As you begin (or continue) your job hunt, you will likely encounter employers who utilize different types of interviews. Along with the traditional (or virtual) interviews that we may be used to there are so many other types of interviews that employers may utilize to get to know you. That’s where these great tips come into play!

Behavioral Interviews

These interviews focus on how you have dealt with situations in the past. They’re meant to take your past behavior to predict how you will act in this new work environment. To do well in this type of interview, here are some important tips:

  • Have some anecdotes handy to explain how you dealt with past situations
  • Use the STAR method when answering questions (Detail the Situation, explain your Task, talk about your Actions, end with the Results)
  • Ask clarifying questions if you need to (these can also give you some time to formulate your answer in your head)

Case Interviews

This is an interview where you will be asked how you would handle a potential business scenario. The goal for this interview is to show off you analytical problem-solving skills. For these interviews, be sure to:

  • Understand the question, (ask your own questions, and clarify if you need)
  • Don’t rush – think through the problem
  • Explain how you arrived at your solution; there are no wrong answers as long as you can back it up

Competency-Based Interviews

In this interview, you will have to share examples of specific skills you have to show if you have the necessary skills for the job. Some tips for this interview are:

  • Check the job listing for the skills and abilities they are looking for and find situations where you embody them
  • Be concise and use the STAR method
  • Don’t place blame on others

Group Interviews

This interview requires you to be interviewed with other candidates at the same time. It is meant to be an efficient way to see how well candidates work together. To succeed in this interview, be sure to:

  • Greet both the interviewer and fellow candidates individually (that way you’ll know their names to reference later)
  • Don’t be afraid to answer first–this shows initiative!
  • Support your fellow co-interviewers–It doesn’t have to be a competition from the get-go, and when you agree with their answers, you can voice that while adding some of your own points

Informal Interviews

These interviews are more like casual conversations where you can discuss the job in question with an employer in a more relaxed manner. Some tips for this interview are: 

  • While this interview is more relaxed, it would be good to dress in at least business or start-up casual 
  • Research the organization and be prepared to ask questions and share your career path/goals
  • Follow up after the interview, either with a friendly email or LinkedIn connection!

I hope you have found these tips helpful! Good luck in your job hunt, and I have linked my reference articles and more resources below for more information:

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/types-of-job-and-employment-related-interviews-2061343

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/behavioral-job-interviews-2058575

https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/how-to-prepare-for-a-behavioral-interview/

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/case-interview-questions-and-tips-for-answering-2061633

https://www.caseinterview.com/case-interview-basics

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/competency-based-interview-questions-2061195

https://www.smartrecruiters.com/resources/glossary/group-interview/