Other Types of Interviews
Phone Interviews
Many companies conduct phone interviews to determine whether an applicant has the required minimum qualifications for a position. Telephone screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate candidates from the search. Be prepared for a telephone interview at all times - it is important to make a positive first impression over the phone. Keep a copy of your résumé by the telephone, as well as a list of every organization to which you have applied. If you are not prepared to participate in an interview at the time the interviewer calls, it is better to try to reschedule than to make a poor first impression. Remember that a phone interview will generally not get you a job - it's an intermediate step on the way to a face-to-face interview.
The following guidelines apply to phone interviews:
Before the call:
- Disable your phone's call waiting feature.
- Eliminate distracting background noise and take the call in a quiet room.
- Have your résumé and list of questions handy for easy reference.
- Have a glass of water available.
- Dress professionally if possible - believe it or not, it will help you to project a professional demeanor.
During the call:
- Do not use speakerphone.
- Show interest and enthusiasm in your voice. If you smile when you speak, you will sound more upbeat.
- Speak clearly and slowly.
- Offer to send or email any additional information or supporting documentation at the end of the call.
- Conclude the call with an expression of interest in the position and ask what the next step is.
- Be certain you ask for the interviewer's contact information and send a thank you note after the interview.
Site Visits
Organizations will sometimes invite a candidate for extended on-site interviews. This usually occurs only when a company is really interested in you (following at least a screening interview), and it will pay for your travel, lodging, and meal expenses. You should expect to arrive at the organization's location the night before the interview, and to have multiple in-depth interviews the next day with several different people. You will probably have lunch with someone in the organization and depart in the late afternoon or evening. Some important factors to remember:
- Always carry the name and phone number of your contact person in case of complications or questions.
- If you are traveling by air, carry your clothing and interview materials. Don't check necessary items that might be delayed or lost.
- Pack extra copies of your résumé, references, itinerary, etc.
- Research the company thoroughly and know the names and positions of your interviewers.
Meal Interviews
Many interviews occur over lunch or dinner. Even though these interviews seem relaxed, you must still act and speak professionally as you are being evaluated at all times. Some tips for meal interviews:
- Order a meal that is easy to eat, requires minimal concentration, and will not make a mess. For example, avoid foods like spaghetti or crab legs.
- Make small talk, but do not discuss topics that may be considered personal, inappropriate, or offensive.
- Do not order too much food or the most expensive item on the menu. Take your cue from the interviewer.
- Observe proper table manners.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages, even if the interviewer(s) imbibe.
- Ask the interviewer(s) some questions so that you can finish your meal while they talk.