The screening interview is normally conducted by
a personnel representative in person or by phone
to determine if you have the basic requirements
for the job. If successful, you're referred to
the next stage: an interview with the hiring
manager(s).
Combined Screening and Employment
Interview
Many employers screen on the basis of your resume
and covering letter and conduct just one
interview. The interviewer first explores your
academic background and experience, then proceeds
to a more in-depth assessment of your suitability
for the job based on attitude, motivation and
past perfonnance. This interview is frequently
conducted by the hiring manager.
Panel Interview
A panel interview is where more than one
representative of an organization conducts the
hiring interview. Ideally the panel consists of
no more than three people. But some job seekers
describe experiences of being interviewed by as
many as ten or twelve. This tends to happen more
often in the not for-profit sector where an
entire board will participate in the process
rather than delegate selection to a smaller
ad-hoc committee.
What is critical here is to be prepared for
almost anything. When the interview is scheduled,
ask for the names and positions of the people who
will interview you and write them down. You'll
want to identify and relate to the person you
would be reporting to if successful. At the start
of the interview, ensure that you are seated
where you can make eye contact with all panel
members.
Serial Interview
Serial interviews are not uncommon in larger
organizations. If you succeed at one level, you
are then referred to another individual or panel
for the next stage.
You might have anywhere from three to eight
different interviews. Some may take place in
informal settings such as in a restaurant over
coffee or dinner. Or you may be asked to tour the
physical plant, stopping along the way to meet
company personnel. You are being assessed
throughout the process to determine how well you
will fit into the organization.
Video Interview
It is quite possible you may not actually be
meeting someone in person. Some employers have
job seekers respond to a list of questions on
video before inviting them for a second interview
in person. Or, using video teleconferencing, the
employer interviews the job seeker live from a
different location. For example, you may be
interviewed in Edmonton by an interviewer in
Toronto. Both parties would be seated at computer
terminals equipped with cameras and sound
equipment. This provides an opportuniry for
employers and job seekers to meet without t~ cost
of travel.
The technology for video interviews and video
conferencing is available but not yet in common
use. But like everything else electronic, it's
use will only increase in time. |
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