A JOB INTERVIEW is an interview consisting of a conversation between a job applicant and a representative of an employer

which is conducted to assess whether the applicant should be hired.

A job interview typically precedes the hiring decision. The interview is usually preceded by the evaluation
of submitted résumés from interested candidates, possibly by examining job applications or reading many
resumes. Next, after this screening, a small number of candidates for interviews is selected.

The 6 Different Types Of Interviews

The Telephone Interview

Often companies request an initial telephone interview before inviting you in for a face to face meeting in
order to get a better understanding of the type of candidate you are. The one benefit of this is that you can have
your notes out in front of you.

The Face-to-Face Interview

This can be a meeting between you and one member of staff or even two members.

The Panel Interview

These interviews involve a number of people sitting as a panel with one as chairperson. This type of interview is
popular within the public sector.

The Group Interview

Several candidates are present at this type of interview. You will be asked to interact with each other by usually a
group discussion. You might even be given a task to do as a team, so make sure you speak up and give your
opinion.

Formal / Informal Interviews

Some interviews may be very formal, others may be very informal and seem like just a chat about your interests.
However, it is important to remember that you are still being assessed, and topics should be friendly and clean!

Portfolio Based Interviews

In the design / digital or communications industry it is likely that you will be asked to take your portfolio along or
show it online. Make sure all your work is up to date without too little or too much. Make sure that your images if
in print are big enough for the interviewer to see properly, and always test your online portfolio on all Internet
browsers before turning up.

What are the most common interview questions?

1. What can you tell me about yourself?

Talk about yourself in summary and avoid rambling. Your detailed work history can be found on your CV, after all,
so focus on elements that you want to highlight rather than going through everything.
It is okay to discuss your personality and what ambitions you have. Ideally, you will give the interviewer a positive
insight into how you would fit in as an employee.

2. Can you list your strengths?

An exhaustive list of adjectives, such as ‘capable’, ‘hard-working’ or ‘diligent’, won’t really portray you well
because anyone can make such claims about themselves. Instead, think about three things that you do well and
give concrete examples.
If you are a strong organiser, for example, then talk about a project that you coordinated, or a new procedure that
you formulated. If you are good with numbers, then talk about your skills with spreadsheets or financial matters.
3. What weaknesses do you have?
Never say that you have no weaknesses. Everyone who does this comes across like they have simply not
prepared for the interview. Likewise, avoid giving yourself a back-handed compliment, such as, ‘I work too hard.’
Remember that being able to identify a weakness is a strength. Focus on an area of your work that needs to be
improved. You might have been trained in something that you’d like to take to the next level, for example. Point
out that this is a weakness, but something you have identified and are focusing on resolving. Interviewers want to
understand that you have the ability to be honest about yourself and to seek self-improvement.

4. Why should I consider hiring you?

If you are highly qualified for the job you are applying for, then you should point this out, but don’t forget that other
people being interviewed may match or exceed your suitability. In such cases, focus on what else you can bring
to the job, perhaps with your soft skill set, like being able to integrate well with existing members of the team

5. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

This is your chance to talk about your wider ambitions and goals. It is okay to say you’d like to progress on from
the position on offer in most cases. Bosses want to hire people with determination so don’t be shy about sounding
ambitious or hungry for success. Ideally, try to contextualise your ambitions within the organisation that you are
applying to join because this tends to go down better.

6. Why do you want to work here?

This is your chance to show that you have researched the company you are applying to work with. Avoid saying
anything negative about your current employer which makes it seem you are simply after any job at all.
Typical things you might say are that the company operates in your chosen sector, that it provides a clearly
structured career path and that the organisation has a good reputation. Don’t simply trot these ideas out, though.
Do your research!

7. What is your salary expectation?

This is one of the most troublesome questions for many interviewees. For some people, however, it causes no
bother at all. It will depend on your personality as to how you feel talking about salary expectations. That said,
there are some tips to help you deal with the question.

8. What motivates you?

Motivation is personal, so there is no wrong answer that you can give. It might be down to your desire to succeed
and build a career, but it might also be because you want to provide for your family – both perfectly good answers
if you choose to give them. In some professions, caring or vocational motivations might be worth mentioning, too.

9. What makes a good team player?

Many people say in their CV that they are good at working cooperatively or are team players, but few say what
this actually means. Think about examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to build bridges, form
networks or simply get on with people. This needn’t be from your professional life. You could cite any examples
from clubs or organisations to which you belong.
10. Is there anything that you would like to ask me?
Always have at least one question prepared in advance. This is your chance to drill down into an area of the
business that might not have been covered in the interview. Alternatively, you may simply like to ask for feedback
on how you have done in the interview.
A good
Interview Do's and Don'ts
Interview do's

 Dress appropriately. Extremes in fashion or very casual clothes should generally be avoided. Look neat
and clean.
 Be punctual. Make sure that you are 10 minutes early and if you are going to be unavoidably detained ring
and let them know.
 Express yourself and your views clearly.
 Bring a copy of all relevant documents, so you can refer to them if necessary.
 Listen carefully to the questions and answer clearly and thoughtfully.
 Make eye-contact. Remember to talk to the person (not the top right hand corner of the room or at their
shoes).
 Make sure you fully understand the question and query any point about which you may be doubtful.
 If you are being interviewed by a panel, ensure that you direct your answer to the person who asked the
question, while still including the other interviewers by making brief eye contact.
 Ask questions. Selection is a two way process. They select you, but you also select them.
 Be Confident. Remember that you applied for the position because you thought that you could do it.
 Show enthusiasm for the company and the position.
 Remember that they already like you. Employers don't interview everyone. They only interview those
people who they think have the right skills and experience to succeed in the position. Consequently, in the
interview, you maintain and improve on the positive image that you have already created.
 Make sure that you always present your skills in a positive light. Even when describing your weaknesses
you should always show them what you are doing to rectify it.
 Make sure that you have an idea about where your want to be in the future and can relate the future goals
to your application for the present position. You must be able to answer the question "Where do want to
be in five years time?"

Interview don'ts

 Don't dress too casually or look untidy.

 Don't make derogatory remarks about past or present employers.
 Don't fidget or twitch, try to control other nervous mannerisms.
 Conversely, don't sit there like a statue. If you feel more comfortable talking with the aid of your hands for
emphasis, then use them, but try not to be too excessive in your gestures.
 Don't interrupt the interviewer before they have finished asking you a question and never finish their
sentences for them.
 Don't Lie. If you have to lie about what you are like or your abilities in order to obtain the job, you are likely
to find yourself in a position that you don't really like and probably one in which you will have problems
fulfilling successfully.
 Don't talk about salary, holidays or bonuses unless they bring them up.
 Don't answer questions with a simple "yes" or "no". Make sure that you explain your reasoning fully.
 Don't wear too much perfume or aftershave.
 Don't smoke even if invited to do so.

How to Dress for a Corporate Interview

Men's Interview Attire

Here are examples of interview outfits for men. Men should always default to wearing a suit. All clothes should fit
well and be free of stains.

 Suit in a solid color such as navy, black, or dark grey

 Long sleeved shirt that is white or color coordinated with the suit
 Leather belt
  Tie
 Dark socks and conservative leather shoes
 Little or no jewelry
 Neat, professional hairstyle
 Limited amount of aftershave
 Neatly trimmed nails
 Portfolio

Women's Interview Attire

In general, fashion for women is more complicated and varied than it is for men who have fewer options. It makes
assembling an interview outfit a bit more challenging for women than for men. For instance, if you're wearing a
dress or skirt, you need to decide if you should wear pantyhose or if bare legs are acceptable.

Women also need to consider interview accessories and choose an appropriate purse. The best interview
bags are ones that are professional and large enough to fit a resume but aren't flashy.

Here are the fundamental building blocks of what women should wear to a professional interview.

 Suit in navy, black, or dark grey

 Suit skirt just below or above the knee
 Coordinated blouse
 Conservative shoes
 Limited jewelry
 No dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets
 No jewelry is better than cheap jewelry
 Professional hairstyle
 Neutral colored pantyhose
 Light make-up and limited amount of perfume
 Clean, neatly manicured nails
 Portfolio or briefcase

What Not to Bring to the Interview

 Gum
 Coffee or soda
 If you have lots of piercings, leave some of your rings at home (earrings only is a good rule)
 If possible, cover tattoos

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_interview

https://www.coburgbanks.co.uk/blog/assessing-applicants/6-different-types-of-interview/

https://www.orchard.co.uk/blog/different-types-of-interviews-1536.aspx