Types of Interviews
Phone/Video
Interviewing electronically can save time and reduce travel costs for companies today. Although many elements are the same as in-person interviews - and this interview is taken just as seriously by the employer - there are some significant differences.
Tips
- Think ahead about each step of the interview. Be sure the interviewer has your resume and any additional materials they need in advance of the interview.
- Test the equipment ahead of time to ensure it is working properly. If something goes wrong electronically, be calm, tell the interviewer you are having a problem and if you are able to, ask for assistance.
- Be sure to place the microphone or phone receiver so that the interviewer will be able to clearly hear you. Remember: the microphone picks up all sounds - don't tap your pen, or shuffle papers. Turn off your cell phone if you are utilizing a camera!
- Sometimes there is a slight delay in audio. Be sure to wait a moment before answering to be sure the interviewer is done speaking.
- Dress professionally as you would for an in-person interview. Don't make the mistake of dressing casually below the waist thinking no one will see you during a video interview.
- Have the camera focus in on you in a close-up shot. If there is a picture-in-picture feature, see how you appear in advance of the interview. Maintain good posture for your virtual interview. Leaning forward slightly towards the camera helps increase eye contact.
- Make sure your surroundings are clean - don't distract the interviewer with clutter. Minimize any background noise or movement.
- Maintaining eye contact is important. Look into the camera, not the recruiter's image on the screen, and avoid frequently looking away as it may appear that you are distracted. If there are multiple interviewers, remember that you may not be able to make eye contact with the person to whom you are directing your answer. Obtain interviewer names, so that you can use their name when directing an answer to them.
- If you are a person who speaks fast when nervous, try to relax and speak at a more natural pace to be more clearly heard by the interviewer. Keep your movements minimal and at a slower pace - rapid movements will look disjointed to the interviewer.
- Once the interview is completed, mute the microphone if possible, prior to getting up to exit.
Phone Interview Tips 
from About.com
Human Resources (HR)
At some point during the interview process, you will likely meet with someone from the Human Resources department. This may take place at the beginning, as an initial screening to determine your best fit at the company, or you may meet with the HR representative at the end of the process to review your job offer and benefits package.
Types of Interviews (including info about the HR interview)
from Boston University Career Office
On-Site Visit
Can last several hours, an entire day, or longer. Usually involves several meetings with different groups including prospective colleagues and supervisors. May include pre-employment testing, a company tour, lunch, or meet-and-greets.
Company Site Interview Success
from CollegeGrad.com
Group
There are two types of group interviews. In the first type, there may be several interviewers questioning a candidate at the same time. In the second type, multiple candidates meet with an interviewer(s).
What's a Group Interview?
from About.com
Surviving a Group Interview
from University of Kentucky Society of Black Engineers
Behavioral
The behavioral interview is quite unique in several ways. Instead of asking how you would behave in a particular situation, the interviewer will ask you to describe how you did behave. The focus is almost exclusively on past situations. The interviewer will be closely examining your experiences related to the job functions/target position and the behaviors required of you. Your answers will be tested for accuracy and consistency, and you may not be asked traditional questions such as "What are your greatest strengths?"
Based on the premise that the best way to predict future behavior is to determine past behavior, this style of interviewing is gaining wide acceptance among recruiters.
Tips:
- Recall recent situations that show favorable behaviors or actions, especially involving course work, work experience, leadership, teamwork, initiative, planning, and customer service.
- Use the STAR acronym (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to make sure each story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Be ready to describe the situation, your task or action, and the outcome or result. Prepare short descriptions of each situation; be ready to give details if asked.
- Be sure the outcome or result reflects positively on you (even if the result itself was not favorable).
- Be honest. Don't embellish or omit any part of the story. The interviewer will find out if your story is built on a weak foundation.
- Be specific. Don't generalize about several events; give a detailed accounting of one event.
Behavioral Interviewing Tips & Sample Questions: PDF (60KB) | Word (110KB)
Restaurant
It is likely that at some point during the interview or on the job, you will have to dine with an employer. Understanding proper dining etiquette is key to making a good first impression and not embarrassing yourself in the process!
Tips:
- Work utensils from the outside in. Rest utensils on dish, not on tablecloth.
- Avoid messy, greasy, or sloppy foods. Order soft drinks - never alcohol.
- Cut food into small, bite-sized pieces, and eat at a moderate pace.
- Break and butter your dinner roll one piece at a time. Pass the salt and pepper shakers together.
- Use proper manners when interacting with everyone around you, including the employer and the serving staff. Never speak with your mouth full! Say please and thank you!
Dining Etiquette Resources from UB Career Services
Pre-Employment Drug Screening
As many as 40% of U.S. companies use drug testing programs with job applicants and current employees. It is important to take drug testing seriously as a clean test result may be a stipulation for employment.
Drug testing usually occurs during the pre-employment physical. There are many tests used by employers to determine drug use such as testing urine, hair, blood, saliva, and brain waves. The most popular of these is urinalysis. Some employers may give applicants showing positive results a second chance, some may not. If retesting occurs, it may take place immediately, or at 6-month or year intervals.
Many employers are still trying to develop policies that are fair and best for all concerned. For your protection, it will be important for you to know the purpose of the test, what types of tests are being used, what types of quality control procedures have been implemented, and what the employer's policy is regarding positive results.
