2016 Career Guide - Official (2)

TYPE OF INTERVIEWS
PANEL INTERVIEWS
This is a group interview. Each panel member will typically take turns asking questions relevant to their
needs. This type of interview is often more formal and organized and may have a standard set of
questions that will be asked of all candidates. Still prepare as you would a one-on-one interview. Make
eye contact with the person asking the question and then also look at the other members. Address panel
members by name when answering their question. As the interview closes out, make sure you thank each
panelist by name as you shake their hand. Follow up with a personal thank you card written to each
member of the panel.
PHONE INTERVIEWS
Often you are given the opportunity for a phone interview. Typically employers will use this method as
the first step in the screening process for applicants. Following are a few tips to make your interview more
successful:
Schedule the call for a time when you are available and can focus completely.
Find a quiet location and use a landline, rather than a cell phone, if possible. (Contact the Career
Center to reserve an interview space during office hours as an option).
Have research and documentation at your fingertips.
Smile while speaking on the phone. You will sound more upbeat and engaged.
Focus on your language and voice. Stay positive and speak clearly.
SKYPE INTERVIEWS
A Skype interview can be provided if a physical face-to-face meeting is not an option. Skype interviews
can give both parties the opportunity to see each other during the interview and gain a better rapport than
during a phone interview by viewing body language and facial expressions. Following are a few tips to
help your Skype interview go smoothly:
Make sure your username is professional in nature.
Prepare for possible technological glitches by practicing with another Skype user ahead of time.
Find a quiet location with no visible distractions in the background (Contact the Career Center to
reserve an interview space during office hours as an option).
Dress professionally to be taken seriously.
Maintain eye contact by looking at the webcam, not the screen. (This can be hard to do, so
practice!)
Speak clearly and pause between answers to allow for any echoes or delays in sound.
If there are any technical glitches, handle them with grace and professionalism and offer to contact
them via phone as a back-up plan.
Make sure to silence your phone, turn off any notifications on your computer, or social media to
make sure there are no interruptions.
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