Different interview formats
This section details the main interview formats. The way you prepare will be affected by the format of the interview. Follow the link at the end of each description to find out how.
Which format?
You will probably be notified in advance which methods the employer uses. If you do not receive this information, it’s up to you to track down what you need to know.
Telephone interviews
These are usually used during the early stages of the recruitment process, quite often to check your eligibility, interest and communication skills. Click here for telephone interview top tips.
Pre-recorded video interviews
Again, these are often used at the early stage of the application process. The exact format varies from company to company. Click here for pre-recorded video interview top tips.
Online group interviews
As before, these are often used at the early stage of the application process. Typically there will be one interviewer and between four and nine candidates. Click here for online group interview top tips.
Face-to-face one-to-one interviews
Most face-to-face interviews form part of the assessment day - so you will have been shortlisted already. Click here for face-to-face one-to-one interview top tips.
Online one-to-one interviews
If you've been offered an online one-to-one interview, this is a good sign - they obviously like you. Click here for online one-to-one interview top tips.
In-person group interviews
More often than not, group interviews form part of the assessment day. Click here for in-person group interview top tips.
Panel interviews
This is when one person is interviewed by a number of other people (the panel). More often than not, panel interviews form part of the assessment day. Click here for panel interview top tips.
Final Interview
This is typically the last stage of the process. It's often a more in-depth interview with senior managers, team leaders and/or representatives from HR. Click here for final interview top tips.