{"id":14958,"date":"2018-06-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-05-31T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/identifi-global.eu.applyflow.com\/telephone-skype-coffee-shop-or-group-exercise-how-to-tackle-7-types-of-interview\/"},"modified":"2022-12-09T06:14:19","modified_gmt":"2022-12-09T06:14:19","slug":"telephone-skype-coffee-shop-or-group-exercise-how-to-tackle-7-types-of-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.identifiglobal.com\/news\/telephone-skype-coffee-shop-or-group-exercise-how-to-tackle-7-types-of-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"Telephone, Skype, coffee shop or group exercise: How to tackle 7 types of interview"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\tHiring new members of staff is expensive \u2013 costing businesses up to \u00a36,000 for the interview process alone, and taking an average 28 weeks for new employees to reach target productivity in their new role.<\/a><\/div>\n
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\n\tOrganisations simply have to make their hiring process as lean, effective and focused as possible. How they conduct your interview is an important choice, and can take a diverse range of forms. Below, we\u2019ve set out our guide to the 7 most common types of interview faced by IT professionals.<\/div>\n
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\n\tResearch, first<\/h2>\n
\n\tOne type of preparation is necessary for any type of interview: in-depth research. This should be conducted well in advance of your interview and take a few hours of your time.<\/div>\n
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\n\tAs a candidate, your success depends on knowing the role and company. Your goal should be on finding interesting talking points for your interview and proving your interest in the organisation through your research. Focus on four key areas: company history, finances, culture <\/strong>and competition.<\/strong><\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tUse the company\u2019s website to learn their mission, values and background \u2013 and be sure to search beyond the homepage to demonstrate to show that your interest is genuine. Ensure you can clearly articulate what differentiates the organisation from others in the space, and know enough basic information \u2013 like location and company size \u2013 to prevent yourself asking a question at interview that could be answered with a search online.<\/div>\n
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\n\tYou may like:<\/strong> 10 reasons you need to up your CV and cover letter game<\/a><\/div>\n
\n\tReview the \u2018investor relations\u2019 page (or equivalent) of the website. The quarterly reports and other documents there will offer valuable insight into the context for your hire \u2013 and suggestions for the future of the organisation, which you may seek to discuss at interview.<\/div>\n
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\n\tSeek to get under the skin of the organisation by reviewing how it talks about staff and company news on its blog and social media channels. Take note of recent successes, and be prepared to refer to them in your interview. Dig even deeper by researching the business on Glassdoor, and even contacting past or present employees. The goal here is to get the \u2018inside track\u2019 on the organisation; to find the things to not bring up in interview, and detailed insight that other candidates will miss, like target areas of expansion, or challenges to be overcome.<\/div>\n
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\n\tFinally, repeat the steps above for the organisation\u2019s competitors, albeit at a higher level. Here, the aim is to demonstrate your understanding of the industry landscape and \u2013 crucially \u2013 its commercial interests. These will affect every role in the organisation, technical or otherwise.<\/div>\n
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\n\tResearch complete, consider the following points for your specific interview type.<\/div>\n
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\n\t#1. Interview by phone<\/h2>\n
\n\tInterviews by phone are often used as a pre-screening option for employers that receive more applications than they can interview in person.<\/div>\n
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\n\tIt\u2019s therefore essential to put your best foot forward to secure a second interview. Be prepared for the employer to call in business hours. Employers will usually organise a suitable time to call you.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\t30 minutes before the call, find a quiet space with good network coverage and a back-up contact option like Skype or Zoom. Write down questions you\u2019d like to ask or issues you\u2019d like to discuss in advance, and print and learn your CV and cover letter. Have a final brush up on the company so it\u2019s fresh in your mind.<\/div>\n
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\n\tWhen you\u2019re on the phone, be aware that your interviewer cannot read your body language \u2013 which means working harder at your verbal communication. Smile when you speak; use active listening cues to demonstrate your engagement with the conversation. Standing or moving about can help with projecting your voice and elevating energy levels.<\/div>\n
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\n\tStay aware of your presentation by imagining the interviewer is sat across from you. These calls are generally 30 minutes long and are as much about the way you conduct yourself as they are the content of your CV or experience. Be relaxed and chatty, but don\u2019t ramble. Ensure your answers are concise and relevant to the question.<\/div>\n
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\n\t#2. Interview by Skype<\/h2>\n
\n\tSkype interviews should be approached in the same way as those on the phone \u2013 with a few extra considerations for the use of video.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tBe organised. Download Skype in advance and ensure you and your interviewer have each others\u2019 contact details ready. Arrive to the call early and if your interviewer is calling from a different timezone, make sure you know the time difference.<\/div>\n
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\n\tDress appropriately. Don\u2019t be tempted to wear professional clothing on your top half and pyjamas underneath, as you may be caught out and have to adjust something on screen.<\/div>\n
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\n\tMake sure your internet connection is reliable, that your camera and microphone work properly and \u2013 if you\u2019re using a tablet or a phone \u2013 that your battery is charged ahead of the call. Use headphones during the call for better sound quality. Finally, prepare your environment by making sure the background for your call is clean, tidy and contains nothing offensive or suggestive.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tBe waiting on the call ten minutes before your slot begins, with a glass of water and a notepad and pen. On the call, seek to maintain eye contact with your interviewer throughout and maintain a good posture by sitting up straight and loosening your shoulders.<\/div>\n
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\n\t#3. The coffee shop interview<\/h2>\n
\n\tInterviews in coffee shops are increasingly common because they put candidates at ease. It\u2019s important, however, to keep your engagement professional and not be distracted during the meeting.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tConfirm the details of the time and location for your meeting in advance. If possible, use a venue that you\u2019re already familiar with. If your chosen coffee shop belongs to a chain, make sure you\u2019re both heading for the same location.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tStay focused at all times. Seek a quiet table. Speak clearly and maintain eye contact with your interviewer. Finally, don\u2019t eat during the interview, and definitely don\u2019t drink too much coffee.<\/div>\n
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\n\t#4. The one-on-one interview<\/h2>\n
\n\tOne-on-one interviews can be intimidating because they raise the prospect of spending time talking to an interviewer you don\u2019t \u2018connect\u2019 with.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tAvoid this pressure by seeking to build rapport from the start of the interview with small talk about the venue for the meeting and the individual\u2019s history at the company. \u2018Open up\u2019 your body language by maintaining eye contact, listening actively, and leaning towards them (without invading their personal space.)<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tOn these occasions, it can be tempting to \u2018fill up\u2019 silences in the conversation by rambling, or providing excessively detailed answers. Instead, seek to keep your responses clear, structured and simple to follow by using the STAR framework \u2013 outlining the situation<\/strong> you were in, the requirements of the task <\/strong>in question, the action<\/strong> you took, and the results <\/strong>of your efforts.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tWhen it comes to awkward silences, remember that your interviewer is possibly nervous too, and needs time to process your answers and respond in a way that makes the most of the interview situation.<\/div>\n
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\n\t#5. The group interview<\/h2>\n
\n\tGroup interviews are more efficient than one-on-one engagements, and more effective at demonstrating the actual performance of a candidate in different situations. They typically involve multiple interviewers setting a range of tasks for groups of between 5 and 10 candidates.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tCrucially, these interviews are designed to assess a mix of competencies: not least how you manage and communicate with others, take direction, and solve problems. It\u2019s essential that candidates \u2018lean into\u2019 the opportunity here, even if their introverted nature makes it uncomfortable to do so.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tAlso important is that candidates strike a balance in their behaviour. Too passive, and other candidates will earn the interviewers\u2019 focus. Too aggressive, and candidates will be see as domineering and difficult to work with.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tBody language is key once more. At the start of the interview, learn your fellow interviewees\u2019 names and seek to build a friendly but not over-familiar rapport with them. Turn your feet towards those who are speaking to you, smile and stay \u2018open\u2019. If you catch yourself crossing your arms, don\u2019t!<\/div>\n
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\n\t#6. The 3-stage interview<\/h2>\n
\n\t3-stage interviews are most common for senior roles where the candidate\u2019s employment represents a serious investment for the company. In-person meetings may be preceded by pre-screening Skype or telephone interviews.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tIt\u2019s important to recognise that each interview stage will be geared towards testing different aspects of your suitability for the role. First, interviewers will seek to screen for your skills and experience. Later interviews are likely to be focused on \u2018fit\u2019 \u2013 offering candidates a chance to meet and spend time with more junior and senior members of the team to see how they communicate.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tAt each stage, it\u2019s important to make notes of items to research before the next interview. Be consistent in the messages you express at each stage, as these are likely to form the focus for the interviewers\u2019 questions in the subsequent stages. Finally, do not rest your laurels at any stage, or be tempted to engage in unprofessional banter with your prospective workmates when you meet them. Instead, be polite and professional.<\/div>\n
<\/pre>\n
\n\t#7. The multi-stage interview<\/h2>\n
\n\tInterviews at the largest tech giants can take 5, 10 or even more rounds of interviews, because the likes of Google and Apple are unencumbered by the cost restrictions that other businesses face and can afford to \u2018hold out\u2019 for the very best candidates.<\/a><\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tIn this way, multi-stage interview processes are designed around the roles in question, and can involve a combination of the types of interview mentioned above, alongside coding tasks, behavioural tests and homework challenges.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tWhat distinguishes them further is the use of seemingly \u2018impossible\u2019 questions \u2013 like which do you think has more advertising potential in Boston, a flower shop or a funeral home?<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tThe key here is not to answer the question correctly. There may be no \u2018right\u2019 answer. Instead, interviewers are looking to understand candidates\u2019 aptitude for creativity, lateral thought, problem-solving and logic. Candidates should therefore \u2018think out loud\u2019 while tackling such challenges.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tOn a wider level, candidates should approach multi-stage interviews with an aim to \u2018expect the unexpected\u2019. Rather than feeling uncomfortable when such questions are asked, interviewees should embrace them. If they cannot, they probably shouldn\u2019t join the organisation in question. This raises a further point. Tough multi-stage interviews are not necessarily unsuccessful ones \u2013 and should therefore be approached by candidates with a different perspective on \u2018success\u2019.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tFor more information on interviews at Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google,click here<\/a>.<\/div>\n
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\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tCommon threads run through our advice for all of the interview types above.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tPreparation is key; both in terms of the insight you\u2019d like to express at interview and creating the right conditions for a productive meeting. More than 90% of communication is non-verbal,<\/a> and candidates should be aware of their body language at all times. Demonstrating an acute awareness of what the interviewer needs and is looking for \u2013 and mirroring it, is next.<\/div>\n
\n\t <\/div>\n
\n\tFinally, positivity. An interview is an opportunity for both candidate and interviewer to get to know each other<\/a>, and even the toughest interview can be instructive for the future. Don\u2019t be afraid of yours: embrace it.<\/div>\n
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\n\tFound this article useful? <\/strong>Read our 6 tips for selling your experience at interview.<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n
\n\t <\/h2>\n
\n\tShare this Article<\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
  Hiring new members of staff is expensive \u2013 costing businesses up to \u00a36,000 for the interview process alone, and taking an average 28 weeks for new employees to reach target productivity in their new role.   Organisations simply have to make their hiring process as lean, effective and focused as possible. How they conduct… Read More »Telephone, Skype, coffee shop or group exercise: How to tackle 7 types of interview<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14170,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14958","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-management"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.identifiglobal.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14958","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.identifiglobal.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.identifiglobal.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.identifiglobal.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.identifiglobal.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14958"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.identifiglobal.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14958\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.identifiglobal.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media\/14170"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.identifiglobal.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14958"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.identifiglobal.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14958"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.identifiglobal.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14958"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}