Special Situation Interviews

 

• Be Prepared to Perform in More Video Interviews (CareerJournal.com)
• Smile, You're on Camera! (Carole Martin for Monster.com)

There are two types of group interviews.

Panel Interviews

The first, also called a Panel Interview, is when each job applicant is interviewed by multiple interviewers. The group (or panel) of interviewers typically includes a Human Resources representative, the manager, and possibly co-workers from the department where the applicant would be working, if hired.

 

• What's a Panel Interview?
• Panel Interview Tips
• How to Handle Multiple Interviewers (Carole Martin for Monster.com)
• Two or more interviewers meet with a candidate at once.
• Questions are typically a combination of behavioral and hypothetical queries.
• Prepare the same way as for other interviews: prepare ahead, do research, have examples to illustrate your skills, strengths and experience, have questions ready for the interviewer.
• Use "dinner party host" manners and share your attention around to all the panelists.

Applicant Group Interviews

The other type of group interview is when a group of applicants for the same position are interviewed together by the hiring manager. In this scenario, you and other candidates would be interviewed together, in group.

 

 

• What's a Group Interview? (About.com)
• Survival Tips for Group Interviews

 

Demonstrate an applicant's ability to think quickly and logically about business problems, to demonstrate analytical skills, and to showcase interpersonal skills.

 

• How to Ace a Meal Interview (Yahoo HotJobs)
• Meal Interview Do's and Don'ts (CollegeGrad.com)
• The Interview Meal: A Concise Guide (Northwestern University)
• Interview Dining Etiquette (Monster.com)

Information interviewing is a great way to gather more information about a career field in which you are interested. It is NOT interviewing for a job. The information you gather will help you make informed choices about career paths and help you be better prepared for resume and cover letter writing as well as for job interviews. It is also an opportunity to make valuable industry contacts. If you leave a good impression, your name may later be passed along to someone else who is in a position to interview you (but don't go in expecting this to happen). In order to leave the best impression possible, you must be prepared and act professionally.

Don't be afraid to set up these interviews. Most people are willing to help others, especially if the request comes across as professional and polite. Prepare ahead of time though. Do as much research as you can about the industry and formulate intelligent questions for your discussion.

Resources for Information Interviews:

 

• Information Interview Tutorial (QuintCareers.com)
• Informational Interviewing Do's and Don'ts (QuintCareers.com)
• Informational Interviewing: A Powerful Tool for College Students (QuintCareers.com)
• Information Interview Report Format