Yes, there is variety in everything including job interviews. I can’t tell you which employers host which type of job interviews but I can tell you which types of job interviews you should be prepared to participate in.

Job Interview Type #1: One-on-One Interview


This is fairly straight-forward. You meet face-to-face with one individual representing the company in which you applied for (or were recruited for).

Job Interview Type #2: Group Interview

In a group interview, you are not the only one interviewing. Multiple candidates are invited to participate in a group interview. The only way to stand out is to make yourself standout!

Job Interview Type #3: Panel or Board Interview

In a panel or board interview, you are brought before several individuals representing the company in which you applied for (or were recruited for). All of these individuals will have questions for you and all will be evaluating you on specific things.

Job Interview Type #4: Impromptu Interview

The first rule of thumb in improvisational theatre is to “agree and add.” An interviewer will ask you basic questions and expect you to elaborate on them.

For example, one of the most common Impromptu questions is, “What did you like best about your last job?” You would respond: “I liked my co-workers (agree). Let me explain, …(add).”

Job Interview Type #5: Situational Interview

In situational interviewing, job-seekers are asked to respond to a specific situation they may face on the job. These types of questions are designed to draw out more of your analytical and problem-solving skills.

For example, an employer will describe a situation for you and expect you to:

1. Discuss the actions you would take,


2. Relate the reasoning, and


3. Specify your anticipated outcomes.

Job Interview Type #6: Structured Interview

A structured interview is fairly standard. An interviewer will ask every candidate the same set of questions so that they may more easily compare candidates.

Job Interview Type #7: Multiple Interviews

This is becoming a more common practice amongst interviewers. Employers expect candidates to come in for several interviews so that they may get a better feel for who they are and their qualifications. Each interview may have a different format and purpose but this will depend on the employer. If you get called in for a second interview, it is usually a good sign!

Job Interview Type #8: Telephone Interview

A telephone interview is more commonly used to pre-qualify a candidate. Most phone interviews will last between twenty and forty minutes in length.

Job Interview Type #9: Lunch or Dinner Interview

A lunch or dinner interview is an interviewers attempt to make a candidate feel more relaxed. The questions are not more or less difficult, they have just chosen a different setting.

Job Interview Type #10: Webcam Interviews

These are becoming a more popular trend amongst employers in an attempt to cut costs and “go green.” Webcam interviews are often used to prequalify candidates before determining whether the employer would like to bring them in for a second interview. InovaHire.com offers this patent-pending technology.

Job Interview Type #11: Behavioral Interview

The behavioral job interview is based on the theory that past performance is the best indicator of future behavior.

For example, employers will ask questions such as, “tell me about a failure and how you overcame it” and, “give me a specific example of when you were required to handle several projects at once.” The employer will expect you to answer these questions in four parts:

1. Describe the situation,


2. Discuss the actions you took,


3. Relate the outcomes, and


4. Specify what you learned from it.

Job Interview Type #12: Case Interview

During a case interview and employer will ask you to analyze a situation, identify key business issues, and discuss how you would address the problems involved.

Case interviews are designed to test multiple skills including: quantitative skills, analytical skills, problem-solving ability, communications skills, creativity, the ability to think quickly under pressure, listening skills, interpersonal skills, professional demeanor, and powers of persuasion.

Job Interview Type #13: Stress Interview

The stress interviewing technique is typically used only for positions in which the job-seeker will be facing stress on the job, and the interviewer wants to see how well you can handle the pressure.

The interviewer may try to stress you in one of several ways, such as asking four or five questions in a row, acting rude or sarcastic, disagreeing with you, or simply keeping you waiting for a long period.

Job Interview Type #14: Exit Interview

An exit interview is an employer’s attempt to collect data so that they may improve working conditions and retain more employees. This is your chance to be honest, but be careful not to burn any bridges!

Job Interview Type #15: Informational Interview

The informational interview is when you request an interview in an attempt to expand your network and meet people who can positively influence your job search.

Keywords: