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8 Types of Interview Methods with Tips and Benefits

As the fun and thrill of college life ends, we all have to get ready to start our professional lives. Whether it’s scouting for jobs independently or appearing for campus placements, have you ever thought what’s the most important thing? You guessed it right! Every potential job seeker has to appear and qualify in interviews before landing their dream jobs. 

Needless to say, it is the stepping stone in the professional world where freshers look for their first break while experienced candidates plan to take their careers a notch higher. If we quote recent statistics, only 20% of every 118 candidates get selected for an interview for a single job. So, interviews are important no matter if you are a newbie or a seasoned pro. 

However, it is imperative to know that there is no set format or standard interview methods. There are 8 variants and each of these methods has its benefits and tips to follow. Hence, you cannot follow a single generic technique to apply throughout. Instead, you must be well-informed about the preparation techniques for these different types of interviews. 

But how? Read this article thoroughly to learn about the interview methods to adequately prepare yourself. Additionally, you will also come across some practical tips you can follow. Scroll down for more information. 

1. Structured Interviews

When the interview questions are research-based, it is called a structured interview. Check out the characteristics and tips to ace it. 

1.1. Definition and characteristics

The systematic approach, where the questions are chosen after proper research, is known as a structured interview. This approach ensures that every candidate is subjected to the same questions. 

  • Have predetermined questions
  • Standard rating system
  • Conducted by trained interviewers
  • Same questions for everyone
  • Have various types of questions

1.2. Tips for candidates preparing for structured interviews

For those who are about to apply for this kind of interview method. Check out the tips to know how to ace it. 

Review common structured interview questions

Conduct your research and list the common questions asked in this interview. Practice your answers beforehand so that you do not falter. 

Prepare specific examples and experiences

Remember, there will be various others answering the same question. Hence, frame your answers with individualistic experiences. This will help you to stand apart from the crowd. 

Practice concise and clear responses

Avoid vague and stock replies. Do not state irrelevant information. Your answers should be clear, crisp, and concise. Try giving as much information as possible within that given time. 

1.3. Benefits for candidates

Such kinds of interviews are proven to be advantageous to candidates. 

Consistent and fair evaluation process

The judging process follows a standard system. Hence, this helps to prevent any bias or injustice. Instead, it ensures a fair evaluation of the candidates. 

Clarity on expectations and requirements

Since it is pre-determines that applicants are aware of the employer’s expectations. Hence, they can easily frame their answers accordingly. 

Opportunity to showcase relevant skills and experiences

The questions follow a mixed-bag pattern. This allows the candidates to simultaneously speak about their abilities, knowledge, and experience. 

2. Unstructured Interviews

This is one of the types of job interviews, also known as non-directive interviews. Here, the questions are not previously fixed. 

2.1. Definition and characteristics

The kind of interview method where the questions stem from social interaction between the interviewer and applicant is called an unstructured interview. It is characterised by:  

  • No predetermined questions 
  • Interview questions are individualistic
  • Informal approach
  • Open-ended questions. 

2.2. Tips for candidates preparing for unstructured interviews

Framing your answers for this kind of interview method is different from others. Check out the techniques below. 

Research the company and role thoroughly

Since you have no prior knowledge of the questions, prepare holistically. Begin by studying about the company’s background. Additionally, read thoroughly to understand the job role expectations. 

Prepare to discuss your background and qualifications

Secondly, focus on integrating your skills, knowledge, and qualifications into your answers. Remember to provide past experiences to support your claims if relevant. 

Practice active listening and asking thoughtful questions

An interview does not mean you need to talk continuously. Rather, listen attentively to what they have to say. You may ask mindful questions if required. Avoid stock queries. 

2.3. Benefits for candidates

This kind of interview method offers multiple benefits to candidates, such as a chance to showcase their individualistic ability. Check out the advantages of interview with such an approach. 

Opportunity to showcase personality and communication skills

The unstructured framework allows applicants to showcase their communication skills. Additionally, they get a chance to portray their professional personality, unlike in the other variants. 

Flexibility to highlight unique experiences and achievements

Since it has a free-flowing conversational approach, the candidates get the flexibility to present their individual accomplishments and experiences. 

Chance to build rapport and establish a personal connection

The tonality is informal to a certain extent. Hence, it paves the path for facilitating a personal bond between the hirer and the hiree. 

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3. Behavioral Interviews

In this variant of the interview method, the focus is more on your previous experiences. Through those specific behavioural patterns, they will judge your credibility for the present job.  

3.1. Definition and characteristics

The interview questions aimed to learn about examples of several specific situations to gauge your ability to fulfil the responsibilities of this job are called Behavioral interviews. Situation-based questions characterise it. 

3.2. Tips for candidates preparing for behavioural interviews

In this case, you must follow a particular structure to frame your answers. Check out the details below. 

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses

Suppose they ask, “Can you function effectively under work pressure?” You will begin with a relevant incident. Proceed to state how you acted and end with the impact it had. This is called the STAR method. 

Prepare specific examples demonstrating key competencies

Try to state examples where your action made a memorable impact. For instance, resolving an issue that retained a valuable client. Avoid inconsequential instances.  

Practice storytelling and highlighting positive outcomes

While framing your answers, engagingly integrate your examples. Also, learn the art of highlighting your abilities without boasting. Never sound over-confident, irrespective of any interview method. 

3.4. Benefits for candidates

This is the best approach to prove your proficient soft skills. Listed below are other advantages of this type of interviewing. 

Opportunity to showcase concrete accomplishments

The applicants get a chance to portray their proper achievements. This means the interviewer cannot rely only on their theoretical skills. Rather, they also get to understand the applicant’s application skills. 

Ability to demonstrate problem-solving and adaptability

The questions asked in this interview method help the hirer to satisfactorily judge the candidates’ flexibility in embracing changes. Additionally, they also comprehend the proficiency of their problem-solving skills. 

Insight into the employer’s priorities and expectations

This approach gives you an understanding of the interviewer’s expectations of you. Hence, you must frame your answers accordingly. 

4. Situational Interviews

As the name suggested in this interview method, you will be asked to respond to different hypothetical situations. Check out the details below. 

4.1. Definition and characteristics

In this approach, you will be given hypothetical situations to solve. Your capabilities will be judged based on your reactions. The characteristics are as follows.

  • Questions are open-ended
  • Hypothetical questions asked 
  • Judgement based on your reactions
  • Hirers judge the professionalism of the candidate. 

4.2. Tips for candidates preparing for situational interviews

How do you prepare for such interview approaches? Check out the tips below. 

Anticipate common scenarios based on the job requirements

Read through the job profile thoroughly. Search the common skill-based questions interviewers like to ask based on that job profile. Frame your answers centring on that incident. 

Practice thinking out loud and explaining your approach

While practising at home, speak out. Hearing your thoughts will help to understand how impressive you are sounding. 

Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills

State situations like resolving conflict between the company and client. You can also share how embracing a new trend helped boost your sales. Moreover, you can also add how data analysis helps early detection of an error. 

4.3. Benefits for candidates

There are several advantages of interview method with such an approach. Read along to know the significant benefits offered. 

Opportunity to showcase analytical and decision-making abilities

It allows the applicants to exhibit their problem-solving, analysis and decision-making skills. After all, these are major abilities required for a company to flourish. 

Insight into the challenges and responsibilities of the role

As the interviewer gives you multiple situations to solve, you also get an understanding of real-life issues. In short, you get a practical knowledge of the company’s expectations from you. 

Chance to demonstrate adaptability and creativity

The framed questions will also enable you to showcase your flexibility to changes. Make sure you exhibit an enthusiastic tone. Moreover, your different reactions can also portray your creative ability. 

5. Panel Interviews

Another interview method is when multiple employers are interviewing you. Read below to learn how to ace such interviews. 

5.1. Definition and characteristics

When a panel of hirers interview an applicant simultaneously, it is known as a panel interview. Usually, there is a group of HRs, managers, supervisors, etc. Another characteristic is that the questions can be of various types and can be asked at once. 

5.2. Tips for candidates preparing for panel interviews

Appearing for such an interview can be confusing. Check out the tips to prepare for it.

Research the background and roles of panel members

Learn the departments and duties of your employers. This will give you an idea of the questions you will face. 

Prepare to engage with multiple interviewers

Frame your answers in a way that would engage with all of them present in the panel. This will highlight your communication skills as well. 

Maintain consistency and coherence in responses

Your answers must be wholesome and consistent throughout. This will help establish your consistent nature in a professional backdrop. 

5.3. Benefits for candidates

It sounds odd, but panel interviews are beneficial for applicants. Check out the advantages of this interview method. 

Opportunity to showcase communication and interpersonal skills

Your first attempt will be to engage all the interviewers with your answers. This will indeed prove your efficiency in communication and proficient interpersonal skills.

Exposure to different perspectives and stakeholders

Different interviewers will offer a new perspective throughout the interview. Additionally, you will learn about the different stakeholders. 

Chance to demonstrate ability to build rapport with a diverse group

Last, it proves your flexibility in communicating with diverse groups properly. After all, this is a paramount skill in a professional background. 

6. Group Interviews

In this interview method, you will find multiple applicants who have more than two interviewers interview. Check out the details given below. 

6.1. Definition and characteristics

The interview format, in which two or more interviewers interview several applicants, is called a group interview.  The main characteristics are,  

  • The same questions are asked of each one
  • May include group discussions 
  • Mainly, open-ended questions

6.2. Tips for candidates preparing for group interviews

There are definitive techniques to ace this kind of interview. Check out the tips below. 

Prepare to collaborate and contribute effectively

Do not be overpowered or overshadowed. Maintain a consistent visibility with your contributions to the discussions. 

Practice active listening and respectful communication

Train yourself well in active listening. Additionally, you must maintain a respectful tone throughout. It is applicable even if you are refusing or not agreeing to it. 

Demonstrate leadership and problem-solving skills

Seize the opportunity to showcase leadership qualities. Moreover, make sure to highlight your problem-solving skills. 

6.3. Benefits for candidates

Read along to learn how group interviews can be beneficial for the candidates. 

Opportunity to showcase teamwork and collaboration abilities

This approach to an interview offers you a chance to exhibit your proficiency in teamwork. Additionally, it also highlights your collaboration abilities. 

Insight into the company culture and team dynamics

The questions will give you an idea of the company’s vision. You will also learn the team dynamics prevalent in the company. 

Chance to stand out through unique contributions and ideas

You can prove yourself better and more suited for the job than others. You need to ensure that you have appropriately incorporated your skills to highlight. 

7. Case Interviews

As the name suggests, you must answer questions regarding real-life business issues. Scroll down to know how you should prepare for it. 

7.1. Definition and characteristics

The interview method, where case studies are given to be solved by candidates, is called case interviews. It is usually characterised by, 

  • You will need 30-45 minutes to solve one comprehensive question
  • It might be broken into smaller parts as well
  • The stylistic feature is a collaborative conversation

7.2. Tips for candidates preparing for case interviews

Framing effective replies to case study questions required proper techniques and understanding. Check out the tips below.

Practice common case interview frameworks and techniques

Gather information on case studies relevant to your job role. Moreover, be prepared with relevant information to support your answer. Additionally, prepare yourself for counter-questions. 

Develop structured problem-solving and analytical skills

Hone your critical thinking and problem-solving skills for the interview. Efficient analytical skills will aid you to rationalise the case given to solve it logically. 

Prepare to think out loud and communicate your approach

You must practice speaking out thoughts and communicate your way of thinking. It will enable the interviewer to decide whether it is the right approach. 

7.3. Benefits for candidates

A case study interview can be highly advantageous. Check out the benefits offered. 

Opportunity to showcase strategic thinking and business acumen

Gives you a chance to demonstrate your critical thinking ability professionally. You also get to prove your business understanding. 

Insight into the types of challenges faced in the role and industry

You get a fundamental understanding of the difficulties and issues faced by the industry. It also gives you a sneak peek of your job duties.

Chance to demonstrate ability to perform under pressure

This interview proves your competency in working under pressure without quality compromisation. It also proves your resilience and dedication towards maintaining professionalism. 

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8. Competency-Based Interviews

This interview method is a blend of situational and behavioural interview approaches. Here, you will be given hypothetical situations where you have to integrate your practical experience. 

8.1. Definition and characteristics

The interviewing process, in which you must validate your skill with a proper instance in answer to a hypothetical situation, is called a competency-based interview. The primary characteristics are: 

  • Targets a specific skill
  • Systematic approach 
  • Situation based questions

8.2. Tips for candidates preparing for competency-based interviews

In this interview style, you have to blend two techniques. Hence, it can seem challenging at first. Follow the techniques below to simplify it. 

Review the critical competencies required for the role

Understand the skills required in the job role. This will help you to choose the skills you want to highlight. 

Prepare specific examples demonstrating each competency

The next step is to account for a real-life instance for each skill. This will help in validating your claims. 

Practice concise and structured responses

Remember not to divert from the actual focus. Rather, try to be precise and maintain a proper structure. Additionally, choose compelling experiences that sound impressive. 

8.3. Benefits for candidates

It is very beneficial for the applicants. Check out how this approach proves advantageous to the candidates. 

Clarity on the skills and abilities valued by the employer

The job role gives you an idea of the expected responsibilities. Hence, you can concentrate on highlighting them satisfactorily. 

Opportunity to showcase strengths and suitability for the role

You can frame a more targeted answer that can prove your skills. The selection process thus becomes quite convenient. 

Chance to demonstrate fit with the company culture and values

As an applicant, you can explain why you are the best fit for the company. Additionally, you get the chance to explain how you align with the company’s cultures and values. 

Conclusion

Interviews are an integral part of our life. Hence, learning what is interview and types of interview are paramount for preparing ourselves. The types and tips above can help you frame your answers effectively. However, along with structured answers, make sure you have excellent and lively body language. 

FAQs on Types of Interview Methods

Q1. What are the types of interviews?

A1. There are eight major types of interview methods – Structured, Unstructured, Behavioural, Situational, Panel, Group, Case, and Competency-based interviews. 

Q2. What are the various techniques of interview?

A2. Among the several techniques, the most important is engagingly communicating your skills and qualifications. To keep it conversational but clear and focused. Lastly, state relevant skills and impactful experiences.

Q3. What is the interview method?

A3. It is a structure where the hirer asks questions, and the applicant answers them with proper information. 

Q4. What is the STAR Method?

A4. This is associated with behavioural interviews. Structure your answer according to STAR – Situation, Task, Action, Result. 

Q5. State one interview question example

A5. A common example is – The ‘XYZ’ company suffers from a deteriorating sales percentage. As a sales manager, how do you suggest to recover from it?

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