Most Common Types of Interview

Ever company is different and has different needs and requirements when it comes to their recruiting process. Job interviews come in all different formats and styles so there is no one way fits all.

If you’ve managed to secure an interview, or you’re looking to change roles, you need to know about the different types of interviews that may come your way. We have put to together the most common types of job interviews:

The Structured Interview

The most common type of interview, this is very formal and structured starting with few ice breaker questions that lead into more formal questioning. It can consists of a panel of interviewers

Within this interview, you will get to find out more about the company, the role you’re applying for and about the industry. The interviewer will use this interview to find out more about you so they may ask you about your work experiences, you education and what you like to do in your spare time, to see if they feel you will be a good fit for the company. You will also be given an opportunity to ask questions towards the end of the interview, as you also have to think that the company is a good fit for you as much as they do about you.

The Informal or Unstructured Interview

This is still an interview, but it’s on a less formal basis. They can take place in a more relaxed environment such as a coffee shop, but it’s important to still act professionally. You may be given more open ended questions in this type of interview so it becomes more conversational to make you feel more comfortable.

The Stress Interview

This style of interview is used when the job role deals with a lot of stress situations on a daily basis. The objective of this is to test out your nerve and how you would handle certain situations. Questions asked will more than likely be similar to those that are in a structured interview, but on a more aggressive basis. If you come across this type of interview, it’s not to be taken personally, it’s just a process to see if you’re the right person for the job.

Competency Interview

These are used to evaluate your past performance where you will be invited to share experiences and/or situations relating to the role you’re applying for. Questions may include “Describe a time when you have had to deal with a conflict..” or “how would you handle two employees coming to you with a project that has the same deadline.”

When answering these types of situations we recommend that you try using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This method helps to keep your answer concise and get your point across to help prove that you’re right for the job.

The Panel Interview

As it says in the name, in this type of interview you will have more than one person interview you. It will typically include questions that you would be asked in a competency questions, but this will depend on the role that you’re going for. They can also vary in style depending on the company.

When you’re asked a question in this type of interview, keep eye contact and make sure you address everyone in the room – try not to focus on one person.

The Working Interview

Some interviewers want to see the proof in the pudding. They want to see that you can do what you say you can do and therefore, they may add a task for you to complete in the interview. You may also be invited to the place of work for a day to get a feel for the working environment and to undertake tasks to do with the role.

The Group Interview

Group interviews occur occasionally but are not all that common they involve you being interviews with other people. Although group interviews are not common, they do occur occasionally. If you’re faced with this type of interview, try not to panic, listen to others and be yourself.

Whatever type of interview you are faced with, always remember to relax, breath and be yourself. The key is in the preparation beforehand.

With nearly 30 years recruitment experience in the healthcare industry, we work with leading companies to find sales marketing and management roles in Dental, Medical Devices, Animal Health, Consumer Health, Scientific, Healthcare Communications, and Pharmaceutical sectors.

If you’re seeking a new role within the health care industry and you’re looking for support and guidance, you can register our details, send us a message with your CV or call us on 01494 818 000. Our specialist team will offer you the support and guidance to help you secure your next role.