PHONE
Designed to screen out less qualified applicants. Initial screening can also be done by faxes and e-mails.

•  Expect a call outside of normal business hours.

•  Eliminate background noises.

•  Have all information by the phone.

•  Stand while you speak. Your voice will sound stronger and more confident. 

SCREENING
Conducted by the Human Resources department or an outside firm to eliminate persons who do not meet the basic requirements of the company. They will usually compare your qualifications against a job description or the job requirements.

•  Treat screeners as if they were making the final decision - they are deciding if you will go to the next step.

•  Use information from this interview to your advantage.

•  Your main purpose is to make a good impression.

PERSONAL
Most often used.

•  Informal: Interviewer has a general idea of what will be asked, but after the first questions, the interview follows the trend of a conversation rather than any pre-set pattern or list of questions.

•  Structured: Questions will be written out, based on the job requirements, and will be asked of every applicant. This is often a longer interview, since all questions must be asked of all candidates and then compared.

•  Unstructured: Can be interpreted as a type of stress interview if you are not prepared. After one or two questions, the interviewer may sit back and wait for you to make the next move. Ask questions about the job or the company and after an answer, respond with how your strengths and interests match.

•  Sequential: Interviewing with several people, one at a time. Handle this as though each one was the only one, even if it means many things will be repeated.

GROUP
You may meet with more than one person at a time.

Teamwork is important to the company. They want to see how effective you are as part of a group.

•  Take it one question at a time. Focus intently on the questioner.

•  Answer the person who asked the question. Follow-up with a statement or summary to include the group. When you look around, see if anyone seems to need further clarification.

•  Do not assume the questioner is the decision-maker. Try to figure out the power structure within the group, but do not let it distract you.

•  Make eye contact with each member of the group.

PRACTICE EVERYTHING
Visualize and rehearse the entire interview. Writing your answers in a practice session before you verbalize them is a powerful technique to make you more comfortable and effective.

•  Determine marketable skills and be clear about your achievements.

•  Research the company and the industry.

•  Be prepared for answering questions. Have short, summary type answers for questions that begin with e like "summarize for me.." Of "give me a brief recap of ." as well as specific details to add to questions like " Give me an example of a problem you've had and how you handled it". Or, "Tell me some specifics about.." Be concise, but not so brief that important information is omitted.

•  Rehearse with others. Ask a mentor, member of your network, friend or family to ask you questions and actually go through several interviews. The more you tell your story, the more relaxed and adaptable you are. A tape or video recorder can give you valuable feedback.

•  Facts about the company. Find information about the company and decide how you will use it in the interview. Include how your achievements fit the company objectives.

•  Questions you will ask. Asking questions shows your interest. The best questions are about the job, the company, expectations and other related areas.