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IN YOUR PARENTS’
or your
grandparents’ day, when they received
notice that an employer wanted to
interview them, they could probably
expect a simple sit-down face-to-face
interview with two company
representatives at most. Today,
however, that traditional interview has
evolved far and beyond into numer-
ous types and approaches. To ace a
non-traditional interview you may have
coming up, take into consideration
these specific tips, including some
advice from key industry employers.
THE PHONE INTERVIEW
Phone interviews are typically utilized
to prescreen a candidate to interview
face-to-face at a later point in time.
Essentially, your interviewer is just
getting a feel for you as a potential
candidate and wants to be sure you’re
worth their time. Therefore, it’s
important to treat the phone interview
the way you would treat any other
interview.
Timothy Mote, Director of Talent
Acquisition and University Relations at
Kraft Heinz Company, emphasizes the
utmost importance of being able to
hear your interviewer and for them to
hear you.
“Make sure to listen to the question,
and it is okay to ask a follow-up
question,” Mote said. “Make sure you
are in a quiet place where you can limit
noise and distractions.”
Be sure to speak clearly and give the
interviewer time to jot notes down. Erin
Wagoner, Associate Director of Human
Resources for The Maschhoffs, typically
types responses as they are given during
a phone interview.
“On a phone prescreen, I’m taking
notes while they’re talking,” said
Wagoner. “The savvy candidates will
pause and wait for you to finish typing,
but there are those that can’t stand the
awkward silence and will keep talking.
Just be respectful and know that an
interviewer is trying to keep up with
what you say.”
To advance to the next interview,
you’ll need to impress your interviewer,
so be sure to emphasize your strengths,
your brand, to express genuine interest
in the company and job by asking
questions, and to assert why you would
be best for the open position. Also
remember to take cues from your
interviewer’s voice, since you won’t be
able to see their facial expressions. If
they sound confused, ask if you can
clarify anything for them.
THE VIRTUAL INTERVIEW
With the onset of new technologies like
Skype, virtual interviews are becoming
more and more common for employers
to reach interviewees who may reside far
away from the desired interview location.
Most of the guidelines for a phone
interview apply to a virtual interview
as well, but the visual element of a
virtual interview adds some noteworthy
recommendations. Professional dress
and background is mandatory for virtual
interviews. While the interviewer may
not know that you aren’t wearing shoes,
it would still be best to put them on in
order to get into a professional, polished
mindset. Also tidy up your background,
making it as clean and simple as possible.
You want your interviewer to focus on
you, not your posters or messy room.
Another thing to be aware of is your
technology, including your Internet.
“Candidates should plan to test all
technology, multiple times as a best
practice, to ensure minimal distractions,”
said Angela Scott, Candidate Branding
Manager for Tyson Foods. “Taking a
dry run with a family member or friend
can ease anxieties regarding simple
distractions such as where to look on the
screen, ensuring a professional
background, and testing sound.”
THE MEAL INTERVIEW
Generally, interviews over a meal are
laid-back and a chance for a potential
employer to get to know candidates
more informally. But if you’re taken out
for a meal on interview day, don’t think
that this is your break. You’re still in
interview mode and need to impress.
“You are always being evaluated,” Mote
said. “Whether you are at a lunch
interview or talking to someone at a
booth, always be prepared and treat it
like someone is interviewing you.”
the modern interview
navigating the different types of interviews
by Kristine Penning, AgCareers.com Creative Marketing Specialist
