Interviews are intimidating for any jobseeker but especially for graduates who do not have a lot of experience in the professional working environment. However if you have been invited to an interview, there is a reason for it. Now is your chance to show the potential employer what you can offer! Your covering letter and CV or application form has impressed the company and now they want to learn a bit more about you. Every interview you attend will be different and you will gain experience from them all so, it is important to go to every interview you're offered in order to practise.
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Types of Graduate Interviews
Face to face interview
This is the most common type of interview. This is when there is a one to one meeting involving the candidate and the interviewer.
Telephone interview
A telephone interview is becoming increasingly popular among companies as a method to preliminary screen candidates. It is equally important to make a good impression during a phone interview as it is in a face to face interview.
Group interview
A group interview usually has a presentation about the company followed by a question and answer session. The candidates take turns to answer questions and it is a chance for the company to meet the candidates and to observe their behaviour in a group situation.
Panel interview
A panel interview is made up of two or more interviewers who take turns asking you questions. This measures how you interact with different people, especially your future bosses, work colleagues, or both. Acknowledge the entire panel when answering as this will show confidence and good communication skills.
Sequential interview
This is usually when you meet with several interviewers one after another. When you meet with each individual interviewer they typically will focus on their own area of interest. During sequential interviews it is important to answer each interviewer as thoroughly as the previous one even if they ask very similar questions.
Good Questions to Ask in an Interview
Of course, after all the questions interviewers ask you, you get to ask some as well (in fact, they expect it, so having a few ready is a good idea). We've assembled some of the questions job applicants ask most often in an interview:
- Can you describe an ideal employee?
- Can you tell me about the competencies necessary to perform this job?
- How is performance measured and reviewed?
- Can you describe a typical day in this job?
- Can you portray the best and worst aspects of this job?
- Does the company have a generalist or specialist focus?
- How long do people usually stay in this job?
- Why did the last person leave this job?
- Could you explain your organizational structure to me?
- Where does this position fit in the organization?
- How many employees are in this department?
- How important does upper management consider the functions of this department?
- Are there any weaknesses in the department you're working on improving?
- Will I be able to meet the immediate supervisor for this role?
- How long have you been with the company?
- Why do people leave?
- What are the companies strengths and weaknesses as compared to the competition?
- Who are your major competitors?
- What is the vision of the company?
- What are the best opportunities in your company for new hires?
- What pending legislation could impact the company?
- What are the major changes in the industry, and how is the company responding?