this to check for organizational fit, skills, experience, & qualifications before inviting you in for a face to face interview (if needed).

That's why questions you get for this type are direct.

Do's:

- Chose the best time and place for your phone interview. You don't want to be struggling for space in a public bus when your call comes in. Hence, quiet place does the trick.

- Place your notes and print-outs in front of you. It will help you build relevant points.

Don'ts:

- Do not interrupt the interviewer. So, let them finish from the other end of the line before answering questions.

- Make sure not to rush when speaking. Hence, speak clearly. The phone interview in itself can be a test to check your oral communication skills.

3. Stress Interview:

This interview is there to access how well you handle pressure. It is usually used for roles that involve interacting with high risk customers.

In many cases, interviewer will take on a personality that you would actually question if it was an interview.

Do's:

- Be as cool as cucumber. It's all acting so don't fall for it.

- Be creative in the way you respond bringing real life scenarios to play. This is where you can display those Hollywood skills you've always dreamt of.

- Smile.

Don'ts:

- Don't get carried away by the interviewer playing an angry customer. You are there because you need a job.

- Don't make it boring. Stress interviews turn out to be fun eventually.

4. Face to Face Interview:

In many cases, this is usually the next stage after a phone interview. Org wants to see if the 'foneh' you spoke on phone is real. :D

The face to face is also used to establish the great impression you must have created on phone. Make sure to shine!!!

Do's:

- Prepare!!! Preparation is the key needed to unlock the job.
- Dress professionally.
- Answer questions professionally.
- Ask questions when done.
- Speak confidently.
- Use terms related to your industry.
- Send thank you notes when done.

Don'ts:

- Do not arrive late. It will affect your morale and you might turn out to be nervous if you are not relaxed before the interview.

- Don't leave your phone on in an interview. If possible, don't take it in with you.

5. Video Interview:

Sometimes used by orgs when hiring for a resource located far from their location. So, they conduct a video interview to avoid wasting your time of traveling to the location.

For instance, company can be in India and candidate in Lagos.

Do's:

- Get your self the best internet service provider. If you are in Nigeria & don't want a delayed video response don't go with Glo Otherwise, it'd be like a 'sloth' interview.

- Make sure it's a quiet place where only you is present. Remember the CNN blooper?

Don't:

- Because you want free WiFi you decide to go to Starbucks. Wong move! Imagine someone spilling coffee on your laptop when the interviewer asks, "So how much would you like to get paid?" 😆

- Don't schedule any visit or phone calls for that period.

6. Behavioral Interview:

This type of interview can actually be a part of any of the above listed types of interviews.

It is used to also check your work patterns and how you would react / have reacted in a real life event.

Do's:

- Be honest about how you have handled situations in the past.

- Study as many behavioral interview questions as possible. It helps.

- Tell your own stories. No one will describe an experience better than you who have experienced it.

Don't:

- When answering, don't narrate how Mary Slessor stopped the killing of twins & how it relates to you stopping someone from disobeying a policy.

Best is to use this:

Situation: What is the koko?
Task: What needed to be done?
Action: What you did?
Result: How did it end?

7. Group Interview:

This is the reverse of Panel Interview where you have many candidates interviewed same time. This is used to test candidates that will stand out in a group.

This was the one I goofed 😭. Debola WIlliams had conducted a group interview when RED Media started.

Do's:

- Be bold with your chest. It is a competition, so speak out and let your accomplishments resonate in the room.

- Be unique in your personality and don't blend with the crowd.

- It's you and the interviewer. Not you and other candidates so focus on the interviewer.

Don'ts:

- Do not make fun or refer to any candidate in the room.

- Do not be unprofessional when you need attention to answer a question in the room.

Which one these interview types is your best?

You can also add why if you can.

As always, regardless of what type of interview it is, preparation is key.

Also, knowing your personality & what works for you best can help channel your energy and what you need to focus on the most.

'Proper interview preparation is a key needed to unlock a job' - Tunde.