TIPS: This type of interview is difficult. Remember, you cannot please everyone in the group. If given a choice, sit where you can make maximum eye contact with each individual. Figure out where each person fits within the organization. Beware of getting pulled off course with an extended exchange with just one or two interviewers. Be prepared for interruptions and the possibility that an interviewer may need to step out of the meeting. One of the features of the panel/team interview format is that it reveals how candidates hold up under stress and think on their feet with questioning from many sources. After this type of interview, it is appropriate to send a follow-up thank you to each individual on the interview panel/team. In the thank you, mention or refer to a specific question that person asked during the interview. Serial Interview FOCUS: The job candidate meets with a series of people, usually one right after another. After everyone has met with the candidate, the interviewers will usually meet to discuss the candidate and compare notes. STRATEGY: Establish rapport with each person and find out what each interviewer’s role is in the company. Use the one-to-one time to relate your skills and why you are a good fit for the position. It is important to display enthusiasm and energy in each of the interviews throughout the process. TIPS: Reduce fatigue by stretching between appointments as this series of interviews may last an entire day. Be careful not to display signs of boredom when being asked the same or similar questions by several interviewers. Take notes between meetings for follow-up. It is also recommended you send an individual thank you to each interviewer. Interview During a Meal FOCUS: This type of interview is used to see how the applicant performs in social situations, especially if the job involves meeting with customers or business associates. STRATEGY: Use the informality to your advantage but do not become too relaxed. Ask questions that indicate an interest in the job, the organization and the employees. Avoid controversial topics, such as religion, politics and debatable current events. TIPS: Consider eating a snack before you go. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or order the most
expensive item on the menu. Choose menu items that can be eaten easily and neatly. Be aware, your interpersonal and conversational skills are being observed and noted. If you are uncertain about proper dining etiquette, consult a Career Services professional or view informational videos that are available with a quick internet search. Video Interview FOCUS: This type of interview may be used for a job outside your local area, or when a company representative needs to participate in an interview but is at an outside location, or as the company feels it is appropriate. STRATEGY: Prepare your background. A window behind you will create a shadow. Do not have clutter visible. Sitting at an appropriate level at a desk or table looks professional. Make sure your face and upper shoulders are framed in the shot. Place the computer slightly higher than you normally do so that it is capturing your face and you are not looking down at the screen. Look into the camera, not at the picture. If you look directly at the image of your interviewer on your computer screen, you will appear to be looking slightly away from the interviewer. Instead, looking directly into your webcam will read as direct eye contact on your interviewer’s end. TIPS: Dress the part; wear what you would wear for an in-person interview. Practice in advance with a friend. Connect online to test the volume and camera. Run through some questions to see how you sound and appear on screen. Plan for technical difficulties. If using a laptop, keep your computer plugged in so the battery does not die. Keep all other programs on your computer closed. You do not want to be distracted or have interruptions. If you find the image of yourself distracting, cover it. Skype, for instance, will include a small image of yourself in the corner of your screen. If you tend to watch the image of yourself rather than watching the interviewer, change your setting to remove that window altogether—or just cover it with a Post-it note. Invited to Interview Usually, a candidate is contacted by telephone to be scheduled for an interview. Typically, a person gets very excited to receive this phone call, but it is important to remain professional and also get all the vital information in order to best prepare yourself. Only answer a phone call if you are in a quiet
46 CCAC Job Search Manual
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