Terrific Interview Techniques for Interviewers and Interviewees

An introduction to interview techniques

The interview technique that an interviewer or interviewee deploys can significantly impact the setting, performance, or output of an interview. There are many methods to choose from, and each has unique features that contribute to the interview experience. Whether you're a hiring manager or a job seeker, exploring different approaches to these events can help you to choose the right one and boost your performance. Consider this article to learn about some of the most effective methods you can use to conduct or participate in an interview.

What are interview techniques?

Interview techniques are the approaches used to handle interviews between employer representatives and job applicants. These methods can be categorized based on whether they are utilized by the conductor of the event, who is the recruiter or the hiring manager, or the participant at the event, who is the professional applying for the job. Both interviewers and interviewees should choose a method that best suits their meeting goals and characteristics to optimize the event and contribute to its success.

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List of techniques for a successful interview

You can choose the technique that suits you, your objectives for the interview, and any other relevant situational factors from the following options.

Interview techniques for the interviewer

Structured interviews

In a structured interview, an interviewer uses a common agenda for each interview held for a specific occupation. Key features of this technique include the following:

It gathers similar data from all the candidates. Using a structured interview technique makes it easier for interviewers to identify superior candidates when compared with unstructured interviews, which can result in completely different data that cannot be correlated easily.
It provides relatively the same experience to all the job applicants. All the interviewees can expect the same format in terms of topics discussed, interview questions asked, and information provided. This promotes a corporate brand image of consistency and professionalism among workers.
It requires preparation. When using this approach, an interviewer prepares all the topics and questions that will be included in the event in advance. Then, a time limit for each item of the event is allocated to avoid the risk of having to terminate the interview before getting the necessary information.
It’s more legally defensible. A structured interview minimizes the occurrence of situations in which the interviewer makes controversial statements, asks insensitive questions, and behaves in an illegal manner. The interviewer has the opportunity to check all the interview content in advance, get expert advice from a recruiter, and remove any offensive content before the event.

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Unstructured interviews

An unstructured interview involves the hiring manager having a relatively unplanned conversation with each candidate that differs across interviews. Key features of this technique include the following:

It’s more enjoyable. Unstructured interviews are usually more pleasant to conduct and experience than structured interviews because they do not feel like recruitment events.
It can reduce stress. This interview technique is easier on both the interviewer and the interviewee because it makes a hiring event feel like a friendly dialogue.
Interview data cannot be easily correlated across candidates. This method may not yield the best data for making hiring decisions because an interviewer can discuss completely different topics at each interview for the same position.
It could lead to legal challenges. As its format gives the interviewer the opportunity to be more spontaneous and less prepared, this type of interview can expose an employer to legal challenges made by annoyed job applicants.

Formal interview

A formal interview usually takes place inside company buildings. Key features of this technique include the following:

It gives a candidate an opportunity to observe the workplace. An applicant can see the firm’s location and interact with more of the staff than via an informal interview.
It can increase stress. During a formal interview, a candidate is likely to be more nervous due to the formality of the setting when compared with an informal interview. This could have a negative impact on the candidate’s performance unless the interviewer addresses this issue at the event.

Informal interview

An informal interview approach involves using a casual setting to hold the interview, such as a coffee shop. Key features of this technique include the following:

It can reduce stress. This interview technique reduces the stress of the interviewer and the interviewee because it takes place in a social setting. For people who suffer from stress, an informal interview can be an effective method to conduct or perform an interview.
It enables an interviewer to evaluate a candidate’s personality. Due to the lack of formality of the setting and the probability of the interviewee being at ease, an interviewer has a better chance of observing the candidate’s natural personality when compared to a formal interview.

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In-person interview

During an in-person interview, the job applicant has a face-to-face discussion with the interviewer. Key features of this technique include the following:

It improves observational data. It gives the interviewer a better opportunity to observe a candidate’s behaviors, responses to the interview questions, and nonverbal communication when compared to a phone interview or video interview.
It helps build rapport. By meeting in person, where each participant can observe the other closely, it’s easier to develop a friendly relationship when compared with indirect interview techniques.

Video interview

A video interview involves the applicant and the employer representative meeting through a video chat. Key features of this technique include the following:

It enables interviews between distant locations. This interview type can be used effectively by interviewers when interviewing candidates located in another state or country.
It can be affected by device or internet glitches. Issues with device functionality and internet connectivity can negatively impact the interview.

Phone interview

A phone interview takes place via a phone call in which the interviewer communicates with the interviewee. Key features of this technique include the following:

It’s an alternative to in-person meetings. This technique can be effectively used in situations in which meeting in person is unfeasible due to cost, time, locational differences, or health concerns.
It gathers relatively less candidate data. When compared to in-person or video interviews where the interviewer actually sees the applicant, the phone interview provides less data on the candidate’s body language, mannerisms, and posture.

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Panel interview

A panel interview involves a candidate being interviewed by a group of interviewers who represent the employer. Key features of this technique include the following:

It gives several stakeholders ownership of the recruitment decision. A panel interview enables employer representatives who will be impacted by the hiring decision, such as immediate supervisors, senior managers, or peers, the opportunity to evaluate the candidate and make a joint decision with the hiring manager on employability. This can help improve the quality of recruitment decisions.
It gives a candidate more information about the company. As panel interviews involve key personnel, a candidate can learn more about what getting the job would be like and decide whether the opportunity suits them.

Group interview

This interview technique involves the hiring manager interviewing multiple candidates concurrently. Key features of this technique include the following:

It saves time. For employers who do not have the time to interview each candidate separately, group interviews can be an effective technique.
It can increase stress. Most applicants find this technique stressful.
It can be used to identify team players. Employers can use this technique to spot high performers who work well in team settings.
It can communicate the ability to work under pressure. An employer can use this technique to identify workers who can function effectively in stressful situations.

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Interview techniques for the interviewee

As a candidate for a job, you can use the following interview techniques:

Preparation

Aim to provide the interviewer with a persuasive, polished performance with the following method:

Firstly, choose suitable references, and get in touch with your contacts to confirm using them as references in advance.
Secondly, use example interview questions, the job description, employer publications, and self-assessment tools to prepare answers.
Thirdly, use role-play, talk to yourself in the mirror, or record yourself until your answers are error-free and convincing.

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Stress management

While it’s normal to feel stressed about an interview, manage your stress effectively. Combat stress with the following tips:

Visualize something awesome. Focus on a calming, positive mental image like a beautiful location or getting your employment contract.
Focus on your breathing. Take deep breaths and focus on each one until your stress level subsides.
Eat a piece of chocolate. Treat yourself to some chocolate or another snack you prefer.
Take a short walk. Walk for a few minutes in a park or along a street lined with healthy trees.
Listen to a song. Choose an uplifting song you love and listen to it until you feel calmer.

STAR approach

Structure your answers to interview questions using the STAR method, which involves describing the situation, the task you were assigned, the action you took, and the result of your action. This technique can effectively communicate your skills and experience to the interviewer.

Consequently, use what you have learned in this article to choose the best methods for conducting or experiencing an interview. Do more research on the interview techniques that best suit you and the event requirements. Then, look forward to enjoying an effective interview.